SOUTH AFRICA SINGLES VACATION

South Africa Singles Vacation

September 23rd - October 5th

10-nights with air - $3,879

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It's our next big adventure! And if we're lucky we'll see the Big Five! It's a first for Singles in Paradise and we're confident you will love this itinerary.

This trip will include one night in Johannsburg upon arrival, one night en route to Kruger National park at a very scenic wilderness lodge, a 3-night safari in the Kruger National Park at an amazing private lodge where we'll have the game drives all to ourselves and 5-nights in Cape Town to enjoy all kinds of great tours.

Itinerary:

Day 1

Arrival in Johannesburg

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa! Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met by an iKapa Tours & Travel Representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

Johannesburg is an African city of note. Johannesburg is characterized by contradiction and an apparent seamless combination of irreconcilable differences. The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is also the wealthiest and, without doubt, the economic powerhouse of Africa. Johannesburg is a booming, happening city and the emphasis is on making money - whether in business or on the streets - and has been since its beginnings when the world’s richest gold fields were discovered in Johannesburg during the 1880s.

Day 2

Johannesburg to Dullstroom

This morning you will depart Johannesburg to Dullstroom. On the way, we will see about visiting the final resting place of Nelson Mandela.

Beautiful scenery, great activities, and a population that’ll welcome you to their lovely town. Dullstroom is home to one South Africa’s finest trout fishing rivers which attract eager anglers from across the world. Like many towns in the area, Dullstroom has its Boer War memories. When it was razed to the ground, the women and children were removed to a British concentration camp. Many died fighting and others died in detention. A stone memorial and garden of remembrance commemorate those terrible times and many of the visitors to Dullstroom come to pay respects to these individuals and to learn more about its history.

Day 3

Dullstroom to Kruger / Kapama via Panorama Route

This morning after breakfast we depart to the scenic Panorama Route. Here you will view the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and The Three Rondawels.

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The magnificent Panorama Route is best known for its cultural heritage and its dramatic landscapes. One of the major highlights of the region is the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, home to spectacular wildlife and birdlife and some of the best views in South Africa. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon of its kind in the world. Other highlights include the magnificent God’s Window and impressive Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Kapama River Lodge:

Within the expansive Kapama Private Game Reserve, River Lodge epitomises safari accommodation. The majestic northern Drakensberg mountains form the backdrop to the 64-suite River Lodge, which is positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River. It’s the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area, and is stylishly furnished to ensure an unforgettable African safari experience. River Lodge’s 40 spacious air-conditioned suites have uninterrupted views over the Big Five game reserve from private patios, and all feature full, en-suite bathrooms with lavish amenities replenished daily. The suites are decorated to reflect old Africa in a luxury game lodge setting. Beverage stations for early morning coffee in suite and minibars for sundowners on your private patio are standard in all

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Day 4-5

Kruger / Kapama

Kapama River Lodge:

Across all of Kapama’s lodges, two daily game drives are offered and are included in the tariff. Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, guests can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives. Since this is a Big Five reserve, seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible over a two-day safari in Kapama Private Game Reserve.

The day starts with an early wake-up call between 5am and 5:30am. Tea, coffee and rusks are enjoyed together before heading out at first light. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. Halfway through the game drive, there’s a stop for hot drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge at around 9am for a full breakfast. Throughout the day, it’s likely you will see wildlife around the lodge – nyala antelope and vervet monkeys are frequent visitors, though seeing some of the Big Five is also not uncommon.

At around 3:30pm, everyone gathers for a decadent high tea, before heading out with your ranger and tracker for the afternoon game drive through the reserve. En route, you’ll stop for a sundowner drink and will have a chance to stretch your legs as you watch the sun set over the distant peaks of the Drakensberg mountains.

As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. The skilled tracker will scan the landscape using a spotlight, which illuminates animals’ eyes. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge. Arrival is at the lodge is usually around 7pm, allowing time to freshen up before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

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Day 6

Kruger / Kapama to Cape Town

This morning after your early morning game activity, you will be collected from the lodge and transferred to the airport for your flight to Cape Town.

Blessed with blue skies a balmy climate a rich cultural heritage and a magnificent backdrop of ocean and mountain, the Mother City boasts a profusion of museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops, theatres, night spots and landmarks. Fondly known to the world as the Mother City, a word followed instantly by the visual of Table Mountain – this gift from Mother Nature, offers the most awesome view when ascended.

