"Safaris by Appointment" - Safaris for the African Connoisseur!

CONNOISSEUR - LUXURY SOUTHERN AFRICA
Cape Town – The Falls & Botswana
10 nights / 11 days

Start:    Arrival Cape Town
End:     Departure Johannesburg

Itinerary in Brief:

Ellerman House Villa                           Cape Town – 3 nights
Sussi & Chuma                                    Livingstone, Victoria Falls Zambia -   2 nights
Jao Camp                                            Botswana, Okavango Delta -   2 nights
Vumbura Plains Camp                        Botswana, Okavango Delta -   3 nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

Days 1-4                       Cape Town – Ellerman House Villa ( 3 nights)
On arrival in to Cape Town Airport met by your local English speaking private guide, or specialist language guides can be provided if required), with private luxury Mercedes Vito ,or similar  to Ellerman House

Overnight 3 nights at ELLERMAN HOUSE at the VILLA ( use of entire villa private use) Rates include: Exclusive use of the most modern, exciting villa in Cape Town; Ellerman Villa's butler and his assistant will take care of you throughout your stay; transfers to and from the airport in an air conditioned vehicle; breakfast served by your personal chef; fully stocked fridge with luxury nibbles; fully stocked bar with freshly squeezed juices, beers, spirits and chosen house wines; the use of the Ellerman Spa with a jet stream pool, steam room and sauna; same day laundry service; technologically advanced, electronic equipment; private entrance with 24 hour monitored security; and private and secure parking Rates excludes : Lunch, dinner, telephone and fax, wine and champagne, visitors' meals and drinks. Discuss with your chef your requirements, and these meals to be settled directly on departure Rate quoted does not include exclusive use of the SPA, but if you require this just for you, we can advise the supplement

Slick modernity coupled with incredibly comfortable design principles is the ethos behind the newly created Ellerman Villa & Spa. Situated in the gardens of the world-renowned Ellerman House, the 'twelfth room' of the hotel was fashioned to offer a contemporary edge to the classic original, without compromising on the philosophy of service excellence. It even has its own butler to cater to guests' every whim. Comprising a Spa, with two bedrooms, on the ground floor, a living area on the second and three bedrooms on the third, Ellerman Villa provides a home-away-from-home for the modern traveller comfortable in a minimalist environment. A Beezy Bailey sculpture of a man holding a bird Stands at the lower ground floor entrance and welcomes guests while at the same time emphasizing the drama of a black marble waterfall that plunges into a bed of weathered pebbles. The architecture of Ellerman Villa is reminiscent of the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Its uncompromising angles, oblique outlooks and sheer glass allow maximum exposure to the sea below and beyond, almost inviting the ocean into the house.

It is these cool colours, inspired by the refreshing palette of the Atlantic Ocean, that define the overall look of Ellerman Villa. The Spa, on the ground floor, is surrounded by teak decks and an infinity pool that has a separate icy plunge pool for residents taking advantage of the sauna. It comes with a resident therapist who pampers guests with the most luxurious treatments available.

A polished teak deck leads to the Spa with its contrasting pale oak floors and dark wood inlays. The Spa has two bedrooms that can be used either by residents using the Spa, or reserved for sole use by those staying in Ellerman Villa, offering five bedrooms in all.

A lift, like a modern gilded cage, connects all levels of the house. A curved staircase, the rail bound in leather, follows the lift while soaring, bronzed bamboo delivers a natural art form to complement the space. The living area is open plan and flows outdoors. The massive glass windows peel back completely, opening up the lounge, dining room and study to the magnificent views of the ocean. It is level with the branches of the trees in the gardens of Ellerman House, giving the sense that guests can soar with seagulls that pursue the dolphins in Bantry Bay below. A separate entertainment room, with flat screen plasma television, DVDs and CDs downloaded into the house's main server, leads into a hi tech stainless steel kitchen, fully stocked with delicacies from the best gourmet food shops in the city. At the top of the house, level with the tree tops, are three luxurious bedrooms each with a glamorous, Hollywood-style bathroom created with acres of Travertine marble, infinity mirrors, some of them etched with ethereal designs, and of course, top of the range beauty products.

