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


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Unforgettable South African Landscapes

Example holiday

Unforgettable South African Landscapes

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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Unforgettable South African Landscapes

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 14746

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Unforgettable South African Landscapes

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 8 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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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: Unforgettable South African Landscapes

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive into Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way to the Domestic Departure Terminal and check in for your next flight.

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

On arrival into Skukuza Airport, you will be met and transferred to Jock Safari Lodge.

Jock Main Lodge is situated in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. The lodge offers 6,000 hectares of exclusive private traversing rights in an area of the Park which is celebrated for the Big Five game viewing. Morning and evening game drives in a covered 4x4 Land Rover with a highly experienced ranger traverse both Jock's private concession and the main road network in the legendary Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park

2 nights at Jock Main Lodge


Day 3

After you return from your morning game drive, you will have time to enjoy breakfast before you are collected and transferred back to the airport, where you will check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Airlink 4Z862 (Economy Class): Fly from Skukuza (SZK) departing at 13:35 to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), arriving at 14:40

Collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall. Your driver will meet you here and then you will be transferred to Pretoria.

At Castello di Monte it is easy to believe that you had found paradise. The Tuscan style estate portrays pure luxury and elegance and offers spectacular views of the hills in and around the capital city. The landscaped gardens with mature olive trees and lavender bushes give an Italian flavour to the African landscape. You will hardly notice that you are in the middle of a bustling city.


Day 4

You will be transferred to Pretoria's railway station.

Check in at 12:30 at the Blue Train Station Lounge at Pretoria Railway Station and enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks before boarding commences at 13:15. The train will depart at 14:00.

High Tea is served at 16:00 in the Lounge Car. You will then have time to relax before dinner. There are 2 sittings - the first is between 18:30 and 20:00; and the second is from 20:15 until 22:00. Dinner is an elegant affair and after dinner, you can enjoy post-dinner drinks in the Club Car before retiring to bed.

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.

Day 5

Breakfast is served between 06:00 and 09:00. At 09:30, the train arrives into Kimberley Station, and guests can disembark here and taken by bus to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum for a tour of the mine (famous for being where the first ever diamonds in the country were discovered) and to the edge of the Big Hole - considered to be one of the deepest cavities excavated by man with a depth of 200 m2. One of the most interesting facts about the Big Hole in Kimberley is that after the mining operations were finally over, the Big Hole become the most visited tourist attraction in Kimberley. Guests are then taken back to the train, which departs Kimberley Station at 13:00. Lunch is then served in 2 sittings - the first between 13:00 and 14:15; the second between 14:30 and 16:00. For those still hungry, High Tea is served at 16:30 in the Lounge Car, and dinner is then served in 2 sittings again from 18:30.


Day 6

Breakfast is served between 06:30 and 10:30. The train pulls into Cape Town's Rail Station at midday.

You will be met and transferred to Constantia.

The Last Word Constantia is the epitome of luxury. It is set in the Cape's oldest and most distinguished wine valley, in the heart of 7 esteemed wine estates and many notable restaurants. This is a 5* guesthouse where the emphasis is placed on peace and serenity. Take a dip in the sunken swimming pool or stretch out on the tanning deck with exquisite mountain views. A lounge, a dining room and a sun patio all lead into the manicured gardens, creating a sense of spacious leisure. The Last Word Constantia is an enchanting oasis that will revive your mind and body in remarkable surroundings.


Day 9

You will be collected and transferred to the airport, arriving in time to check in for your flight home. If you have an evening flight, you will need to check out of your room this morning but you can store your luggage at the hotel until your transfer arrives. Alternatively, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.

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


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Jock Main Lodge

Kruger National Park: 2 Nights

Jock Main Lodge was one of the very first privately owned camps to be situated in the world famous Kruger National Park. The lodge overlooks where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers merge, in the south-western corner of the Park. Today, guests staying here can enjoy exclusive traversing rights over 6,000 hectares of private concession land in what is regarded as one of the best Big 5 game viewing areas. Daily guided game drives and walks led by professional rangers offer exciting close encounters with Africa's wildlife, including lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Some of the drives will be on the lodge's private concession, but others may be in the Kruger Park itself, where your ranger will be restricted to remaining on the road network at all times.

Guests are offered African cuisine which incorporates an abundance of flavours. The head chef and his team conjure up dishes of legendary proportions, allowing your taste buds to follow their own African journey.  The cuisine is presented in a variety of locations, from silver service in the elegant dining room, to an eating adventure under the panorama of the African night.

The Pilgrims Rest Spa Retreat offers an escape to enjoy some pampering. Awaken your senses and allow the trained therapists to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Golfers can also enjoy complimentary transfers from the Lodge to Leopard Creek Golf Club, just outside the Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park. All transfers are done on a game viewing vehicle so your transfer is a game drive in itself. Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to crocodiles!

Twelve luxury air-conditioned suites offer guests the unique opportunity to experience the gracious style of old world elegance surrounded by unspoilt wilderness. Each suite leads onto a private deck with a 'ball & claw' outside bath, a plunge pool and a private sala (outdoor day bed), with spectacular view of the riverbed.