Day 7

Half Day Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a half day tour of the mother city itself. After departing the hotel we head for Table Mountain. Enjoy the crisp air and clear visibility as you reach the summit (weather permitting). Our guide will point out the highlights of one of the world‟s most famous views. After the descent we enjoy a scenic coastal drive through Clifton and Sea Point to the city centre where we visit Green Market Square. We stretch our legs with a walk through the Company Gardens. The tour continues with a drive past the Houses of Parliament, the City Hall, The Castle and Slave Lodge, before entering the "Bo Kaap", also known as the Malay quarter. The architecture in this area is typical of what Cape Town was like 200 years ago. We ascend Signal Hill to witness firing of the noon gun (except Sundays and Public Holidays). You will be dazzled by the diamond tour where we learn about the history of these sparkling gems before returning you back to your Hotel.

Day 8

Full Day Cape Winelands Tour

Our first stop this morning is at Anura Wine Estate for a cheese and wine tasting. We make our way to Franschhoek with a photo stop at the Groot Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela was released in Feb 1990. The village of Franschhoek nestled amongst the mountains, can easily be mistaken as being in Switzerland. After a short tour of the little town, a second wine tasting will take place in Franschhoek, followed by a lunch stop (optional – own account), and maybe a chance to try some of the fresh trout that Franschhoek is known for. After lunch the tour continues over the Hells Hoogte Mountain Pass to Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village amongst the mountains. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak lined streets and lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be forgotten. Time permitting; we will include a third wine tasting.

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Day 9

Full Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour

Our journey to Cape Point takes us along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. We pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with their soft white sand and assure blue water. The formidable 12 Apostles Peaks rise above the road on one side, while sheer cliffs and incredible rock formations drop into the icy Atlantic Ocean on the other side. There is no doubt the coast of the Cape peninsula offers magnificent scenery with its great biodiversity. We arrive at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel. Visit Seal Island or shop for souvenirs at the craft market at the harbour. Our tour continues over Chapman‟s Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities, and onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This area is home to magnificent „fynbos‟, many different species of buck and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and mischievous baboons. These creatures entertain guests enjoying lunch at the restaurant which has splendid views of False Bay. Take the funicular to the lighthouse to see the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the Cape Point. We visit Boulders Beach to see the African penguins before arriving at the naval base of Simonstown, and then we venture inland and return to the hotel.

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Day 10

Today is a free day. There are a number of potential tours you will be able to take.

Farewell dinner.

Day 11

A fond farewell…

Today we wish you a fond farewell as you are collected from your hotel and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your homeward flight…

So there it is. A wonderful itinerary without any long layovers, and compared to Kenya it's about $600 less! Plus there are no visa's required! I just know this is going to be an amazing trip. I hope you are able to join us.

INCLUDED:

Round trip international air from LAX. Other gateways are possible

Domestic air from Hoedspruit to Cape Town

All tours as listed above

Daily Breakfast

Farewell dinner

Game drives as stated in itinerary

Accommodation as stated above

Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

Services of a professional driver

Services of a registered and experienced tour guide

Entrance fees and excursions where stated in the above itinerary

Welcome pack (e.g itinerary, welcome letter, general information, maps, flags, brochures

Porterage Mineral Water onboard the vehicle

No Visa is required for US citizens

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Departure taxes/ fuel surcharge currently running $529 and subject to change.

Tips for guides and drivers

$200 DEPOSIT TO SIGN UP

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $875

THIS TRIP IS BEING RUN BY ED REDER FROM SINGLES IN PARADISE

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT www.SinglesInParadise.com (http://www.singlesinparadise.com/) for more info

CALL 800.954.5453 TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE ABOUT THIS TRIP

OUR GROUP AIR:

Deduct $1,125 with your own air and you would pay your own departure taxes

Departing Flight - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2014

From Los Angeles (LAX) 07:55am - Sep 23, Tue To Washington Dulles (IAD) 03:45pm - Sep 23, Tue Nonstop

From Washington Dulles (IAD) 05:40pm - Sep 23, Tue To Johannesburg (JNB) 05:15pm - Sep 24, Wed Stops in DKR - Dakar

Coach Return Flight - Saturday, Oct 04, 2014

From Cape Town (CPT) 02:10pm - Oct 04, Sat To Johannesburg (JNB) 04:10pm - Oct 04, Sat Nonstop

From Johannesburg (JNB) 06:00pm - Oct 04, Sat To Washington Dulles (IAD) 06:25am - Oct 05, Sun Stops in DKR - Dakar

