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...the Travel Friends Network (TFN)

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TFN South Africa Fall 2010

Travel Friends Network (TFN) brings together people who love to go places, experience other cultures and see the amazing wonders of man and nature - but not necessarily alone.  Traveling in close quarters with people fosters new and lasting friendships.  Our travel-based social networking group's mission is to bring like-minded people together as well as to create a friendly environment for those who already have traveling companions.

Since 2004, the owner/founder of TFN, Ms. Carie Hill, has led fascinating trips to Iceland, Germany, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Turkey, Thailand, Costa Rica, and many Caribbean islands. She provides exceptional first-hand knowledge for traveling and touring internationally--how to plan, what to bring, what to do and see, and what to expect.  She’s not just a travel coordinator, she takes care of you and often leads the trips. 

Because of TFN’s focus on making trips more enjoyable by mixing social activities with the usual sightseeing, people from all over the country choose to travel with TFN. We strive to combine travelers with similar interests in similar age groups—making everyone feel comfortable and at ease.  This helps to keep the flow and activity level at a comfortable pace for everyone making your experience as unique as you are. 
A mix of group time and individual time also help to create an experience that becomes uniquely yours!


Download the Complete Itinerary here.
Download the Trip Application here.
Download Trip Insurance Information here.
Download the Kapama Spa Menu here.
Download the Kapama Wellness Centre here.

Departure November 2, 2010  /  Return November 12, 2010

Day 1               Depart
Washington DC (IAD) or New York (JFK)

South African Airways departs Washington Dulles at 5:40pm.

South African Airways departs JFK at 11:15am.

 

Day 2               Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Dulles flight arrives Johannesburg (1hr refuel in Dakar, Senegal) at 5:05pm – connect with Cape Town flight, arrive 9:10pm

JFK flight arrives Johannesburg nonstop at 8:40am, connect with Cape Town flight or wait for Dulles flight.

 

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by your representative who will hand over your documents. You will then be transferred to your hotel, the Garden Court De Waal where you will check in for the next 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to relax after your long journey.
 

Garden Court De Waal is situated in the suburb of Gardens at the foot of Table Mountain, a short distance from the city centre, and offers easy access to many of the scenic and historic attractions of the Cape. All the rooms are spacious with an en-suite sporting a shower-bath combination, direct-dial telephone, computer modem point, wireless internet connectivity, television with enhanced DSTV channels, individually controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, bathroom amenities and tea and coffee making facilities.
 

Day 3               Cape Town: Morning City Tour                                                           

After breakfast you will be collected from the hotel by your guide and coach for a morning exploration of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). On your descent drive, you stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly colored houses.  You have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs or at your hotel at the end of the tour.  The afternoon and evening are under your own arrangements.  Garden Court De Waal (B)
 

Day 4               Cape Town: Full day Winelands tour                                     

An interesting day awaits you today, as you set off for the Winelands, a delightful drive which winds its way through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. You stop first in Paarl with its mountain setting for a cellar tour and wine tasting, before continuing to the town of Franschhoek. Founded by French Huguenots over 350 years ago, it is widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa, and its beautiful setting and café lined streets will charm you. A further wine tasting is included at one of the renowned estates here. Onward to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, with canal lined avenues, and magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture where you enjoy your final wine tasting of the day, before you return to your hotel late this afternoon.   This evening is at your leisure.  Garden Court De Waal (BL)

 

Day 5               Cape Town: Full day Cape Peninsula tour                                         

Today you embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. You take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay. You enjoy lunch near here (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and visiting the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. En route back you stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving at your hotel for overnight.  This evening you are under own arrangements.

Garden Court De Waal (B)

 

Day 6               Cape Town ? Kruger National Park Area        

It is an early start today as you depart for Cape Town International Airport in time to check in for your domestic flight to Johannesburg International Airport. On arrival you will connect on to your flight to Hoedspruit where you will be met by your ranger who will transfer you to Kapama’s River Lodge for your 4 night stay on a full board basis with game activities included. 

