2006 dates to be announced.
The Land Rover Adventures program goes to South Africa for a 7-day, 6-night experience of a lifetime. Explore the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, the coastal forests of Knysna, and the raw African environment of the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve. Drive some of the most scenic roads in the world, as well as venture into territory only few have had the pleasure of visiting – all behind the wheel of a capable Land Rover. Your experience at Sabi Sabi will be in the vehicle synonymous with the African Safari – the Land Rover Defender.
Day One
Your Land Rover Adventure begins upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport. You will be met by one of Land Rover's professional Driving Instructors, who will hand you the keys to your personal Land Rover. Following a brief vehicle familiarization walk-through, you will have the choice to either drive or be chauffeured to the Table Bay Hotel.
Experience Cape Town and its surroundings while staying three nights at the Table Bay Hotel, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as having the "Best Rooms, The Best Location, The Best by Design". Table Bay is located in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of the world's most picturesque working harbors. The hotel is only a minute's walk from a hive of activity, including numerous cultural and historical landmarks as well as some of the city's finest restaurants, shops, galleries, and boutiques. This breathtaking hotel combines the elegance of the stunning neo-Victorian architecture with traditional hospitality. Guest rooms command magnificent views over the bay to famous Robben Island, and inwards to the city and the iconic outline of Table Mountain.
Please plan to arrive before 5:00 p.m. so that you can enjoy a casual dinner at the Table Bay Resort and get to know your fellow adventurers while adjusting to the new setting.
Day Two
After a leisurely breakfast, experience the glory of the South African coast and the luxury of a Land Rover during your drive to Cape Point. This full-day drive explores the most southern location of the African continent along some of the most breathtaking scenery the Cape has to offer. Upon reaching the Cape Peninsula Park, you will be able to hike to two different lighthouses and walk to the Southernmost tip of the African continent.
Today, you'll also have your first opportunity to experience South African scenery not available from paved roads. Your professional Land Rover Driving Instructor will guide you through trails not attempted by many, testing both the vehicle and your driving skills as you travel off-road through the scenic Swartberg Mountains.
Picture an exotic beach on the South African coast; add in some of the best South African wines and gourmet cuisine and you have an evening at Oudekraal. After a day of exhilarating off-roading and exploration, enjoy an intimate evening under the stars at this beach paradise. You are sure to have sweet dreams about the day's journey.
Day Three
Your Adventure continues as we head straight for the heart of wine country, visiting quaint South African towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschoek, and several world-famous wine estates, including the Spier Wine Estate.
Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, is undoubtedly the most scenic and historically preserved town in Southern Africa. Oak lined streets next to water furrows complement the many fine examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture - all part of this unique "Town of Oaks".
At Spier Estate, you will have the rare chance of coming face to face with the world's fastest, and most endangered land mammal, the cheetah. As part of their effort to ensure survival of these animals, Spier has established a breeding program for these long-legged sprinters.
Following a day's driving through the scenic wine lands and picturesque South African towns, your dining experience at Groote Schuur will be one you never forget. Cecil John Rhodes bequeathed the estate to the people of South Africa in his Last Will & Testament. His Will specified that in the future his estate should become a residence for the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of the States of South Africa. Since then Groote Schuur has been used as the Cape Residence by several Prime Ministers until the abolition in 1983. In 1990, State President Mr. F.W. de Klerk reverted back to making Groote Schuur the house where the State's highest executive officer resides and also the location where important decisions and negotiations are made. Tonight it is the destination of another important group, our Land Rover Adventurers. This dinner promises to be completely magical.
Day Four
Today, you'll depart Cape Town for Knysna and a full-day of off-roading supreme as only Land Rover can do it. See how effortlessly the vehicle performs as you transverse the amazing South African landscape.
Heading off in your LR3, you will climb through the jagged mountains into the semi-desert of the Little Karoo and on into the Greater Karoo. The route ultimately links into the old ox wagon trail, linking the then colony of the Cape to the interior. Follow along the path taken by competitors in Land Rover's inaugural G4 Challenge and see the world the way only Land Rover will permit.
