1. WILDLIFE | ADVENTURE | ROMANCE | CULTURE | LIFESTYLE
Expect a visit to South Africa to exhilarate your senses.
Witnessing the grace and beauty of a lioness as her haunches sway in the tall grass…
hearing the faraway roar of a lion at night…tasting exquisite wines cultivated between two oceans…
touching ancient history…and feeling the warmth and hospitality of the people can
all enrich your journey to the southernmost tip of Africa.
Presented by South African Tourism
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SOUTHAFRICA

2. WILDLIFE
Into the Wild*
The first time you see an animal in the wild,
its majesty and freedom of movement
take your breath away. Whether it’s one
of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant,
Cape buffalo, rhinoceros—or a dazzle of
zebra, a pod of hippos or a journey of
giraffe, you’ll remember it all your life.
The knowledge of experienced bush
guides—an animal tracker who sits on
the hood of your Land Rover and
the ranger who narrates from behind
the wheel—enhance a South Africa
wildlife safari.
They’ll lead you into habitats when the
animals are most active, before sunrise
and again at sunset. And then it’s time for
a break. When you hop off the vehicle in a
safe clearing, your hosts may offer you a
cup of hot tea or a glass of local Amarula
liqueur, proving that civilized pleasures
can be savored even in the wild.
ADVENTURE
The Great Outdoors*
“If you’re an adrenaline junkie, South
Africa is the place to explore,” advises
adventure travel guru Lois Friedland.
“Experiences are only limited by
how much your body can handle.”
Try a heart-pounding sport no one
back home has heard of, like kloofing
(descending into a lagoon via ravine),
abseiling (canyoneering with rope) or
sandboarding (snowboarding on sand).
If those activities sound too extreme,
let gentler pursuits lead you into
nature. Travel through the Winelands
on horseback, explore the picturesque
coast on a motorbike, go deep-sea
fishing, charter a yacht for the day, or
see the Cape from above by helicopter.
Naturally you’ll want to experience
a safari. Instead of sitting in a Land
Rover, try a walk in the bush or perch on
the back of a stately African elephant
whose gentle rocking gait puts you at
one with nature.
ROMANCE
A Place to Fall in Love*
If your visit to South Africa is part of
a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, a
once-in-a-lifetime journey or simply a
gift you give yourselves, expect to be
seduced. From windswept Cape Point
to towering Table Mountain to verdant
and sweet-smelling Kirstenbosch
Botanical Garden, the great outdoors is
filled with swoon-worthy settings to pop
the question or unfurl a picnic lunch.
At sunset in the city or countryside,
hearts swell with the beauty of the
surroundings.
Lovebirds also have a magnificent
selection of luxury lodgings to nest in.
For example, at Londolozi—the first
Relais & Châteaux game reserve
in the world—couples can cocoon
in a Granite Suite. And raise a toast on
the private viewing deck while the
big cats quench their thirst at Sand
River below.
Diamonds were discovered in
Kimberley in 1867. Soon after, gold
was found nearby. The combination
of these two precious elements has
since warmed many a heart. Find the
perfect gift to commemorate your
visit at Kimberley or among the fine
jewelers of Cape Town.
culture
Ancient Treasures**
South Africa is where earth’s first
humans emerged, and the land
holds fascinating evidence of their
presence. In 1999, UNESCO named the
Cradle of Humankind, 30 miles from
Johannesburg, a World Heritage Site.
Several sites within it are open to
the public, and researchers who work
there are often accessible. So if you
wonder “How can you tell how old a
fossil is? Which cave has yielded the
most discoveries? What do the findings
reveal about evolution?” you just may
find yourself in conversation with some
of South Africa’s most active and
enthusiastic scientists.
LIFESTYLE
Sipping & Savoring*
Thanks to dedicated local growers,
artisanal chefs and expert winemakers,
South Africa is emerging as an important
culinary destination. Dining venues range
from sophisticated city restaurants to
bush barbecues (or braai) under the stars.
At some tables you may see local
impala and crocodile on the same menu
as the more traditional beef, fish and
chicken. Those with a yen for sushi
can dine at Nobu in Cape Town’s
One&Only Hotel, Michelin-starred Nobu
Matsuhisha’s first African outpost.
Wine, of course, is essential to
every fine meal. “There’s a growing
confidence in South Africa as a
top wine-producing country,” West
Ngcwabe, sommelier at Mount Grace
Country House & Spa, told Sawubona
magazine. “We’re in the unique position
of straddling the traditional tastes of
old-world European wines and the
styles of the new-world ones from
Australia and America.”
