Compare Spirit of Africa by Spirit Tours vs Southern Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon Safari by Rothschild Safaris

Day 1: Depart USA

You choose your route via Europe, or via JFK or Washington DC. We can assist you in making travel plans to Cape Town

Day 2: Arrive Capetown

Transfer to the Radison Hotel Waterfront is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking its own marina , the hotel has a distinctly maritime feel. Located  a short walk away from the Victoria & Alfred shopping complex on the harbour, this large and spacious hotel is convenient and  comfort able, offering you high quality accommodation and service. A large pool terrace contain s a rim - flow swimming pool that overlooks the sea, a great place to relax.

Day 3: Cape Town Robbin Island Tour

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at 9:00am . At 1:00pm we catch the Ferry to Robben Island, previously used by the Dutch to house;convicts and late as a leprosy colony. The real historical significance however lies in the use of Robben Island as a political prison by a previous "apartheid" government where the leaders of  the struggle against "apartheid" were incarcerated. A guided tour on Robben Island will provide special insight to the conditions under which the political; prisoners were held as well as interesting insight into the struggle against "apartheid". During the tour, the highlight will be a visit to the prison cell of the icon Nelson Mandela, later to become the first democratically elected president of South Africa.That evening we will have our welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Cape Point Tour

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at 9:00am. We will then take the Cape Point Tour. This is an awe - inspiring tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point. Magnificent beaches, breathtaking 3 views, historic and picturesque coastal villages are to be seen along the way. The Cape tour is one of the world’s most scenic areas and stretches from the city centerto Cape Point. We will travel along one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives. We will travel thru Camps Bay and Haut Bay. Our last leg of the tour takes us along the Atlantic Seaboard stopping at a Llandudno look - out point. We will travel thru Silver mine Nature Reserve area to Cape Point and the  Good Hope Nature Reserve , which has magnificent  fynbos vegetation, birdlife, endemic antelope species, zebra, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks. Cape Point is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We will visit the African penguin colony located at the beautiful Boulders Beach . These quaint flightless birds are one of the main eco- tourism attractions in Cape Town. You can view the penguins from elevated boardwalks. Here we will have lunch. We will continue thru historic Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base.The tour ends at 4:00pmat your hotel

Day 5: Table Mountain

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at  9:00am. After the group meeting we will have some free time to shop oneof Africa's most famous waterfront shopping & centres. We will be met in the hotel foyer at1:30pm by an Ilios Travel Representative to beginour tour of Table Mountain. We will take a 65 passenger cable car ride from Tafleberg Road to the top of TableMountain ,where we will enjoy spectacular views in all directions and a bird’s eye view of the city (weather permitting). Once on top you are free to follow paths tovarious look - outs, make use of the telescopes and enjoy a  light meal or simply a sundowner drink in the restaurant. (Regardless of the weather at the base of the mountain, take a windbreaker as it can often be cool  on the mountain top. Wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes.) By the late 1870's, several of Cape Town's more prominent citizens hadsuggested the introduction of a railway line to the top of Table Mountain. Plans to implement a proposed rack railway got under way but the outbreak of the Anglo - BoerWar put a halt to these efforts. By 1912, with a strong desire to gain easyaccess to the t op of Table Mountain, the Cape Town City Council commissioned an engineer to investigate the various options for public transport to the top. Thenew cableway was officially opened on the 4th of October 1997, the anniversaryof the original launch, almost 70 years previously. To date the Cableway has transported more than 16 million passengers to thesummit. 800000 visitors from all over the world use the Cableway annually. Even with so many visitors, queuing time is minimal due to the new upgraded system . 4 The cable car was imported from Switzerland and there are only 2 other in the world in Titlis in the Swiss Alps in Switzerland, and one in Palm Springs in  America.The cable car floor rotates giving everyone a 360 degree view on theway up. At its highest point Table Mountain is 1085m above sea level. The tourconcludes at approximately5:20pm when you will be dropped off at your hotel. That evening we will enjoy dinner on our own.

