Diamonds in the Rough
Dazzling South Africa
March 15 – 30, 2007
IT’S ONLY NATURAL
South Africa came to prominence on the world stage as the producer
of vast quantities of the world’s diamonds. Everyone wanted these
precious gems, even though they came out of the ground looking not nearly
so sparkling as they are in their refined and polished state. These
precious jewels begin as rough and uneven stones that jewelers must
grind away at to uncover the beauty underneath. The arduous process
of refinement required to produce a perfect gem is an apt metaphor for
South Africa itself.
Sadly, the world’s opinion of South
Africa has been shaped by the shameful and unnatural racism of apartheid.
Since the historic first democratic elections of April 1994 brought
to power the African National Congress (under the leadership of Nelson
Mandela), the country has realized that it must acknowledge its dark
past in order to move beyond and grow. There is still a great disparity
between the “haves” and “have-not’s” here,
so one must learn to accept the good with the bad.
South Africa may yet have serious difficulties
to surmount, but the country is imbued with a sense of hope and optimism
for its future. It was first country in the entire world to enshrine
equal rights for homosexuals in its Constitution. And this sprawling
country has many natural attributes that offer mighty compensation.
The climate is nearly always kind and there are few better places to
see wildlife. European city life, western culture, a well-maintained
network of roads and a functioning economy all combine with the ancient
beauty of nature and the diversity of traditional African cultures to
make this a dazzling tour destination.
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 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 giraffe, cheetah, hyena, zebra, eland, impala, kudu, hippopotamus,
crocodile, and many other species roaming around. 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 celebrate the beauty of these “Diamonds
in the Rough.”
ITINERARY
Participants in our pre-tour extension to Victoria Falls will depart
from the U.S. on Monday, March 12, 2007. Click on the link above to
read a detailed description of the optional tour to Victoria Falls.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Departure from the U.S.
If you make your flight arrangements on South African Airways, you
will depart from Washington Dulles (IAD) at 12:50pm or from New York
(JFK) at 5:55pm today, bound for Johannesburg, South Africa. If you
are flying on a different airline, please plan to arrive in Johannesburg
sometime in the afternoon tomorrow.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Arrival in Johannesburg / Welcome Dinner
You will reach the Johannesburg International Airport at noon (from
Washington, DC) or at 5:05pm (from New York) today aboard South African
Airways. You will be met and transferred to our hotel. This evening
meet your fellow adventurers during a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Overnight
in Johannesburg. (Dinner included)
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Johannesburg / Kruger National Park
After breakfast enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Johannesburg, including
the Apartheid Museum. Transfer to the Airport for a flight to the Djuma
Private Game Reserve at Kruger National Park. Here you will experience
delightful accommodations and the services of some of the area’s
best game trackers. This afternoon take your first game drive in search
of Africa’s “Big Five.” Returning to camp, enjoy dinner
and overnight at the lodge. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Safari
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 bush walk with a guide. This evening take another game drive
as the animals return to their daily activities with the approaching
sunset. (All Meals)
Monday, March 19, 2007
Safari
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 and many other amenities. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Durban
After an early breakfast, depart the Djuma Lodge and transfer to the
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Nelspruit in time for SA
Airlink flight SA8209 to Durban. It is the third-largest city in South
Africa and the busiest port in Africa. On arrival in Durban, transfer
to the Edward Hotel on the beachfront. The late afternoon and evening
are at leisure. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Zulu Nation
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour to the recreated Zulu village
at Shakaland, near Eshowe. This unique resort affords an opportunity
to experience the life and customs of the proud Zulu Nation. Upon return
to our hotel in Durban, the evening is free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Durban Sightseeing
After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour of the harbor, shoreline
sights, 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 evening is at leisure to
enjoy an Indian dinner and check out the gay nightlife. (Breakfast)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Flight to Cape Town
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and the morning at leisure for a last
swim in the warm Indian Ocean! Transfer to the Durban Airport for an
afternoon flight to the “mother city”, Cape Town. Upon check-in
at our hotel, the evening is free to enjoy the waterfront and the gay
area of town, all within walking distance from our hotel. (Breakfast)
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Cape Town Sightseeing
Famed for its hospitality, Cape Town’s mix of trendy shops, galleries,
and restaurants and lively cultural scene makes it one of the must-see
cities in the world. But its cultural allure is hardly a match for its
visual grandeur, including a monolithic mountain backdrop, rugged landscapes,
lush vineyards, inviting beaches and abundant flora and fauna. After
breakfast, enjoy a morning city sightseeing tour, with a cable car ride
up to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). The afternoon
and evening are at leisure. (Breakfast)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Cape Peninsula
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 Boulder’s Beach
to see the African Penguin, also called the Jackass Penguin because
of its donkey-like braying call. Afterwards, enter the Cape of Good
Hope Nature Reserve, with its flowering plants and antelope herds, driving
through the unique scenery toward the Cape. Take a funicular railway
up to Cape Point Lighthouse. From here you can see the continent’s
southernmost point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans merge. Afterwards,
enjoy lunch in Simonstown. Next on the itinerary is a cruise to Duiker
Island to see its population of seals. Returning to Cape Town, visit
the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before arriving at our
hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Monday, March 26, 2007
Cape Winelands
After breakfast, embark on an excursion to the Cape Winelands, one
of the absolute must-see destinations in the region with its majestic
vistas, rich culture and history. Rolling vineyards and quaint Cape
Dutch homesteads await you, as well as award-wining wine farms offering
some of the country’s best wines. We visit two of the most popular
vineyards—Stellenbosch and Paarl. Dinner tonight is provided at
one of the popular restaurants in Cape Town’s gay village. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Township & Robben Island Tours
This morning take a tour of one of the townships to experience the
typical lifestyle of the locals. In the afternoon take a cruise out
to Robben Island to tour the prison where former president Nelson Mandela
was held for 18 of his 27 years in prison. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Free Day
Today is entirely at your leisure! This evening celebrate the conclusion
of this amazing adventure at our farewell dinner at the Africa Cafe
Restaurant. In one evening you will sample exquisite dishes from many
countries on the African Continent. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Farewell to South Africa
The day is at leisure until check-out time and transfer to Cape Town
International Airport for your return flight home. We will be happy
to assist with your accommodation needs if you would like to extend
your stay in Cape Town. (Breakfast)
Friday, March 30, 2007
Arrival in U.S.
South African Airways flights arrive in Washington and New York early
this morning.
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