SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI – GAME
Great African Mini Explorations

ESCORTED BY KEN AND NGAIRE OF BKAFRICA

www.bkafrica.com

FOR PICTURES FROM BIRKENHEAD HOUSE AND BK AFRICA'S SAFARI'S - LINK TO www.ngaire.smugmug.com

Featuring the luxurious Madikwe Hills Lodge in the Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve
and Birkenhead House in Hermanus (Whale and Great White Shark Viewing).

SORRY NOW WAITLIST ONLY

Tour Includes:

·         Vehicles used for transfers are mini vans, with 16 seat capacity.

·         Meet and greet at Johannesburg International Airport.

·         Game drives in 4x4 Land Rover or Land Cruiser while in the Game Reserves.

·         Game Reserves include all meals, tea/coffee, wildlife activities, laundry and all beverages excluding premium wines from the wine cellar. 

·         Scheduled Charter flight from Johannesburg to Madikwe Hills Game Reserve

·         Scheduled Charter flight from Madikwe to Johannesburg

·         Two nights accommodation at Birkenhead House in Hermanus 11/19 and 11/20 with room pre-selected at time of booking. Includes all meals, laundry and all beverages excluding premium wine and spirits.  Optional Great White Shark Tour available.

·         Tour to visit Jackass Penguins at Boulders Beach

·         All transfers between airports and hotels/camps in South Africa.

·         All meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

·         Twenty-four hour stand-by contact number.

·         Tips for porters, baggage handling, transfers and tours

Tour Does Not Include:

·         Johannesburg to Cape Town flight priced separately. See note under pricing regarding this flight and luggage restrictions.

·         International air tickets or taxes and Airport departure taxes

·         Items of a personal nature (film, toiletries, gratuities, excess baggage fees, etc.)

·         Beverages and laundry except as mentioned above

·         Any entrance fees not mentioned above

·         Personal travel insurance

·         Visas and passports

·         Other items not specifically quoted

·         Tips for Birkenhead House and at the Game Parks.  Guidelines will be suggested.

November 15: Arrival in Johannesburg

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, collect your bags and meet your Ker & Downey representative outside baggage claim and transfer to the hotel, the Sun Intercontinental Hotel, where you can rest today after your flight. Your escorts Ken and Ngaire Hutyra will be at the hotel this evening and will have all the documentation for your upcoming safari adventure. Johannesburg is a one hour drive away if you wish to visit the city.

Overnight at the Sun Intercontinental Hotel (B)

November 16:  Johannesburg to Madikwe Game Reserve

Today you will be transferred to the Federal Air charter terminal where you can store your cruise luggage while we are on safari. Your scheduled charter flight with Madikwe Air Charters will depart Johannesburg at 11:15 am.

 

Parks Board decided to create the MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, situated in a malaria free area, not only to conserve the fauna and flora, but also to provide a sanctuary to visitors from afar, as well as a more favorable environment to the local people.

At the edge of the Marico River and under a grove of Tamboti and Marula trees alike, you will find yourself enchanted by a world of intrigue and majestic beauty. MADIKWE HILLS PRIVATE GAME LODGE is where the plains still team with game and the acacia savannah symbolizes a paragon of beauty. BLACK RHINO roam freely amongst the BIG 5 – Giraffe gallop across the plains at sunset and zebra call out to one another in the early hours of the morning, after enduring a night of the “savage beast” upon the plains – LION.

Your suite has been designed for complete relaxation and comfort, each boasting soft sofas, voluptuous mosquito netting and cotton picot linen. Overhead fans and air-conditioning are a welcome respite from the harshness of the African heat. Salute the timelessness of Africa with a gin & tonic from your fully stocked mini bar. For the energetic, MADIKWE HILLS offers a fully equipped gym and health spa. For the business person Internet connection!

Overnight Madikwe Hills   (B, L, D)

BKAfrica Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Web Page
 

This link will connect you to the web where you can view BK Africa’s pictures of Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge.

            http://ngaire.smugmug.com/gallery/1559319#75282621

November 16^th, 17^th and 18th

            Enjoy the activities of the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge.

