Amy Green Hills of Africa Travel 800-940-9344 ext 3 [email protected]
Wednesday · September 16th, 2020 - Wednesday · September 30th, 2020
Sample Cape Town, Safari, Beach
Itinerary for VIP Clients of Rahael O'Brien, How Far I'll Go Adventures
Important Information - Passport and Visa Information for South Africa & Mozambique (US Passport Holders)
Important Information - Luggage Requirements (Light Aircraft Charter Flights)
Important Information - Yellow Fever Advisory Important Information - Health - Southern Africa Important Information - Local Currencies
Thursday · September 17th VIP Assistance, Johannesburg Airport · VIP Assistance through Customs & Immigration.
Commercial Flight - Johannesburg to Cape Town Transfer · Cape Town Airport to Camissa House Camissa House(3 nights)
Friday · September 18th Cape Town - Cape Town City Eats Walking Tour with Table Mountain, Private Guided
Saturday · September 19th Cape Town - Cape Winelands, Full Day, Private Guided
Sunday · September 20th Cape Town - Marine Dynamics - Shark Diving, Full Day Monday · September 21st Transfer · Camissa House to Cape Town Airport
Commercial Flight - Cape Town to Hoedspruit Transfer · Hoedspruit Airport to RockFig Safari Lodge RockFig Safari Lodge(4 nights)
Tuesday · September 22nd Rockfig Safari Lodge - What to Expect on Safari Wednesday · September 23rd RockFig Safari Lodge
Thursday · September 24th RockFig Safari Lodge
Friday · September 25th Charter Flight - RockFig to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) Commercial Flight - Kruger Mpumulanga to Vilanculos Transfer · Vilanculos Airport to Santorini Mozambique Santorini Mozambique - The Chapel Villa(4 nights)
Saturday · September 26th Day at leisure - Santorini Mozambique Sunday · September 27th Santorini Mozambique
Monday · September 28th Santorini Mozambique
Tuesday · September 29th Transfer · Santorini Mozambique to Vilanculos Airport
Commercial Flight - Vilanculos Airport to Johannesburg Airport
VIP Assistance, Johannesburg Airport · VIP Assistance through Customs & Immigration.
Thank you from Rachael O'Brien and Hills of Africa Travel Hills of Africa Notes
Hills of Africa Itinerary Pricing Hills of Africa Inclusions Hills of Africa Exclusions
Important Information - Passport and Visa Information for South
Africa & Mozambique (US Passport Holders)
Tourist visas ARE required for US passport holders to enter
Mozambique
.
Tourist visas ARE NOT required for US passports to enter South Africa.
You must have at least two blank pages in a valid passport per country you are visiting.
Passports must be valid for 6 months past departure from the last country visited.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Mozambique: -
US passports do require visas to enter Mozambique
and must have at least three empty pages in their passports.
Mozambique tourist visa costs:
USD50 per person, dual entry (must have 3 blank pages in your
passport)
Important Information - Luggage Requirements (Light Aircraft
Charter Flights)
On ALL light aircrafts, only soft bags will be accepted
- no hard suitcases, as they physically cannot
fit into the aircraft. Duffel bags without wheels are preferred. This includes camera equipment and
hand luggage.
Weight Limits:
Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted on charter
flights to 20kg (44 lbs) per person.
Luggage Dimensions:
The maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 25cm (10 in) wide x
30cm (12in) high x 62cm (24in) long (to fit through the opening of the cargo hold). Please keep in
mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25 cm (10in) high, so the pilots
must be able to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
Passenger Weight Limits:
Passengers exceeding the personal weight limits indicated below MUST
advise us in advance to confirm if an extra seat must be purchased. Please remember that these
restrictions are imposed by the airline to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.
Southern Africa
- Passengers weighing 100kg (220lbs) or more, please advise us in advance
Important Information - Yellow Fever Advisory
The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The
virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of
illness in U.S. travelers, however to prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear
long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
The International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is:
•
required in all countries
you have traveled from/through a known Yellow Fever area/country in
IF
the past 6 months. This includes travel in Africa or Central/South America.
Please be certain to arrange for Yellow Fever vaccination at least two weeks prior to travel. You will
want to keep your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate with your passport at all times.
IMPORTANT NOTE
: Countries may change their vaccination requirements with out notice In some
instances border agents may use their discretion to require on-site vaccination, despite officially
stated requirements.
