Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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South Africa Highlights

Example holiday

South Africa Highlights

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to South Africa is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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South Africa Highlights

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 21410

Example Cost

Holiday Title: South Africa Highlights

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 12 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

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About Us

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: South Africa Highlights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive into Cape Town Airport. Collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your dirver will meet you. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

The Cellars-Hohenort is located in 'Cape Town's Vineyard', the historical Constantia Valley on the breathtaking slopes of Table Mountain. All rooms and suites boast panoramic views of the iconic mountain or over the 9 acres of beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel boasts two award-winning dining experiences, these include Greenhouse, one of South Africa's Top 10 rated restaurants where cuisine focuses on South African ingredients with modern interpretations, and The Conservatory which serves simple, beautiful fare and a selection of what was Liz McGrath's favourite dishes. The relaxing Fresh Wellness Spa, tennis court and much more ensures that Cellars-Hohenort is the result of what was Liz McGrath's more than 20 years of hard work, love and endless inspiration.


Day 3

Your hire car will be delivered to the hotel at 09:00 this morning. Complete the necessary paperwork - you will need to present your driving licence, passport and credit card. The keys to your hire car will then be handed over to you. With a hire car, over the next couple of days you can explore slightly further afield - maybe taking a day trip down to the Cape Peninsula, stopping en-route there or back at Boulders Beach which is home to one of only 2 mainland nesting colonies of African penguins in South Africa.

7 Day Car Rental: Group C Compact Sedan - Toyota Corolla Quest Manual or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)


Day 5

Drive to Hermanus (approx 80 km / 1 h 0 mins). The Marine is perched on the cliffs, overlooking Hermanus' Walker Bay and offers guests the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. From June to November, guests are able to view these majestic creatures from the comfort of their beautiful sea view room.


Day 7

Drive to The Garden Route (approx 465 km / 4 h 30 mins). The Plettenberg, situated on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay along the famous Garden Route, is the ultimate South African seaside escape. The 5* hotel, with its 35 beautifully appointed rooms and 2 family-style villas, showcases views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand.


Day 10

Drive back to George Airport, return your hire car and check in for your flight to Skuzuza via Cape Town (please note: check in for domestic flights is 90 minutes prior to the flight departure).

CemAir 5Z439 (Economy Class): Fly from George Airport (GRJ) departing at 09:10 to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), arriving at 11:05

Connect with your flight onto Skukuza.

Airlink 4Z865 (Economy Class): Fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 13:05 to Skukuza Airport (SZK), arriving at 14:05

continues on next page...
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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...continued from previous page.

You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to Sabi Sabi Little Bush.

The idyllic setting and accommodation at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp alone makes a safari here a memorable one. Two daily safaris, in open safari vehicles, then showcase the best wildlife experience imaginable. From the Big 5 to the smallest of creatures, skilled rangers and local Shangaan trackers will make sure that the outings are filled with exceptional close wildlife encounters.


Day 13

After you return from your morning game drive you will be able to enjoy breakfast at the lodge before you are transferred back to Skukuza Airport where you will check in for the afternoon flight to Johannesburg.

Airlink 4Z866 (Economy Class): Fly from Skukuza Airport (SZK) departing at 14:35 to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), arriving at 15:40

Collect your luggage, then make your way to the International Departure Terminal and check in for your flight home.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Cellars-Hohenort Country House

Cape Town: 4 Nights

One of the great country house hotels of the Cape, the 5* Cellars-Hohenort Country House is a member of the international Relais & Chateaux Association.

Nestled against the densely forested eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the hotel is ideally situated as a central point from which to experience a diversity of activities, including Cape Point, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia Valley Wine Route, the famous beaches of Boulders and Camps Bay. A mere15 minute drive will take you to the center of the city and the V&A Waterfront.

The award-winning gardens feature beautiful water features, several ponds, and a rose garden with more than 2,500 roses. The gardens slope up Table Mountain are spectacular throughout the year, with different blooms revealing themselves across the seasons. The 950 vines produce approximately 500 bottles of their own dessert wine, Vin de Hohenort, every year.

The award-winning Fresh Wellness Spa, with its range of treatments and facilities, is a haven of relaxation. Guests may also take advantage of the two solar-heated swimming pools and sun loungers, the onsite gym and running opportunities in the Constantia Green Belt, or play a game of tennis or a more leisurely game of croquet and petanque on the picnic lawns.

All the room and suites offer enchanting views of the idyllic landscaped gardens or across the Constantia Valley to False Bay. In addition, there are also 2 villas for those looking for more seclusion.

Example Details For Cellars-Hohenort Country House

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Double Room with Verandah
Includes: Breakfast; complimentary welcome drink on arrival; and complimentary mini bar are included.

Location

Cellars-Hohenort Country House Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Cellars-Hohenort Country House

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

The Marine

Hermanus: 2 Nights

The 5* Marine Hotel is a member of the Relais & Chateaux Association and has secured its position among the finest hotels in the world.

