LUXURIOUS SOUTH AFRICAN PRIDE TOUR plus VICTORIA FALLS

Vacation to South Africa and embark on a safari adventure tracking a pride of lions returning from a night hunt in the bush. Sample internationally renowned wines in Stellenbosch and explore the gay hub of Cape Town. Your Hermes Tours guides will have you trail wild animals on foot on our exciting South African bush walks – and relax in 4 and 5-star accommodation.

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• Enjoy numerous safaris in search of lions, elephants, rhinos and much more in Kruger National Park.
• Tours vineyards & taste some award wining South African wines
• Explore the vibrant and ever popular gay Mecca, Cape Town.
• Participate in Cape Town Pride Parade & festivities
• Relax in 4 & 5 star luxury accommodations
• Enjoy free time on your own to discover South Africa at your pace
• Extend your stay on our Pre-Tour to Victoria Falls & Chobe and experience one of the awesome natural wonder’s of the world.
• Extend your trip and join our post tour to the Garden Route

Johannesburg: Garden Court Sandton City4*- An excellent base for tourists, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the upmarket Sandton City and Sandton Square shopping centres.  The hotel facilities include and outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. 

Kruger: Lukimbi Safari Lodge 5 stars
Lukimbi is a luxury safari lodge situated in the southern section of Kruger National Park. The lodge has exclusive use of 15000 ha of prime bushveld where no other vehicles are permitted.  The Lukimbi lodge offers the supreme comfort of 16 luxury suites overlooking the Lwakahle River. This river is a favorite drinking place for elephants and buffalo and the adjacent plains are host to a variety of antelope.   Each suite has a private deck where guests can relax in privacy, apart from the variety of other decks built around the lodge.  Each suite features handcrafted marbled baths as well as spacious showers both inside and outside. Other facilities in the lodge include a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym. 

Franschoek: Mont Rochelle, Merlot Rooms 5 stars
Mont Rochelle Hotel invites you to relax in one of the luxurious bedrooms and suites, most of which offer spectacular views across the valleys and vines of Franschhoek. 

Each of the 16 bedrooms and 6 suites is individually decorated, creating a unique ambiance.  En suite bathrooms, telephones, televisions, safes, under-floor heating, air-conditioning and in-room refreshment facilities are amongst the facilities of each room.

Cape Town: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice- 4 star+
If you're looking for something different, you've definitely come to the right place. We'll have you climbing the walls ... no, really, there's a 5 storey climbing wall on the outside of the building. Hang around in our reception area (literally) ... we have a hanging chair for those who really like to "hang around".

Swim around our restaurant ... the glass walls between our restaurant and pool, along with the fantastic lighting, definitely draw a lot of interest. In short, stay with us and go with the flow. Whatever your heart desires, you'll find it here or we'll find it for you. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice offers you a place to chill, a base from which to explore and a friendly place to call home at the end of each day.

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PRE/POST TOUR HOTELS

Victoria Falls:
The Royal Livingstone 5 stars
Offers every facility for a deluxe holiday including a personalized butler service.  For guests with an appreciation for adventure, the Royal Livingstone is Africa’s playground.  Guests may view the Big Five on a cruise up the river, up close from a private land rover or from an elephant back.

The Zambezi Sun, 3 stars
Along the verdant banks of one of the mightiest rivers in Africa is a three star favorite for fun-loving adventure.  All 212 en-suite rooms have private balconies that welcome the morning sun and are tastefully decorated with an African flavor.


Chobe National Park:
Chobe Chilwero 5 star
Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness lies Chobe Chilwero Lodge, one of the most enchanting places on earth. With gorgeous, breathtaking vistas as a backdrop, you'll come face-to-face with the abundant creatures of the bush, and some of the most spectacular sunsets Mother Nature bestows.

You will enjoy creature comforts - elegantly appointed accommodations, silver service, gourmet meals and fine wines. Relax in our luxurious thatched cottages, with ensuite, sunken handcrafted baths, indoor and outdoor showers, terrace and private garden with hammock overlooking the magnificent Chobe River

Chobe Mowana 3 star:
Mowana Safari Lodge is situated on the banks of the Chobe River, 8 km from the world famous Chobe National Park.

Accommodation at Mowana Safari Lodge comprises of 108 air-conditioned rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and furnished in an ethnic style, designed to blend in with the surroundings. Each room boasts its own balcony and river view.

Knysna:
Belvidere Manor Hotel 5 star
Award-winning Belvidere Manor Hotel offers exclusive comfort in relaxed surroundings of incomparable beauty. Guests are accommodated in Cape-style cottages, each individually decorated, offering a comfortable lounge with fireplace, en suite bedrooms, kitchen and wide verandahs with beautiful views.

Visas: Canadian and American passport holders are not required to have visas to enter South Africa.  You must have a valid passport.  Visas are required for travel to Zambia which may be obtained upon arrival at the airport. 

Shots and Immunizations:
There are no shots that are required for travel to South Africa but the government does recommend vaccination against yellow fever and Cholera as well as taking Anti-Malaria pills. Hermes Tours also recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. Also we recommend that your tetanus booster be up to date. Please contact your health care provider as soon as you have registered for this tour.   You should check with your doctor to determine which vaccines you will need. 

Currency and Money Issues:
The currency is the South Africa Rand (ZAR). Many banks and hotels exchange foreign currency. Credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted, as are traveler's checks, preferably in U.S. dollars which may be exchanged at banks, some hotels, and foreign exchange offices. Do not rely on your American Express Card or Diners Card as many establishments do not accept this card. We recommended a combination of US Dollars in Cash, some small bills for tips at restaurants etc... and the rest in $50 or $100 bills and your credit card which you would be able to withdraw cash from ATM machines if you needed to.

What is Included:
All activities outlined in the itinerary, all ground transportation, services of a specialized local guide. Services of a Hermes Tours Escort throughout the trip with a minimum participation of 6. All hotels and meals mentioned.

Not Included:
Round-trip international air transportation to and from South Africa/Zambia. Meals and activities not specifically included in the itinerary; insurance; alcohol; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes and any other expenses of a personal nature as well as customary tips to drivers and guides. Domestic Airfare: $500 US, Hermes Tours can book this for you. 

Making a reservation with a deposit will be considered to be consent to the following conditions: Hermes Tours reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 participants.
Hermes Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure. Travel cancellation insurance would cover these costs should the tour be cancelled.