Rainbow Nation
Multi-Faceted South Africa
May 21 - June 5, 2005
(Spans Memorial Day)
NEW BEGINNINGS
South Africa—a vast land of amazing
contrasts. It is often described as “a world in one country.”
South Africa has become an increasingly popular tourist destination
since the scrapping of apartheid and the historic first democratic elections
of April 1994 which brought to power the African National Congress (under
the leadership of Nelson Mandela) and created the “Rainbow Nation”,
a fascinating blend of different races, languages and cultures. But
more than that, South Africa is the first country in the world to guarantee
the rights and equality before the law of all gay and lesbian people!
For the first time traveller to Africa,
this sprawling country is a great place to start. The climate is nearly
always kind and there are few better places to see wildlife. For the
frequent traveler, the country represents a fine companion to other
African destinations Toto Tours has offered previously, such as Tanzania,
Egypt and Morocco.
South Africa is an entire world unto itself:
European city life, western culture, a well-maintained network of roads
and a functioning economy—all combined with the ancient beauty
of nature and the diversity of traditional African cultures. The variety
of landscapes is fascinating. Burnt-out deserts and arid savannahs meet
idyllic green rolling hills; deep, fertile valleys rise to dramatic,
snow-covered mountain peaks. Nearly 2,000 miles of coastline hem the
country. South Africa’s tremendous diversity tantalizes holiday-makers
with many opportunities for adventure!
South Africa has many private game reserves
where one may catch a glimpse of wildlife’s “Big Five”—lion,
leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. That’s not to mention
all the giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, elands, impalas, kudus,
hippopotamii, crocodiles, and many other species roaming around.
We have selected accommodations throughout
the tour based on the “gay-friendliness” of the guesthouses,
hotels or lodges. Where possible, gay-owned and run establishments have
been selected. Our South African tour operators are gay, and one or
both of the owners of the company will accompany this tour.
South Africa may yet have serious difficulties
to surmount, but the country is imbued with a sense of hope and optimism
for its future. Enjoy the magnificence of African wildlife, spectacular
scenery, many cultures, and one of the world’s most beautiful
cities, Cape Town, the gay capital of Africa! Toto Tours is proud to
present this very exciting “Rainbow Tour of the Rainbow Nation.”
ITINERARY
Please click on the link above to read the details of our pre-tour
extension to Victoria Falls. Participation in this element of the tour
will require departure from the U.S. on May 18, 2005.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Departure from the U.S.
If you use our air consolidator to make your flight arrangements on
South African Airways, depart from Atlanta this morning or from New
York (JFK) this afternoon, bound for South Africa. If you cannot make
it from your home city early this morning in time for the 10:30am Atlanta
flight departure, please arrange to spend the night in Atlanta on May
20th. If you are making your own air arrangements, please plan to arrive
in Johannesburg by mid-afternoon tomorrow.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Arrival in Johannesburg / City Tour
Arrive Johannesburg International Airport. We are met at the airport
by our gay hosts in South Africa. After checking in at our hotel, enjoy
a tour of the city and surrounds including the superb new Apartheid
Museum. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner and an overnight stay in
Johnnesburg. (Dinner included)
Monday, May 23, 2005
Djuma Game Reserve
Transfer to the Airport for a flight to the Djuma Private Game Reserve
on the edge of the Kruger National Park. Check into our lodge, which
has its own waterhole and swimming pool. In the late afternoon we take
our first game drive in search of Africa's “Big Five.” Returning
to camp, enjoy dinner and drinks around the fire under the African night
sky. Overnight at the lodge. (All Meals)
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Djuma
Very early this morning take a game drive before the heat of the day
sends the animals scurrying for shade and sleep. Return to the lodge
for a late morning brunch. The afternoon is free to relax or take an
optional guided walk with a guide. Again this evening take another game
drive as the animals return to their daily activities as sunset approaches. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Djuma
Today’s schedule follows much the same as yesterday’s—morning
