SOUTH AFRICA - SAFARIS & TOURS

South Africa is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in the world.  Part of South Africa's charm is that there is such a wide variety of places to visit and choices of accommodation, coupled with reliable flights, that the possibilities are almost overwhelming.  We recommend a combination of a game viewing safari in one of South Africa's private game reserves with a visit to Cape Town and the nearby winelands.

Please note that we have limited space reserved at the most popular safari lodges... we strongly encourage you to reserve your safari accommodation with us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Please use our Travel Enquiry Form to start the reservations process.

For wildlife and scenery, South Africa is unmatched, with a number of World Heritage Sites and superb game reserves. South Africa's coastline is enormous, offering lovely beaches and sheer cliffs, penguins, whale watching, surfing, sailing and scuba diving.

The Kruger National Park and it's adjoining private game reserves are the pride of South Africa's heritage.  At well over 2 million hectares and stretching over 300 kilometers, this area offers arguable some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent, with 147 mammal species, over 400 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians.

Cape Town is one of the world's lovliest cities, with the unique Table Mountain as its backdrop and the long coastline and beaches.  The feeling in the Cape is certainly not African, but cosmopolitan; the weather is quite unlike that on the rest of the continent and the landscape differs dramatically as well.  For visitors to Southern Africa, a stopover in Cape Town for at least a few days is highly recommended.

NOTE As accommodation is limited in all safari camps lodges, the listed packages will be reserved on a “first come, first pay” basis. Should we be unable to accommodate you at these lodges, alternative, equal-quality options will be made available to you (subject to availability) at similar, competitive prices negotiated for UCSF Radiology 2007 participants.

(All pricing is per person sharing in South African Rands)

Please be aware that the final price in Dollars is calculated using the exchange rate on the day of payment.  The exchange rate has recently been around 6 Rands to the Dollar.
For current exchange rates go here.

SABI SAND / LOWVELD Game Reserves Safari Package
Choose from numerous camps and lodges in Private Game Reserves
Price: Customized quotes upon request

Although these game reserves border Kruger National Park (Sabi Sand in the south, Timbavati in the north and several others), there are no fences between them and the Kruger National Park. This ensures that the wildlife roam free across the huge stretches of savannah and the vastly varied ecosystem of this pristine African bushveld.

Some of the best private game lodges are found in these areas and the chances of seeing the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are excellent. Access to the lodges is by road or via a short flight from Johannesburg into Nelspruit or Hoedspruit airports.

The advantage of selecting a private reserve over Kruger National Park is chiefly the ability to travel off road in smaller open vehicles, allowing one to track and encounter wildlife at close hand in the heart of the Bushveld, including drives after dark – an exhilarating and dramatic wildlife experience!
Click for More Info:  Lowveld Game Reserves

MADIKWE Game Reserve
Choose from numerous lodges
Price: Customized quotes upon request

The 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa's second largest game reserve. Established in 1991, it was the site of operation Phoenix, the largest translocation of game ever undertaken (over 10,000 animals reintroduced into the reserve). Madikwe is also one of the few malaria-free safari reserves offering incredible game viewing, including the endangered Wild Dog.

Madikwe Game Reserve has an astonishing array of wildlife. Elephant, rhino (black and white), lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, brown hyena, spotted hyena, springbok, eland, kudu, wildebeest, warthog, crocodile and Chacma baboon are some of the larger species to be seen. Smaller species include rock dassie, African civet, genet, bush baby, porcupine, and aardvark. Numerous antelope species also roam the reserve.
Click for More Info:  Madikwe Game Reserve

Singita
(Upscale private reserve in Sabi Sand)

Singita Private Game Reserve, located in the game-rich Sabi Sand Reserve, offers exquisite luxury, rare solitude and perfect tranquillity. Singita, which means “The Miracle” in the local Shangaan language, has four distinctive lodges: Ebony Lodge, Boulders Lodge and Lebombo Lodge.

