singita boulders lodge - orvissingita boulders lodge sabi sands game preserve – south africa...

SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE SABI SANDS GAME PRESERVE – SOUTH AFRICA

“Whenever I ask my South African friends and safari experts about the one lodge they’d recommend over all others in their country, the answer is always the same: Singita. I’ve been to South Africa countless times and, after my stay at Singita Boulders with my wife in August, 2007, I have to agree.” Dave Parker, Managing Director, Orvis International Travel

www.orvis.com/travel 800-547-4322 [email protected]

Singita Boulders may be the best luxury bush lodge in South Africa. The location is outstanding: a mix of open forest and grassy meadows where you will encounter leopard, lion and elephant on a sunrise game drive or walk with a knowledgeable ranger. The food is truly gourmet, as good as anything you’ll find in food-obsessed South Africa; from fresh brewed morning coffee and warm

muffins at sunrise to a star lit dinner with a sophisticated selection of South African wines, you won’t be disappointed by any meal. And the rooms are architectural gems that may make you reluctant to leave them – and it’s not so bad to relax on the deck with a panoramic view of the bush from the refreshing plunge pool. Perched on a gentle slope overlooking the Sand River, the 12 individual suites are tucked into the landscape and looking out from your private deck, all you see is seemingly endless African wilderness. (Singita owns more than 45,000 acres of land, and there’s plenty of room for the animals.) If you like to walk, the guides will gladly take you out in the bush for fascinating hikes during the cool, dry months from May through September. And there are game drives at sunrise and sunset year round, on which you’re very likely to encounter rhino, leopard, and other signature species that draw travelers to the African Bush. Located just one-hour flight from Johannesburg International Airport, in Sabi Sand Game Preserve, Singita is easy to reach. We recommend a 3-day stay and combining it with Bushman’s Kloof and Grootbos lodges near Cape Town, two other luxury lodges with outstanding scenery, gourmet food, and luxurious lodging.


ANIMALS AT SINGITA The game viewing is excellent and you can expect to see the iconic African animals like giraffe, zebra, impala, lion, buffalo and leopard if you stay for 2 or 3 days. The bird life is also interesting, especially along the Sand River, and your guides are knowledgeable about many aspects of the area’s natural history. The lodge is right on the river banks, and it’s common to see buffalo or elephant from your deck. One guest saw a herd of elephant crossing the river while she was on the massage table enjoying a spa treatment, which may be taking the luxury safari theme to the extreme.


DINING AT SINGITA The food reflects the lodge’s theme of relaxed, understated luxury and every meal is a delight. The selection and preparation are what you expect from a sophisticated Relais et Chateaux property, and there is a mix of light, modern dishes and traditional items which will keep everyone happy. There are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables from the nearby farming district to the west and fish from the coast, as well as specialty game like guineafowl and impala. Wine is included in the price and it’s an opportunity to try varietals you might not have tasted outside South Africa.


At Singita, the staff will try to tailor each day according to guests’ wishes, so they are flexible with activity times. However, due to the climate, the following times are followed as closely as possible, in order to maximize game-viewing opportunities and ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable experience.

Summer Winter

Wake up 05h00 05h30

Tea/Coffee 05h30 06h00

Morning Safari 06h00 06h30

Breakfast 09h00 09h30

Lunch 13h00 13h00

Tea/Coffee 16h00 15h30

Sundowner Safari 16h30 16h00

Dinner 20h00 19h30

2012 RATES

Per person, per night double room

Single room

Singita Boulders Lodge

$1650 $2060

Transfer flight from Johannesburg International Airport to Singita, round trip

Approximately $700

Rates are subject to change based on the exchange rate between the US dollar and South African rand. Singita Rates are per person and include:

• Gourmet meals: early morning coffee prior to game drives, full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and 3 course dinner.

• All drinks, including premium South African wines, spirits and liqueurs, except champagne. • Morning and afternoon game drives • Guided bush walks if you stay two or more nights • Lodging in luxurious private suites with baths, indoor and outdoor showers, decks and plunge pools. • VAT, lodging tax and park fees • Transfers to the Singita landing strip.