Day 6: Kirstenbosch Gardens 

The morning begins with stretching and yoga at 7:00 a.m. for those interested, followed by breakfast at 8:00 a.m. (included) and a group meeting for prayer and meditation at 9:00 am .You will be met in the hotel foyer at 9:30 am by an ILIOS Travel Representative to begin your tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden.The gardens are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants.Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well - laid out pathways for easy walking. A great variety of birds inhabit the gardens and the sweeping views from the upper slopes are spectacular. Whether for a casual stroll, a more strenuous walk the gardens are a must - see when visiting Cape Town. We will spend 3 hours at the Gardens and lunchcan be purchased at the restaurant.That eve we will have a Cape town farewell dinner at the African Café.

Day 7: Ngala Game Reserve

This morning following breakfast we will leave the hotel by 8: 0 0am for our 10:00am flight to KRUGER MPUMALANGA INT APTNELSPRUIT KRUGER ZA SOUTH AFRICA AIR8663K SU CAPE TOWN TO NELSPRUIT DEPART AT   1000A arrive1235P We then will be transported on a  3h our drive thrusome of the most beautiful country in South Africato Ngala Private Game Lodge in Kruger National Park.This gracious, colonial - style safari lodge, set in Ngala's extraordinary African wilderness, is renowned for its superb accommodation . It provides an unbeatable family safari experience in the heart of the Kruger National Park. The 20 thatched cottages are shaded by Mopane trees and overlook the riverine below.All cottages feature air conditioning, intimate verandas and green slate in suite; baths and showers. After settling into your room we will venture into the bush for our first game drive. 5 Ngala reserve will provide Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Ngala Game Reserve

Situated within the world -famous Kruger National Park, a safari at Ngala Private Game Reserve is an unsurpassed wildlife experience offering exceptional game viewing, an abundance of birdlife, numerous spectacularly scenic attractions and cultural experiences.

A typical day at a Game Lodge:

5:30a m

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests congregate with the rangers at the main lodge for tea, coffee and light,; snacks in anticipation of the early morning  game drive .

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled game rangers and trackers head out with us into the African bushveld to discover the wonder of the African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic inhabitants. One can sense the excitement.  Who knows what to expect? A  herd of ever – cautious impala  huddled together, a leopard in the  branches of a knobthorn tree with  a  kill from the last hours of darkness,  a  herd of elephant feeding in the lush  vegetation or a pride of lion in the  shade of an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs your passion for Africa and its  many wonders

9:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back to  the lodge. Overlooking the Africa n plains from the main deck, a  spectacular  breakfast follows your return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by  a delectable hot  breakfast

11:00am

Optional Bush walk can be arranged with Rangers at the Lodge.(For no  additional charge)

1:00pm  

Lunch  -- Ngala’s talented chefs prepare a medley of culinary delights, inspired by African  flavours yet guided by western cooking tradition.

2:00pm

the group meets for an informal discussion and check in followed by free time for relaxation.

4:00pm

As the endless African day starts to cool and the shadows are forming across the plains, guests enjoy afternoon refreshments, which are served in the  main lodge before the evening game drive

4:30pm 

A vivid sunset sky forms the backdrop of an unforgettable wildlife experience. As darkness approaches, the animals become more active, rarely seen  nocturnal creatures emerge and incredible  interactions are the order of the day. 

8:00pm

One by one, the drivers return to the lodge, the fires are lit and the night's  entertainment be gins. Return to the lodge for dinner around the fire in the Boma under a starlit sky, or a  gourmet meal by candlelight in  the dining room. A fusion of venison dishes, fresh fish from the South African coast, pastas, soups and  vegetables, dinner at Ngala is a sumptuous affair, where you will be enchanted  by the rhythm and harmony of a local choir. Retire to your suite for a restful night’s sleep in preparation for the next exciting day

Day 9: Ngala Private Game Reserve

5:30am

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests congregate with the rangers at themain lodge for tea, coffee and light  snacks in anticipation of the early morning game drive.

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled gam e rangers and trackers  head out with  us  into the African bushveld to  discover the wonder of the African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic  inhabitants. One can sense the excitement. Who knows what to expect? A herd of ever - cautious impala huddled together, a leopard in the branches of a  knobthorn tree with a kill from the last hours of darkness, a herd of elephant feeding in the lush vegetation or a pride of lion in the shade of an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs you passion for Africa and its 7 many wonders

9:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back  to  the lodge. Overlooking the African plains from the main deck, a spectacular breakfast follows your  return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by a delectable hot breakfast

11:00am

Optional Bush walk can be arranged with  Rangers at the Lodge.(For no additional charge)

1:00pm  

Lunch  -- Ngala’s talented chefs prepare a  medley of culinary delights, inspired by African flavors yet guided by western cooking tradition .