November 19:  Madikwe to Johannesburg

Depart this morning at noon on a chartered flight to Johannesburg International Airport to connect with your flight to Cape Town. 

November 19:  Cape Town to Hermanus

You will be met at the Cape Town airport and transferred to Birkenhead House in Hermanus

Known as the heart of the whale route, the seaside resort of Hermanus in Walker Bay offers the best land based whale watching in the world. A cliff path stretching from the one side of the town to the other, hugs the coastline for about 7 ½ miles, giving whale watchers unlimited opportunities to study and get within 65 feet of the gentle giants in the coves below or lolling just beyond the breakers. Telescopes situated alongside the Old Harbor Museum makes it possible to survey the entire Walker Bay and the whales and dolphins at close range.

Perched on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking the whale watchers' paradise of Walker Bay is the regal Birkenhead House. They accommodate guests in the utmost luxury, this is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living.
 

From the comfort of the residence, guests can look forward to sighting the majestic Southern Right whales that enter the sheltered waters of Walker Bay every year to calve.

Other attractions include a gym and treatment centre and a dual-level swimming pool located in a sheltered courtyard. Not forgetting, of course, Hermanus' two best swimming beaches that are just a stones throw away. Spectacular mountain trails and breathtaking cliff path walks are also in easy reach from Birkenhead House.

At Birkenhead House, world-class cuisine is a matter of course. Lavish meals and seafood delicacies are served daily, and room service will be happy to oblige guests with a sumptuous breakfast in bed.

Overnight at Birkenhead House  (D)

 BKAfrica Birkenhead House Web Page

This link below will connect you to the web where you can view BK Africa’s pictures of Birkenhead House

http://www.ngaire.smugmug.com/gallery/1732223#85589460

November 20:  Birkenhead House

Afternoon Departure
Optional tour must be pre-reserved and will be charged to your Birkenhead account. Cost will depend on number of people participating.  Approximate cost $230 per person.

Shark Viewing Tour (Please Note:  Times are merely a guideline and may vary.)

Early breakfast

1:00 p.m. sharp    Departure   
1.45 pm  -   Arrival at Shark Viewing Area.  Safety briefing at the harbor before the boat departs.
2.45 pm  -    Snacks, drinks and packed meals are enjoyed on-board the boat.

5.30 pm  -   Arrival back on-shore.  Depart for Hermanus
6.15 pm  -   Arrival back at Birkenhead House

Optional Great White Shark/ Whale Tour

This morning you will depart early for the scheduled shark viewing tour. Times are approximate for the 5 hour excursion. 

The viewing takes place in an area called "Sharks Alley" between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, a nature reserve that is frequented by the infamous Great White Sharks.  While waiting for the sharks you can watch the penguins, cormorants, gannets and fur seals that also frequent this body of water. Those who just wish to take pictures, take seats higher up on the boat with your camera ready. Since Great White Sharks are surface feeders, there can be an opportunity for some incredible shots. The picture featured here was taken by Ken from our group tour in September 2006.

For a more intense experience, take a dive in the specially designed six-man cage and descend a few feet below the surface and come face to face with the sharks as they take the bait next to the cage. There is no need to be an experienced diver to partake in this adventure - you are always in the cage and are not really "diving" for this experience. Other marine mammals you may see include the Cape Fur Seal and Bottlenose Dolphin.

The charge for the transportation and shark tour will be added directly to your Birkenhead Account, cost approximately $230 per person.

Overnight at Birkenhead House (B,L,D)

November 21:  Birkenhead House, Tour to see the Penguins and transfer  to the Seven Seas Navigator
Pick up at 9:30 am – arrival at the Seven Seas Navigator approximately 1:30pm.

You will be collected from Birkenhead House for your tour to see the Jackass Penguins. 

The trip to see the delightful Jackass Penguins at Boulders Beach is a must for any Cape Town visitor. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to the beautiful Boulders Beach area.  Here you can walk on a wooden walkway and observe the penguins that will be remarkably close to you as they come in and out of the ocean and walk under and around the raised walking platforms.  Then we head into Cape Town for embarkation on the Seven Seas Navigator.

