At each turn, the look and feel of the landscape and cultures of South Africa change as you make your way through a fantastically diverse and beautiful country. This is an ideal adventure for those looking to explore South Africa's rugged green coast, have some fantastic wildlife encounters, participate in numerous activities, and explore one of the world's impressive cities, Cape Town-What a trip! South Africa Coastal Experience Classic 2009 GPF 10 18 Max 18, Avg 12 Africa South Africa Durban Cape Town South Africa South Africa Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 12 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/southafrica/south_africa_swaziland_beehive_hut.jpg Arrive in Durban at any time. Journey inland through the foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range to the scenic, peaceful, and historic village of Himeville. Soak up the sun, relax at the hotel or participate in nature activities such as hiking, rock climbing, trout fishing, swimming, birding, and horseback riding, or even venture up the snaking Sani Pass by 4x4 to the highest pub in Africa with its spectacular views. Leave the Southern Drakensberg for a scenic drive to the Wild Coast, into a dramatic section of coastline with beaches, cliffs, and inlets. Explore the tranquil area on foot or on horseback, or take some time to relax by the hotel pool. Marvel at the unique scenery as we journey to the Addo Elephant Park, a fantastic wildlife haven where you will have a chance to spot the resident "Big 5" - elephant, leopard, buffalo, lion, and rhino. We also visit a cheetah breeding project to learn about the area's wildlife conservation efforts (and to interact with the cheetahs'!) We spend the evening just outside the park, listening to the wild sounds of the Africa. Today you have the option to visit the Tsitsikamma National Park, a breath-taking natural environment. On day 8, enjoy the day doing some shopping, or strolling or relaxing on the beach of this picturesque coastal town. For the more adventurous, optional activities include abseiling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, bungee jumping, you will definitely find something to keep the adrenaline pumping. After visiting "The Heads" in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon on the coast, we take a scenic drive to travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the area known as Klein Karoo (“Little Karoo”), where we make the quiet town of Oudtshoorn our base. In the late afternoon, we explore the interesting Cango Caves.
Our journey takes us further west along Route 62 to quaint and beautiful Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa. With rolling hills covered with manicured vineyards in the background, we settle in and spend the evening on a local wine farm. Get a taste of Stellenbosch and its outstanding wine on a wine tour before heading to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Visit Robben Island, view the city from the top of Table Mountain, and be sure not to miss the wonderful Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium and numerous other small museums and theatres. Arrive in Durban any time and make your way to the joining point hotel. A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1 of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the hotel bulletin board regarding the meeting time.

Explore the beach front, taking in the fair grounds, restaurants, water sports and the now world famous “uShaka Marine World”. In the evening at the meeting, you will meet your group, some of whom may in fact be arriving into Durban on a previous G.A.P Adventures tour.

Very little is known about the first residents of the area around Durban as there is no written history of the area before it was “discovered” by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497. Da Gama had applied the name Natal (nativity) to this stretch of coast, first seen on Christmas day of that year. The first European settlers in the area where mostly survivors of shipwrecks. One of these survivors, Rodrigo Tristaa, survived a wreck in 1552 of the Portuguese galleon Saint John, was the first to make his home here.

The Zulu nation’s formation provided wealth for a trade market in this area - European merchants set up a harbour where the base of trade with Zulus could be formed. Durban was thus created by a population of 26 hard-living traders and ivory hunters. It was named on 23 June 1835, after the governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin D’Urban. The centre of Durban grew around its sugar cane plantations, as large numbers of Indians were brought to work on the plantations. As a result, present-day Durban it the city with the largest Indian population outside of India.

The city has grown into one of South Africa's best-known and most popular coastal resorts and commercial ports. With stretches of safe, sandy beaches and abundance of holiday accommodation destinations available and all-year sunshine attract visitors to this festive city every year. This city is enjoyed for its vibrant mix of cultures and experiences, with a large diverse population of people. The beach front area has the usual attractions, from fair grounds to restaurants, to water sports and the now world famous “uShaka Marine World” where you need only bring your swim wear and towel.
Approximate Distance: 238 km
Estimate Travel Time: 4 hrs

Today we journey inland through the foothills of Drakensberg mountain range to the scenic, peaceful, and historic village of Himeville. Soak up the sun, relax at the hotel or participate in nature activities such as hiking, rock climbing, trout fishing, swimming, birding, and horseback riding.

