~ 21 Day Tour ~ Early Bird · for the harsh African conditions and your guide is committed to ensuring your African adventure is truly unforgettable. Our lodges and stopovers have

~ 21 Day Tour ~ 7th - 27th September, 2017 “Friends to travel with....”

2121 Point Nepean Road, Rye Vic 3941 www.oshannessys.com.au

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free: 1800 354 352

O’Shannessy’s Sorrento Travel Pty Ltd T/A:

Early Bird Discounts Apply

See Inside for Details

Price per person twin share $ 12,495 Repeat clientele twin share $ 12,395 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $ 1,675 Tour Departs: Thursday 7th September, 2017 Tour Returns: Wednesday 27th September, 2017 Deposit: $1,000 per person upon booking Balance due on invoice approximately 60 days prior to departure

Single travellers who are prepared to twin share will be matched with another passenger (of the same gender), HOWEVER, if this is not possible, you will need to pay the

Single Supplement. Please note: If you have chosen to share a room, compatibility with your room mate cannot be guaranteed.

Early Bird Discount is $200pp if book and pay non-refundable deposit by December 15, 2016.

Tour Price Includes: Pick up from and return to your home - Greater Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, the

Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas and some areas of Gippsland. Now including Phillip Island.

Return economy airfares with South African Airways to Johannesburg + Internal African airfares Airport departure taxes and transfers (collectable in Australia) Tour escorted by O’Shannessy’s Representative. Twin share quality accommodation with ensuite (includes 2 nights in luxury safari tents) Quality air conditioned touring coach - 4WDs will be used in some places Meals as per itinerary: All Breakfasts, 17 Dinners, 7 Lunches National guide (South Africa section only) All entries, National Park fees, Game Drivers and cruises included in itinerary Maximum participants on tour 26 All gratuities for Driver and Guide, venues and porterage at accommodation whilst travelling with the group. Not Included: Items of a personal nature and any optional activities listed in itinerary Travel insurance Tour cost is subject to airfare and tax increases and change due to currency fluctuations.

(Although this is unlikely it is to be considered) Meals other than those specified and drinks (13 lunches, 2 Dinners) Please note the currency used in Zimbabwe is the USD, small denominations are required

if wanting to shop at the markets as no change is often the case. Credit cards are not accepted in Zimbabwe.

Passport and visas (visa required for Zimbabwe USD$30pp) Vaccinations - Malaria Prophylaxis for Kruger Park is recommended

The following cancellation fees apply for this tour: Deposit is non-refundable

59 to 46 days BEFORE DEPARTURE 25% Refund of Tour Cost Within 45 days of departure and on or after departure NO REFUND GIVEN

All passengers are required to co-operate with the seat rotation program determined by O’Shannessy’s Tour Directors.

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT COMPULSORY HOWEVER IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND IS AVAILABLE FROM OUR OFFICE.

The Proprietors reserve the right to vary any accommodation, price or other features of the tour at any time at their own discretion.

Tour Highlights: Sunset Cruise on Zambezi River

Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Traditional “Boma” dinner under the stars

Game Drive and cruise in Chobe National Park

Cape Town city sights tour and Table Mountain

Diamond Works

Cape of Good Hope - Cape Peninsula

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Visit African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Stellenbosch Wine tour

Drakensberg Mountains

Royal Natal National Park

Rorke’s Drift - Historic Battlefields tour

Talana Museum

Hluhluwe Game Reserve - Zululand - Hippo and Crocodile Cruise

St Lucia Wetland Park

Kingdom of Swaziland - Candle Factory and Craft Market

Kruger National Park - Game Drives - Looking for the “Big 5”

Gods Window and Blyde River Canyon

Karongwe Game Reserve - Game Drives

The name itself evokes colourful images that fascinate and tantalize. A hint of ancient cultures found in those still living a traditional lifestyle. Market places alive with colour, sound and exotic smells. The African people are always on hand with a friendly word and ready smile. A land of stunning mountain ranges, vast open savannah plains, wild rivers, stunning rugged coastlines and jewelled beaches, that never fails to put on a show of dazzling sunsets or sun drenched days. A land that sustains some of the most unique animals on our planet - Lions dozing in the midday sun, Elephants munching on Acacia Trees, Hippos just breaking the surface of the water, Leopards watching from the vantage point of a nearby tree. Our safari operators are equipped with vehicles especially designed for the harsh African conditions and your guide is committed to ensuring your African adventure is truly unforgettable. Our lodges and stopovers have been chosen to provide the ultimate in African Safari Value - excellent game viewing, unrivalled locations and a taste of the “True Africa”. This tour has been designed specifically for our senior clientele, with easy coach travel periods and an itinerary that won’t exhaust you.

