CLOSED - JOIN ME IN SOUTH AFRICA - THE SPLENDORS OF SOUTH AFRICA AWAIT
Details
SPLENDORS OF SOUTH AFRICA & VICTORIA FALLS
12 day tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg
Our tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg, allowing for a true feel for South Africa.
When: flight departure on 10/12/2019 and return on 10/24/2019 – TIMES WILL BE ANNOUNCED WHEN SCHEDULES ARE RELEASED.
We chose splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls, 12 day tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg tour with Globus. This brand also includes Cosmos; we have traveled with both in the past and have enjoyed great tours. Globus is a class above Cosmos.
TOUR DETAILS:
This South Africa tour—from the fascinating cities to the enthralling game drives and breathtaking scenery—is sure to offer you an experience of a lifetime. Start in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Ride a cable car to the top of iconic table mountain (weather permitting) for stunning views over the city and venture outside the city to see a colony of African penguins and beautiful cape point nature reserve, a Unesco world heritage site, known for its rich and unique flora. You’ll also visit Bo-Kaap, a lively area founded by former slaves to learn more about their culture—a Globus exclusive!
Your journey continues in Kapama private game reserve near Kruger National Park. Here, enjoy six game drives in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive Land Rover. Your professional ranger and skilled tracker will help you search for a remarkable number of species, including 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. You’ll have a great chance to see the “big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Have your camera ready because you may also see impala, giraffe, hippo, spotted hyena, cheetah, wildebeest, and more. Even stop for sundowner drinks in the bush! Other highlights include Johannesburg’s unforgettable apartheid museum and Soweto, the country’s largest township, where you will visit the former home of Nelson Mandela and stunning Mosi-ao-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) also known as Victoria Falls, spanning the border of Zimbabwe & Zambia. Take a guided walk along the falls, which is roughly twice the height of Niagara Falls, and cruise on the Zambezi River at sunset.
You’ll be part of a small-group: ensuring personalized service from start to end! All of this—and much more—are waiting for you on this South Africa tour. You’ll return home with plenty of stories and photos to share with your friends and family. Note:At this time this tour is not a private tour and may be a mixed group.
COST: Land only: Approx. $5,520.00* per person based on a double if deposited by 4/1/19.If we don’t have 10 by then we will need to release the block.
*$5520.00 per person, includes twin accomodations, internal flights and air tax on internal flights.ACTUAL 2019 PRICING WILL BE AVAIABLE IN SEPTEMBER 2018 WHEN GLOBUS PUBLISHES THEIR 2019 RATES FOR THIS TRIP. PRICING IS subject to change BUT THEY DO NOT EXPECT ANY MAJOR INCREASES.
Single supplement rate of apprx $1200.00, with very limited singles available no triple/or quads available on this tour.
Pricing does not include any airfare to and from South Africa or visa to enter Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls (visa will be granted at the port of entry, airport of arrival). Air pricing is not available yet but estimated at approximately $1,600 round trip to and from South Africa, additional cost.
Globus travel protection $289.00 per person, which we strongly recommend
Pre & Post nights will be available at an additional cost.
For reservation forms email: suesmeetup@agirlsgottago.com
First come first serve, deposit secures your reservation. If you are absolutely going, we recommend you send in your deposit as soon as possible. Once the10 spots are filled the event will then be waitlisted and we will request additional spots on a case by case basis.
This tour does require a valid US passport which is valid for 6 months after the travel date and 2 blank pages must be available.
PAYMENT INFORMATION:
A nonrefundable deposit of $500.00 per person is required to secure your spot.
Monthly payment of $500.00 on the 30th of each month starting in AugusT 2018 FOR THE TOUR PACKAGE.Remaining balance is due on JULY 01, 2019.
Once flights are published we will advise on required deposit and payment plan for flights.
To request reservation forms please email:suesmeetup@agirlsgottago.com
We need a minimum of 10 people to deposit BY APRIL 1, 2019 for this tour to run. If we do not reach 10 all deposits will be refunded.
We will do our best in assisting you with finding a roommate, if you are interested in a double. We offer meet and greets and posting on the meetup site, if you are looking for a roommate, attending the meet and greets are your best opportunity in finding a roommate.
NOTE:There is a chance that you may not have a roommate if we have an odd number of members, or if some of the ladies book singles. If that occurs and you still want to attend you may have to wait until someone else joins the tour, just something to think about, especially if you book late.