Not included in the rates:

• Airfare to Singita (Orvis Travel will arrange.) • Tips to staff and guides (We will provide guidelines.) • Spa


Getting there, a note about airline flights: Airfare is not included in the trip cost. You will need to arrange international airfare, which you can do through our air desk (Airtreks) or on your own. We will assist you with the flights within South Africa, some of which are on local carriers. Johannesburg is the international gateway for South Africa, and you need to arrange an international flight from the USA. If you take a flight that arrives early in the day, you can transfer directly to either Cape Town or to Sabi Sand Preserve where the walking safari begins. If you need to overnight in Johannesburg, Orvis Travel will arrange a hotel room for you. GETTING TO SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE Orvis Travel will arrange this for you. We recommend that you fly directly to an airstrip in Sabi Sand, which takes about an hour each way. Transfer time from the landing strip to the lodge is 10 minutes or less. Contact our airline ticketing partner, AirTreks, for a sample itinerary and fare quote. Call them at 1-888-287-1014, or email [email protected].

WHEN TO GO – SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE May through September is the most popular time for Americans to visit Sabi Sand Preserve. The weather is cool - night time temperatures in the low 50’s F. – the days are sunny, and the bush is relatively dry, making it easy to spot game and pleasant to go for guided hikes. November through April is the rainy, summer season, which attracts many South African and European visitors. Rain is likely, though usually in the form of afternoon thunderstorms, and temperatures can rise to the 90’s F. during the day. You’ll want to go on game drives at sunrise and sunset to take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings, and the plunge pool on your deck will be welcome mid-day. Rooms are air conditioned and comfortable even on warm nights. Walks are not feasible because of high grass and thick bush, but it’s an excellent time to see nesting birds and blooming plants.

Reserving your space is easy.

Call Orvis Travel and place your deposit by credit card. 800 547-4322 The deposit is 25% of the trip cost unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.

Sign up online at www.orvis.com/resform. Once you have completed the reservation form you can call us with your credit card deposit.

http://www.orvis.com/resform


Fax the enclosed paper reservation form to Orvis Travel at 802 362-8795. If we are unable to confirm space, your card will not be charged. • 15% discount on Orvis merchandise when you arrange your trip through Orvis Travel. You will receive a “VIP customer card” for booking a trip through Orvis Travel and it entitles you to a 15% discount on Orvis merchandise from the time you book until you travel. Orvis has been outfitting travelers since 1856 and you can find all the specialty clothing, luggage and gear you need in our catalogs, stores and website. By booking though Orvis Travel you will save on every purchase. We also supply you with a detailed packing list so you know exactly what to take.

Exploring other parts of South Africa

We offer several extensions to other distinctly different parts of South Africa. Each has a memorable lodge, unique scenery, and activities on site lead by expert naturalist/guides. All feature gourmet food, excellent wine cellars, and superb service.

Cape Town and nearby Bushman’s Kloof and Grootbos Nature Preserve are three places we highly recommend. Bushman’s Kloof is in the desert highlands of the Cedarberg Mountains northwest of Cape Town. The dramatic scenery is at its best in August and September, when the landscape lights up with wildflowers, although the 17 petroglyph sites, rare antelope and walking trails make it worth a stay in any season. Grootbos Nature Preserve on the coast east of Cape Town is perched on a hillside over Walker Bay Marine Preserve and has a fascinating combination of plants, marine mammals, and beach walks. Both are known for truly gourmet food and extensive wine cellars. Guided walks and excursions are included, although both are places you can walk on your own, ride a bike or go on a kayak excursion. At the end of the day you can enjoy a memorable meal in the dining room by a fire or in the privacy of your room. If you want to explore Cape Town, we can arrange a hotel, transfers and as much activity as you like. We normally use the Cape Grace, situated in the heart of the city’s lively waterfront, and one of the best hotels in the worlds.