DAY 1: Thursday 7th September, 2017

MELBOURNE - PERTH - JOHANNESBURG

With pickup from home we transfer to Melbourne Airport for our evening flight to Perth. At Perth we connect with our South African Airways Flight direct to Johannesburg arriving early tomorrow morning to meet up with our connecting flight onto Victoria Falls. (meals in flight) Overnight: In-Flight

DAY 2: Friday 8th September, 2017

JOHANNESBURG – VICTORIA FALLS

We arrive early this morning in to Johannesburg Airport where upon arrival we will connect on to our forwarding flight to Victoria Falls. After collecting our luggage and clearing customs we meet our local tour guide who can assist us with changing money and purchasing our Zimbabwe Visa $US30pp if travelling on Australian Passport (other nationalities please check requirements). Please ensure that you have correct money as no change is given! We are then transferred to our hotel, our home for the next 3 nights, allowing us to relax and unwind and savour the notion of being in Africa. Our accommodation is the perfect base from which to explore the majestic Victoria Falls. It has gracious and secluded surroundings. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and provide exciting entertainment for hotel guests. At 4 pm we will be collected from our hotel to depart on a Sunset Cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. We will return to the hotel early in the evening in time to organise some dinner at the Palm Restaurant. The Restaurant offers diners a sample of Zimbabwe's finest a la carte cuisine. With tranquil views and an elegant ambience, dinner at the Palm is an experience in itself. Tomorrow there are a few options available, so please ensure you have chosen your optional activities for the following day. Lunch and Dinner own expense / arrangement today

Overnight: Ilala Lodge, VICTORIA FALLS

DAY 3: Saturday 9th September, 2017

VICTORIA FALLS

After breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of the breathtakingly spectacular Victoria Falls, locally known as “Mosi Oa Tunya” which translates to “The Smoke that Thunders” due to the spray being visible for miles away. Be sure to bring your walking shoes,

raincoat and camera! The afternoon is free to partake in some of the many optional adventure activities that are on offer such as boat trips on the Zambezi, helicopter flights over the falls, rafting, canoeing, etc., Maybe take a stroll through Victoria Falls township

and try your hand at bartering at one of the many market stalls. Please note the currency used in Zimbabwe is the USD. Small denominations are required if wanting to shop at the market as no change is often the case. Credit Cards are not accepted in Zimbabwe. Tonight we

enjoy a Boma Dinner in Victoria Falls, a unique cultural experience, with excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes. The meal is accompanied by entertainment with traditional singers, dancers and interactive drumming. After dinner, guests are invited to visit with the restaurant's very own Sangoma - a traditional storyteller to learn more about the country's folklore, culture and heritage. We return to our hotel later this evening. Lunch own expense / arrangement today


DAY 4: Sunday 10th September, 2017

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

We have an early start this morning as we are travelling to Chobe National Park in Botswana for a day’s animal viewing. We will need our passports today as we temporarily leave Zimbabwe and cross the border into Botswana. The Chobe National Park is world renowned for its large Elephant population, with many opportunities to obtain great photographs of the elephants in their natural habitat. We experience a morning of game viewing via a relaxing cruise on the Chobe River. This gives us the opportunity to view Hippos, Elephants, Crocodiles and many of the 450 species of birds that make Chobe River their home. We enjoy a relaxing lunch after the cruise by the riverbank in a

hotel. After lunch we will board 4WD safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive in the Chobe National Park where we will have the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of wildlife. After the game drive, we are taken back to Victoria Falls, arriving in the early evening in time for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. This is a long day but well worth it!. We will enjoy dinner at the Lodge tonight.


