It’s a safe guess that a trip to Africa tops many Bucket Lists.  Visions of amazing sunsets across the desert, taking in breathtaking waterfalls, once in a lifetime sightings of big cats, rhinos, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and exotic wildlife.  The options and opportunities about where to go in the world’s 2nd largest and 2nd most populace continent can be overwhelming. Even when you’ve fixed on which country to visit, a trip to Africa can test the planning skills of the most seasoned traveler.
This is the most common vacation for which people enlist the aid of a tour guide, travel specialist or travel agency. And no wonder. Aside from the health planning you need to do, there are very definite seasons for the best safari trips, rainy seasons to consider, safari locales tailored to which animals you want to see, etc. And getting the best price on your flights can be a job for the experts – there just aren’t that many flights into African destination cities to keep US prices competitive. There are tricks to the trade here. Ins and outs to creating the best possible African vacation that really only an expert knows.
Monica Cobetto, an exclusive luxury travel planner at MANN TRAVEL, is the expert we consulted about an upcoming GUIDED trip to South Africa. Monica was a 10 year resident of South Africa, and will be taking travelers there herself this autumn, on an 11 day trip of a lifetime from September 10-21, 2014.
Situated at the southernmost tip of the continent, South Africa offers almost everything you could want to experience in a trip to Africa ~ culture & history in the cities of Cape Town & Johannesburg…. scenic beaches with 3000km of ocean coastline…. wildlife reserves and national parks…… The Big 5 along with whales, penguins meerkats, and more….. vineyard valleys with a booming winery business …… adventure travel, eco-travel, and so much more.
Monica’s guided tour through South Africa this fall features 4 different destinations in 11 days: Capetown, Garden Route, Kruger National Park and Zambia/Victoria Falls and embraces all that this very diverse country has to offer.
Your first stop is to the biggest and most beautiful city at the southernmost point in the African continent, Johannesburg.  This is where you will connect with your flight to Cape Town, your new home for 4 nights. Cape Town is southern Africa’s most romantic and most visited city, with charm, historical interest and a unique blend of African, European and Asian cultures. The most famous of its sights is Table Mountain, where you will enjoy cable car ride to the top to witness what is often described as the most epic view in Africa. Your stay in Cape Town will be filled with options to enjoy the many beaches, along with helicopter tours, golfing, yacht charters, spa visits and shopping.
The next part of your adventure with Monica will take you to the renowned Cape Winelands. This is where you will experience the warm hospitality and picturesque beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl, & Franschhoek while spending a day sampling the best the cape has to offer: world class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history. The setting alone is out of a story book. It’s beyond spectacular and a must see since the mountains are the backdrop to the lush vineyards.
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It’s now time to depart Cape Town and board a flight to the town of George where you will stay at the luxurious Tsala Treetop Lodge situated along the scenic Garden Route of the Western Cape. During this part of the trip you will get to go on the Knysna Featherbed tour which is the most well known private nature reserve and a must see. You will learn about the flora and fauna and if you’re lucky, you may spot the elegant Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Next up is a scheduled flight to Kruger National Park. Start popping those malaria tablets, it’s GAME time! This is the largest private game reserve in Africa, and the accommodations are at the 5 star Buffalo Camp safari lodge. The suites here are ultra luxurious tents set up on stilts reminiscent of old Africa but with the new comforts of home such as private baths, hot water, plush beds and even Nespresso coffee machines. This property is so exclusive it only house 20 guests at a time, and is one of the most deluxe yet authentic ways to experience the African bush.
The atmosphere is absolutely incredible ~ whether you are dining under a canopy of thatch or in the outdoor boma, you may be surrounded by a roaring fire or the sound of roaring lions. A highlight of this part of the trip is the “once in a lifetime” ride on the back of an African elephant. There is truly no better way to experience the serengeti than up close and personal. A guided “bush” walk is another way for game sightings and natural interaction. At the end of these adventure filled days, relax in the Bush Spa, work up a sweat in their state of the art gym facility, or just sit on your private balcony and take in the never ending scenery.
Kruger National Park
Travel resumes on a flight back to Johannesburg where you will have the perfect opportunity for local dining and a quick shopping excursion (and we know our readers love shopping). Johannesburg attracts people from all over the continent with one sole purpose: to shop till they drop, and the city has more than 20 malls to choose from.  Shop til you drop, perhaps, but get a good night’s rest since you will be airborne again the next day into Zambia. These last days of your journey will have you staying at the grand Sanctuary Sussi & Chima which is built on the Zambezi River just 12km upstream from the world famous Victoria Falls. Here you will also take more game drives, tour a local village and cruise the Zambezi River.
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Photos courtesy of National Geographic, MSN Travel and Natgeotv.com
Let’s go right now, right? Before you start shopping for those cute safari outfits, you’ll want to be sure your passport is current and that you check the vaccines necessary with the CDC before traveling. You’ll then want to pack your eye mask and plenty of moisturizer since the expected travel time is between 16-24 hours.
We believe that there is no better way to see this country than with a long time resident as your guide. 11 days, 4 highlight destinations and 6 flights can seem complicated, but Monica will be your very own personal guidebook filled with insider tips and tricks that only locals know about. If you would like more information and rates for this unbelievable adventure, please call 800-560-6147 or email scoop@manntravels.com.
When booking with our friends at Mann Travels you will have no worries ~ Hakuna Matata!
Mann Travels
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