Africa Getaways & International Travel

START:    MARRAKESH – MOROCCO
FINISH:    MARRAKESH – MOROCCO

DURATION:  9 days

COST:  from  R8 960

TRANSPORT: Private vehicle, Horse Drawn Carraige, Camel, On foot.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotels (7 nights), Camping (1 Night)

INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR:  8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners – All Activities and entrance Fees as per itinerary
Escorted Tour, English speaking Local guide and driver – Airport transfers- Camel Safari with Camelteers,
Gladiator film set Visit – Marrakesh City Tour.

HIGHLIGHTS: Morocco – Marrakesh – Souks(markets) – Jamma el Fna – Horse Drawn Carriage Ride(Caleche) – Snake Charmers, Jugglers -Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou,  Gladiator Film Set – Quarzazte – Sahara Desert Camel Trek – Desert Camp – Kasbahs – Skoura Palm Oasis.

Sunbaked mud built kasbahs, oases of palm trees, camels, the ever changing colours of the sand dunes as the sun sets, revealing blazing stars and constellations in the night sky are all to be found on this adventure holiday. Starting in the exotic city of Marrakesh, we get our first taste of the orient at the Jamna el Fna square, including snake charmers and smoking open air tagine stalls. Close by are the souks or markets where you can find anything from carpets to Moroccan drums for sale. Heading over the high passes of the Atlas Mountains, the landscape changes to the rocky plains that are the beginning of the desert. Here we will visit the world heritage kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood” of Morocco. Passing the lush date palms and Kasbahs in the Draa Valley, we catch our first real glimpse of the Sahara desert with sand as far as the eye can see. We meet up with our camel team and head out into the dunes for an overnight camel safari, an adventure in itself. It’s possible to hear the shifting sand in the heat and observe the Scarab beetles running up the dunes.

 ITINERARY
Day 1: Marrakesh.  You will be met at the airport and transported to the hotel. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk to the old city medina. There is a swimming pool at the hotel.

The pre-departure meeting will be held in the hotel at 6pm, giving you a chance to meet your Tour Leader and fellow passengers, and go through the itinerary.
 
Day 2: Marrakesh – City Tour.  Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we take a horse drawn carriage (caleche) to the main square, Jamma el Fna and explore the old city.

Marrakesh is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and after Casablanca, is Morocco’s second largest city. Marrakesh has one of the most exhilarating and liveliest souks (market) in the world. The markets are located around the Jamma el Fna square, resplendent with snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats and musicians. Marrakech will not fail to ‘capture’ you. The souks sell spices and fruits, and everything you could wish – you may like to buy a refreshing orange juice from one of the street stalls.

In the afternoon you may like to take another horse drawn carriage ride, or visit Oasira (beach, waves, flumes). In the summer when it is too hot you may like to go shopping. It all depends on how energetic you are feeling. Back at the hotel there is a chance to cool off at the swimming pool.

In the evenings, the square comes alive with music, dancers, acrobats, storytellers, potion salesmen and boxing contests, surrounded by a plethora or mobile food and juice stalls.  (B)
 
Day 3: Marrakesh to Ouarzazate.  An early start after breakfast for our journey to Ouarzazate with our guide. The route goes over the high passes of the Atlas mountains and near the highest mountain in North Africa, Jbel Toubkal. After a lunch stop at the highest point we descend to a completely different landscape of pre desert rocks and kasbahs. We stop to visit the fortified settlement of Ait Ben Haddou (the setting for the film Gladiator), a wonderfully preserved fortified town built out of the local stone and mud into ornate structures. Carrying on a further 20km we reach Ouarzazate where we overnight. It will be about 5 to 6 hours travel today.  (B)
 
Day 4: Ouarzazate to Zagora.   We spend the morning in Ouarzazate, giving you the chance to visit and explore the film sets, or go shopping. In the afternoon we travel for 4 to 5 hours to Zagora, along the palms and oasis of the River Draa. We relax for the night in a hotel with swimming pool.  (B)
 
Days 5-6: Camel Safari.  We continue to Mhamid, where we will meet the camel team for our  2 days adventure in the Sahara Desert, trekking with camels over the sand, and camping in the wildness of the sand dunes. The  camels are available to ride at any time, and they will carry all of your luggage. Picnics and evening meals will be cooked by part of the guide team.

The camel safari is full board camping in 2 person tents in the desert. We provide a large mess tent and 2 person tents, and all camping material apart from sleeping bags. Please ensure you bring your own sleeping bags. Camelteers will accompany us.