In Franschhoek, the country’s
gourmet capital, and Stellenbosch,
home to nearly 100 wine estates,
oenophiles can sample vintages and
stay the night in elegant surroundings
or charmingly renovated 17th-century
Dutch farmhouses.
Pursue your passions in
South Africa, where what you see,
do, taste and hear will arouse your senses.
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3. Extraordinary
Experiences in
South Africa
Enhance your visit to South Africa
by adding activities that reflect your
passions. American Express Platinum
Travel Services has curated the following
to showcase different aspects of vast and
wild, natural and cultured South Africa
exclusively for DEPARTURES readers.
For the image conscious…
WILDLIFE SAFARI WITH A
PRO PHOTOGRAPHER*
Take a day-and-overnight excursion
that includes two game drives with a
professional nature photographer in a
customized Land Rover outfitted with the
latest optical and sensory gear. At sunset
and beyond, riders won’t miss a thing,
thanks to night-vision goggles and sound
equipment that helps pinpoint wildlife
locations. Participants overnight in the
elegant Londolozi Lodge. Early the next
day, awaken before sunrise, point your
lens toward the animals as
they begin to stir and capture
magazine-worthy images.
For outdoors
enthusiasts…
ADVENTURES ON
LAND & SEA*
Meet your expert guide
on False Bay and set off in
kayaks. At Boulders Beach,
African penguins waddle
about freely and sometimes
swim alongside paddlers. Afterward
swim and snorkel in clear waters off
a secluded, semi-private beach. Then
visit the Cape of Good Hope to take in
the panoramic views from the top. The
next stop is Hermanus, home to five-
star Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
eco-lodge, overlooking Walker Bay.
Choose a soft adventure such as hiking
or horseback riding or something more
extreme like shark cage diving with
Great Whites.
For food and wine
aficionados…
THE CULINARY CAPE*
Join a South African wine expert who
will curate a special day based on
your food and wine preferences In
a chauffeur-driven vehicle visit
picturesque Franschhoek, the country’s
gourmet capital, and Stellenbosch, home
to nearly 100 wine estates. Dinner is an
African-inspired menu at The Tasting
Room of Le Quartier Français prepared
by executive chef Margot Janse and
her award-winning team. After the
meal, travelers spend the night in the
quaint yet luxurious Babylonstoren
Farm Hotel.
For diamond devotees…
ON TRACK FOR ROMANCE*
Travel in old-world luxury between
Pretoria and Cape Town on the elegant
and historic Blue Train. Each couple
will make the overnight journey in a
private suite with all the amenities of
a fine hotel—including breakfast in
bed—and a butler on call for any
special needs. Enjoy high tea and
then savor an elegant dinner of regional
specialties, accompanied by South
Africa’s best wines. The train stops in
Kimberley, where you will disembark
for a private tour of the Mine Museum
and the Big Hole, once the source
of nearly all the world’s diamonds.
For those who dig archeology…
EXPLORATION IN THE
CRADLE OF HUMANKIND**
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
where archeologists have uncovered
fossil specimens that date back more
than 4 million years. The findings at
Sterkfontein and Drimolen conclusively
prove that the African continent is
where mankind began. Touring these
areas, visitors observe and can interact
with archaeologists at work, learn how
these ancient caves were discovered
and hear about ongoing research.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
*Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariffs between quote date
and start date are payable by the client. Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts
to book hotels per the itinerary; however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date
we may be forced to offer substitutes. Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and
conditions set out at http://privateguided.com/Terms-And-Conditions. Living standards and practices at destination
may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
**Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariffs between quote date
and start date are payable by the client. Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. Cancellations received 31
days or more prior to the service will be refunded in full. Cancellations received 20-15 days prior to the service will be
subject to 50% of the service price. Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to the service will be subject to 100%
of the service price. Living standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect
to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not
responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. We want you to be aware that certain suppliers pay us
commissions and other incentives, and may also provide incentives to our travel counselors. CST#1022318-10,
ML#1192, Washington UBI#600-469-694, TA#002 ­Registered Iowa Travel Agency, NV#2001-0126.
HOW TO BOOK A
BESPOKE BIG FIVE
Contact American
Express Platinum
Travel Service at
800-525-3355 and
reference promo
code MUL00041. This
offer is exclusively
available to
DEPARTURES readers.
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