Referred to as the “Dragon Mountains” by the early Afrikaner settlers, the Zulus called the mountains uKhahlamba or “barrier of spears”. For all its ferocious names, the Drakensberg is home to one of South Africa’s most beloved and spectacular natural parks. The southern Drakensberg lies a bit off the beaten tourist track and is not very well known. Here the nature lover find alpine landscapes of dramatic and stunning beauty. Trout anglers consider the "Southern Drakensberg" to be a favorite, since the region has an abundance of crystal clear lakes and rivers.

The highlight of the southern Drakensberg is the Sani Pass, and you will have some time to take an excursion here, the highest pass-road in South Africa. It follows along the upper Mkomazana River up to the border with Lesotho, at 2,874 m. One frequently comes across people from Lesotho with their donkeys. Particularly the last part of the this gravel road is extremely steep and rocky and can only be managed with a four-wheel drive vehicle. But the breathtaking view of the rugged alpine landscape is a memorable reward. It is highly recommended to cross the border, because on the Lesotho side there is a little restaurant and a Basotho village. Approximate distance: 480km
Estimated travel time: 7 hrs

Leave the Southern Drakensberg for a scenic drive to the Wild Coast, a dramatic section of coastline with beaches, cliffs, and inlets. Take note of Mooi River, whose natural beauty so attracted the early settlers they named it “mooi” (pretty). The Mooi River area is also home to several of South Africa's finest stud farms. .

The Wild Coast region is one of South Africa’s most unspoiled areas, a vast stretch of hills, beautiful forests and stunning beaches. This area was formerly the Transkei homeland. Nearly everyone is Xhosa and people in the rural areas mostly live in traditional rondavels scattered all over the landscape. In all of South Africa, “Transkei” is the best place to experience authentic African rural life. The rural areas are still communally owned, this is a refreshing thought, here the land is unfenced and fully inhabited. Approximate distance: 350km
Estimated travel time: 6 hrs

Today we leave the coast and head inland as we continue on to the Addo Elephant National Park, a unique wildlife area. Although famous for the Addo elephants, this park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and we embark on an afternoon game drive in search of the resident elephants, black rhino, lion, buffalo and even leopard.

Although the Addo Elephant belongs to the same species as the African Elephant, it is smaller, with more rounded ears and the females generally have no tusks. The park was named after the KhoiKhoi name Kadouw, which they gave to a forting place over the nearby Sundays River. The bush here is a combination of acacia, Spekboom, Gwarrie and Boerboon. The English name for the Spekboom is “Elephants food”.

In 1919 the professional hunter, Major Jan Pretorius, was hired by the administration of the Cape Province to destroy the entire herd that inhabited the area at the time. It took him a year to kill 120, but he was then stopped due to a public outcry. Only sixteen Addo Elephants remained, but they were peppered with bullet holes, panic stricken, vengeful and cunning. And they declared war on man.

In 1931, after a change in policy, the area was proclaimed as a national park. The Elephants, however, were still on the war path, destroying crops and attacking anyone who came near. Finally, in 1952, one of the beleaguered farmers of the area suggested that a fence made up of tram rails and lift cables be erected around the park. This finally kept the Elephants secure and out of the surrounding farming area.

The black rhino was re-introduced into the park in 1961, and now the park is home to a number of different animals, including the big 5 (elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard), zebra, kudu, eland, warthog, and many types of buck. Approximate Distance: 400 km
Estimate Travel Time: 4 Hours

Today you have the option to visit the Tsitsikamma National Park, a breath-taking natural environment. On day 8, take the you can relax on the beach, or enjoy the day doing some shopping or strolling or relaxing on the beach of this picturesque coastal town. For the more adventurous, optional activities include abseiling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, bungee jumping, you will definitely find something to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Originally christened “Bahaia Formosa” (Beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers, the beautiful sweeping golden beaches characterize Plettenberg Bay, set on a rocky peninsula, with intriguing lagoons and towering forests nearby.

Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning, “place of much water.” Covering a thin belt of marine along 68 dramatic kilometres of South Africa's most spectacular, the Tsitsikamma National Park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life. Here, surging waves crash over rocky coastline and old hardwood forests knot the coastal cliffs. The highlight of the Tsitsikamma National Park is the Storms River Mouth, a large and abrupt estuary over which a precarious rope-bridge is slung. In addition, there are the more sheltered water ways such as the Nature’s Valley Lagoon and the Groot River. Walking is the main activity in the park – a walk in the area is well worth it, as the scenery of the unspoiled nature in the area is breathtaking. Approximate distance: 225 km
Estimated travel time: 3 hrs

After visiting "The Heads" in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon on the coast, we take a scenic drive to travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the area known as Klein Karoo (“Little Karoo”), where we make the quiet town of Oudtshoorn our base. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the interesting Cango Caves.

The Cango Caves are sculptured by nature through the ages, and is filled with mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours. They lie in the Swartberg Mountain Range in a limestone belt measuring 1.5km in width and almost 16km in length. This part of the continent was once below the ocean. As the continent rose, the Little Karoo found itself above the water level. The caves started to form some 20 million years ago, when the water level dropped to such an extent that the ground water could start to seep into the limestone. As the water seeped into the ground it absorbed carbon dioxide from the decaying plant and animal matter in the soil and this made it fairly acidic. As it seeped into the limestone, cavities were created that filled with water. Rivers also formed on the surface and cut deeply enough into the limestone to allow them to reach the level of the water pockets. This caused the water to flow out about 4 million years ago. The cave was then, for the first time, exposed to air and the speleothems (cave formations) began to form. The portion of the caves that are accessible to the public extends for 1.2km, with a further 4.1km being kept closed for conservation.

Oudtshoorn, situated on the edge of the Garden Route, is the principal town and commercial centre of the Klein Karoo region. Shielded from the coastal belt clouds, wind, and rain by the mountain ranges, Outshoorn enjoys more sunny days than any other town in South Africa. The town is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges, and originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars Rivers which meanders southwards from the Swartberg, providing fertile soil and water for irrigation. As such, mainly agricultural crops thrive here, including produce such as lucerne, tobacco, fruit, grapes and grains.

Oudtshoorn is notably the ostrich capital of the world. Here ostriches are found in great numbers and the region produces the world’s best feathers, leather products and meat. Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, three have distinguished themselves worthy enough to be named show farms. In addition, the Klein Karoo is one of South Africa's eight wine regions, where the sweet and desert wines are well known. Approximate Distance: 400 km
Estimate Travel Time: 4 Hours

Our journey takes us further west to quaint and beautiful Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa. We’ll get settled and continue to explore the wine farms and vineyards to get a taste of the area, of course of its outstanding wines.

At the Spier Wine Estate as they offer a Cheetah Outreach Programme, were you can enjoy a personal encounter with a hand-raised cheetah. Spier is also home to Eagle Encounters, a programme which rehabilitates birds which have been injured, poisoned or illegally removed from their nests, and then returns them to the wild.

For the young at heart, you may try to visit Monkey Town (an exotic monkey rehabilitation centre), situated just outside Somerset West, not too far from Stellenbosch. The Monkey Town center’s aim is to provide refuge and rehabilitation to primates that have been displaced as well as to increase public awareness of the problems concerning habitat conservation of these primates.

Additionally, Stellenbosch has many museums and galleries that house national and international art collections and the Stellenbosch Conservatoire is the country’s oldest music school.

Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, who named it after himself — Stellenbosch means "(van der) Stel's forest". It is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ("First River"), so named as it was the first river he reached and subsequently followed during an expedition over the Cape Flats to explore the territory east of Cape Town. The town grew so quickly that it became an independent local authority in 1682 and the seat of a magistrate with jurisdiction over 25,000 km sq in 1685.