After the trek we return to Zagora, for a shower and a night in the hotel.  (Full board whilst on camel trek)
 
Day 7: Zagora to Ouarzazate.  Today we return to Ouarzazate via the Tighrempt Kasbah in Skoura Palm Oasis which you can explore if you are feeling energetic! The Kasbah has a fascinating display of artifacts. The journey takes 4-5 hours. We overnight in Ouarzazate.  (B)
 
Day 8: Ouarzazate to Marrakesh.  We return over the High Atlas to Marrakesh, and the remainder of the day is free – maybe for some last minute souvenir shopping in the souks. (B)
 
Day 9: Marrakesh. The tour finishes after breakfast today. A transfer to the airport is included, so please ensure that you have provided us with your flight details to enable us to make the necessary arrangements.  (B)

TO BOOK THIS TOUR CALL STEPHANIE AND GET THE BEST POSSIBLE AIRFARE RATES TO MARRAKESH.  031 769 1305   -   info@africagetaways.co.za

4 NATIONS TOUR

VISIT:   SOUTH AFRICA ; MOCAMBIQUE; SWAZILAND & LESOTHO

12 Day/11 Night

This tour is immensely popular and leaves from Durban. Moving in and out of South Africa as we add Swaziland, Lesotho and Moçambique to our list of countries visited, it goes without saying that this tour is one of great variety, from high mountains, to pristine beaches, to open African plains. And from open motorways to the deep sand of southern Moçambique and the severe switchbacks of the Sani Pass in 4×4′s, you’ll get to see it all. This tour really has all of the best bits of our most popular tours.

Day 1: Depart Durban for Southern Drakensberg and set up camp. (L, D)

Day 2: Board 4X4 vehicle for the ascent of the incredible Sani Pass and into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, where we enjoy lunch and perhaps a Maluti Lager or two at the Highest Pub in Africa, before descending back into South Africa and on to camp for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Breakfast and break camp early, ready for our trip to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Enter the park, set up camp and sleep well tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 4, 5: For the next 2 days, we enjoy all that the Kruger Park has to offer the local and international visitor. Daily routines are typically as follows: After an early morning cup of coffee, we set off on a morning game drive, tracking the Big 5. Back to camp for breakfast or perhaps breakfast in the bush if we feel like it? As the sun gets higher and the temperature rises, we spend the midday hours in camp, cooling off in the pool and enjoying lunch. Then we set off on our afternoon game drive, returning to camp for sun-downers and dinner under African skies. Night drives can be arranged at extra cost. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Breaking camp early, we enjoy a last game drive in the Park on our way to the exit gate, then head back into Swaziland where we will reach our next camp by midday. That afternoon we have a real treat when we track rhino on foot through the bush with a specialist ranger.

Day 7: Today’s traveling will see us setting foot in 3 different countries before the sun sets. Departing Swaziland, we re-enter South Africa briefly before entering into Mocambique. Once through customs, we board 4X4 vehicles for the short journey through thick sand to our luxury lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 8: After breakfast over-looking the pristine beach and the wild dolphins, enjoy a walk on the beach, visit the village and enjoy a beer with the locals or perhaps just soak up the sun around our private swimming pool. (B, L, D)

Day 9: An early breakfast followed by a 4X4 trip back to the South African border and then onto our next overnight camp in a private game reserve in Zululand. (B, L, D)

Day 10: We spend the day in the Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve, famed for its rhino and elephant but also home to the leopard, lion, cheetah, buffalo and wild dog,                                                                collectively making up the Big 7. (B, L, D)

Day 11: An early pre-breakfast bush walk, whereafter we spend the day soaking up the bush atmosphere, bird watching and lying around the pool. In the afternoon, there is an optional game drive and river cruise. Then back to camp where we enjoy our farewell dinner in the bush. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Break camp and return to Durban, stopping at a craft village along the way to purchase any last-minute souvenirs. (B, L)

OUR PRICE INCLUDES:
VAT
Transport
Toll fees
Meals as indicated
Accommodation, as indicated.
Registered Field Guide
Full Morning Game Drives
Full afternoon Game Drives
Rhino tracking in Swaziland
All 4X4 Excursions and Transfers
Entry fees to all national parks but excludes conservation fees. Persons traveling with a valid Wild Card will not have to pay daily conservation fees. Without a Wild Card, conservation fees are payable by SA citizens (don’t forget your ID book!) at a cost typically of about R36.00 per day. Non-SA citizens are often charged a higher conservation fee. Note that conservation fees are only payable per day that we are in a national park.

OUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

International flights
Required taxes
Meals not included in the itinerary
Visa’s
Vaccinations,
Optional Night Game Drives,
Guide, cook and drivers tips,
Items of clothing and miscellaneous drinks, bottled water, etc.
Sleeping bags and pillows, if camping.
Mandatory insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident.
Other extras not specified.

Terms and Conditions Apply
Subject to a minimum of 4 persons per tour
COST

from  R7 500 per person (9 nights camping, 2 nights luxury lodge)
No Single Supplement

or

R8 900 per person sharing (9 nights chalets, 2 nights luxury lodge)      25% Single Supplement

BOOK THIS TOUR NOW OR GET MORE INFO ON THE FOLLOWING TOURS:

ZULULAND TOUR     /    ZULULAND AND MOCAMBIQUE TOUR  /  BIG 5 TRACKER  /  DURBAN TO CAPE TOWN

CALL STEPHANIE 031 769 1305 info@africagetaways.co.za

A Fantastic 2 or 3 nights getaway package on the luxurious floating boutique hotel Zambezi Queen, including a fully inclusive day trip to Victoria Falls.