The main bedroom, with a king-size bed, is decorated in a symphony in aqua and cool creams, and is defined by a bathroom that opens out on to the sea as if someone were on the deck of a boat. The second bedroom, known as the lilac room, is also dominated by a king-size bed, and has a striking Bali-style bathroom. The third bedroom, on the side of the house, looks on to the Twelve Apostles Mountains and has two single beds, both draped in plush burgundy and pale gold. And for women wanting some quiet time out, a ladies' study - stocked with a library of books and all the latest magazines - has a single divan on which to while away an afternoon reading or reflecting. The Ellerman Villa & Spa delivers on its promise of uncompromising luxury, unrivalled extravagance and superb service. It is a legend in the making. Time permitting and if you want after you have checked in and got acquainted with your accommodation at Ellerman, your private guide, can take you for an afternoon tour - Discovering Cape Town City tour or you can choose to remain at your accommodation and take in the view. This is just a suggestion and your are free to do as you wish

We leave the Hotel to drive up Adderley Street, the main road of the city, viewing all the historic points of interest along the way. From Adderley Street we move on to the Castle, the oldest building in the country. The Dutch East India Company first building built this when they arrived on our fair shores in 1652. From the castle we return back to the city centre taking in more of the historic and interesting buildings like the St. Georges Cathedral, the houses of Parliament and the old slaves quarters, along the way.

From the city centre we go up to the “Bo Kaap” which is the district of the city where the slaves lived during the 18^th century. This is an architecturally colourful area that is steeped in history. From the Bo Kaap we drive up the lower reaches of the mountain and ascend Table Mountain via the Rotair cable car ( Subject to weather) to enjoy the spectacular views of the city and Cape Peninsula as can only be seen from the top of this majestic mountain. We descend from the mountain and then make our way back to the city via the beautiful beaches of the so-called Platinum mile. We drive through beaches like Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry bay and Sea Point. You may be forgiven for thinking that you are in the South of France and not in Africa when you see these fantastic beaches.

This tour is designed to orientate and to give a very brief introduction to the culture and sights of Cape Town. Visit Table Mountain weather permitting

Day 2                Cape Town – Full day Cape of Good Hope Tour
Depart the villa at approximately 9:00am with private vehicle and private guide and drive in a southerly direction onto the Cape Peninsula. On passing the face of Table Mountain we pass places District Six, Rhodes Estate, Groote Schuur Hospital, Rhodes Memorial and The University of Cape Town. All of these places are deeply entrenched in the history and culture of Cape Town and invariably leads to interesting discussions regarding the past and future of South Africa.

As before Anna will discuss with your requirements, and what your preferences to see are.

Program is flexible but the highlights are as follows:-

Our first stop is the seaside village of Muizenburg where you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of False Bay. From here we follow the incredibly scenic route along the False Bay coast through the fishing villages like Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek on the way to Simonstown. Simonstown having been a British naval town until as recent as 1957, normally comes as a pleasant surprise to everyone visiting the Cape Peninsula as encountering such a ‘British Town’ in Cape Town is unexpected.

At Simonstown we drive through the navy village and then to Boulders beach to visit the penguin colony and the two thousand Jackass Penguins dressed in their ‘tuxedos’ and doing the cute things that penguins do. After the penguin colony we drive along the wonderfully scenic mountain drive along False Bay to visit The Cape of Good Hope reserve. Cape Point reserve is a magnificent floral wilderness at the foot of Africa. For the nature loving person it is a truly fantastic experience traversing such a unique floral kingdom. Who knows, if we are lucky enough we might even see some antelope, ostrich or baboon. If we are really fortunate we might even see the elusive Burchell Zebra that makes an appearance on the reserve infrequently.

From the Cape Point reserve we head back up the Western side of the peninsula along the treacherous Atlantic coast through the amazingly beautiful seaside hamlet of Misty Cliffs and then over the Peninsula Mountains.

For lunch for today it will be at the elegant Constantia Uitsig – La Colombe Restaurant  (settle lunch account locally, as it will be al la carte and we do not want to limit you to a set menu or set wines) wine estate at Constantia Uitsig restaurant with renowned British born, Tuscan trained, chef Frank Swainston. The fact that reservations have to made almost a week in advance, to ensure a meal at this restaurant, attests to the quality of the food, wine and service.

After lunch we visit the internationally renowned Kirstenbosch botanical gardens where I will take you on a guided tour of our incredibly vast Cape Floral Kingdom. A walk through some of this huge garden has never failed to leave guests awe inspired and breathless. For the art lovers it is also a wonderful opportunity to stroll through the sculpture garden to admire some stone works created by our local sculptors. I would however first confirm that this stop will be of interest to the younger guests. If the time is better spent taking a cruise to Seal Island then your guide will discuss to see what is most appropriate to you/

You should return to the villa at about 17:30pm.

