The Discovery Journey to
South Africa

The Three Kingdoms

Discover the thrill of the safari and timeless lands replete with gorgeous landscapes, untamed wilderness and fascinating cultures. Travel through the three kingdoms of South Africa for an intimate look at life without boundaries, from the top of the highest mountain pass in Africa, to battlefields heavy with the spirits of warriors and armies, and wildlife reserves filled with incredible creatures. Gather around roaring fires for engaging stories from people who have traversed the land for generations and others who have made it their dream. Secluded lodges and camps bring the romance of the safari alive as expert rangers and trackers share their insights and enthusiasm.

Days 1/2/3 - New York or Washington D.C./Johannesburg/Durban/Lesotho  
Board your overnight flight to Johannesburg, connecting next day to Durban. Upon arrival, you are escorted to your beautifully-renovated Victorian guesthouse. A brief city tour en route familiarizes you with South Africa’s third largest city. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight. Next day finds you deep into the Drakensberg Mountains, and at Sani Pass, the highest in Africa – where you switch to 4x4 vehicles. Take a deep breath of crisp pure air as your eyes take in the spectacular view before ascending into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Visit a traditional homestead of the Basotho people who live mainly in rural areas as goat herders, horse traders or farmers.  Bring a hearty appetite to lunch at the highest pub in Africa complete with a roaring fire.  On your return, stop at the Falls in the town of Howick (time permitting). GOBLE PALMS.  (Meals Aloft; D; B,L)

Day 4 - Kwazulu Natal/Battlefieds
Founded by the great King Shaka, the mighty Zulu kingdom’s fascinating history of treachery and bloodshed culminated in a series of dramatic battles between the Zulu and British armies. Visit the most famous battlefield located in the shadows of Isandlwana Mountain, where in 1879 the British army suffered its greatest defeat.  Your guide brings the battle to life as you envision swarms of Zulu warriors storming down the hill towards the red-coated soldiers. Continue on to your beautiful lodge carved into the iNyoni rock overlooking Mount Isandlwana and the battlefield. Lively conservation ensues this evening around the fire as lodge owner, American Pat Stubbs, recounts her fascinating life in pursuit of her dream (schedule permitting). ISANDLWANA LODGE. (B,L,D)

Days 5/6 - Mkuze Falls Reserve
Drive into the heart of Zululand to the Mkuze Falls Reserve, which is host to a variety of ecosystems, including riverine, wetland, lowveld, bushveld and montane grassland, and one of the few places in the region to spot the ‘Big Five’ on morning and afternoon wildlife drives. Watch for elephant crashing through the bush and cheetah resting in the shade of an umbrella thorn tree. Herds of buffalo, zebra, blue wildebeest, impala and red hartebeest roam the plains, while hippo and crocodile rule the wetlands. Statuesque giraffe gracefully traverse the foliage looking for a tasty bite, and over 400 bird species enliven the terrain, including the dynamically-hued Purple-crested Lourie. Your luxurious lodge overlooks the spectacular Mkuze waterfall and is surrounded by the Shambe and Mahlangosi Mountains. MKUZE FALLS LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 7/8 - Swaziland
Enter Swaziland, a small, independent kingdom of green valleys, indigenous forests and mountains.  An excursion to a village accompanied by a local guide leads to insights into typical Swazi life. Next day, enter Mkhaya Reserve by open Land Rover for intimate encounters with a variety of wildlife.  Established in 1979 to save purebred Nguni cattle from extinction, it has become a haven for more endangered species, including black and white rhino, and roan and sable antelope. Secluded in a dense thicket of trees and colorful gardens is your lovely country hotel. FORESTER’S ARMS. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 9 - White River
Experience the creativity of the Swazi people this morning, as you visit craft shops and studios alive with handmade glass, candles, batik and weaving. Cross the border back into South Africa arriving at the small town of White River surrounded by an agricultural Mecca of tropical fruit and flower farms. Enjoy the Colonial charm of your country inn that dates back to the 1920’s. JATINGA COUNTRY LODGE. (B)

Days 10/11/12 - Kruger National Park
Take in the incredible geology and scenic panoramas during your drive through Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world.  Stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where cylindrical potholes have formed over millions of years from swirling whirlpools, and see the cascading waters of Lisbon Falls. Descend the Abel Erasmus Pass and enter Kruger National Park, established in 1898 and home to an impressive number of species:  336 trees, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.  Your opulent lodge is set on the banks of the Nwatswitswonto River complete with afternoon tea, succulent evening meals, cigars and brandy. Awaken at sunrise to the vibrant call of a lion, and climb into your safari vehicle with muffins and coffee to fuel your excitement until you return for brunch. Encounter large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, impala, kudu and eland. Look for the lithe cheetah and opportunistic hyena. The setting sun brings out the nocturnal animals, and accompanied by spotlights, you search for jackal, serval, civet and leopard.  IMBALI SAFARI LODGE. (All Meals Daily)

Days 13/14 - Mpumalanga/Johannesburg/New York or Washington D.C.   
Savor one last wildlife drive before transferring to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where you connect with your flight home filled with incredible memories of your journey through three kingdoms. (B; Meals Aloft)

Post-Extension to Cape Town, South Africa  
Explore one of South Africa’s most popular destinations – Cape Town. Tour the city and go to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views. Stroll Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a living display of South African flora through the centuries. Take in Cape Peninsula, from its beaches, to Hout Bay and Seal Island, from the tip of the Cape of Good Hope to the convergence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and to the naval base and Penguin breeding colony. Visit New Rest/Kanana Coummunity Trust to learn about the slow, but steady improvements. Browse antique shops and gardens nestled in the ‘Valley of the Huguenots’ and marvel at the incredible variety of architecture, from Cape Dutch, to Victorian and Georgian. Toast your good fortune and your incredible trip at wineries nestled below the Boland Mountains.

Your Journey Includes:

• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• All wildlife viewing by 4x4 vehicles, driven by professional driver/guides.
• Visits to cultural villages and lectures by local experts.
• Breakfast daily; welcome dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant and other meals as indicated in itinerary.
• All wildlife viewing by open 4x4 vehicle, driven by a naturalist driver/guide.
• Accompanied by a professional naturalist with a minimum of 10 travelers.
• Complimentary bottled water in vehicles and at meals.
• All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• All park entry fees.
• Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.

2008 Dates	Main Trip Price/Person Land Only	Single Supplement	Extension Price/Person	Single Supplement
Mar 1-14	$7,995	$1,295	$1,995	$695
May 3-16	$7,295	$1,295	$1,695	$695
May 24 - Jun 6	$7,295	$1,295	$1,695	$695
Jul 12-25	$7,395	$1,295	$1,695	$695
Aug 23 - Sep 5	$7,495	$1,295	$1,995	$695
Sep 27 - Oct 10	$8,295	$1,595	$1,995	$695

*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.

Call Today to begin planning your journey of a lifetime
(800) 627-1244