Singita Ebony Lodge has 12 beautifully appointed double suites set in shady woodland above the Sand River. Each suite has an en suite bathroom complete with outdoor shower, a double-sided fireplace, air-conditioning, private leisure deck with pool and living area. There is an outdoor “boma” and swimming pool. Dinner is served by the light of oil lamps on the moonlit deck, or in the library surrounded by a fine collection of antique and modern books on Africa. Guests at Singita can enjoy dawn and dusk game drives or walking safaris under the guidance of skilled rangers and Shangaan trackers. Ebony Lodge has a fully equipped gym, and there is a safari boutique servicing both lodges.
  Singita Ebony Lodge Photos  

Singita Boulders Lodge is set at the base of a dolerite rise, and has 12 sunken suites of glass and baluwood. Each suite has a lounge area, en suite bathroom and outdoor shower and a private outdoor deck with flow pool. Dinner is served by the light of oil lamps on the moonlit deck, or in the library surrounded by a fine collection of antique and modern books on Africa. Boulders has a unique wine cellar where guests can choose from 12 000 bottles of South Africa’s award winning wines. Guests at Singita can enjoy dawn and dusk game drives or walking safaris under the guidance of skilled rangers and Shangaan trackers. There is also a fully equipped gym and a safari boutique servicing both lodges.
  Singita Boulders Lodge Photos

Pafuri Camp
(northern Kruger region)

Situated between the Limpopo and the Luvuvhu Rivers in the northern sector of Kruger National Park is an area of 24,000 hectares called the Pafuri or the Makuleke. This area is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is the most diverse and scenically attractive area in all of Kruger National Park. This area is certainly the wildest and most remote part of the Park and offers wonderful and varied vegetation, great wildlife viewing, the best birding in all of the Kruger Park and the romance and folklore of early explorers and ancient civilisations. Just about every stage of humankind from 1.5 million years ago till today can be seen on the ground making this one of the longest inhabited places on earth. The area is covered in stone-age tools, rock engravings and rock paintings. There are even unexcavated dinosaur fossils.

Pafuri Camp is situated on the northern bank of the Luvuvhu River within lush riverine forest. The camp consists of twenty luxurious thatched tents that are raised off the ground on wooden walkways. Each camp has its own plunge pool, dining room and lounge, although the two adjacent camps can be combined to accommodate larger parties. There are six family tents, which are able to sleep families of up to four under one roof. The interiors are stylish, with a Makuleke influence. Each tented room has wonderful views onto the Luvuvhu River. The rooms are comfortably furnished and have 220v lighting and an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and an additional “outside” shower for those who want to enjoy being closer to nature.

The area is home to all the Kruger animal species, including lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – although the Pafuri is most famous for its big herds of elephants and for special, rare birds like the Pel’s fishing owl. Animals such as nyala, eland and Sharpe’s grysbok are not commonly seen in the Kruger further south from Pafuri. On our morning and afternoon activities, guests may choose from a range of options, including game and nature drives in open 4x4 vehicles; night drives throughout the concession (north of the Luvuvhu), birding walks and foot safaris all accompanied by an armed guide. Alternatively some guests will enjoy just sitting on one’s verandah watching the wildlife and birdlife wandering through the camp.

The Makuleke people who live on Kruger’s western boundary are the landlord for this camp and for the area. They earn direct financial benefits from every guests stay at Pafuri. 8% of our gross turnover (or over 40% of the our nett profits when we are running at good occupancies) accrues directly to the community.

Access is by vehicle or by air. There is a 1000m airfield close to the camp for easy air access.
  Pafuri Camp Photos

Cape Grace Hotel

Classically-inspired from the exterior, elegant within, Cape Grace is a luxurious retreat set on its own private quay on the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The hotel becomes a destination in itself, offering the ultimate guest experience for discerning travellers. Cape Grace’s charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, stylish décor and unique personalised hospitality.

The sumptuous elegance begins at the welcoming reception lounge extending to the rich comfort of the spacious harbour and mountain-facing rooms. A series of comfortable spaces, all 122 rooms feature exquisite furniture, luxurious fabric and intriguing detail, providing an immediate sense of place. Located on the top floor of the hotel, with panoramas of Table Mountain, the city and yacht marina, the African-influenced Spa is owned and operated by Cape Grace and is exclusive to hotel guests.

Offering spectacular views of the yacht marina and Signal Hill, one.waterfront restaurant is a vibrant combination of friendly, seamless service, relaxed atmosphere and adventurous culinary flair, reflecting strong classical foundations with a modern South African influence. Bascule whisky bar and wine cellar on the water’s edge has a selection of over 420 whiskies of the world and the finest of Cape wines. Enjoy the African sun as you laze around the outdoor heated swimming pool embraced by trellised gardens. Cape Grace is centrally located with quick and easy access to the airport, city centre and popular tourist destinations.