Day 3               Ellerman Villa
At leisure to relax or we can arrange a special excursion

Day 4-6            Sussi & Chuma Livingstone,( Victoria Falls) Zambia ( 2 nights) Departure in the morning with private transfer with private guide to Cape Town Airport. (Flight required your own account: Cape Town (CPT) via Johannesburg (JNB) to Livingstone (LVI) Arrival in to Livingstone Airport, Zambia, clear customs and immigration (VISA waiver can be arranged for some nationalities, and we require passport details, place of issue, DOB, full names, Nationality. Some Nationalities, including Ukraine Passports may need to obtain VISA in advance). Transfer provided to Sussi & Chuma a short drive approx. 30mins-40mins from Livingstone, where we have arranged your accommodation for 2 nights 2 nights at  Chuma House
Located at Victoria Falls - Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Sussi Lodge & Chuma House are named after David Livingstone’s faithful friends. Chuma House(s) are exclusive self contained villas located downstream from Sussi Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi Lodge, 9km upstream of the Victoria Falls. Accommodation for up to 4 people in each villa. All meals prepared by your own chef • All drinks, teas and coffees - soft drinks, beers, select local wines and spirits Return Airport transfers from Livingstone Airport 2 activities per day in a private vehicle or boat with your own private guide• Private Housekeeper Laundry • Park Entry Fees • Service Charge
This exclusive villa’s offers 2 bedrooms en suite, one double room with a bath and outdoor shower and one twin room with a bath and in-door shower, a spacious lounge and dining room area, kitchenette, outdoor verandah, barbeque area and private swimming pool. The second bedroom can be converted into a private office area with telephone and computer modem link. Additional facilities include Satellite TV and a fully stocked bar. Guests will have their own private chef to cook all meals and a private guide, vehicle and boat for all activities.

ALL INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

• Full range of game drives in the National Park using an open four-wheel drive vehicle driven by your private guide
• Nature walks in the National Park
• Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls
• Cultural trips to a nearby village and school
• Livingstone Museum Tour
• Livingstone town shopping Tour
• Boat Cruises on the Zambezi River
• Fishing

Additional activities that can be booked at an extra cost include:

• White water rafting
• Canoeing
• Sunset cruises
• Helicopter and microlight adventures
• Elephant back safaris
• Bungi Jumping

AMENITIES AND SERVICES

• Private chef to prepare all your meals
• Massage and Beauty Treatments
• Private Professional guide with exclusive use of a vehicle and boat.
• Road Transfers from Victoria Falls town and airport and Livingstone town and airport
• Choice of 2 activities per day as outlined below
• Spectacular Bush Wedding Package

ALL UNITS HAVE

• One Double Bedroom with en Suite toilet, basin, outdoor shower & bath
• One Twin Bedroom with en suite toilet, basin, in-door shower & bath. This second bedroom is convertible into an office or private meeting room
• Spacious lounge with fireplace
• In-door and out-door dining area
• Mosquito nets in bedrooms
• Hair-dryers in bedrooms
• Overhead fans in bedrooms, lounge and dining room
• Fully equipped Kitchenette
• Private verandah
• Private Swimming Pool
• Outdoor Barbeque area
• Fully stocked bar
• Satellite TV
• Telephone and Computer modem points

Days 6-8                       JAO CAMP – 2 nights, Okavango Delta, Botswana         
Following breakfast, depart for transfer back to Livingstone Airport by vehicle. 

Here you will depart by light aircraft Cessna Caravan, or similar ( luggage restricted to 20kgs per person, in soft bags, not hard Samsonite suitcase types to Kasane, Botswana (short 20mins flight). Arrival, clear customs and immigration in to Botswana. Continue onward by light aircraft transfer to your first camp in the Delta region- Jao Camp. On arrival at Jao Camp’s airstrip met by 4x4 Landrover for short transfer to the camp. 2 overnights at JAO CAMP in Luxury Accommodation - Based on fully inclusive basis (All local drinks beers, wines and mineral water are included in the nightly tariff, with the exception of premium wines & champagne, and premium liqueurs & spirits) All safari activities, and accommodation in luxury chalets raised. Laundry is included. Jao Camp is situated in a private reserve on a remote large island, to the west of the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Across the waterway in front of camp, guests have access to open flood plains and savannah for a wonderful Okavango experience.
Guests are accommodated in 9 large and spacious rooms. Each of the unique and beautiful twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms has been individually handcrafted under the direction of renowned architects Sylvio Rech and Leslie Carstens. The rooms are built under a canopy of shady trees, with en-suite bathroom, hot and cold running water, a large bath and double vanities. There is an additional outside shower under the stars for those more adventurous guests who want to shower closer to nature. There is an outdoor "sala" for guests to enjoy midday siestas with a view and a breeze. The rooms are raised off the ground and offer wonderful views of the surrounding flood plains. A raised walkway connects the rooms to the dining room and lounge area. A variety of habitats ensures diverse and interesting game viewing. The wildlife at Jao depends largely on the water levels in the area. The lagoons are home to Hippo and Crocodile and the permanent waterways and floodplains attract large numbers of waterfowl. In the permanent waters, Sitatunga can be tracked silently by mokoro.
From October to March the waters subside and extensive green open plains are the highlight. This is where the game viewing is the most diverse. Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are plentiful, while Tsessebe, Red Lechwe, Zebra, Giraffe, Warthog and Wildebeest dot the flood plains. Large herds of buffalo move in and out of the reserve at will. Night drives are good for spotting creatures not often seen such as Porcupine, Spotted Hyena, Pangolin, Spring Hares, Bushbabies, Civet and Genets. During our winter months, the water levels at Jao rise and the savannah areas become inundated with water. Huge herds of Lechwe can be found on the floodplains and the Lion prides are adept at hunting and drowning their prey in the water. Leopards are still often seen and Elephants are more prevalent at this time. Plains game such as Impala, Zebra, Wildebeest and Tsessebe stick to the dry islands. During this time the focus at Jao switches more to water activities with limited game drives on the larger islands. A greater choice of activities is also possible at this time of year due to these higher water levels.