Birkenhead House room selections dictate price – see virtual tour of rooms at www.birkenheadhouse.com
Largest Rooms: 1, 5, 6, 8      Medium Rooms: 2, 3, 7, 9    Smaller Rooms: 4, 10, 11
ALL THE ROOMS ARE UNIQUE AND VERY SPECIAL

 
Price will fluctuate with the Rand vs. Dollar exchange rates, we are floating in RAND. 

The last 12 months rate ranged from 6.5 to 7.8 we based our $US estimate on 6.9 rand this could go up or down.
Price based on 2008 rates and the only variance will be the air fares that may change.

Largest rooms at Birkenhead: 29,830 ZAR per person ($4323 USD)

Medium-sized rooms at Birkenhead: 28,770 ZAR per person ($4169 USD)

Small rooms at Birkenhead: 27,570 ZAR per person ($3995 USD)

Single Supplements available upon request

Flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town is not included.

Current fare is 1350 ZAR about $200USD per person.

Baggage restrictions are 44lbs per person.

If your international ticket will allow a four day stop over in Johannesburg and you can purchase your Johannesburg to Cape Town flight on November 19^th in conjunction with your international ticket there may be several advantages.

• If you are flying on miles there may be no extra mileage required

• If you purchased your flights the cost may be less than the normal domestic fare

• A big advantage is that you may be able to get the international luggage allowance which will be much higher than 44lbs.

This is a “changing situation” and you need to check with the airline you use internationally to see their particular rules on this policy. We will advise you of the flight number to book to stay with the group in plenty of time before you purchase your international flights.
 

For those who simply want to have two days on safari before joining the Voyager a package is available

Please contact me for details.

Contact Ngaire Keene at keene@brownandkeene.com

Brown and Keene Travel

14160 Dallas Parkway, Suite 450

Dallas, Texas 75254

Phone:  1-800-856-1155

Tickets:  Any vouchers, airline tickets or other documents will be in Ngaire and Ken’s possession or in your welcome packages on arrival in Johannesburg.  Your final itinerary is all the documentation you will receive prior to departure.

Climate: Temperatures will be from 65 to 85 degrees in Cape Town and approximately in the 60’s to 90’s in the game parks.  Cape Town will be in summer season and we should have dry sunny weather. This is also the summer season at the game parks and it can be very hot in the afternoons. This is the rainy season in the bush, so we may experience some rain during our stay.  

Clothes for Cape Town:  Casual clothes are all that are required.  No jackets for men or fancy dresses for the ladies. Slacks and skirts with co-coordinating tops for ladies, and Dockers and casual shirts for the men.  It can be chilly on the morning game drive so either layer or bring a warm jacket. A rain jacket or poncho would be a good idea.  As soon as the sun comes out it warms up very quickly.

Clothes for Birkenhead House:  Again, nice casual clothes are all that are required. No jackets for men or fancy dresses for ladies.  Laundry is included complimentary at Birkenhead House.

Safari Clothes: Safaris can be dusty - tan, khaki and other neutral colors are most practical.  You may need a sweater or jacket when game viewing in the early morning hours and when outdoors in the evening.  Bring a hat for sun protection, especially to wear in the vehicles while driving in the parks since the tops are left open for game viewing and photography.  Generally you will not need heavy footwear unless you plan to do much walking.  A pair of comfortable walking shoes, tennis shoes or desert boots will do.  The clothes made by Columbia Sports Wear do work nicely for safari. They are comfortable and cool.  However, you can actually go on safari in blue jeans. You are in a land rover so your legs don’t show to the animals.  The rule of thumb is not to wear bright colors. The land rovers and people blend into the scenery. Khaki, olive green or brown are the best colors. No hot pink, red or bright blue, etc. Black does attract bugs so it is best not to wear black on safari.  Buy safari clothes if you wish, but it is not necessary.  It will be cool in the early morning and when the sun goes down. You need one windbreaker or coat.  Layer is the rule of the day as it will warm up considerably to quite hot when the sun comes out.  Remember that laundry is included complimentary at the game parks. So really a maximum of two outfits is all you need as you can just launder one set while you wear another --- pack light.