DAY 5: Monday 11th September, 2017

VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG – CAPE TOWN

After a leisurely breakfast this morning we transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for our flight via Johannesburg to Cape Town. On arrival in the cosmopolitan “Mother City” we are transferred to our Luxury Waterfront accommodation which is part of Cape Town’s colonial history. The restaurant and lobby are built over the original well and holding cells for prisoners en route to Robben Island 300 years ago. Today the hotel is famous for its uniquely personal approach to service - catering to the International Traveller’s every need and anticipating their every desire. It will be our home for the next 4 nights. Lunch / Dinner own expense / arrangement today

Overnight: Portswood Hotel, CAPE TOWN

DAY 6: Tuesday 12th September, 2017

CAPE TOWN

After breakfast we will commence our half day City Sights Tour that will take us to Table Mountain. One of the finest ways to appreciate Cape Town is from the top of Table Mountain with its panoramic views over the City Bowl, Table Bay and beyond. We enjoy riding the cable car to the top of the mountain for the fantastic views.

(cable car operation is weather dependent). After our descent, we will tour the cosmopolitan centre of the city, passing through the colourful Malay Quarter, known as the Bo-Kaap, and

visit the Company Gardens , the Castle of Good Hope. Our final destination for the day is Diamond Works, so our day ends on a sparkling note. We trace the moves of the professional diamond cutter, as he creates every lady’s dream stone. Perhaps someone will take one home..... If time permits, we’ll drive around Table Bay to the Milnerton area to give you the opportunity to photograph an iconic view of Table Mountain. We are dropped off at the hotel around lunchtime with the rest of the afternoon free to explore at leisure. Tonight we will enjoy dinner down on the waterfront at one of the local restaurants.

Lunch own expense / arrangement today


DAY 7: Wednesday 13th September, 2017

CAPE TOWN - CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

Today we will enjoy the highlights and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula. We’ll travel along the Atlantic seaboard with its gorgeous white beaches and rugged mountains to Hout Bay. If open, we’ll continue on Chapman’s Peak Drive,

renowned as one of the most stunning roadways in the world. We’ll visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, the tip of the Cape Peninsula that has captivated travellers for centuries with its dramatic scenery and fascinating history. The return journey to Cape Town takes us along False Bay

Coast with a visit to the colony of rare African Penguins at Boulders Beach. We’ll pass through the naval village of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg before stopping at the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We return to our hotel early this evening in time to enjoy dinner. Lunch own expense / arrangement today


DAY 8: Thursday 14th September, 2017

CAPE TOWN - STELLENBOSCH WINE REGION

We will have the morning at leisure before being picked up from our accommodation after lunch for a half day wine tour. This is a stunning afternoon activity that takes us to the historic wine region of Stellenbosch, less than an hour outside of Cape Town city. Set against the backdrop of spectacular mountains, Stellenbosch is world-renowned for making some of South Africa’s premier wines. A marvellous way to explore the Cape Wine lands, this trip hits the highlights of this spectacular

region. Travelling through verdant valleys and around craggy peaks, the landscape is as much a star as the fine wines and delicious foods that we’ll savour. This area is the historic heart of the country’s wine region with an elegant mix of 18-century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings. After a brief tour we will enjoy a wine tasting at a fine wine estate. We move on to a second wine tasting (time permitting) before returning to Cape Town. Tonight we enjoy a true African Dinner at the Gold Restaurant in town.



DAY 9: Friday 15th September, 2017

CAPE TOWN – DURBAN - DRAKENSBERG

We have an early breakfast this morning, before our transfer to Cape Town Airport to check in for our flight to Durban. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our accommodation - The Cavern which is situated on 3,000 hectares of private mountain reserve, providing the perfect

destination to stay in the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains. It is adjacent to the World Heritage listed Royal Natal National Park and the Amphitheatre. The Cavern is named after the ‘Cannibal Cavern’, a 200 metre wide and 60 metre deep overhang, situated above the hotel, which was home to ancestors of the Amazizi tribe. We enjoy dinner tonight at this wonderful property.