Stellenbosch lies in a fertile valley surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains. The area has a Mediterranean-type climate, with hot summers, cool winters and clear, sunny skies. It is at the start of the Cape Fold mountains, which have created soil favourable to vines. Soon after the first settlers arrived, this grapes were planted by the French Huguenots, in the fertile valleys around Stellenbosch and soon it became the heart of South Africa’s wine industry. Together, the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys form the Cape Winelands, the largest of the two main wine growing regions in South Africa. Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes 106 cellars – most of which are open the public. The South African wine industry produces about 1,000,000,000 litres of wine annually. Approximate Distance: 97km
Estimated Time: 1 hr

Cape Town offers many different activities – something for everyone. Visit Robben Island, Table Mountain, explore Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope), or visit the old French Hugonote town of Franschoek and surroundings (1h drive). For the not so faint hearted there is numerous adrenaline activities in the surrounding areas, from skydiving to abseiling to a Shark diving trip at Hermanus (1h drive). Or wonder through the city centre with some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa (Botanical Gardens and Parliament Gardens). Do not miss the wonderful Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium and numerous other small museums and theatres.

Cape Town's name originated from the term 'Cape of Good Hope' when Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain, like an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity. The city is steeped in a rich history and is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoxisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers. Cape Town is the third most populous city in South Africa, with over 3 million inhabitants, and is the provincial capital of the Western Cape. It is also the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are located.

The oldest existing building in South Africa, the Castle, was built in 1666 to protect the new settlement at the Cape. Still operational as a military base, today its five imposing stone walls also house a museum with artifacts dating back to the 17th century and troops dressed in historic uniform parade on its cobbled grounds.

Nearby, across the Grand Parade, stand the Drill Hall and Cape Town's Italian Renaissance-style City Hall, completed in 1905. The Slave Lodge, the second oldest building in Cape Town, has served many purposes in its nearly three centuries. Originally built as accommodation for the slaves of the Dutch East India Company, it was also Cape Town's first post office, a library and the Supreme Court. Today it is home to the SA Cultural History Museum and its displays of ceramics, toys, silver and textiles from Cape Town's past, as well as artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The historic Company Gardens, established by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 as a vegetable garden from which to supply fresh produce to passing ships, today offers city dwellers and office workers a peaceful refuge from the bustle of the city's commercial centre. A cobbled avenue, lined with oak trees, leads to the South African Museum, the South African National Gallery, the Bertram House Museum and the Jewish Museum, which is housed in the oldest synagogue in South Africa.

Just beyond, South Africa's Parliament buildings stand in imposing array around the cobbles of Stal Plein ("plein” meaning "square"). Numerous other buildings of historic interest, such as Koopman de Wet House in Strand Street, Heritage Square in Bree Street, and many along the upper reaches of Long Street, are dotted throughout the city centre.

Situated on the lower slopes of Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap (literally "upper Cape") is home to many descendants of the Malay slaves brought to the Cape during the 17th century. Most of the families, which inhabit its colourful rows of houses, are devout Muslims, and the call to prayer can be heard in the narrow, cobbled streets throughout the day. The Bo-Kaap Museum portrays aspects of Cape Muslim culture.

For shopping, dining and entertainment the V&A Waterfront is a hotspot for foreigners and locals alike. Still a working harbour, the Waterfront is an example of creative architecture and restoration and has become South Africa's most visited tourist attraction. The Waterfront offers over 250 shops from designer boutiques to craft stalls, a host of restaurants and coffee shops and plenty of other activities.

The top of Table Mountain offers spectacular views in all directions and gives a birds eye view of the city. The upper cable car station is situated at 1067m and the revolving cable car makes sure that your trip up and down gives you a good look in all directions. Once on top, you can follow paths to various look-out points, make use of the telescopes, and enjoy a light meal or simply a sundowner drink in the restaurant. In summer, early evening is a great time to plan your trip as the sunsets are beautiful. Regardless of the weather in the city, take a light jacket as it can often be cool on the mountain top (and sometimes the cable car may even close due to high winds).