If you book a double room and your roommate cancels you will be responsible for finding another roommate, we will try our best to assist you in finding one but no guarantees, if you cannot find another roommate, you will be responsible for any additional fees.
Globus/A Girl’s Gotta Go Cancellation Policy:Penalties for Land Portion are as follows:
Between now and 180 days prior to departure: $500.00 deposit is nonrefundable
179-66 days prior to departure $500 deposit and an additional $10% of total paid is nonrefundable
65-25 days prior: $500.00 deposit and 20% of total paid is nonrefundable.
Within 24 days of departure: 100% nonrefundable
TOUR PACKAGE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE INSURANCE, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND PURHCASING TRAVEL INSURANCE.
INSURANCE: $289.00 per person. Insurance premium is always non-refundable. If you include the insurance premium with your initial deposit, preexisting medical conditions will be covered. If you choose to include the premium with your final payment, preexisting medical conditions are not covered. This insurance is for cancellations for medical reasons only. Airfare will be covered whether flights are booked with Globus, booked with group or booked independently.
DESTINATIONS & SIGHTSEEING
CAPE TOWN
Guided walking tour of Cape Town’s highlights and the colorful Bo-Kaap area; visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, Cape Point Nature Reserve, and a colony of African penguins; cable-car ride up Table Mountain; funicular ride to old Cape Point lighthouse
KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Six game drives in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive Land Rover; optional bush walk; sundowner drinks
JOHANNESBURG
Guided tour of Soweto, including Mandela House; visit the Apartheid Museum
VICTORIA FALLS
Cruise on Zambezi River; guided walk of the falls Bottled Water Included on all game drives
Notes:
Free Wifi
Ilala Lodge provides distinguished accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance. The hotel is the closest to Victoria Falls as well as the town center. Wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background.
Hotel Amenities
Free WiFi,Ice Machine,Bar/Lounge,Pool,Luggage Storage,ATM , Parking/Valet,Restaurant On-Site, Currency Exchange,Concierge desk,Gift Shop,
Room Amenities
In-Room Safe,Desk,Air Conditioning,Hair Dryer,Cable/Satellite,Complimentary Toiletries,Wake-Up Calls,Phone,Iron/Ironing Board,Television,Complimentary Newspaper,Room Service,Coffee Maker,Window Opens,Internet Access
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – GLOBUS
AFRICA
WELCOME / INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Globus, where you are family and can expect to be treated like family. We know you have a choice when it comes to choosing travel and by choosing us, you receive over 90 years of experience managing travel to worldwide destinations. We do everything to ensure your vacation is worry- and hassle-free, so you are free to enjoy the cultures, sights, and people you meet during your travels.
This Know Before You Go document is designed with you in mind. It contains information to help you prepare and enjoy your vacation with ease. It is your guide to getting ready and contains general information on travel documentation, customs, and country-specific information, including budgeting, transportation, climate, languages, and much, much more. With Globus, you benefit from our experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Amenities
Our ratings follow standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. The specific rating for each property is determined by our quality controllers.
We, at times, must substitute accommodations listed in the itinerary. Rest assured your accommodation will be of equivalent standards if not better than the original. With your travel documents, you will receive a list of accommodation addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers for your vacation.
At our, conveniently located accommodations, you'll always feel well looked after The accommodations we carefully select have mastered the fine art of handling group check-ins and luggage, and of balancing efficiency with the individual attention you deserve. You won't be surprised by any hidden check-out charges either. The specific accommodations we have selected for you are listed separately for each tour. The vast majority are rated deluxe (D), superior first-class (SF), or first-class (F). In overnight places where there is no accommodation in these categories or where our demand exceeds the supply, we choose the best available superior tourist-class (ST) or tourist-class (TC) properties.
Check-in
If your flight arrives in the morning at the city where your vacation starts, you may arrive before noon. Official check-in and check-out times vary from property to property, but in many cases it will be mid-afternoon before the staff has your room ready. We do our best to prevent this from happening, but check-in times cannot be guaranteed. Some people use the time to explore the neighborhood and maybe shop or sightsee. Others relax in the lobby. If your room is not available when you arrive, you may leave your luggage with the staff, who will store it for you until your room is ready. This storage is usually free of charge.
When checking into your accommodations in your start city, you simply need to check in at the main counter under your name. The staff will assist you from there. They will know you are traveling with a Globus tour and have your reservation available.