The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay in the Western Cape’s Overberg region, the hotel is the ultimate location for whale watching during whale season – often directly from the comfort of the sea view bedrooms.

Stroll along the cliff-hugging path to the golf club and view the miles of white sandy beach beyond. Otherwise, there's the sparkling, heated courtyard pool, perfect for catching some African sun. Spend the remainder of your day in the reading Room or watch (in Spring) the Southern Right Whales play in the bay.

Carchele Health and Beauty Spa provides an experience not to be missed. A comprehensive list of treatments is available to refresh and revitalise your body, mind and spirit.

The Marine Hotel has 40 individually decorated bedrooms and suites, each with private facilities.

All rooms are arranged in the highest standard of style and comfort. The bathrooms, a study in marble, chrome and luxurious deep pile towelling, offer the perfect recipe for relaxation amongst the bubbles.

Many have commanding views across Walker Bay or into the beautiful internal courtyards with its swimming pool and garden.

Example Details For The Marine

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Double Sea View
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

The Marine Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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The Marine

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

The Plettenberg

The Garden Route: 3 Nights

The Plettenberg is a 5* Relais & Chateaux Hotel built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas of the sea, mountains and miles of golden sand.

Guests can experience fabulous sightings of playful dolphins and resident Orca and Bryde's whales in the bay from the hotel terraces. For the more adventurous there are numerous excursions and activities within close proximity to the hotel.

With the illusion of flowing right into the bay beyond The Plettenberg, both the pools offer stunning views, comfortable loungers and all-day poolside service.

The spa, with its cool, calm interior, is the perfect retreat for guests looking to relax, unwind and recharge. The spa menu features a range of indulgent signature treatments and spa packages for ladies, gents and couples.

Set in a contemporary environment, SeaFood at The Plettenberg draws hotel guests and locals alike to the 'The Collection restaurant with the best view'. The indoor dining section offers beautiful views of the pool and ocean, while the outdoor terrace is perfect for alfresco dinners, with mesmerising ocean vistas - especially at sunset. The restaurant is renowned for its ocean bounty, drawing inspiration from the rich marine life that can be found in Plettenberg Bay.

Other hotel facilities include a boutique offering a unique selection of specialty items and clothing from acclaimed South African designers.

The 37 luxury rooms and suites offer a truly idyllic and indulgent experience. Whatever room category you choose, from a Double Room right up to a spacious Premier Suite with a private step-out balcony looking out over the bay and surrounding area, you can rest assured that you will enjoy stylish and comfortable accommodation.

In addition, there is the separate 2 villas - the 2 bedroomed Beach House and 3 bedroomed Lookout Villa - which are ideal for those wanting more privacy or who are travelling with larger families. Both villas also have their own private swimming pool.

Example Details For The Plettenberg

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Sea-Facing Room (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied)
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

The Plettenberg Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

The Plettenberg

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: 3 Nights

Located in the game-rich Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and hidden on the banks of the Msuthu River lies Little Bush Camp. The warmth and vibrancy, combined with an intimacy and seclusion, makes this an ideal bush retreat for friends, families or small groups.

Skilled rangers and trackers lead you on adventurous wildlife safaris in open Land Rovers both day and night, tracking the Big 5 off-road and viewing up to 200 species of animals and 300 bird species. In addition, a walking safari with your ranger is optional and takes place after breakfast. Community tours to the local village, where the majority of the staff come from, can also be arranged.

The lodge itself is intimate, centred on an inviting lounge and leading to an elegant outdoor dining area that rests in the dappled shade of local trees. The pool area is just out of sight across the riverbed and an outdoor boma is the perfect setting for indulging in the finest safari cuisine under the African star-studded sky and surrounded by the enchanting noises of the African bush at night.

The lodge has just 6 beautiful suites, all with private decks overlooking the riverbed and surrounding natural bush. Each thatched suite is individually styled with a designer bed, draped mosquito nets, genuine African artefacts, wooden finishes and creative use of colours, textures and light.

Luxurious en-suite bathrooms feature both indoor and outdoor showers, while the heated spa bath on each secluded deck offers a delightfully decadent vantage point from which to relax and watch the bushveld and abundant wildlife.

Example Details For Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Suite
Includes: Twice-daily open 4x4 safari vehicle shared safari drives; the Guest Conservation Contribution; walking safaris; breakfast, lunch and "boma" dinner; selected beverages (excluding cellar wine collection and premium brands) and South African house wines; tourism levy; sundowner drinks during your evening safari; and return transfers from Skukuza Airport are included.

Children aged 13 years and older are permitted on guided walks in the reserve.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

 

Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.

If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.

Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent.  There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.

Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.

South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.

Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.

There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Important Travel Information For South Africa

Continued

Languages And Culture

The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.

The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.