Day 8-11           VUMBURA PLAINS CAMP – 3 nights, Okavango Delta, Botswana      
Following final breakfast, transfer onward by light aircraft on to the next camp.  3 overnights at VUMBURA PLAINS CAMP in Luxury Accommodation - Based on fully inclusive basis (All local drinks beers, wines and mineral water are included in the nightly tariff, with the exception of premium wines & champagne, and premium liqueurs & spirits) All safari activities, and accommodation in luxury accommodation. Laundry is included.

Vumbura Plains (pronounced Voombera) Camp is a luxury camp situated to the north of Mombo, in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the extreme north of the Okavango Delta. The Vumbura Reserve offers both land and water activities in a park that has a wonderful variety of habitats and a great diversity of wildlife. The reserve offers an enormous traversing area of close on 130 000 acres. The main activity at Vumbura Plains is game viewing in wonderful and varied countryside. Open 4x4 Land Rovers allow close proximity to animals in the savannah and forested areas. The Vumbura area is possibly the only area in the Okavango where one can see Red Lechwe (an animal that inhabits the fringes of the waterways) and a Sable antelope (an animal that enjoys the dry countryside) on the same game drive. Add in Lion, Leopard, Elephant, cheetah and Buffalo along with all the plains animals and one has an excellent all round wildlife experience in a remote and private part of the Okavango. Birding too is great with large varieties and quantities. Walks, mokoros and boating give Vumbura's guests the opportunity to enjoy Africa from a different perspective.

Vumbura Plains overlooks a vast, attractive floodplain and the rooms are built under the shade of cool and shady trees. Vumbura Plains consists of 2 x 14-bedded camps linked by raised boardwalks and each has its own dining, lounge and bar area although all 28 beds or parts thereof can be utilized for larger parties. All of the luxury rooms are raised off the ground on wooden platforms with walkways connecting them to the main living areas. Each room has a large, very comfortable bedroom, a lounge, a "sala" and en-suite facilities with a shower, a flush toilet and an outdoor shower under the stars. The main dining, lounge and pub area is also raised off the ground and tucked beneath a canopy of shady, indigenous trees with a wonderful vista across the floodplains. Each room has its own plunge pool.

Day 11              Departure        
Following final safari and breakfast, transfer onward by light aircraft to Maun Airport ( 20 mins).
Connect with schedule flight Air Botswana Maun (MUB) – Johannesburg (JNB) – flight not included and for your own account.

Arrival in to Johannesburg connection with onward flights

END OF SERVICES  

 Quotation  –  (2010)

Includes:

3 night’s accommodation at the Villa –Ellerman House (based on exclusive use), private and inclusive as per the program
Private guide ( English or specialist language guide as required) for transfer and suggested tours in Cape Town, with vehicle suitable for number in your group
Excursions as specified in the program
2 nights Chuma Houses full board, see description for full details
Private light aircraft transfers Livingstone – Kasane – Jap Camp – Vumbura Plains Camp
5 nights in Botswana in Jao Camp and Vumbura Plains on fully inclusive basis, see details as per the program

Excludes:

Meals not specified as included in tariff, i.e. lunches during Cape of Good Hope Tour
International air required and domestic flights your account (Cape Town – Johannesburg – Livingstone / Maun - Johannesburg
Any extra not included in tariff on safari or Ellerman, i.e. premium brands / French Champagnes, meals at Ellerman Vila prepared and arranged by your chef are extra to be settled at Ellerman, based on consumption or requirements that
Tips or gratuities are from your discretion during your travels.
Departure taxes US$25 from Livingstone
VISA fees as applicable