At other accommodations throughout your vacation, your Tour Director or Local Host will assist you with check-in and advise you of the procedure and expectations prior to arrival. Often, when arriving at your accommodations, you will have the opportunity to unwind in the lounge or lobby while the Tour Director checks you in, secures your keys and handles your luggage delivery to your room. We take the worry out of this process for you.
Check-Out
During your vacation, we suggest you pack your luggage and check your room the night before each departure. Leave out only those items needed in the morning, so you start the day in a comfortable and relaxed manner, and the possibility to forget items is reduced. In the morning, make a last-minute check of safety boxes, wardrobes, tables, and drawers. Settle any incidental expenses (minibar, telephone, or restaurant bills) at Reception and return your room key. Your Tour Director will advise the time you must leave your luggage outside your room so the porter can carry it to the motorcoach for you. This information is provided the night before and there is space in your Travel Documents to write this information down for your planning. Normal check-out times vary but are usually between 9:00 a.m. and noon. If you have a late-afternoon or evening flight, most accommodations have luggage rooms where you can store your luggage until you depart for the airport.
Electricity
For safety reasons, most accommodations have very sensitive triggers to electrical surges, so try to minimize the number of items you plug in at one time, as even basic items could overload the system and cause a black-out to your room or floor. Bathroom sockets are usually for razors only and do not carry enough voltage to charge or operate other items. In Africa, most voltage is 220-240 whereas the common voltage in the United States and Canada is 110. Therefore, a converter of some sort is required. Check the back of each charger carefully as some new electronics already have this built in. If not, you will need to purchase a separate converter which is designed to reduce 240 volts to 110 volts You will also need an adapter, a small item in which you plug your small appliance plug to fit into a foreign outlet. See the individual country information for specific electrical guidelines. Adapter and/or converter kits that include a range of plugs can be purchased at better electrical supply stores. Kits can also be found at most K-Mart, Target, and Wal-Mart stores.
Room Amenities
Room amenities vary by property and they may not have all the amenities as hotels in North America. However,
Globus accommodations in Africa are among some of the country’s finest.
● Hotels in cities - Most will include air-conditioning, mini-bar, satellite TV, an electronic safe, air
conditioning and tea/coffee makers.
● Safari lodges/camps – Outside of South Africa, most lodges and camps do not feature air conditioning
but typically include a fan. Rooms always include an en suite bathroom, verandah, in-room safe,
writing desk & chair, and a bug net (when needed). Rooms do not include a TV.
Single and Triple Rooms
In some instances, single rooms may be smaller than rooms suitable for two or more people. This isn't the norm but is something to prepare for. Triple rooms are usually no larger than twin or double rooms. The additional bed is often a rollaway bed put in for the night.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
It is important that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This will allow you time to check your luggage and present your passport and ticket at the ticket counter, get seat assignments and boarding passes, and pass through security to the boarding area. You should be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes prior to departure, in case there are any gate changes or late notifications.
Airport Check-In
For airline check-in, you will need the required government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license or military ID) and final destination information. Airline representatives can look up your reservation with that information, although also knowing your ticket number or reservation number is helpful. Many airlines now have computer check-in which requires a credit card or passport number to pull up your reservation (reading your personal data from the card/passport to find your reservation in the system.) Computer check-in is usually self-explanatory with a series of checks and questions to ensure you have what you need to board your flight, including checking in your luggage. If you have questions, ask the attendant on duty who should be able to help you. Make sure you are checked in to your final destination so you do not need to claim your luggage and recheck during flight connections. In some airports this is mandatory, but not all. The ticketing agent at the counter will verify your ID and tag your luggage for you. They may also be able to help you with seat assignments or changes if available. After check-in, keep your boarding pass and government issued photo ID handy, as you will need both to pass through security to your gate.
