9 Night Tented Safari In Style w/Airfare from $4,499

Travel Team > Africa Vacations > 9 Night Tented Safari In Style w/Airfare from $4,499

DAY 1 – DEPART USA

Depart on your domestic flight (from 38 Major US Cities) to New York (JFK) or Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to connect with your International South African Airways flight to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg.

From the moment you board your South African Airways flight you feel the warm and welcoming African hospitality in every detail of the world class service you are about to experience.

DAY 2 – CAPE TOWN

On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport’s Central Terminal Building, collect your luggage and then clear customs and immigration. Re-check your bags for your domestic flight to Cape Town.

On arrival at Cape Town Airport, you will be met by a Lion World Travel representativeand transferred to the Commodore Hotel.

The Commodore Hotel lies where Table Mountain and the ocean meet, overlooking the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. The 4-star Commodore Hotel is situated just a 4-minute walk from shopping and entertainment at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and a multitude of restaurants.

The Commodore Hotel epitomizes stylish living, quality service and a tranquil setting. The elegantly furnished air conditioned classic rooms feature minibars, tea & coffee making facilities and in-room safes, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

The hotel has a cocktail bar and a relaxed restaurant, offering a harbor-side terrace and international dishes. 24 hour room service is also available.

A deluxe room at the Commodore

ACCOMMODATION: COMMODORE HOTEL – DELUXE ROOM

DAY 3 – TABLE MOUNTAIN AND CAPE PENINSULA

After breakfast today, you will depart to Table Mountain, the most iconic landmark of South Africa.

Take a cable car ride up to the top of Table Mountain (weather dependent) to enjoy the magnificent view of the Cape. The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau from one side to the other, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau flanked by Devil’s Peak and by Lion’s Head, form a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. Table Mountain is often covered by clouds to form the so-called “table cloth” of cloud.

Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.

Not only is Table Mountain a scenic photograph background or a place from where you can take a breathtaking photos of Cape Town, there are about 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species found there.

Penguins at Boulders Beach

After marveling at the awesome views, you will depart on a Cape Peninsula Tour, exclusively for our Lion World Travel guests.

On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape. Sit back and relax, as you drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbor of Hout Bay; if you choose, you can embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (your own account).

The tour then winds its way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (your own account), visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. You will have the opportunity to ride the Flying Dutchman funicular (optional and own account) to the old lighthouse for awe-inspiring views!

Finally, the tour makes its way back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Did you know that the African Penguin used to be called a “jackass” penguin because its call is similar to that of a braying donkey!

During your stay you will enjoy a complimentary dinner at The Portswood Quarterdeck Restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION: COMMODORE HOTEL – DELUXE ROOM (B, D)

DAY 4 – CAPE TOWN

Enjoy a day at leisure in the fascinating city of Cape Town or choose to join our Franschhoek Tour, exclusively for Lion World Travel guests, at a special price of $100 per person – please let us know if you’d like to join this excursion which would run as follows:

After an early breakfast you will be met by your guide for today’s tour to the exquisite Franschhoek Valley in the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands.

Cape Winelands

The first stop is at La Bourgogne Wine Farm which was among the first Huguenot farms proclaimed in 1694, for an olive, olive oil and preserve tasting. Next, head to the renowned Haute Cabrière Vineyard Estate located in a picturesque setting in Franschhoek and steeped in rich history. The estate was started over 300 years ago by Huguenot settlers from France, and primarily grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. It’s time to taste their wines while enjoying the breathtakingly extraordinary views from the tasting room.

La Petit Dauphine, internationally known for their exceptional cuisine is where you will enjoy a set menu lunch with wine pairing at Café Bon Bon. You’ll then have some free time to explore the quaint little town of Franschhoek before returning back to Cape Town.

After a wonderful day you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy a late afternoon and evening at leisure.

Enjoy dinner tonight and an interactive drumming session at Gold Restaurant.

From the moment you arrive, you will feel the heartbeat of a unique African restaurant in Cape Town. Gold Restaurant will take you on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine, with its set multi-course menu served at your table.

Start your evening with an interactive Djembe drumming session which will get you in tune with our African rhythms and songs for the rest of the night. The vibrant playing of the drums will ensure an energized start to your evening.

Transfer back to your hotel after dinner.

ACCOMMODATION: COMMODORE HOTEL – DELUXE ROOM (B, D)

DAY 5 – CAPE TOWN

Your final day in Cape Town! Time to do some last minute shopping or enjoy another sightseeing tour – time spent in Cape Town will not be forgotten.

ACCOMMODATION: COMMODORE HOTEL – DELUXE ROOM (B)

DAY 6 – CAPE TOWN/JOHANNESBURG/PILANESBERG

Today you will be transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg Airport you will be met and transferred by road to either Ivory Tree Game Lodge or Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge (depending on your departure date) where you will spend three nights on a full board basis and enjoy twice daily game drives.

The malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve ranks among one of the largest national parks in southern Africa. It is a unique area encircled by four rings of hills, produced by volcanic action some 1,200 million years ago. The scenic beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake. The reserve boasts healthy populations of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s “Big Five”. Bird-watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge is situated in the north eastern region of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Nestled in the basin of an ancient amphitheatre divided by riverine woodlands and elephant trails, lies this exclusive game lodge. Decorated in a range of earthy tones, the rooms have been carefully coordinated to ensure absolute comfort.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge Standard Room

Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is set against the foothills of an ampitheater within the exclusive wilderness of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The lodge features spaciously designed suites appointed in warm earthy tones that provide a welcome retreat. The rooms are climate controlled with full ensuite bathroom including an outside shower. Amenities include tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, TV with satellite channels, and tea & coffee making facilities.

Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge Standard Room

Arrive in time for lunch and relax until time for an afternoon game drive with fellow lodge guests. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening sharing your days experience with the other guests.

ACCOMMODATION: IVORY TREE/SHEPHERD’S TREE GAME LODGE – STANDARD ROOM (B, L, D)

DAY 7 – PILANESBERG

Enjoy a morning game viewing activity in this spectacular wildlife kingdom. Spend the hottest part of the day at the pool relaxing. In the late afternoon you will be taken on another unforgettable safari through the unspoilt African bush.

The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam. Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets. Today Pilanesberg accommodates virtually every mammal of Southern Africa including the Big Five.

Pilanesberg Game Drive

While on safari, you can relax, unwind and take yourself on a pampered escape that you will never forget. The Amani African Spa at Ivory Tree Game Lodge is the ultimate escape for pure self-indulgence – a truly African experience.

ACCOMMODATION: IVORY TREE/SHEPHERD’S TREE GAME LODGE – STANDARD ROOM (B, L, D)

DAY 8 – PILANESBERG

Enjoy another day with morning and late afternoon game drives. All safaris are conducted in specially designed ten seater open vehicles.

An abundance of wildlife thrives in these 360 miles of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. The reserve is home to large populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s “Big Five”. A wide variety of rare and common species exist with endemic species like the nocturnal brown hyena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention a few. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants.

Giraffe in Pilanesberg Game Reserve

ACCOMMODATION: IVORY TREE/SHEPHERD’S TREE GAME LODGE – STANDARD ROOM (B, L, D)

DAY 9 – PILANESBERG/JOHANNESBURG

After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, you will be transferred by road back to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and connect with your scheduled international South African Airways flight back to the USA. (B)

DAY 10 – ARRIVE USA

Return home with a lifetime of memories!