Winding its way north, the trail ultimately leads to Bonniedale, where we will enjoy a traditional South African "spit braai" (barbeque), after which we will head into the mountains for a challenging drive through the pass, under the guidance of your professional Driving Instructors. Your drive will take you out of the semi-desert mountains and lead you into the lush coastal forest of Knysna.
Your reward upon completion of this spectacular drive is a relaxing evening with dinner at the Pezula Resort Hotel, set on the edge of heaven. Overlooking Knysna Lagoon, this resort is perched on the coastline of the Indian Ocean and is teaming with an abundance of indigenous wildlife, including the rare Cape coastal fynbos.
Day Five
This morning, you will drive a short distance to the George Airport where a private charter Hawker will be waiting to fly you to the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve. Upon arrival at Sabi Sabi, your own personal Ranger will escort you to the world-famous Earth Lodge.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge's superbly appointed suites are in an intimate setting, in the heart of the African bushveld and are designed to merge with the environment while still being stylish at the same time. Inspired by the textures, colors and shapes of the natural world, a corridor leads you down, on a journey beneath the ground, to an experience unique and unforgettable. A sense of peace consumes you. At Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge you are cocooned in luxury, inspiration and grace.
Your experience at Sabi Sabi will begin with High Tea in the common area of the Earth Lodge. Gather with your fellow adventurers and hosts for a cup of tea, coffee and biscuits each afternoon prior to departing for your game drives.
The magic of the Bush comes alive during your first afternoon Game Drive, when you will be driven in an open-air Land Rover Defender. Watch for the amazing Big Five – Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, and Cape Buffalo – as you experience first hand what makes an African safari one of the most desirable vacations on Earth.
You will taste culinary cuisine at its finest – even in the Bush! The first evening will be a BOMA dinner following your afternoon Game Drive. Tonight traditional African dancers will welcome you to the Bush. At dinner with your Ranger, you will share stories of the Bush while enjoying more of South Africa's finest wines.
Day Six
Your morning Game Drive departs early! Departing from the Lodge at 6:30 a.m., you will be guided by your Ranger and Tracker in an open-air Defender to experience the morning beauty of the bush. Return to the Lodge for a full gourmet breakfast followed by a morning at leisure.
Following a buffet lunch, experience the luxury of Earth Lodge or take part in a Ranger Walk that highlights the native plant life of the Bush.
High Tea will be available prior to departing for your afternoon Game Drive, after which you will return to recap the drive with fellow adventurers over dinner.
Tonight you'll celebrate your final night on the Land Rover Adventure in South Africa. This evening promises to be filled with African magic along with fine cuisine and South African wines, sure to bring wonder and delight.
Day Seven
Your final morning will begin with your wake up "knock knock" at your lodge at 5:30 a.m. Enjoy morning coffee or tea prior to departing for your Game Drive.
A full buffet breakfast will be available upon your return to the lodge. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure, or taking a Ranger Walk.
Enjoy a buffet lunch prior to departure for Johannesburg International Airport, where you will connect for your journey home. Departure plans to be announced.
PRICING
The Land Rover Adventure South Africa 2006 pricing will be announced soon.
Pricing includes:
• Luxury accommodation for three nights at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, one night at the Pezula Resort Hotel in Knysna, and two nights at Earth Lodge in Sabi Sabi
• All designated meals and drinks
• All designated activities and entrance fees
• Luggage handling at Cape Town Airport (upon arrival) and Johannesburg Airport (upon departure)
• Use of a Land Rover LR3 while based in Cape Town and Knysna
• Professional off-road driving instruction
• Charter flight with luggage handling to Sabi Sabi
• 4 Game Drives while on Safari
• Internal transfers and taxes associated with the program dates and destinations.
RESERVATIONS
Space is limited! For further information and to reserve your space on this adventure of a lifetime, please call Land Rover Adventures at 1-828-225-1541.
Adventure information and pricing are subject to change without notice.