After Alcatraz in the United Stated, Robben Island (Island of Seals) is possibly the best-known prison island in the world. Having served over the centuries as a penal settlement, leper colony and lunatic asylum, its notoriety has come more recently from the fact that former President Nelson Mandela and many of his colleagues were imprisoned here during the apartheid era. Visitors can travel to the island, a world heritage site, via an organized boat tour, which departs daily from the V&A Waterfront. Tour ends after breakfast at approximately 08:00 am.
1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1399 1279 799 649 1709 1199 999 1499 149.00 139.00 89.00 69.00 189.00 129.00 89.00 129.00 Local Payment 300 USD Accommodation Hotel (8 nts), Chalet (3 nts). Brochure Notes Combination Departure Departs twice monthly DepEnd Sat-Wed Group Leader Tour Leader, Driver, Local guides. Group Size Max 18, Avg 12 Highlights Drakensberg Mountains, Wine Tasting, Cape Town, Durban, Plettenberg Bay, Wild Coast. Max Pax 18 Meal Budget Allow USD300 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 5 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner. Min Pax 10 Recommendation Combine this tour with our DAKK tour, for a complete South Africa experience - see trip code DASA. StartFinish Durban to Cape Town Transport Air-conditioned touring vehicle, Walking. What's Included Entrance and Game Drive in Addo Elephant Park, Entrance and Visit to Cheetah Breeding Project , Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation Simple Hotel
3 nights in comfortable twin rooms with en suite or shared facilities.

Chalets/Bungalow
8 nights are spent in Chalets/Bungalows. Rooms are Twin, Triple or Quad with en suite or shared facilities.
About our Transportation For all of our original class trips in southern Africa, including this tour, we use private 22-seat buses for the entire journey. With air conditioning, reclining well-cushioned seats, and sliding windows, this style of transportation is a comfortable way to travel through the region. In addition, even with a full group of 18 travelers, there will be extra space for the benefit of the group. Having our own private vehicle throughout the tour allows us the flexibility of making stops when needed. In addition, we are able to travel to out-of-the-way locations where public transportation does not reach.

Road conditions in South Africa are generally good, though occasionally we hit a bad patch of road or two, but you will be pleasantly surprised with the condition of the roads.

In Patensie, we climb aboard an open-air 4x4 game-driving vehicle. We use this vehicle to take us up the last few kilometers up a rough and bumpy road, to arrive at our unique lodge, perched on a hill with magnificent views. In addition, here we take a game drive in a private game reserve in this open-air vehicle, a great experience to be close to nature to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Associated Planeterra Project In South Africa, Planeterra supports the following community project:

Shalati Community Project
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is having a devastating effect on the lives of millions of children worldwide especially in Africa. South Africa has one of Africa's strongest economies, but the HIV pandemic has weakened the nation and has taken a severe toll on its adult population. South Africa has the sixth highest prevalence of HIV in the world, with 18.8% of the population estimated to be infected. As children lose one or both parents to the epidemic, they are often either taken into care by other family members or find themselves suddenly responsible for the care of their younger siblings. As a result, the fabric of society has begun to shift and change in unprecedented ways.

In the South African community of Shalati there are many single parent families and a vast number of orphaned children, often cared for by their grandparents. This is due in part to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Many children do not begin school until the age of eight, and receive no formal education and limited support during their early formative years. Based on the needs of these families and children, we aim to assist the local community with their goal of building and developing a pre-school so that children are provided with a secure and nurturing environment to learn and grow.

How you can help
Donations raised through the Planeterra Foundation will provide funding for the construction and development of the preschool.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Brochure Intro At each turn, the look and feel of the landscape and cultures of South Africa change as you make your way through a fantastically diverse and beautiful country. This is an ideal adventure for those looking to explore South Africa's rugged green coast, have some fantastic wildlife encounters, participate in numerous activities, and explore one of the world's impressive cities, Cape Town-What a trip! Checklist Suggested Items:
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swimwear
• 4 shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Sport sandals
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Purification tablets or filter
• Pocketknife
• Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs)
• Money belt
• First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Optional Items: Camera and film, reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks.