Further details can be found via Centers for Disease Control at
www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/index.html
or the International Association of Medical Assistance for Travelers at
www.iamat.org/risks/yellow-fever
Important Information - Health - Southern Africa
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for traveling to South Africa and Mozambique. We do
recommend you speak with your doctor for advice based on your medical history.
Malaria is always a concern when traveling to Africa
. Your doctor will best prescribe the necessary
medications based on the areas you are traveling to.
Important Information - Local Currencies
Prior to travel it is important to be certain your bank and credit card issuers know you will be
traveling abroad so your cards are not locked due to security concerns.
Southern Africa
USD is accepted throughout Southern Africa for tips. Please see specific country notes below to see if
USD is accepted for other purchases. In the event you need to obtain local currency, you can easily
use local ATM's to withdraw cash. Your hotel/lodge may also be able to assist, or can suggest a
nearby bank or Bureau de Change you may wish to visit.
Mozambique
: Mozambique Meticais - USD and South Africa Rand are widely used and are accepted
for tipping.
South Africa
: South African Rand USD is acceptable for tipping, but other cash purchases/payments
should be made in Rand.
Thursday · September 17th
VIP Assistance, Johannesburg Airport · VIP Assistance through Customs &
Immigration.
Welcome to Africa. Once you land at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be met at the end of the aircraft tunnel and assisted by VIP Assistance through Customs & Immigration.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - US passports do not require visas to enter South Africa BUT must have at least two empty pages in their passports for each country visited. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from the last country visited.
You will then be helped to collect your luggage and check in for your onward flight to Cape Town.
Commercial Flight - Johannesburg to Cape Town
***This flight needs to be booked and is not included in the itinerary costs.***
We recommend booking a flight that departs 3 hours after arrival into Johannesburg, to allow for Customs & Immigration Control.
Notes
On arrival at Cape Town Airport you will need to collect your luggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Here you will be met by your Hills of Africa guide (look for your name on a sign) who will transfer you to Camissa House.
Sep 17
Check-inSep 20
Check-out3 nights
DurationWelcome to Camissa House - A celebration of Africa’s Cape, its heritage, its meandering history connecting mountain and sea, past to future and humanity to the earth. Fall in love with Camissa House, inspired by the mountain-side splendor on its doorstep. Camissa, a name given to this area of Cape Town by its first inhabitants, the Khoi people, means “Place of Sweet Water.” It is this life-giving stream, flowing directly past our hotel, which prompted the Dutch to settle here, thus giving birth to the city of Cape Town as we know it today.
Camissa House is more than just a boutique hotel, this is a serene, mountainside hideaway found in Cape Town’s most enviable location. All of the eight rooms flaunt magnificent views of the city’s most iconic sights, perfectly complimenting the tranquility inherent of the design, the ancient history that sparked its inception and the timeless source of modern life that continues to stem from its spectacular surrounds.
Notes
1 x Luxury Terrace Room on bed & breakfast basis
Camissa House
+27 21 001 5885
28 Bridle Rd,
Oranjezicht, Cape Town
Friday · September 18th
This morning, at 9:00am, you will be collected by your private guide for a full day of Cape Town's City and Gourmet private guiding. You will begin your morning with a trip up to Table Mountain.
This is a full day interactive and taste bud titillating walking tour of Cape Town getting to know South Africans and their history through the medium of food - dishes and recipes which reflect the Rainbow Nation melting pot we are in terms of our varied cultures, backgrounds and habits.
So much about a country and a culture is expressed through its cuisine. In South Africa much of the cuisine is a home cuisine and to get a taste you really need to search hard. As such this tour aims to combine the history of our country and city through exploring the back streets to find the tastes that represent all of our rainbow nation. Today we walk the streets of Cape Town, with your private guide, and experience its history, its people and its gourmet delights. En route we stop to taste a mixture of traditional food, South African street food and to visit some artisanal foodie and coffee shops. This way you will enjoy a real taste of the Cape!
Recent quote from a client: I stressed about doing this one and considered cancelling it so many times. My kids are beyond finicky and I am finicky myself. Our guide was awesome and won me over heart and soul. This tour was a favorite! She took us into the city and taught us the history and the city small shops and how Capetown is really turning into a Foodie town. The Food was incredible. And her stories as we walked the streets were fascinating. Even Connor, my petulant constantly complaining 13 year old, said that these Capetown Tours were Really Good.