Baggage – PACK LIGHT:  Johannesburg to Cape Town - the domestic flight is restricted to 44lbs of luggage per person.  Safari flights restricted to 44lbs in soft-sided luggage. No wheeled cases for safari flights. These bags will be squeezed into a small aircraft and must be flexible.  Just buy a cheap nylon duffle bag, nothing fancy. We can store your cruise luggage in Johannesburg at the Federal Air charter airline terminal, prior to departing for the game park and retrieve your luggage for the flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town after our safari.

Baggage allowance and flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

If you can purchase your flight on November 19^th, 2008 from Johannesburg to Cape Town in conjunction with your international ticket and they allow a stop over of four nights you may be able to get the international luggage allowance.  This is a “changing situation” and you need to check with the airline you use internationally to see their particular rules on this policy. We will advise you of the flight number to book to stay with the group in plenty of time before you purchase your international flights.

Rain Gear: The land rovers carry water ponchos and blankets if you are caught in the rain or it is unseasonably cool. You will have all the coverage you need. I do suggest taking a jacket for when the sun goes down and to shelter you from any light rain you might encounter.

Evenings for Dinner:  Safari evening attire is very casual.  A change of shoes at the end of the day is pleasant; therefore, an extra pair of lightweight shoes (low heeled and CLOSED TOE for ladies) is recommended for evenings at the game parks.  Carry lightweight sleepwear, as blankets are readily available. Do not bring any expensive jewelry.

Accessories:  A pair of dark glasses is a necessity along with a hat that provides protection from the sun.  Many people need to use protective sunburn cream or sunscreen. If you wear prescription glasses, take an extra pair if you have them.  Carry binoculars for added pleasure in game viewing.  A lightweight six‑power pair would probably be adequate and easy to hold. 

It is advisable to have insect repellent such as Cutters.  Wash'n'Dry towelettes are always useful to freshen up while in the bush, as are Kleenex packets.  Chap stick or moisturizing creams are good to have.  Ken and I use the insect repellant towelettes and we found these to be less messy than the tubes or lotions that leak and have to always be in plastic bags. Madikwe Hills provides insect repellant in your room and as it is the dry season insects will be at a minimum.

Extra items to consider; playing cards, swimsuit – private plunge pools at the camps, paperback books and a traveling alarm clock.  Ziploc bags are very handy when using duffle bags. It helps to separate items.

Malaria and Health Concerns:  This is the wet season in the bush, so the likelihood of mosquitoes is there but at Madikwe there is no Malaria.  The elevation is too high to support the mosquito that carries malaria. No other shots or medications are required. 

Water Safety: The water in all the areas of South Africa that we are going to is safe to drink – even in the bush. Bottled water is provided in all hotels for your convenience.  Brushing your teeth with tap water is no problem.

Voltage and Electrical Appliances:  Throughout Africa the usual voltage is 220-240 AC.  A voltage converter will be necessary for appliances that run on 110-120 AC and a plug adapter for South Africa. Most camps will provide the necessary outlets or adapters. You also need to be sure that your hairdryer or curling iron is DUAL voltage and automatically changes when plugged in.  Many hairdryers and curling irons are dual voltage now, as are most travel items and computers. Be sure and check the voltage requirements of your electrical devices before plugging in the device using a plug adapter. REMEMBER: PLUG ADAPTERS ALONE DO NOT CHANGE THE VOLTAGE! IF YOU PLUG A 110 VOLT DEVICE INTO A 220 VOLT RECEPTACLE THE DEVICE WILL BE TOAST!

Computers and Telephones:  There is one guest computer in the camp, the connection can be slow and there are no wireless connections. Most cell phones will not work here, there is telephone communication, but please remember you truly are “in the bush” and things do not work the same as they do in a city environment.

Spa Services:  Spa services are available and you can book an appointment on arrival.