Example Details For Jock Main Lodge

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Suite with Plunge Pool
Includes: All meals and high tea; selection of house beverages, tea/coffee and water; twice daily shared game drives; and guided wilderness walks (subject to availability of guide) are included. PLEASE NOTE: The Kruger National Park Private Concession gate entry fee is NOT included - this is currently R110 per person per stay - subject to change.

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on walking safaris.

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

Location

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


Page 

Jock Main Lodge

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


Page 

Castello di Monte

Pretoria: 1 Night

Castello di Monte is a 5* guest house, situated in Pretoria. The Tuscan style estate portrays pure luxury and elegance and offers spectacular views of the hills in and around the capital city. The landscaped gardens with mature olive trees and lavender bushes give an Italian flavour to the African landscape and you will hardly notice that you are in the middle of a bustling city.

With 7 intimate dining areas you are never short of variety. Each area offers a tantalising experience and view, complimented by the mouthwatering international cuisine.

For total relaxation, why not order a special wellness treatment in the comfort of your room, or enjoy a sauna and steam shower.

The outdoor Roman styled swimming pool brings relief to a hot summers day, or relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail from the bar. You can even enjoy a game of chess at the roof top chess set that gives you a sense of the outdoors as you gaze across the vast expanse of Pretoria.

For the more active person, there are 2 golf courses and a Virgin Active Gym close by.

For your stay here, you will be spoiled for choice. Will it be the Presidential Suite complete with a grand fireplace and a 4 poster bed, or the Honeymoon Suite decorated with hand painted murals, or one of the freshly styled Classic or Terrace Rooms rooms fit for royalty. Whichever room you choose, a sumptuous night sleep is ensured.

Castello di Monte's 16th century splendour is complimented by every modern amenity. From fully stocked minibars and DSTV right down to underfloor heating, air-conditioning and the creature comforts of tea, coffee and local papers, at Castello di Monte your every whim is catered for.

Example Details For Castello di Monte

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Terrace Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

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


Page 

Castello di Monte

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


Page 

The Blue Train - Pretoria to Cape Town

The Blue Train: 2 Nights

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it.The very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.

The journey from Pretoria to Cape Town takes 2 nights and departs on selected dates throughout the year. The train departs Pretoria at 16:00, and having settled into life on board with the drink of your choice, it is time to head to the dining car. While The Blue Train lives up to its 5* reputation in every sense, its cuisine surpasses even the highest expectations - and it could be said that dinner will be the most unforgettable experience of your adventure. Dinner is an elegant affair, with men wearing a jacket and tie and ladies adorned in elegant evening wear. Underscoring the atmosphere is a delightful selection of tasteful background music, ranging from smooth jazz to light classical to the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet.

The next morning, you visit Kimberley as a off-the-train excursion. Guests disembark and gather at the railway museum, from where they will be ushered to a bus, which transfers them to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum and to the Big Hole - said to be one of the largest ever hand-dug excavation in the world in the search for diamonds.

After a second night on the train, you arrive into Cape Town after breakfast at approximately 10:30.

The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.

When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.

Example Details For The Blue Train - Pretoria to Cape Town

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Deluxe Suite
Includes: All meals; high tea; drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic but excluding French champagne); and off-the-train excursions are included.

Location

The Blue Train - Pretoria to Cape Town Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

The Blue Train - Pretoria to Cape Town

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


Page 

The Last Word Constantia

Cape Town: 3 Nights

The Last Word Constantia is located in the heart of the Cape's most famous and beautiful suburbs amongst the leafy vines of the oldest winelands in the Cape. This 5* boutique hotel is conveniently positioned in close proximity to many of the celebrated Cape restaurants, and is only a minute or 2 away from the chic Constantia Mall with its wide variety of fashionable shops and restaurants. Golf lovers will be spoilt for choice with championship golf courses situated a stone’s throw away.

Constantia is a beautiful and unique suburb. Famous for its winelands and exceptionally fine restaurants, it is also considered the birthplace of the country's wine farming industry, the region boasts several world-class wine estates which all produce award-winning wines. Along the well-signposted wine route, wine estates to visit include Steenburg, Constantia Uitsig, Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia, and Groot Constantia. 

Great attention to detail has been placed on offering guest their privacy during their stay at Last Word Constantia - even the luxury swimming pool and surrounding tanning deck has been landscaped and sunk below ground level, to ensure you can be private from your few fellow guests. The lounges, dining area and sun patio all open onto the beautifully manicured garden, with rolling lawns, vibrant colours and mountain views.

The Last Word Constantia offers 9  classically furnished hotel rooms. There are 2 Pool Suites, which each have a private garden and plunge pool and a separate lounge area. The one Family Suite comprises of 2 en-suite bedrooms, and the main bedroom has a family lounge area with a TV and a Nintendo Wii. The 2 Elegant Suites nad separate lounge areas. The 4 Superior Double Rooms each have a private patio. The attention to detail in the well-appointed en-suite bathrooms is a particular feature.

Example Details For The Last Word Constantia

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Superior Room
Includes: Breakfast; tea/coffee; soft drinks, water, and house red and white wine are included.

Location

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


Page 

The Last Word Constantia

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


Page 

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.