game drive, brunch, free afternoon, evening game drive. You will have
plenty of time to enjoy the lodge’s pool. (All
Meals)
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Swaziland / KwaZulu Natal
After an early breakfast, depart Djuma and travel south through the
citrus and sub-tropical fruit and sugar plantations to Swaziland, continuing
on through the mountainous Pigg’s Peak area, the capital Mbabane,
and the Ezulwini Valley. After passing through the humid lowveld and
the area’s vast sugar estates enter northern KwaZulu Natal. We
stay overnight at the Pongola Game Reserve at a tented bush camp overlooking
the Pongolapoort Dam. In the late afternoon embark on a game drive or
cruise before dinner at the lodge. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Friday, May 27, 2005
Durban
This morning, travel further south down the Indian Ocean coast, through
sugar estates, timber plantations and cattle ranches, to the city of
Durban, the third-largest city and the busiest port in Africa. Check
into the grandly colonial Edward Hotel on the beachfront. The afternoon
is free to relax, sightsee, stroll on the beach or swim. Tonight hit
some of the Durban gay night spots! (Breakfast)
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Durban Touring
This morning take a sightseeing tour of the city center and the Victoria
Street Market, for a taste of KwaZulu Natal Indian culture (Durban has
the largest Indian population of any city outside the Indian sub-continent.)
The afternoon is at leisure to spend some more time on the beach and
in the warm Indian Ocean waters. (Breakfast)
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Garden Route
This morning take a flight to Port Elizabeth, where we take a motorcoach
to travel via the Eastern Cape coast and the Tsitsikamma Mountains to
the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay. Arrive
in late afternoon and check-in to our hotel. The rest of the day is
free to stroll on the beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, or find a nice
spot for dinner. (Breakfast)
Monday, May 30, 2005
The Heads / Knysna
A short drive takes us to the lagoon-side town of Knysna, where we
take a look at The Heads, the cliffs at the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon.
Time providing, we may go for a cruise out to the Featherbed Nature
Reserve, or stroll through the arts-and-crafts shops in the town center.
We overnight at an inn, within walking distance of the waterfront. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Lake District
We travel via South Africa’s “Lake District”, George,
Mossel Bay, and the historic town of Swellendam to the winelands region
of the Western Cape. We overnight at the quaint village of Franschhoek
at a charming country house. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Wine Estates / Cape Town
This morning visit a few wine estates where you will have the chance
to purchase wine or perhaps do a little wine tasting. Finally, proceed
on to the “mother city”, Cape Town. Upon arrival take the
cable car up to the top of Table Mountain with a welcome glass of champagne
on top of Signal Hill. This evening we stay at a guesthouse in the heart
of De Waterkant, the gay “heartland” of Cape Town. (Breakfast)
Thursday, June 2, 2005
Cape Town
One of the highlights of our stay will be today’s tour along
one of the world’s great marine drives, cut into rocky mountain
slopes high above beautiful ocean vistas. Drive to the Cape of Good
Hope Nature Reserve, with its flowering plants and antelope herds, and
Cape Point, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans merge.
After eating lunch, we continue on to
Boulder’s Beach to see the African Penguin, also called the Jackass
Penguin because of its donkey-like braying call. Near Simon’s
Town, visit the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before returning
to our hotel for the evening. (Breakfast)
Friday, June 3, 2005
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
The entire day is at your leisure to relax, go shopping at the Victoria
& Alfred Waterfront, or do some more sightseeing on your own. There
are many wonderful museums, and a tour of Robben Island, where former
president Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 27 years, is highly recommended.
This evening Toto Tours provides a Farewell Dinner with our hosts to
celebrate the end of our “Rainbow” tour. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Saturday, June 4, 2005
Departure
The day is at leisure until such time as you need to get to Cape Town
International Airport for your return flights home. (Breakfast)
Sunday, June 5, 2005
Arrival in U.S.
South African Airways flights arrive in Atlanta and New York early
this morning.
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