Cape Town - Cape Town City Eats Walking Tour with Table Mountain,
Private Guided
Saturday · September 19th
9:00am collection from hotel lobby - Today, you will be collected by your Hills of Africa Travel guide for a private-guided day .
of wine tasting and exploring in the beautiful Cape Winelands
On your first wine tour to the Cape, we introduce you to the Cape's oldest wine regions. The aim is to take a journey through this beautiful mountainous region and explore the history, wine, and architecture of the region. Be sure to mention what your interests are early in the day as well as whether you are a white wine or red wine drinker. The answers to these questions will change the direction that the tour goes during the day. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town; it boasts oak tree lined streets and gorgeous white houses from both the Dutch and English periods. This region is renowned as the best red wine region in the country. Today we explore Stellenbosch and possibly Franschhoek and Paarl - the routes will change depending on your interests.
Some of the experiences you enjoy could be: A visit to Vergelegen - one of our oldest estates, to explore their beautiful gardens and historical Cape Dutch Homestead; Wine tasting at some of the Cape's best estates; a tutored olive oil tasting or a chocolate and wine pairing experience; A cellar tour (note that this must be pre-booked well in advance.)
Sunday · September 20th
Shark Cage Diving - You will have a very early start, possibly as early as 4:30am. Today you will enjoy an experience like none
Cape Town - Cape Winelands, Full Day, Private Guided
Cape Town - Marine Dynamics - Shark Diving, Full Day
Tel: +27(0) 28 384 1005 / Cell: +27(0)82 380 3405
Shark Cage Diving - You will have a very early start, possibly as early as 4:30am. Today you will enjoy an experience like none other - shark cage diving! Collection time and confirmation that weather is good for the trip will be relayed the prior afternoon/evening by MARINE DYNAMICS. Be sure to check with your hotel reception for a message on this.
Kleinbaai is a small harbor town, part of Gansbaai in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is known as the best place in the world to see Great White Sharks in their natural habitat. Your team of shark enthusiasts constantly strives to place shark conservation and education foremost. This is done through educating clients on a daily basis, by conducting research and by maintaining structured marine education and development projects.
The cage remains afloat and about 60 centimeters of the cage floats above the water at all times. The cage is also solidly attached to the boat with two thick ropes that further prevent it from sinking or drifting away from the boat. The bottom of the cage is laying about two meters below the surface.
The shark cage is constructed with galvanized steel, equipped with many independent flotation devices to keep it afloat, attached to the boat with solid ropes and closed by a solid lid. Any reports or images that you may have read about, or watched involving White Sharks attacking cages, have all been triggered by the crew on the boat, and are the result of
unnatural provocation, provoked stimuli. Your guides respect the sharks and will not provide you with thrills like these in order to give you a false 'Jaws' experience. The cage, although attached to the boat, is free floating, so should a shark charge the cage at full speed (which would never happen in a normal unprovoked situation), the cage will just bounce off and absorb the impact force. Sharks have a sixth sense, the Ampullae of Lorenziniare sensory organs spread mainly through out the snout and head of Sharks, and allow the Sharks to sense magnetic fields to find potential or hidden prey in darkness, or murky
conditions. The Shark cages and boat engines being metallic objects and connected to batteries will generate a magnetic field to which the Sharks are sometimes drawn by curiosity. The Shark will generally mouth the cage or engines in a gentle testing manner. The cage is indestructible and you will be 100% safe from the Sharks, but the cage can be a potentially dangerous object from other aspects: if the crew decides that the sea conditions are too rough for cage diving, it will not be without reason, and you should respect their decision in not risking your life and health.
You should also feel comfortable in the water, and preferably have some snorkeling experience. The cage can be a strange and intimidating environment, and the knowledge that Great White Sharks are swimming in close proximity might also enhance any anxiety. So the main potential risks involved in the shark cages are from injuries climbing in or out of the cage, and
swallowing water or drowning. Make sure that you get used to a mask and ensure that you feel comfortable before entering the cage. The dive gear supplied is a 7 ml wet suit (ranging from sizes small to 4 XL) with booties and hoodie plus mask. We make use of the breath hold method and this has proven to be the best method.
Please note: Great white sharks are completely wild animals and as such sightings cannot be guaranteed. While out on your tour, you will likely encounter other marine life such as Bryde’s whales or humpback whales, other shark species, dolphins, seals, penguins and a variety of other seabirds.
Monday · September 21st
Transfer · Camissa House to Cape Town Airport
Notes
This morning you will be collected and transferred to Cape Town's international airport where you will check in for your domestic flight to Hoedspruit.