CUSTOMS & BORDER CROSSINGS
Border Crossings
Before leaving home, check your itinerary carefully and ask your local consulates about visa and passport entry requirements for the countries you are visiting. Requirements will vary based on passport place of issue. In the country portion of this Know Before You Go document you will find visa requirements for U.S. and/or Canadian citizens. Entry documents and passports will be required at all border crossings, so please carry proper identification on you at all times (not in your luggage). Generally, crossing borders while on tour is straight-forward, and the process of going through immigrations and customs is facilitated by your Tour Director. You must be prepared to open your luggage for inspection at any time even though border crossing and customs formalities are not generally a problem. Standard questions may be asked of you by a border guard, especially when arriving by airplane, such as “where
are you from,” “where are you going,” “how long will you be there,” or “what is the purpose of your trip.” Answer honestly, directly, and politely. Though making jokes and wise-cracking may ease your apprehension, it can be seen as rude in other countries and may bring you under more scrutiny than necessary and may cause delay. Turn off cell phones and other portable devices while passing through customs and remove sunglasses and hats. Be sure to declare any items you have purchased.
Returning Home
Most items you purchase internationally are suitable for bringing back home. However, we recommend
you check with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for items that you can and cannot
bring in or out. For more information, we recommend you visit the U.S. Department of State at:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/customs.html
If you are taking laptops, cameras, or other electrical equipment with you that has been purchased within six months of your departure, you may be required to register these with your local customs authority in order not to be charged duty on these items when you bring them back to your country. For information on how to register these items before leaving, please visit: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-cbp/certificate-registration United States:When you return to the United States, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. You will be asked to complete a Customs and Border Protection Form, which will require a description and a value of the item(s). To assist with this process, we recommend you keep any sales receipts for items purchased and pack things you are declaring in a place that is easily accessible. These forms are usually handed out during your flight home so you can prepare them in advance of landing. You will need your flight number as well as itinerary information when completing this form. For specific and up-to-date information on U.S. customs regulations, contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection authority or visit their web site at: cbp.gov . Click “travel” then click “Know Before You Go.”
DESTINATION INFORMTAION
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE - COUNTRY INFORMATION
For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Department of State provides country-specific information for every country in the world at www.travel.state.gov. This is a good place to learn about the destinations you will be visiting, and includes quick facts for destination descriptions, passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/ warnings, vaccinations, and more. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information, regulations, and requirements.
INSURANCE / TRAVEL PROTECTION
If you have not yet taken out Travel Protection, please contact us or your travel consultant to inquire about Travel Protection before your trip. Foreign doctors and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services, and medical evacuation can be expensive. For these reasons, Travel Protection and baggage insurance are highly recommended. Globus has Travel Protection you may purchase prior to your vacation. It includes a “cancel for any reason” policy, which will give you peace of mind. For more information on Globus’ Travel Protection plan, please visit our website at globusJourneys.com/Travel-Globus/Vacation-Protection.
LUGGAGE
Luggage Allowance
Globus welcomes each traveling member to bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Due to limited capacity for luggage storage on motorcoaches, Globus does not accept more than one suitcase per person in order to avoid additional charges for excessive luggage.
Our luggage allowance and/or weight and size regulations may be different from airline requirements. We
recommend you check with your airlines directly on luggage restrictions to avoid any additional or excess luggage fees. Certain vacations will have restrictions on the type, size, or weight of luggage that is allowed. Your Travel Documents will have specific luggage information and restrictions for your vacation.
Make sure when checking luggage on planes that you leave it unlocked, or locked with a TSA-approved lock. Checked bags are often screened on flights and any locks will be cut off for inspections.
Luggage Porterage / Luggage Service
Porterage (luggage or baggage service) for one suitcase per person is included in the vacation price. This includes transferring your luggage from the lobby to and from your room at time of check-in and check-out at each accommodation throughout your vacation. You will be asked prior to loading luggage onto the motorcoach, and at time of removing luggage from the motorcoach, to identify your luggage and confirm all pieces for your traveling party are accounted for. The porter or tour driver will then load your luggage onto the motorcoach or transport your luggage to your room. Airport and/or train station luggage services are not included unless otherwise specified in your travel documents. Please be prepared to carry your own luggage on and off airplanes and trains and through airports and train stations. For this reason, we recommend luggage be light enough for you to carry short distances.