2:00pm 

The group meets for an informal discussion and check in followed by free time for relaxation.

4:00pm

As the endless African day starts to cool  and the shadows are  forming across the plains, guests enjoy afternoon refreshments, which are served in the  main lodge before the evening game drive

4:30pm 

A vivid sunset sky forms the  backdrop of an unforgettable wildlife  experience. As darkness approaches, the animals become more active, rarely seen  nocturnal creatures emerge and incredible  interactions are the order of the day. 

8:00pm

One by one, the drivers return to  the lodge, the fires are lit and the night's entertainment begins. Return to the lodge for our farewell dinner around the fire in the Boma under a starlit sky

Day 10: Ngala Game Reserve

5:30am

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests  congregate with the rangers at the main  lodge for tea, coffee and light  snacks in anticipation of the  early morning game drive.

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled game rangers and trackers head out with  us  into the African bushveld to discover the wonder of the  African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic  inhabitants. One can sense the excitement. Who knows  8 what to expect? A herd of ever - cautious impala huddled together, a leopard in  the branches of a knobthorn tree with a kill from the last hours of darkness, a  herd of elephant feeding in the lush vegetation or a pride of lion in the shade of  an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs your passion for  Africa and its many wonders

8:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back  to  the lodge. Overlooking the African plains from the main deck, a  spectacular  breakfast follows your return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of  seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by a delectable hot  breakfast

9:30am

We will check out of Ngala and be transported to a nearby airport HOEDSPRUIT.

About an hour from the game lodge.

Day: 1 – 3: South Africa: Cape Town - Cape View Clifton, Deluxe Suite

On arrival in Johannesburg, a special meet & greet has been arranged for your arrival to assist you through customs, immigration and to connect with your onward flight. Please look out for an airport representative with your name on a signboard.

Johannesburg - Cape Town, Commercial Flight

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Cape View Clifton

The Cape View Clifton is situated between Lions Head Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, a mere 10 minutes from the Central Business District of Cape Town. The Cape View Clifton offers guests a choice of rooms from Deluxe and Junior Suites to two or three bedroom suites. Each suite features a king size bed and a private balcony with sea views. Deluxe Suites offer an additional living area. Facilities include a small private gymnasium and swimming pool.

Inclusions: Your 3 night stay includes:

• Breakfast, tea, coffee and cake
• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent

Day 2: Classic Cape Peninsula Tour

Meet your guide for your full day Cape Peninsula tour in the lobby of your hotel. Today you will travel to the Southwestern tip of Africa, to the Cape Point, where it is fabled that two oceans meet. En-route you will stop at Boulder’s Beach, residence of the African Penguin, famous for its animated displays. Guests are restricted to a generous boardwalk, where you are able to view the African Penguin in its natural habitat without disturbing or infringing. Continue your drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where you are provided with an opportunity to view animals like the Cape Mountain Zebra, the mischievous Baboon and the blissful Ostrich; all of which reside in the reserve among the indigenous Fynbos. Learn how the treacherous rocks running along the Atlantic Seaboard came to be known as the “Ship Graveyard”, why Bartholomew Diaz called this The Cape of Storms, and why Jan Van Riebeeck proclaimed Table Bay as The Cape of Good Hope. Lunch is typically enjoyed at the Harbour House which boasts an unbeatable location (as well as delicious fresh seafood) where waves are known to crash against the huge plate-glass windows at high tide. Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour. Your drive this afternoon continues along the dramatic and beautiful Chapman’s Peak drive. Hugging the face of Chapman’s Peak Mountain, this pass offers breathtaking vantage points that rise up to 593 meters above sea level. Each one of the 114 curves along the roadway offer incredible views - so get your camera ready! You will arrive back at your hotel late afternoon.