From Washington Dulles (IAD) 08:45am - Oct 05, Sun To Los Angeles (LAX) 11:09am - Oct 05, Sun Nonstop

OUR HOTELS

Johannesburg

Garden Court Sandton City ****

Website (http://www.tsogosunhotels.com/garden-court/sandton-city/pages/overview.aspx) Tripadvisor review (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312586-d1214256-Reviews-Garden_Court_Sandton_City-Sandton_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html)

Come and experience the recently revamped Garden Court Sandton City. The 444 spacious rooms and facilities have new design features with a clean urban deco promoting this functional space and innovative technology where guests can relax in comfort. This hotel is within close proximity to South Africa's largest business hub, Sandton, ideal for both business and travellers.

Adjacent to the Sandton Convention Centre (http://www.saconvention.co.za/), Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square shopping centres, this hotel will continue offering a perfect base for all guests.

Dullstroom

Kloppenheim Country Estate ****

Website (http://www.dullstroom.co.za/kloppenheim/index1.html) Tripadvisor review (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1150309-d1798379-Reviews-Kloppenheim_Country_Estate-Belfast_Mpumalanga.html)

Kloppenheim Country Estate is the ideal country retreat for business and leisure in the heart of the Highlands Meander, near Machadodorp and Dullstroom and just 2 hours from Johannesburg International Airport.

With 34 luxury hotel suites and 10 elegant 2 bedroomed self-contained lodges, each beautifully appointed room has a magnificent view of the rolling hills and features underfloor heating, gas fireplace, designer couches, heated towel rail, DSTV and telephone.

Outdoor activities include trout fishing at one of the estate’s six dams, horse riding, swimming, game or bird spotting, clay pigeon shooting, as well as beautiful hiking trails. A small library and the large colonial furnished lounge strewn and fireplace are restful spots to relax and unwind. Enjoy the small but well equipped gym and beauty spa.

Kapama River Lodge ****

Website (http://www.kapama.co.za/) Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g471856-d471875-Reviews-Kapama_River_Lodge-Kapama_Private_Game_Reserve_Kruger_National_Park.html) (glowing reviews!)

Within the expansive Kapama Private Game Reserve, River Lodge epitomises five-star safari accommodation. The majestic northern Drakensberg mountains form the backdrop to the 64-suite River Lodge, which is positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River. It’s the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area, and is stylishly furnished to ensure an unforgettable African safari experience.

River Lodge’s 40 spacious air-conditioned suites have uninterrupted views over the Big Five game reserve from private patios, and all feature full, en-suite bathrooms with lavish amenities replenished daily. The suites are decorated to reflect old Africa in a luxury game lodge setting. Beverage stations for early morning coffee in suite and minibars for sundowners on your private patio are standard in all rooms.

As in classic old Africa, evening meals are often enjoyed seated around a roaring fire in the Rhino Boma. Here, buffet meals are served under open-sided thatch and showcase pan-African dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients. Traditional venison dishes also feature on this authentic African menu.

The Siyatla Lounge is purpose-built as an enclosed dining area, where breakfasts and lunches are served. It has its own bar and lounge with two large fireplaces, while glass stack doors open up the lounge to the surrounding bushveld.

All cuisine at Kapama is prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients and herbs grown in the lodge gardens. Traditional South African dishes and accompaniments, such as mealie pap (African-style polenta) and chakalaka (a hot, spicy relish) further enhance the luxury game lodge experience by giving a taste of real Africa. Menus include warthog stew, kudu casserole, impala sausages and oxtail curry. Vegetarians, vegans and various other dietary requirements are easily catered for.

Cape Town

Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel ****

Website (http://www.tsogosunhotels.com/hotels/waterfront-cape-town/pages/overview.aspx) Tripadvisor review (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312659-d637863-Reviews-Southern_Sun_Waterfront_Cape_Town-Cape_Town_Central_Western_Cape.html)

Wonderful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean assist in making the Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town a preferred business and holiday destination. A mere 15 minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport, and within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, this hotel is superbly located to offer every guest easy access to the sights and sounds of Cape Town.

Breathtaking views of Table Mountain can be enjoyed from rooms that offer all the quality and comfort you would expect from a full service hotel. Offering guests a fitness centre, a pool and convenient meeting rooms and a business centre, the Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town caters for all possible business or leisure traveler needs.

Sign up for this Singles Trip! (http://www.singlesinparadise.com/RSVP_Form.htm)