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Big Heart Safari A unique experience in responsible tourism at it's best!
South Africa
Your hosts will run through the options for you during your stay, most of which are included in the rate. We suggest that in the afternoon you partake in a beach walk with a visit to the Klipgat caves used by early man with tool and fossil evidence visible. Celebrate the end of the day with sundowner drinks in this magical spot before returning to the lodge for a gourmet dinner. Overnight on a full board basis at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve 5*****
Days 3 and 4 The next two days will be an eye opening experience, as you “saturate your senses” in the natural beauty of the surrounding area as well as the incredible sense of well-being that comes from Grootbos’ in-depth community upliftment projects. Experience nature like never before. Let expert guides introduce you to the wonders of the fynbos. Discover the fascinating relationship between the insects, birds, mammals and flowering plants of this diverse ecosystem. Smell the aromatic wild herbs, watch exquisite birds and be awed by the scenery that surrounds you. Take a meandering path through an ancient Milkwood forest, where thousand-year-old trees send exploratory branches in search of sunlight, or visit one of the remnant Afromontane forests on the reserve. This natural wonderland can be explored on foot or by four-wheel drive vehicle, or take a horse ride to enjoy views from the elevation of a comfortable saddle on a well schooled horse or pony. The coastline offers a marine experience like no other. Of the 350 Southern Right whales that visit the southern coast, up to 160 make Walker Bay their home from June to December. The cliffs of De Kelders, right at our doorstep, offer the best land-based whale viewing in the world. Breaching, tail-slapping and lob-tailing, the whales make the bay a constant hub of activity. Watch spellbound as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within 30 meters of the rocky shoreline. However awesome the natural experience is at Grootbos, it is the incredible generosity of the human spirit that will leave the most indelible mark on you. Here you will witness the incredible difference that a small dedicated team can make to the lives of many. Explore the Green Futures Horticultural and Life Skills College which uses the protection and propagation of South Africa’s native floral species as the foundation for a new life for many members of the impoverished local community. The effects spread beyond those who are simply employed directly by the project. A Green Futures graduate Nozuko Pelem is spreading her benefits within her local township, Masakhane. Nozuko is determined to take what she learnt in the Green Futures College to the people of her community. With the aid of a local donor and land provided by the Municipality, the Foundation has facilitated the establishment of a vegetable growing and greening project at the local crèche that aims to provide food for the children, environmental awareness to community members, fynbos plants for sale to nurseries and the public as well as trees and flowers for greening of public areas in the township. During your stay you will have the opportunity of not only exploring the natural wonderland but also getting first hand knowledge of how Grootbos is helping the local community and you will be able to visit these communities and see the transformation in process. Overnight on a full board basis at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve 5*****
Day 5
After a leisurely breakfast you will be met at the lodge by your local English speaking guide for the transfer to the beautiful Cape Wine region. Pass through the historic town of Stellenbosch with its many fine examples of heritage buildings in the Cape Dutch style. Your destination is the neighboring wineland’s town of Paarl and the Nelson’s Creek / New Beginnings wine estate. When South African wine industry empowerment initiatives first kicked off in the late 1990s, the British media referred to those in the industry giving workers a stake in the business as the "Cape Crusaders." Alan Nelson, of Nelson's Creek, is one such farm owner. Nelson started the Klein Begin (New Beginnings) project in May of 1997 by giving 9 hectares of his farm to his workers. This 9-hectare gift was in fulfillment of a promise Nelson had made when he bought the farm. It was also in recognition of the contribution of these farm workers over a 10-year period, in converting a rundown farm that Nelson had purchased from a bankrupt estate into one of the Cape winelands' top vineyards. "The staff had been working for me 10 years. When I bought the farm, I said to them that I would be coming into town to work as an advocate every day, and that if they helped me to build up the farm into a champion wine estate, I'd look after them." - Alan Nelson, Nelson's Creek owner Wine farm workers pooled the housing subsidies granted to them by the South African Government in order to replant vineyards allocated to them by farm owner Alan Nelson of Nelson's Creek. When New Beginnings produced their own wine for the first time in 1997, some thought this offshoot