Day 3: Classic Cape Town City Exploration and Robben Island including Table Mountain

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel, enjoy an eclectic mix of Cape Town’s best highlights with this full day city tour. Start with a quick jaunt to see Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting). Next you will get a sense for Cape Town’s pop-culture via a walking/driving tour through some of the city’s most beloved neighbourhoods. From the Company Gardens to the Spin St Slave Tree and the Trafalgar Flower market there is much to see and experience. Visit District Six, which exists today as a stark reminder of the trauma that occurred across the nation when whole communities and people groups were displaced in the name of ‘national good.’ Visit the museum and the actual site en-route to one of Cape Town’s most ‘creative’ neighbourhoods – Woodstock. The suburb of Woodstock is home to some of the best examples of urban renewal and is home to designers, boutique store attractions and some the most highly regarded street art (graffiti) in the country. Filled with the tastes and sounds of a new Cape Town, it is a great way to experience the creative pulse of the city and interact with local artisans of food; coffee; visual art and crafts. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant offering freshly prepared, uncomplicated, wholesome food.

* Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour. The afternoon is saved for visiting one Cape Town’s most iconic sites – Robben Island. Depending on the ferry boat used the tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours including the ferry ride to and from the island. When you arrive at the Robben Island jetty take a short walk to buses where you meet your on-island guide. You will be transported to all the historical sites around the Island. On the way to the buses, you will pass buildings and a high wall built by prisoners during the 1960s. Your tour guides inside the prison are mostly former political prisoners who served time there prior to the release of all prisoners from the island in 1991. They are fully conversant and knowledgeable about the Island’s multi-layered 500-year-old history. A highlight will be disembarking the vehicle to enter sites such as Robert Sobukwe’s house, the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, and the Lime Quarry where prisoners worked. You will be taken into the various cells, learn how information was cunningly disseminated, hear a first-hand account of the conditions prisoners lived in, and even step into the cell of Nelson Mandela. On completion of your Robben Island tour, you return to the mainland for your transfer back to your hotel. If you are staying at a non-waterfront hotel, your guide will meet you at the docks to transport you back to your accommodations. If you are staying near the ferry docks, you will make your own way back to your hotel. We recommend meandering through the markets along the waterfront. * Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour.

Highlights:

• Table Mountain
• Robben Island group tour
• Walk and drive Cape Town monuments, museums and significant landmarks
• Explore District Six and its history
• Visit the eclectic city suburbs
• Woodstock Street Art, Design & Art Hubs
• The Foundry, The Exchange and The Old Biscuit Mill

Day 4: South Africa: Cape Winelands - Grande Provence Estate, Shiraz Room

This morning you will be met by your guide for your Winelands tour. Following your tour, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in the Winelands.

Your Accommodation

Grande Provence Estate is located on the main road in Franschhoek. La Provençale offers 2 air conditioned en suite bedrooms with showers only. The lounge leads directly onto a magnificent outdoor terrace, perfect for al fresco living on warm African evenings and close to the private swimming pool available for use by La Provençale guests. The Owner's Cottage has 4 luxurious en-suite bedrooms and 1 deluxe suite. Facilities include a swimming pool and spa pools with loggia. The charming Huguenot-founded village of Franschhoek is a five-minute drive away with small museums, specialty shops, postal and banking facilities.

Grande Provence Estate

Inclusions: Your 1 night stay includes:

• Breakfast, a complimentary bottle of award-winning Grande Provence wine
• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent Activities

A complimentary wine tasting, cellar tour and guided walk through The Gallery and The Sculpture Garden. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

Classic Cape Winelands Tour

Meet your guide for your full day tour, in the lobby of your hotel. Your day in the winelands can be custom designed for you. With hundreds of impressive farms and estates to choose from, you are spoilt for choice and may need guidance in where best to do your tasting. At your request, we can arrange wine maker meetings and tastings at unusual wine estates according to your wine preferences. There are few places on earth that can rival the Cape Winelands. With its unique combination of culture, history and people it is often called the “Gastronomic Capital of South Africa.” The Cape Winelands allows you to feast on the beautiful landscape with your eyes and nourish your soul with award-winning cuisine and wines that can rival some of the best in the world. Your day begins with a drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek. This lovely town plays host to some of South Africa’s most famed eateries and is surrounded by some of the region’s top wine estates. Some interesting places to indulge are the artisanal chocolatier’s boutique, art galleries, décor boutiques. Franschhoek is a great place to see examples of Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture. You proceed to the Anthonij Rupert L’Ormarins Wine Estate planted on the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains.