Overnight: The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, BERGVILLE

DAY 10: Saturday 16th September, 2017

DRAKENSBERG

Today is all about catching our breath in this stunning mountainous area, enjoy the changing shapes and colours in the morning light. The local Zulu name for Drakensberg is Quathlamba “The Barrier of Spears”, which is an accurate description as the mountain range rise to over 3,000 metres in height. The day is free to explore at leisure; maybe take a walk in this beautiful countryside, discover some of the numerous Bushman Paintings, see some of the 213 species of birds and the 150 species of trees and numerous wild animals. Or try your hand at lawn bowls, perhaps a game of tennis or check out some of the other facilities of the Resort. We enjoy dinner together tonight at the property to catch up and exchange stories of what we have been up to for the day. Overnight: The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, BERGVILLE


DRAKENSBERG – DUNDEE

Today we will travel through farmland to the small town of Dundee. Our accommodation lies in the heart of the battlefields in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. The property is nestled in green valley’s overlooking rolling hills, dams and the famous Talana Hill which is the site of the first battle between the Boers and the British soldiers. The Lodges offer beautiful lush gardens with a swimming pool and overlooking dams, mountains, horses, some game and stunning bird life. We will be enjoying 2 nights here. We have time to freshen up and have a look around before we have dinner tonight. Lunch own expense / arrangement today

Overnight: Battlefields Country Lodge, DUNDEE


DUNDEE

This morning we depart for a full day of sightseeing with a local historical guide. We visit Isandlwana, the site of Britain’s greatest colonial defeat by

spear wielding Zulu Warriors in 1879, Rorkes Drift and Blood River battlefield sites. It was also here where the Boer Wars were fought by the Afrikaners in their bid to halt the advancing threat of Anglo

colonisation. We also v is i t the Talana Museum, to learn more about the history of this area. It is the only museum situated on the battlefield where the buildings from the time of the battle still exist.

Overnight: Battlefields Country Lodge, DUNDEE


DUNDEE – HLUHLUWE

After breakfast we will travel from Dundee to Hluhluwe. Set in the magnificent Elephant Coast, our accommodation is the ultimate holiday venue in the dramatic setting of Zululand. This idyllic African centrepiece is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve - home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park which has been declared a world heritage site. Here, we'll discover the wild nature of Africa, with a 2 hour Hippo and Croc Cruise before dinner.


Overnight: Protea Hotel, HLUHLUWE


ST LUCIA - SWAZILAND

Today we leave the St Lucia and Hluhluwe area and head through the green undulating landscape to Swaziland. Have your passport ready as we depart South Africa and enter Swaziland. The Kingdom of Swaziland is a beautiful country renowned for the workmanship and colours of the local people’s craftwork. We visit a Swazi Candle Factory and craft market to see some of this wonderful craftwork

first hand. Later this afternoon we arrive at our accommodation which dates from colonial times and is a place of great character and charm. It is gloriously situated on its own estate in the mountains, a short scenic tarred drive from the capital, Mbabane, in the heart of this majestic Kingdom - ideal for exploring all attractions. Spacious grounds and colourful gardens create a tranquil atmosphere and the invigorating climate is ideal for walking and exploring. We enjoy dinner here tonight. Lunch own expense / arrangement today

Overnight: Foresters Arms Hotel, SWAZILAND

DAY 15: Thursday 21st September, 2017

SWAZILAND – HAZYVIEW - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast we will continue on through picturesque countryside travelling through some traditional African Villages before arriving in Hazyview. From the time we are welcomed under the towering indigenous portico, we will know that we’re about to experience something different at Protea Hotel Kruger Gate. Savour the impression of being in a tree house, reinforced when you notice that the veranda and walkway to your air-conditioned room is at a level normally the sole domain of the variety of birds found in the area. In fact the ambience of comfort is unforgettable in the context of the Africa Bush. Situated only 100 metres from the Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park, the luxurious hotel provides the ideal location from which to experience wildlife first-hand. We will enjoy 2 nights here. Lunch own expense / arrangement today

Overnight: Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, SKUKUZA

DAY 16: Friday 22nd September, 2017

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

We enjoy a full day coach tour into the Kruger National Park. It boasts the opportunity of viewing the Big Five (Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino) as well as a host of other African wildlife

including Wild Dog, Giraffe, Zebra and Sable Antelope. The park is almost 2 million hectares in size, supporting the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. We return to our accommodation with time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Overnight: Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, SKUKUZA