The following amenities are included at no additional charge: 24-hour Internet access in the Communication Centre; luxury private transfers to town and nearby beaches; daily Cape history & wine presentation; use of the hot spa area with sauna, steam room & mineral spa bath; port and sherry in the library.
  Cape Grace Photos

Le Quartier Francais

A country inn of captivating charm, The Auberge du Quartier Franςais is situated in the heart of the Cape winelands in the French Huguenot Village of Franschhoek. The Auberge du Quartier Franςais combines the atmosphere of a European retreat with the warmth of a family home.

There are 15 individual deluxe rooms, 2 luxurious suites and the Four Quarters which consists of 4 exclusive suites. The rooms are cooled by ceiling fans in summer and warmed by wood-burning fires in winter. The spacious bedrooms feature Egyptian cotton linen, deep down duvets and a comfortable sitting area. The rooms and the private library look onto the central garden courtyard and the swimming pool.  Le Quartier Franςais is renowned for its innovative cuisine: an eclectic blend of Cape flavours with a provenςale influence.
  Le Quartier Francais Photos

Blue Train

The New Blue Train has been hailed as the most luxurious train in the world. Characterised by its carriages of rich gold, deep blue and warm wood panelling, the train has been described as the equivalent of a five-star hotel on wheels. De Luxe and Luxury compartments are elegantly decorated and have single or double beds, lounge chairs, a writing desk, individual air conditioning control, internal telephones and remote controlled television. En suite bathrooms with either a bath or shower are decorated in Italian marble. Other amenities include an on board laundry service, 24 hour room service and a discreet professional butler.

Lunch on board the train is elegantly casual while dinner is more formal and is served on fine bone china with silver cutlery and cut-crystal glasses. High tea is served in the Lounge Car while in the Club Car - complete with card tables, reading chairs and a fully equipped bar – passengers can contemplate the track ahead from the locomotive driver’s point of view. This is uniquely captured by a front of train camera and depicted on a large screen. Short films about the areas through which the train passes are also shown.

The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria is a one-night journey and departs from Cape Town Station at 11h00. The train travels through Paarl, framed by the purple Drakenstein Mountain and dotted with beautiful old Cape Dutch buildings. It then makes its way through Worcester, gateway to the Hex River Valley, where most of South Africa’s export grapes are grown, then onwards to De Doorn and Touws Valley. The next town of interest is Matjiesfontein, which was once the headquarters of the British forces. Beaufort West and the Karoo that covers approximately two thirds of South Africa are next. The Karoo derives its name from the Hottentot language and means “thirstland”. The train travels though De Aar, the second largest railway junction in South Africa before reaching Kimberley, famous for its diamonds and the largest hand-excavated hole in the world – The Big Hole. As sunlight breaks, the train begins to follow the “golden arc”, a 500 km river of gold stretching from the Welkom gold fields of the Free State to Evander in Mpumalanga and then Klerksdorp and Gauteng, before pulling into Pretoria Station where the journey comes to an end at 12h40. 
  Blue Train Photos

Rovos Rail

Since its establishment more than 15 years ago, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for allowing guests to recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era. The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journeys - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.

Rovos Rail operates two classic trains of 20 superbly restored coaches, half of which date back to the 1920s. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt and refurbished to offer discerning travellers the last word in comfort and style. The use of traditional furnishings and period decor, with top-class craftsmanship evident in fine wood panelling, has ensured an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur.

Permission was sought and granted by South African Railways to run the Observation Cars at the back of the Trains, enabling enlargement of the windows and the construction of unique open-air balconies. These classic coaches are the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely drink or a cup of tea, get to know fellow travellers and read up more about the route and the many fascinating attractions. The lounge car and onboard gift shop is in the centre of the train.

The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. The Royal Suites, each of which takes up half a carriage, are named after colourful characters of the Victorian era in South Africa, including Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and Alfred Beit. Spacious and elegant,the Royal Suites measure 16 sq metres in size (172 sq ft). Each one has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.

The Deluxe Suites (11 sq metres/118sq feet,) restored with the same care as the Royals suites also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and an en suite bathroom and shower. The suites offer guests the space to relax in privacy and the opportunity to travel in comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All are equipped with a writing desk and for valuables, a personal safe. There's also a bar fridge filled with the drinks of the passengers' choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.  In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings are combined with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers, heaters and shaver plugs. The train has an onboard water and sewerage system, so showers and toilets may be used at any time.

All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars. Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. During the day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard. 
  Rovos Rail Photos