The property can be visited by appointment only, allowing for an exclusive and unique wine experience. The Anthonij Rupert Tasting room is located on the farm’s historic and recently refurbished Manor House. Enjoy your private wine tasting at leisure in this stunning home, furnished throughout in the mid-nineteenth century Cape Dutch style. Next you’ll be swept off to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the stunning wine estates in the area. After recharging with lunch you’ll head to Boschendal Estate, one of the region’s best examples of original Cape Dutch estate living. Continue with a scenic drive through historic Stellenbosch en-route to Jordan Winery, listed as one of the Best Vineyard Experiences in 2017. Situated on a hillside behind the Winery Chateau. Enjoy one of chef Todd Knoll’s inspirational deserts paired with a wine tasting or a delicious cappuccino in this oasis overlooking 112 acres of grapevines, 18 acres of olive trees and a one-acre garden. * Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour.

Highlights:

• Drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek to meander the shops and eateries (purchases and meals not included in the cost of the wine tour).
• Lunch at one of the stunning vineyards in the area.
• We will reserve a table for lunch at either Delaire Graff or Jordan Wine Estates.

(Lunch reservations require advance booking and is based on availability. Lunch not included with the cost of the wine tour.)

Award winning estate - Anthonij Rupert superior wine tasting (requires advance booking) - Wine Tasting and Cellar tours Jordan Estate

Day 5 – 7: South Africa: Timbavati Private Game Reserve - Kambaku River Sands, Luxury Suite

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel, for your transfer to Cape Town Airport.

Cape Town - Hoedspruit, Commercial Flight

On arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to your accommodation.

Your Accommodation

Kambaku River Sands is an unfenced camp perfectly situated on a perennial river in the Timbavati Game Reserve. The 10 suites boast private viewing decks with spectacular views of either the dry River bed or the surrounding bush. The en-suite bathrooms feature a spa bath, double shower, private toilet and an outdoor shower. The bar allows for guests to watch elephants drinking out of the swimming pool while enjoying a cold beer or chilled glass of wine. Facilities include a spa, gym, curio shop, infinity pool, sunken wine cellar and raised bird hide.

Kambaku River Sands

Inclusions:

Your 3 night stay includes:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft drinks & local beer
• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives, guided walking safaris.
• Optional activities for an additional cost: sleep-outs in the hide. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated. Water activities are water dependent.

Day 8- 10: Mozambique: Vilanculos - Villa Santorini, Main Villa or The Chapel

Today you will transfer by road to Mpumalanga Airport

Mpumalanga - Vilanculos, Commercial Flight

Upon arrival in Vilanculos, you will be transferred by road to your accommodation.

Your Accommodation

Villa Santorini Mozambique is situated a few miles north of the mainland coastal town of Vilanculos, surrounded by dense coastal vegetation and fronted by its own stretch of beach. It offers five sea-fronting, air conditioned, en-suite bedrooms, each with private balconies. The white walled, multi-tiered landmark of Villa Santorini Mozambique, commands panoramic views across the expanse of Vilanculos Bay from its private, elevated position. Facilities include a library, ocean facing deck with martini pool and a wind-protected courtyard pool.

Villa Santorini

Inclusions: Your 3 night stay includes:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner & local beverages (house wine, beer and soft drinks)
• Laundry - Please allow 24 hours for your laundry to be returned to you WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent

Transfers to Vilanculos town Activities: Guided market tour with a stop at Jorge’s Baracca, one return boat trip to Magarugue Island with beach picnic, snorkeling (included for bookings of three nights or more), kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and sandboarding. Optional activities for an additional cost: Scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, dhow or catamaran sailing and kite surfing. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

Day 11: Enjoy your final morning at the beach

You will be transferred by road to the international airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, you will connect with your onward flight home. International flights should depart no earlier than 6pm.

Vilanculos - Johannesburg, Commercial Flight