South African explorer August 2012

[Jan Myers]

I have seen customer reviews on this holiday - all of which sound fantastic. Could you give me information on costs of optional excursions on the main tour; plus what is included on the Victoria falls add on as well as cost of optional excursions on this add on. I realise that these will vary year on year but an approximate guide would be very helpful.

[Olly]

Hi Jan
I'm glad you like the sound of this holiday - there is so much to see in South Africa and taking one of our escorted tours is a great way to see it all.
I've copied last year's optional excursion prices for you below as a guide. These may be a little different for 2012.
The Victoria Falls add-on is on a b&b basis and includes an excursion to Mukuni Village, home to the Leya people, and a cruise along the Zambezi River plus access to the Falls, of course. There are a number of optional excursions available, including a microlight flight over the Falls. I will get back to you when I have a list of these.
Kind regards
Olly, your editor

***
Optional Excursions

In addition to the excursions already included in your holiday price, we are pleased to offer some optional excursions during your stay. These have been carefully planned to give you the opportunity to enjoy further sights and experiences to make your holiday even more memorable. Your Tour Manager will be happy to provide you with any additional information you may require. For more details please see the optional excursion information.

Reservations for these excursions will be accepted by your Tour Manager and payment should be made in the appropriate local currency - South African Rand. We regret we are unable to accept payment by credit card, unless otherwise stated. Prices given below are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Prices will be confirmed by your Tour Manager in resort.


CAPETOWN
Helicopter Ride
An amazing flight by helicopter over Cape Town - a truly wonderful way to view the city and Table Mountain.
Price: £113.00 (duration 30mins)

Evening Cruise
A delightful evening cruise from the waterfront, around the bay. Enjoy a stunning African sunset before returning to the quayside.
Price: £20.00 - transfer not included (duration approx 90 minutes)

Winelands Tour
A spectacular full day tour through the vineyard covered valleys and scenic country roads en route to a winery where you can enjoy a tour of the cellars followed by a tasting.
Price: £62.00

Cape Tour
A full day excursion featuring the Cape of Good Hope, Simon’s Town and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Price: £62.00

Robben Island
Please note that it is becoming more difficult to book the Robben Island excursion on arrival in Cape Town. We therefore recommend that if you want to do this extra excursion you should book this in advance, as space is very limited.
To book, please contact Nelson Mandela Gateway on:
Tel: 00 27 21 413 4200
Tickets cost approx R200.00 per person.

KNYSNA
Township Tour
Enjoy a half day tour of a township with a local guide where you’ll be taken to a shanty town, a primary school and a traditional healer.
Price: £38.00

HAZYVIEW
Elephant Whispers
Take the opportunity to come face to face with an elephant. You’ll be able to touch, feed and take a short ride on one of these gentle giants - a privilege once reserved only for royalty!
Price: £79.00 per person - ride and interaction
Price: £48.00 per person - interaction only

Please note that return transfers are not included in the rates above but can be arranged for a small additional cost through your Tour Manager.

KRUGER
Game Drives
Enjoy the thrill and excitement of the sights and sounds of a Game Drive - there is nothing quite like a close encounter with some of Africa’s spectacular wildlife!

Price: £41.00 (afternoon game drive - approx 4 hours)
Price: £63.00 (full day drive - approx 8/9 hours)

Please note that these drives take place on different days.

When booking any excursions/additional activities, a receipt should be issued by your Tour Manager. As arrangements have to be made in advance, it is only possible to refund money in cases of genuine illness.

[BGray]

Jan, you will have the holiday of a lifetime - it was my best holiday ever! Make sure you do all the optional excursions, they all add up to be pretty expensive but are worth it, as it's probably unlikely you will ever do a trip like it again! Make sure you have plenty of room on your camera, I took over 1000 photos and I'm very selective in the pics I take! The main tour was brilliant, but the Vic Falls add-on was just incredible. Enjoy every minute!
Best wishes,
Bob

[skippy]

What provision is there for someone who does not take the optional excursions?
I refer to days 3, 4 and 12

[Olly]

Hi Skippy
You would be free to relax at the hotel or explore in your own time.
On days 3 and 4 you will be based in Cape Town, where there are so many things to see and do. Some people choose to make their own way to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent so many years in prison (this should be booked in advance - I can give you details if you want them).
On day 12 you would be at the Kruger Reserve so you might want to take the chance to spend the spare half day relaxing in the sun - or ask your tour manager what is possible if you are feeling energetic.
Kind regards
Olly, your editor

[skippy]

I am planning to tour around Cape Town during W/C 26th July as part of our tour.
Can you please let me know the exact hotel and address we will be staying at, so I can plan transport etc?

[Olly]

Hi Skippy

The hotel is likely to be as follows, but bear in mind it is sometimes necessary for us to change hotels. Your hotel will be confirmed in your final documents, sent around two weeks before you travel.

Protea Hotel Victoria Junction, Waterfront
Cnr Somerset & Ebenezer Roads
Cape Town, Western Cape ZA
Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa
8001

http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel...front.html

Kind regards
Olly, your editor

[skippy]

The price of the helicopter ride is surprising, as the City Bus company have an all day hop-on hop-off ticked including the helicopter ride for only £90.13 and they are only a short walk from the hotel.