 

 

 
Kapama Private Game Reserve is situated in the Limpopo Province, and is one of South Africa’s largest privately owned game reserves, occupying 13,000 hectares of prime ‘Big Five’ country in the Valley of the Elephants. The reserve borders between the northern Drakensberg Mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park. Kapama’s sweetveld ecosystem is home to an abundance of wildlife, offering guests the opportunity to experience close encounters with the African animals that traditionally roam this area. The Reserve is known for its lion sightings - it is particularly exciting to catch a glimpse of the regal male with his dark mane. The terrain of the reserve offers ever changing scenery with Marula woodlands, open plains, dense wooded riverine and river beds which are dry or flooded according to the seasons.

 

 

 

 

Days 7-9                                   On Safari: Kruger National Park                                 

The next few days will be spent at leisure at the safari lodge. Two shared game drives are included and are in 4WD Land Rovers, allowing clear communication with your ranger and tracker. A typical day on safari would include waking up just before sunrise for a morning game drive, the best time to see the animals. You will then return to camp for brunch and a few hours at leisure to have a siesta and enjoy the surroundings. At about mid-afternoon there will be another game drive through to sunset and then returning to the lodge for dinner. Kapama Lodge (BLD)

 

During your stay you will be able to participate on optional excursions to explore the surrounding areas by visiting the Endangered wildlife Rehabilitation centre, participate on a hot air balloon excursion or participate on an Elephant Back Safari to mention a few.  –See attached optional excursion sheet-

 

Day 10                          Kruger ? Johannesburg ? Depart                                            

After check out, you will be transferred to Hoedspruit Airport where you will check in for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you proceed to the International Departure Hall where you check in for your international flight home. There are some great shops at the airport to purchase souvenirs and duty free. Your flight departs this evening, taking with you many happy memories of your adventure in South Africa. (B)

 

South African Airways flight to Washington Dulles departs Johannesburg at 6:00pm (1hr refuel Dakar)

South African Airways flight to JFK departs Johannesburg at 7:45pm (1hr refuel Dakar)

 

Day 11                          Arrive USA

South African Airways arrives Washington Dulles at 6:00am

South African Airways arrives JFK at 7:40am

 

GROUP PRICING TO TRAVEL FRIENDS NETWORK

 

TOUR PRICE:

TOUR PRICE BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 20 FULL PAYING PASSENGERS

Per person sharing a twin/double                     $3900 / DEPOSIT $940.00

Single room supplement                                     $931

  

Tour Price includes:

All flights as detailed below

Meet and Greet in Cape Town

Document Pack

Porterage

All transfers as detailed

All Accommodation with ensuite

Meals as detailed (B-bkfst, L-lunch, D-dinner)

Excursions as detailed

Fully guided day tours in luxury coach with English speaking guide and driver

Water in coach during touring in Cape Town

Pre-departure services of Borton Overseas

Services of Borton Overseas’ in-country representatives

 

FLIGHTS:

NOTE: – quoted current lowest airfare for above flights AND current taxes/fees – this fare is subject to availability

Washington or JFK to Cape Town

Cape Town to Johannesburg

Johannesburg to Hoedspruit – one way

Johannesburg to Washington or JFK

 

Included Accommodation

4 nights accommodation at the HI De Waal, standard room, bed and breakfast basis

4 nights accommodation at Kapama River Lodge, standard room on a full board basis plus two shared activities daily (including game drives in open safari vehicles, night drive by spotlight, bush walks) all accompanied by experienced rangers and expert Shangaan trackers.

 

Included Excursions

Morning city tour including entrances, excluding cableway fees (Table Mountain is weather dependent)

Full day Winelands tour including cellar tour and wine tasting

Full day Peninsula tour including entrances at Cape Point, Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch

 

Tour Price Excludes:

Fees for passport, visas, health certificate etc.

Travel insurance (quoted as option)

Gratuities

Optional tours and sightseeing

Items of a personal nature e.g. beverages, laundry, phone calls, excess luggage fees etc.

 

Notes about tour prices:

Prices are based on current purchase exchange rate (Jan 2010). In the case of a major change in exchange, we reserve the right to adjust prices. South African Rand is a volatile currency and prices are subject to change.