Commercial Flight - Cape Town to Hoedspruit
***This flight needs to be booked and is not included in the itinerary cost*** We recommend booking the following SA Airlink flight:10:50am Depart Cape Town (CPT), SA 8657 (operated by SA Airlink) 1:20pm Arrive Hoedspruit (HDS), SA 8657(operated by SA Airlink)
Notes
On arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you will need to collect your luggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Here you will be met (look for your name on a sign) and driven to RockFig Safari Lodge.
Sep 21
Check-inSep 25
Check-out4 nights
DurationThe RockFig Safari Lodge design is inspired by the Timbavati setting, creating a relaxed ambiance with indoor and outdoor guest spaces that segue into each other, and enable both communal and private moments suffused with an authentic bush feel. Spending time in Timbavati is always a nourishing experience, and this is reflected in the layout of guest areas as much as in the menus with their emphasis on locally grown ingredients. From the open-plan kitchen to the fireplace in the lounge to indoor or outdoor dining spaces and lounges, subtle touches of opulence throughout impressive spaces are perfect for shared meals and safari stories. Many of the pieces of furniture in the lodge were commissioned from local artisans, while the colors take inspiration from the Rockfig tree and the area’s lovely lichen-spotted rocks. Hot afternoons beckon guests to enjoy a dip in the pool, or relax in the shade of lounge areas, all the while being immersed in the relaxed vibe of the surrounding bush. RockFig Safari Lodge features just six chalet-type suites, making it ideal for exclusive-use bookings for families or groups of friends. The sense of place comes through strongly, with the color palette in each room inspired by the purple and green hues of local birds and plants. Although guests are always conscious of where they are, no stone is left unturned in the quest for comfort and luxury, with each suite featuring both indoor and outdoor showers, a private veranda ideal for romantic candlelit dinners, a minibar and a bath. Specially commissioned watercolor paintings add notes of cool beauty, and as with every space in the lodge the aim is always to delight the guests who stay here. There’s a thoughtfulness to the decor, with the emphasis being on the guest experience but also an unmissable sense that it’s the natural beauty of the Timbavati bushveld that’s the true hero.
Notes
1 x luxury suite on all inclusive basis
Includes: All meals, local drinks and laundry, daily safari activities in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Transfers to and from the lodge's private airstrip.
RockFig Safari Lodge
Timbavati Game Reserve
Greater Kruger Area
South Africa
Tuesday · September 22nd
Set in the heart of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park, RockFig Safari Lodge is well situated for forays into the African wilds. Game drives let you cover some ground in the comfort of a vehicle, while walking
put you right on the ground, exploring the area under your own steam. Whatever you prefer (and we suggest you try safaris
both), these exciting activities and their inevitable wildlife sightings are sure to get your blood pumping.
Game drives rank among the quintessential Timbavati experiences, and the guides and trackers at RockFig Safari Lodge pride themselves on providing incredible, safe but close wildlife encounters. Timbavati is Big Five country, and as many of the RockFig trackers hail from the area they’re able to put all their local knowledge to work to ensure the best possible viewing opportunities. Of course being out on safari isn’t just about big game; it’s also a chance to appreciate the beauty of Timbavati while traversing it, and while stopping to enjoy a morning coffee or a sundowner in an especially scenic spot.
Guided walking safaris from RockFig Safari Lodge are a wonderful way to experience Timbavati on foot. Bring your walking shoes; the guides and trackers have everything else that’s required, not least their knowledge of spoor and plants (and a rifle to ensure your safety). Spending time on the details of the ecosystem can be immensely rewarding, and surprising. Learn how every living creature, no matter how small, has its part to play in this intricate, interlinked web of life complex enough to make a Swiss watch mechanism look like a child’s toy, and absorbing enough to make you forget to check the time.
Wednesday · September 23rd
RockFig Safari Lodge
Thursday · September 24th
RockFig Safari Lodge
Friday · September 25th
Today, you will take a charter flight from RockFig to Kruger Mpumulanga Airport. Departure time will be confirmed the prior evening by camp staff.
Estimated Charter Flight Times: 9:00am depart RockFig airstrip 10:00am arrive Kruger Mpumalanga
Please note there are strict guidelines regarding size and weight of luggage for charter flights. Please refer to the
Important Notes at the beginning of this itinerary for details regarding these restrictions. Should you need to arrange for excess luggage to be stored while you are on safari, we are happy to help make these arrangements (extra charges will be applied for this service).