2 or 3 Nights onboard Zambezi Queen including a day trip to Victoria Falls.

Includes the following:

* Transfers to/ from Kasane airport
* 2 nights on board Zambezi Queen including all meals, beers, wines and soft drinks
* 14% Vat and tourism levy
* Daily activities including an exclusive day trip to Vic Falls

AFRICA GETAWAYS will assist with the booking of flights which are NOT INCLUDED. Call STEPHANIE 031 769 1305 info@africagetaways.co.za

Why not combine the best of two worlds when visiting the Vic Falls region.  We have put together a fabulous 2 night stay at the prestigious Victoria Falls Hotel combined with a 2 or 3 night escape along the Chobe River onboard the Zambezi Queen.

2 Nights at Victoria Falls Hotel and 2 or 3 nights onboard Zambezi Queen.

Includes the following:

* Transfers to the hotel and airport
* 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at Vic Falls Hotel
* 2 nights on board Zambezi Queen including all meals, beers, wines and soft drinks
* Entry into Victoria Falls
* 14% Vat and tourism levy
* Daily activities, both land and water based

Please note this deal does not include airfare – Please contact AFRICA GETAWAYS, we will assist in the booking of airfares should you wish to book this wonderful VICTORIA FALLS getaway.

PLEASE CALL STEPHANIE: 031 769 1305 info@africagetaways.co.za

The Victoria Falls has two main ‘viewing seasons’ and depending on the time of year, you may fall anywhere in between these two. The peak flood season takes place during March and April and is ideal if you’d like to see the falls in their full glory. Masses of water cascade down into the river below creating a magnificent cloud of spray around the area. During the height of the flood season, this cloud can be seen from 80km away! As a result, the full magnitude of the falls cannot be viewed in its entirety from afoot. We therefore recommend you take a helicopter ride or, if you’re really brave a microlite flight for breathtaking aerial views.
As we approach the dry season between November and December, the amount of water that passes over the falls decreases until only small rivers of water can be seen, but as a result the view from below becomes increasingly impressive. One can really begin to appreciate the scope and magnificence of the falls during this period.

Zimbabwe’s and Zambia’s seasons fall on very similar months, give or take a month. Zimbabwe’s winter lasts a month or so longer (May to September/October vs. Zambia’s May to August), while its rainy season starts and ends a month earlier than Zambia’s (November to March vs. Zambia’s December to April).

Travel and Wild life
The Zimbabwean winter months are much more pleasant than the hot summer months, making them ideal for travelling and game viewing. But don’t be deceived – the winter nights can become surprisingly cold (temperatures can drop below freezing). Make sure to pack a jersey or jumper for early mornings and evenings. The days are ideal for game viewing as the animals tend to congregate near water holes and are therefore more easily observed.

Water sports
For river rafters and other water sport enthusiasts, the best time of year falls between August and December when the levels of the mighty Zambezi River are low.

Crowds
During the South African school holidays (mid-April to mid-May and mid-July to mid-September) the tourist sites and national parks are quite crowded. December and early January are slightly better (Namibian school holidays) but the best time is in June when the weather is also pleasantly cool.

KEEPING OCCUPIED

White Water Rafting (day trips and expeditions)
River Cruises (Breakfast, Lunch, Sundown and Ornithologist’s cruises available)
Tandem Kayaking
River boarding
Jet Boating
Canoeing (upper and lower Zambezi)
River Safaris

Victoria Falls Bridge
The world’s highest free-standing bungee jump
The Zambezi Swing (For about $100, this South African group lets you abseil, rap jump, do a zip line, and — the highlight — a gorge swing. While Bungi Jumping is over in a few minutes, these guys let you play all day).
Abseiling, high-wiring, rap-jumping and gorge-swinging
Game drives (half and full day, night drives)
Tours (Traditional, Cultural, Zambezi Nature Sanctuary, Falls Tour)
Aerial trips (microlight, ultralight, helicopter and fixed-wing flights)
Hiking trails and nature walks
Horseback and Elephant Trails
Steam Train Rides
Snake Park
Mukuni Victoria Falls Craft Village (Curios )
Adventure Centre in Livingstone Town
Livingstone Island (where David Livingstone had his first glimpse of the falls).
Victoria Falls Field Museum.
Railway Museum
Mosi O Tunya National Park
Mukuni Village (authentic tribal village)
Quick access to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.

Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from
the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island
(known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) Zanzibar is
characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs,
warm clear blue waters, idyllic islands, excellent reefs for
snorkelling and diving, fantastic deep sea fishing and water sports
activities.

Along
the coast the climate is tropical, with high humidity and temperatures
averaging 25-29°C (77-84°F). From December to March, temperatures can
exceed 30°C (86°F). Throughout most of the country there are two rainy
seasons, with the ‘long’ rains (masika ) drenching Zanzibar from mid-March to May, and the ‘short’ rains ( mvuli ) doing their best from November to January.

CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling. Tsh