Documents:
• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• USD cash and traveller's cheques
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Departure Tax USD40, may be included in the international air ticket. Detailed Trip Notes American Dollars that are series 1996 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in Southern and Eastern Africa, as there are a lot of forgeries. As a result, these notes CANNOT be accepted as Local Payment.

Food
This trip includes meals where indicated. We will try out local restaurants and cuisine through-out the journey.

REGIONAL INFORMATION
Climate
Southern Africa is renowned for its excellent outdoor living climate. The winter months are from May to September and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from October to April and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. Rains generally only start from mid to late December and last until March; this period is hot and humid. For the winter months, we recommend a sleeping bag rating of 3 seasons.

Local Currency
The official unit of currency in South Africa is the Rand.

Electricity
220-240V, 50Hz. Electric plug types come in two sizes and are standard throughout the countries. The two and three square pin standard plug are acceptable in most parts of these countries.

Language
English is one of the 11 official languages of South Africa. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout different parts of the country.

ITINERARY
SOUTH AFRICA
Full country name: Republic of South Africa
Area: 1,221,037km2 (447,443mi2)
Population: 47,432,000 (July 2005 estimate), 44,819,278 (Census 2001)
Capital cities: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Admistrative) and Bloemfontein (Judicial)
People: Zulu, Afrikaners, Xhosa, Basotho (South Sotho), English South Africans, Bapedi (North Sotho), Indian/Asian, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, Ndebele, others
Language: Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda
Religion: Zion Christian 11%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8%, Catholic 7%, Methodist 7%, Dutch Reformed 7%, Anglican 4%, other Christian 36%, Islam 2%, none 15%
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Major industries: mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metal working, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, food stuff, commercial ship repair.
Major trading partners: U.S., UK, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Iran (2004).
Currency: Rand (ZAR), consisting of 100 cents

HISTORY
Recommended reading: Long Walk to Freedom (Nelson Mandela), A History of South Africa (Leonard Thompson), Cry the Beloved Country (Alan Paton), No Future Without Forgiveness (Desmond Tutu) Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro At each turn, the look and feel of the landscape and cultures of South Africa change as you make your way through a fantastically diverse and beautiful country. This is an ideal adventure for those looking to explore South Africa's rugged green coast, have some fantastic wildlife encounters, participate in numerous activities, and explore one of the world's impressive cities, Cape Town-What a trip! Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local G.A.P Adventures emergency number. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures South Africa Emergency Number:
From outside South Africa: +27 82 5757 434
From within South Africa: 082 5757 434

If you are unable for any reason to contact the number above, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description On this tour, you will be accompanied on your trip by a G.A.P Adventures tour leader and an expert driver. All of our leaders in southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning they’ve studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you’ll have a leader from another country in the southern African region.

As the group manager and leader, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places where are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. In addition, as an integral part of the team, your driver is skilled and experienced driver who has intimate knowledge of the vehicle and routes travelled.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travelers should also carry a basic first-aid kit. Travellers to South Africa should observe similar precautions to those taken elsewhere in Africa. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group.

Addo Elephant National Park: Insect repellant is recommended, especially in summer. No immunizations are needed for travel to this park. The park is situated in a malaria-free area.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician. Important Notes 1. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe customized safari truck for the long drives.

2. It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate if you are traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country.

3. Please note that this tour combines with other G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G.A.P Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G.A.P Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Durban Beach Hotel
107 Marine Parade
Durban, South Africa
Tel: +27 31 337 5511
Web: www.goodersonleisure.com
Email: beach@goodersons.co.za
Joining Hotel Image Joining Instructions Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

Pre-arranged transfers with G.A.P Adventures:
Please look for a transfer person on walking out of the international arrivals with a sign G.A.P Adventures and your name. Ask him/her what hotel he/she will take you to (do not volunteer this information). Then present your passport for proof of identity.

Airport Shuttle Services:
When arriving at the international terminal, turn sort of right and you should see the shuttle service desks just ahead of you. Please note pre-arranging the shuttle is cheaper than just turning up at the desk. Cost approximately 80zar.