Photography:  For photographing birds and game, a telephoto lens is essential.  Minimum size recommended is 200mm.  With larger lenses you get better results, but with a 500mm lens, you may have problems holding it, but also from the shim­mering heat haze.  As a general rule, lenses up to 300mm can be satisfacto­rily hand held, but larger lenses need some form of support.  Remember that tripods are generally impractical for game photography that must be done from inside the vehicle.  The fastest type of film available should be used in the early mornings and evenings. 

For digital photography be sure to bring plenty of memory cards and an extra battery. Don’t forget to bring your battery charger and be sure it is rated for 220 volts. You will be able to charge your batteries in the camps.

Regarding Film: Use film with which you are familiar.  Big lenses often require fast film, and depending upon the conditions, you will need to bring some fast film such as AA 400 or 1000.  You may want to use both print and slide film.  Film is expensive and difficult to obtain, so bring double what you would expect to use (minimum 3 rolls per day).  Transport all film in carry-on luggage using lead foil bags for protection against X-rays and ask for hand inspections at airports if possible.  Do not mail film home from Africa.

Remember that the one constant is the sudden speed at which the action will break.  Be prepared for the unexpected and keep your camera handy.  When the drama unfolds for you, don't be stingy with the film - take shots freely.

Credit Card Companies:  Remember to let your credit card company know you are traveling to Africa so you will have no problems using your credit cards.

 

Insurance:  Remember to bring details of your travel insurance in case of an emergency.

If there are any other questions not answered here, please feel free to contact us for clarification.

BIRKENHEAD HOUSE

The following tips are included in your fare and Ken and Ngaire will tip on your behalf at the point of service:

• Transfers and Baggage Handling

• Boulder Beach Penguin Tour

Tipping guidelines for individual tips at the hotels:
At Birkenhead House, the tips are usually applied to your hotel bill and shared amongst the staff.

Hotel Suggested Guidelines:

Birkenhead House – all meals included.

400 Rand total for the 2 night stay per room

GAME PARKS

At the game parks you do need to handle the tipping issues personally. The rangers and trackers are really wonderful and work so hard that often people end up tipping more than the recommended amount. For this reason the lodges really do not like any pre-payment of tips with a group.

Ken and I will provide you with envelopes at the game parks for your convenience.  You can tip in US dollars or you can use Rand, both are quite acceptable.  We usually use US dollars, it is just easier and the staff seems to like the US dollars.

Game Parks Suggested Minimum Guidelines:

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping Guidelines

Ranger or Field Guide: Per couple per day: US $20 or 140 Rand

Tracker: Per couple per day: US $10 or 70 Rand

Lodge Staff: Per couple per day:  US $15 or 100 Rand

Tip the Ranger and the Tracker at the end of your stay personally.  They always accompany you to the airport and say farewell, this is the time you should tip them.  For the rest of the staff, there is normally a tip box where you can deposit the tip; if you cannot find it, simply hand it to the receptionist.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask us before departure or during the trip.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR KER & DOWNEY

 

Deposit and payment

A deposit of $1000.00 per booking, single or double occupancy, is required for confirmation of services, with the balance to be paid not later than 90 days prior to commencement of services.  The following exceptions will apply:

a)  Should any of the suppliers conditions vary from the above

b)  Should seasonal deposits be required

c)  Should bookings be made less than 30 days prior to arrival in which case full payment is required immediately

 

Cancellation Policy

The date of cancellation shall be deemed to be the date on which the written notification is received in the K&D offices which issued the confirmation.

 

Once booking is confirmed a $250 administrative cancellation fee on any booking single or double occupancy will be assessed.  This fee is waived if Brown and Keene re-sells your reservation prior to final payment due date.

8 weeks prior to departure, 25% of the tour cost will be forfeited.

7 weeks prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost will be forfeited.

6 weeks or less, 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited.

Any of the suppliers specific conditions that vary from the above will apply.

 

Refunds

Once the tour has commenced, refunds will not be made for voluntarily missed tours, meals or other special activities.