Size and Weight
Globus, and most airlines, restrict luggage to 62 linear inches, which is measured as length + width + height. Due to limited capacity on safari vehicles and flights when on safari, your single bag must be soft-sided. The weight cannot exceed 33 lbs. for vacations in Kenya & Tanzania or 44 lbs in South Africa and Botswana. Additionally, in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, due to the charter flights used your single bag cannot exceed 48 linear inches (26”x12”x10”) and hard-sided suitcases or other rigid, inflexible luggage (including those with "pull along" handle frames and wheels) is not permitted. Test the weight of your packed suitcase. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. Drivers and porters will be lifting and transporting your luggage during your vacation; on their behalf we urge you to please keep the size and the weight within the above limits. For safety reasons, porters may refuse to carry very heavy luggage. We supply a luggage tag for you to fill out and attach to your luggage. We recommend you fill out this tag and attach to your luggage (opposed to using your own tags) as it also serves as an identifier for our touring staff throughout your vacation. In addition to your luggage tag, we recommend you put a label with your name, address, and telephone number on the inside of your suitcase and carry-on luggage as well. In the event your luggage is lost in transit, your contact information will still be available for airline staff. For security reasons, keep all unchecked luggage in your immediate possession. Luggage left unattended can be confiscated.
Important: International air carriers are becoming stricter about the size and weight of luggage and carry-on luggage. Please contact your air carrier or travel consultant for specific information prior to departure, as size and weight limitations vary from airline to airline and even according to destination, and may also be different from the limitations on your tour (for instance most airlines allow two pieces of luggage when traveling internationally, whereas on Globus tours we have a restriction of one per person). We recommend iflybags.com for reviewing airline luggage restrictions and fees for checked and overweight luggage. We are not responsible for additional luggage, luggage weight, or luggage handling fees imposed by air carriers.
MEDICATIONS
We recommend you pack an ample supply of any medications you may require while traveling and include copies of your prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor in case you need them during your travels. Because of strict drug and medication laws in some countries, drugs or medications you take on doctor’s orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. As long as this conforms to airline regulations, keep medicines safely in your carry-on luggage, as your checked luggage may not be easily accessible while traveling and to avoid additional problems should your luggage get lost, damaged, or delayed.
Here are some additional items you may want to consider for your travels:
● Pack an extra pair of eye-glasses and/or a copy of your prescription.
● If you wear contact lenses, remember to pack eye drops and use them frequently if you are traveling in
a dry climate and while on airplanes as cabin air can dry out your lenses.
● If you use a hearing aid, bring a set of spare batteries, as it may be time consuming and difficult to find
new batteries.
Vaccinations
Please contact your doctor or healthcare provider before traveling to determine which vaccinations are
recommended for your travels. Most countries where we travel do not require any special vaccinations. However, requirements can change at any time. Your healthcare provider can best guide you in vaccinations for you based on your itinerary. If you would like to research health and safety topics for your travel, we recommend the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport is required for international travel. Please see the country specific guides for visa requirements and potential options for obtaining visa(s).
In general going through a visa service is more expensive but offers convenience and peace of mind. If you choose to go this route, we recommend contacting Generations Visa Services (GenVisa), our preferred partner for visa and passport services, at least 90 days prior to departure. GenVisa has a special website and toll free number for Globus. You can call (800) 845-8968, email at info@genvisa.com, or visit their website atwww.genvisa.com/globus for additional information. Globus travelers receive discounted prices and other special services.
South Africa does not require any additional shots however, we recommend speaking with your doctor pertaining to your medical history and requesting doctor’s approval to travel to destinations we will be visiting.
SAFARI VEHICLES
Our range of rugged yet comfortable safari vehicles provides you with the best possible experience and excellent views of the passing landscapes and wildlife.
In Kenya & Tanzania, 4-wheel drive Land Cruisers. Both feature a pop-up roof designed for wildlife viewing and photography. While others sell seven seats in each vehicle, we limit the number of passengers to six per vehicle to ensure everyone has a window seat. In South Africa, you will travel in an open-air 4-wheel drive Land Rover with a maximum of 9 passengers.
TRAVELERS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE
Any disability requiring special attention should be reported to Globus prior to traveling. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers but may not always be able to do so. Access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchairs, and other facilities for disabled travelers may be limited. Most transportation services, including the touring motorcoach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. Please do not rely on the Tour Director or Driver to assist with walking or maneuvering through the sights, as he/she has other responsibilities to all the travelers within the group. We recommend a qualified and physically able companion accompany travelers who need such assistance. Please see the booking Terms & Conditions regarding travelers who need special assistance while on tour.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION
Additional country-specific information for U.S. citizens can be found on the U.S. Government’s website
www.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions,
passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, and more.
For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information, regulations, and requirements.
This tour does require a valid US passport which is valid for 6 months after the travel date and 2 blank pages must be available.
If you would like more know before you go info. please ask:)