Taxis:
Leave the international terminal and you will see the taxi stand. Official taxis have meters (please note the rate after 12am is double). The airport is 19km from the city centre, and the cost is approximately 250zar (pre-midnight). Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry PLEASE ask your guide/tour leader to arrange if any laundry needs to be done, so that he / she can make arrangements for you. He/She will advise guests accordingly, in advance if guests want to do laundry where it is available.

Laundromats available in most of the towns / cities / hotels/lodges Addo Elephant National Park: No Laundry facilities Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in southern Africa. On this tour, we provide only a few meals for you and your group members, so as to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility in you choices. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though - while in the larger centres, your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

For the included meals, vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange The easiest foreign currency to exchange for locally for any of the local currencies is the $US; however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged as well. $US notes that are older than year 2002 are not accepted everywhere and can be difficult to change. In addition, $US notes prior to 2000 are worthless in some areas of Africa, as they are rarely accepted and impossible to exchange. We recommend $US 50 notes, and $US 100 notes can be difficult to change in some places.

If you plan to rely on cash, please bring foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) with you, as it is often expensive to buy these currencies locally. And in more rural areas, it is often not likely.

Travelers’ cheques are not recommended in Africa. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places. Where they are excepted, you often need the receipt of the purchase of the cheques, and the process of changes cheques where possible is extremely time consuming. Please no not expect to rely on traveller’s cheques for access to cash in Africa.

Debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept a 4-digit PIN). The Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards; it is harder to find machines Master Card/Cirrus cards. While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.

Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Credit cards, especially Visa cards, ARE INDEED USEFUL, HOWEVER, for taking cash advanced in ATMs

Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.

A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best, with traveller's cheques being a distant third option. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. Experience has shown that it is better upon arrival at the airport/starting city, to draw a large amount of money from the ATM’s in the local currency. Your Tour Leader can advise you on the approximate amounts of money you will need for each country of your tour.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) which in turn is divided into 100 cents. There are notes of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand in circulation. There are also coins of R1, R2, R5 and of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

All prices are in US dollar amounts.

Drakensberg
Sanipass Day Trip $55

Haga Haga
Massages
Swimming Free
Pool table at the resort
Beach Walks
Tennis
Hikes
Horseback Riding
Buccaneers Adventure Centre (50km away)

Plettenberg Bay
Bungee jumping $90
Zipline (Flying Fox) $22
Bridge swing $35
Waterfall Zipline Tour $43
Abseiling $29
Monkeyland $17 (Monkeyland is the world's first multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary, renowned for its rehabilitation work. Visitors are offered the opportunity to join a one-hour safari. Here you can expect to see many species of monkeys, apes and lemurs living in our forested sanctuary.)
Mountain Biking hire $15
Treetop Canopy Tour $45

Oudtshoorn
Ostrich Farm Visit $8-15

Stellenbosch
Wine tasting $5-7

Cape Town
Table Mountain cable car $25
Robben Island cruise $24
Table Mountain Abseil $60 (excludes the Table Mountain Cable Car Ticket)
Shark cage diving $190 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping Tipping is optional and related to good service received. This is just a guideline that guests can use:
PORTERS: R7.00 per bag ;
WAITERS (Restaurants): 10% of the total bill as a general guideline;
CHAMBER MAIDS: R10.00 per day as a guideline;
BARMEN/LADIES: 10% of the total bill as a general guideline;
GAME RANGERS: R50.00 per activity / TRACKER: R20.00 per activity;
TOUR LEADER & DRIVER: This is up to the discretion of the group/guests - Tour leader/guide = R50.00 per day and driver = R30.00 per day Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety GENERAL: Look after your personal items. Do not leave your valuables visible in a car or hotel room. Lock your hotel room door when you enter and when you leave. Do not carry large amount of cash on you. Avoid displaying flashy jewellery and carry your camera in its pack on your shoulder rather than around your neck. Keep your passport, airline tickets, money, important documents locked up in your room/safe - do not carry it with you. Vital Information when you are staying the KNP or any Reserve: Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusal creatures but without knowledge some of them could be dangerous: Example: Bats, Spiders, Snakes, Scorpions, Malaria Zone. If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH. Remember: by feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2009 - December 31st, 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.