DAY 17: Saturday 23rd September, 2017

SOUTHERN KRUGER – PANORAMA ROUTE - TIMBAVATI

We have an early start this morning as we head to Karongwe Game Reserve via the Panorama Route. The sights en route will include Gods Window and The Three Rondavels (Blyde River Canyon). Entering Kruger National Park in the Northern region, we will be staying in the Timbavati Reserve which is part or the Greater Kruger

National Park. Later this afternoon will enjoy an Open Vehicle Game Drive where we get the chance to get up close and personal with the inhabitants of this National Park. We return late afternoon and enjoy the sun setting over the African Bushveld, before returning to our rest camp for dinner under the stars in an African “Boma”.


Overnight: Chisomo Safari Camp –

Tented Safari Suites, LIMPOPO


KARONGWE GAME RESERVE

We enjoy two game drives per day and game walks also included if desired. Our accommodation at Chisomo Safari Camp overlooks the Makutsi River, tucked deep in the Big Five Karongwe Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, offering an unrivalled African Safari experience where the warm atmosphere, friendly staff and fine cuisine compliment the excellent Big 5 game viewing. Chisomo Safari Camp features Safari

tents, set in the African bushveld, under majestic Apple Leaf, Jackalberry and Tamboti trees. The Kitchen dishes up arguably the finest Ambrosial Pan African Cuisine in the district. Guests can enjoy the w i l d l i f e e x p l o r i n g t h e surrounding lush vegetation from their own private game viewing deck, cool down in the pool or simply relax on the deck enjoying the sound of the bush whilst reading a book. Take pleasure in the prolific bird activities and animals that visit the garden from your own verandah whilst sipping a cocktail.




KARONGWE GAME RESERVE

Today we can enjoy the activities that our accommodation has to offer. We can also go on a morning game drive in search of the Big 5. Or an afternoon game drive, game walks as well

We thank you for travelling with O’Shannessy’s Tours and look forward to your patronage again in the future!

We trust you arrive home safely with memories of a fascinating and rewarding tour.

if desired. This evening why not enjoy a Sundowner while the sun sets over the magnificent Karongwe Private Game Reserve for one last time.




KARONGWE - JOHANNESBURG – PERTH

We enjoy our last game drive this morning before packing up and being transferred to Hoedspruit Airport to commence our journey home. Our flight will take us to Johannesburg then connect with the flight back to Perth. Lunch own expense / arrangement today

Overnight: In-flight


PERTH – MELBOURNE

Upon arrival in Perth we collect our luggage and complete customs and immigration formalities before transferring to our flight to Melbourne. We arrive back late this evening where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us home with fantastic memories of our amazing adventure to South Africa.

CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL

Any special passenger requirements must be notified to O’Shannessy’s Tours at the time of booking. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on the tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of O’Shannessy’s Tours, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. O’Shannessy’s Tours will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour for any such reason.

If you are willing to twin share but are a smoker or have a cpap machine or snore, you will need to pay a single supplement for a sole use room.

It is also a requirement of O’Shannessy’s Tours that each passenger is able to negotiate coach steps without the aid of the coach crew or other passengers. Any passenger who requires assistance in this regard is required to have a personal carer travelling with him/her.

For details of other tours available Phone toll free on 1800 354 352

DISCLAIMER:

O’Shannessy’s:

Advises the airline reserves the right to amend their schedule and airfares without notice

Advises price is effective for the dates specified but may be subject to change without notice

Advises passengers require a current Passport to travel to South Africa with minimum validity of 6 months after return

Advises non-Australian Passport holders to check re-entry Visa requirements

Reserves the right to vary the itinerary in any way at any time deemed necessary

Accepts no responsibility for damage or loss of personal belongings and suggests that suitable Insurance be effected for protection of the same

Accepts no responsibility or liability for delays, accidents, injury, irregularity or damage caused by other transport/touring companies used as part of this tour

Documents

~ 21 Day Tour ~ Early Bird · for the harsh African conditions and your guide is committed to ensuring your African adventure is truly unforgettable. Our lodges and stopovers have