On arrival you will check in for your International flight to Vilanculos Airport.
Commercial Flight - Kruger Mpumulanga to Vilanculos
***This flight needs to be booked and is not included in your itinerary priceWe recommend booking the following SA Airlink flight:
11:45am Depart Kruger Mpumulanga (MQP), SA 8258 (operated by SA Airlink) 12:55pm Arrive Vilanculous (VNX), SA 8258 (operated by SA Airlink)
Transfer · Vilanculos Airport to Santorini Mozambique
Notes
Welcome to Mozambique! On arrival at the Vilanculos Airport you will need to clear Mozambique's immigration & customs formalities and collect your luggage.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: US Citizens do require holiday visas to enter Mozambique AND must have at least three empty pages in their passports for each country visited. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from the last country visited.
Mozambique tourist visa costs: USD50 per person, dual entry Please have exact cash as no change will be given.
You will then proceed to the arrivals hall where you will be met (look for your name on a sign) and transferred to Santorini .
Mozambique
Sep 25
Check-inSep 29
Check-out4 nights
DurationNestled above the red cliffs of Kingfisher Bay in Vilanculos, Santorini's unfurling view of the archipelago islands and curling mainland in the distance is unsurpassed. Santorini Mozambique is like a small Greek village in the heart of a raw African landscape a magical combination. Here luxury goes hand in hand with a genuine humility and modesty that produce true richness and sophistication adding a welcoming warmth to its ambiance.
The Chapel Villa - a short walk from the main lodge, but far enough for privacy. A beautiful two bedroom villa that offers exceptional ocean vistas and a private patio and beach entrance. The Chapel also features lovely ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, a comfortable living and dining area, free Wi-Fi connectivity. A private martini pool and outdoor dining area on the patio, as well as a wind-protected courtyard area, are also featured.
Notes
1 x Chapel Villa on all inclusive basis
Includes: All meals at Santorini Lodge - breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner snacks & dinner. Selected drinks (includes certain beers, wines and spirits as well as teas, coffees, water and soft drinks). Wi-Fi available throughout the Main Villa and The Chapel Villa. Laundry services.
The Chapel has its own host and personal chef Additional Inclusions for your stay:
• Complimentary private snorkeling trip to Magaruque island on one of Santorini’s boats including a picnic lunch, refreshments and an optional stop at Pansy island. (Park fees excluded)
• A guided tour of Vilanculos town to explore the shops, restaurants, bars, local markets & Machilla Magic Arts & Craft Center
Santorini Mozambique - The Chapel Villa
+258 84 644 3230
19 cle Outboro
Vilanculos, Mozambique
Saturday · September 26th
Being on the mainland, guests have the opportunity to experience everything this magical place has to offer. From spending a day out on the magical waters surrounded by the flamboyance of flamingos to exploring the colorful markets and local shops of Vilanculos town.
The activities room is geared for almost any pending adventure and is complimentary during your stay at Santorini. Included are assorted kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkeling gear, fishing gear and even a gym in a bag for a quick workout session or yoga on the patio as the sun rises above the silhouette of Magaruque Island.
Sunday · September 27th
Santorini Mozambique
Monday · September 28th
Santorini Mozambique
Tuesday · September 29th
Transfer · Santorini Mozambique to Vilanculos Airport
Notes
Today, you will be transferred to Vilanculos Airport, where you will check in for your flight to Johannesburg and onwards home.
Commercial Flight - Vilanculos Airport to Johannesburg Airport
***This flight needs to be booked and is not included in the itinerary price.***We recommend booking the following SA Airlink flight:
1:25pm Depart Vilanculos (VNX), SA 8263 (operated by SA Airlink) 3:10pm Arrive Johannesburg (JNB), SA 8263 (operated by SA Airlink)
VIP Assistance, Johannesburg Airport · VIP Assistance through Customs &
Immigration.
Welcome to Johannesburg. Once you land at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be met at the end of the aircraft tunnel and assisted by VIP Assistance through Customs & Immigration.
You will then be helped to collect your luggage and check in for your onward flights home. You will also be helped with clearing South Africa's Custom & Immigration and assisted to your gate for your flights home. ***These flights need to be booked and are not included in the itinerary costs.
Thank you for traveling with Rachael O'Brien and Hills of Africa . Safe travels and we hope you have experienced the true magic !
of Africa