 

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
(all quoted for Oct 2010 travel)

 

Travelex Custom Select Travel Insurance                                                                       Per person  $221*

Full cancellation and medical insurance policy. *For coverage of trip cost up to US$5000 (Additional options available).  For full details visit www.bortonoverseas.com and click on Travel Insurance at top right for details.

 

Elephant Back Safari (and transfer) – maximum of 18-20pax/day     Per adult R1726 (approx. $240)

This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here in Kapama Game Reserve to ride on the back of an African elephant. Meet the herd in the early morning or late afternoon and learn just how to get onto the back of an elephant and move to its rhythm as they walk through the bush. Elephants need to feed for many hours a day, so just because you are on top, this doesn't stop them from pulling down branches and grabbing a trunk full of grass as they walk. They are the largest creatures in the African jungle so other animals that you may come across will give way to you. After walking for about an hour, the elephants will return you to the elephant boma. A video can be made of your experience for an additional fee.

 

 

 

Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species                                         Per adult R1726 (approx. $240)

This is an ideal activity for the restless to fill up a morning after breakfast. A guide will take your to the Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species facility where cheetah and a number of other rehabilitated animals can be viewed at close range. An educational video is shown to explain the projects undertaken by this unique establishment. A guided tour will follow to view the cheetah and other animals.

 

 

Hot air balloon                                                                                             Per adult R1726 (approx. $240)

The giant candy-striped balloons lift off at first light and drift at the mercy of the wind for about an hour. This usually means that you pass right over Kapama Game Reserve and the skill of the balloon pilot is such that you can skim the top of the trees and spot the wild animals below. The hot air balloon landing can be bumpy, so hold on tight then celebrate with a glass of bubbly. This memorable experience is highly recommended.

 

Kapama Wellness Centre                                                                    Spa Menu and price list on request

Exquisitely nestled in the African bush is a piece of paradise designed to uplift your mind, body and soul. Complete with a state of the art gym, equipped with cardio and weight training facilities, the centre energizes and uplifts in the healing presence of nature. While connecting with the call of the wild indulge in an array of uniquely designed spa treatments. These include facial, body and beauty treatments. Two signature treatments romantically merge the needs of couples. The Marula Rasul Steam Treatment is a sensual experience for two. Merging the wisdom of the Orient with the raw energy of Africa, this magical treatment balances the elements of water, fire, earth and air within the body. Another unique treatment for couples is the Kapama Pinotage Bliss; combining a deep body massage with an aromatic bathing experience in a detoxifying vine extract.  Stepping from one invigorating treatment to the next, a lap pool welcomes you to lie back and relax under a breathtaking bushveld sky. Reconnect with your inner beauty and strength as you lose yourself in an African panoramic vista.

 

Thulamahashe Children’s Home                                                      Transfer cost based on # passengers

Kapama Private Game Reserve has adopted the Thulamahashe Children’s Home as part of its contribution to the social upliftment of the very poor in the local community. To drive the program, Kapama has set up a Trust Fund, which it administers on behalf of the Home. Once sufficient funds have been raised, Kapama, in association with the Governors of the Home, will use its own building team to ensure that the dream home is accountably and properly turned into reality.  A visit to the Thulamahashe Children’s’ Home provides a moving but heart-warming opportunity for visitors to experience the dedicated determination with which one of the most urgent social demands of South Africa’s new Rainbow Democracy is being addressed by committed social workers and caring members of the community.

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  Fly from IAD (Washington Dulles)
  Fly from JFK (New York City)
Questions/Additional Info Request.  Check any Optional Excursions that you are interested in below:
  Travelex Custom Select Travel Insurance:
Per person  $221*
  Elephant Back Safari:
Per adult R1726 (approx. $240)
  Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species:
Per adult R1726 (approx. $240)
  Hot Air Balloon:
Per adult R1726 (approx. $240)
  Thulamahashe Children’s Home:
Transfer cost based on # passengers
  Kapama Wellness Centre:
Spa Menu and price list on request
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