of Nelson Estate would not make it in the competitive wine business. But the farm workers persevered, and now their wines are beginning to come into their own. A new stylish label matches the much-improved wines. Recently, young trainee winemaker Solly Hendriks, a third-generation worker on the estate, spent a season honing his skills in Burgundy. Not to be outdone by their husbands, the New Beginnings women have started their own bread-baking, catering and tourism business. Chairperson Mita Skippers says they have great aspirations of soon also running their own "open fire" function and tourism venue. After a private guided tour of both the Nelson’s Creek and New Beginning estates and a tasting of the wines you will proceed to your overnight accommodation. Dinner will be served at lodge. Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Palmiet Valley Lodge
Day 6 After an early breakfast you will be met for your flight to Johannesburg and your connecting onwards flight directly into the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. On arrival at the airstrip you will be met and transferred to the lodge where you will settle in before lunch. In the afternoon depart from the lodge for your first safari experience in search of Africa’s big game, including the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Your ranger and tracker team will help you make the most of your time on safari as they share their intimate knowledge of the bush with you, allowing you to get up close to some of the world’s wildest creatures! As the sun sets sop for sundowner drinks in the bush to celebrate the end of another beautiful day in Africa! Continue your drive after dark with the aid of powerful spotlights in search of the elusive nocturnal game – this is the time when your chances are best of seeing leopard or lions on the move. Return to the lodge after your exhilarating safari for dinner. Overnight on a full board and game drive basis at Djuma Vuyatela Lodge 5*****
Day 7 and 8 Two full days to be spent at Djuma. During your stay here you will be treated to twice daily open vehicle safaris under the guidance of your experienced ranger and tracker team. Djuma is located in the north-eastern sector of the world renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, widely regarded as one of the most game rich areas in Africa – especially for the elusive leopard. It is home to much more than just the “Big Five” though with an astounding array of game that may be spotted, including zebra, giraffe, kudu, cheetah, wild dog, wildebeest and many many more. While your lodge offers all the luxuries you would expect of a 5***** establishment, including your own private plunge pool, the lodge itself represents in form the very soul and ideals of Djuma. From its inception the owners of Djuma have been committed to creating a model of sustainable development that encompasses conservation of the natural flora and fauna, upliftment of surrounding communities and meets the expectations of the world’s travelers. The architectural style of Vuyatela was inspired by local building techniques, which span from ancient mud and thatch huts to innovative modern interpretations. Vuyatela is a confirmation of the vibrant new South Africa with its long ancient roots into the past. In keeping with the Djuma philosophy, Vuyatela has been built with local labor that has been trained here and we used no heavy machinery, but rather only manual labor in order to maximize the benefits to the local community. All the objects used in the interior design of the lodge have also been sourced from the local community. However, Djuma’s commitment to the community goes far beyond that of simply the building of the lodge, it is all encompassing with full on involvement with the neighboring Shangaan peoples. The lodge is involved in a wide variety of projects including schools, crèches, training projects, provision of electricity and sanitation and feeding projects. During your stay at the lodge you will also be taken into the community where you will visit one of the schools or crèches, local trading stores and actually visit the house of a local to gain a much closer understanding of the lives of the people who are the lifeblood of this region. Overnight on a full board and game drive basis at Djuma Vuyatela Lodge 5*****
Day 9 After a final morning game drive and hearty breakfast at the lodge you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg for your onwards connection to the United States….or perhaps to your next African adventure!
Our Price Includes: RT Air from JFK and all internal flights - please ask us for our low cost supplements from other gateways
Meals as stated above (7 x breakfast, 5 x lunch, 7 x dinner) All road transfers as per the itinerary on a private basis All excursions mentioned in the itinerary
Our Price Excludes: Any other meals or services not mentioned above Any items of personal expense – i.e. drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc Any gratuities for guides / rangers / trackers
NOTE: A donation of $100 per person will be donated to Travelers In Peace.....the Northeast Chapter of IIPT - not familiar with them? Ask us! |
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