If you want to take an already extraordinary journey to another level, we suggest you take the Rovos Rail either to or from Cape Town. It’s a private railway with restored antique cars. It’s a unique experience. YOU WILL FIND COMPLETE DETAILS ON OUR WEBSITE ABOUT BUSHMAN’S KLOOF AND GROOTBOS. Or call our office at 800 547-4322 to speak to a safari expert.


EXTENSIONS

CAPE TOWN EXTENSION – 3 NIGHTS

Day 1 Cape Town On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met by English speaking driver-guide. Private transfer to the Cape Grace Hotel on Cape Town’s scenic harbor. The rest of the day is free to sightsee, relax, swim in the hotel’s pool, or take a walk on Table Mountain if you are feeling energetic. Overnight: Cape Grace. Airport transfer is included. Day 2 Explore Cape Town and Table Mountain This morning your driver-guide will meet you at the hotel for a private half day city tour. Get right to the heart of Cape Town with a drive through the attractive residential suburb of Tamboerskloof, on the way to Signal Hill, which affords a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area. From there take the Cable Car up Table Mountain (weather permitting), before venturing back into town to the South African Museum where you can sample the history and heritage from the cave paintings of the bushmen to the present day. Then wander through the Company’s Garden and the historic Malay Quarter before ending the tour at the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Afternoon free to relax or explore. Overnight: Cape Grace Hotel, breakfast included. Guided half-day tour is included. Day 3 Cape of Good Hope, False Bay and the Coast This morning your driver-guide will meet you at the hotel for a private full day Cape Point and Peninsula Tour. The tour begins with a drive along the Atlantic coastline, past the famous bikini beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, in the shadow of the impressive Twelve Apostles mountain peaks. You continue past Llandudno and the fishing village of Hout Bay before arriving at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point with its breath taking views. From there proceed along the False Bay coastline through the historic Simon’s Town and the sleepy villages of Fish Hoek and Muizenberg. Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant. Then continue on through the vineyards of historic Constantia Valley and allowing you to visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before returning to your Hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight: Cape Grace. Breakfast, lunch and guided excursion to Cape are included. Day 4 – Depart Cape Town After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to your next destination. If going to Bushman’s Kloof, we can arrange a flight in a small plane directly to the lodge – flight time is about 1 hour – or an overland transfer that takes about 4 hours. If going to Groot Bos, we arrange an overland transfer that takes 2 hours. If going to Johannesburg or Singita Boulders, we arrange an airport transfer. RATES INCLUDE Luxury room – 3 nights Rates are per person for 3 nights and include airport transfers, lodging at the Cape Grace in luxury category rooms, delicious breakfasts, guided excursions, entrance/park fees, lunch day 3, hotel and local taxes. Not included: dinners, lunches except Day 3, tips.


BUSHMAN’S KLOOF EXTENSION – 2 NIGHTS Explore the Cedarberg Mountains This unique resort is located in a dramatic landscape high in the Cedarberg Mountains and is famous for Bushman rock art, wildflowers and outstanding food. It’s built in a traditional, colonial style and the rooms are large and well-appointed. Trained guides take you on excursions to explore the rock paintings, learn about the flowers or to see the unusual wildlife. There are trails on the property to explore on foot or mountain bike without a guide. Meals are a treat at the Relais et Chateaux resort and the wine cellar is extensive. We recommend at least two days to enjoy the scenery and take multiple excursions. It’s about an hour’s flight by small plane from Cape Town or a 3 hour drive. We can arrange either type of transfer for you. BUSHMAN’S KLOOF RATES INCLUDE Luxury room – 2 nights Rates are per person, for 2 nights, and include gourmet meals, guided activities and hotel taxes. Wine, beverages, spa treatments and tips are extra.

Transfers from Cape Town are extra. A vehicle transfer cost approximately $950 round trip per vehicle, with a maximum of 7 passengers. Contact Orvis Travel for a quote for an air transfer.

GROOTBOS NATURE PRESERVE EXTENSION – 2 NIGHTS Explore the coast.

Perched on a hillside nature preserve overlooking Walker Bay, Grootbos is a wonderful place to explore coast of South Africa and the unique plants of the “fynbos”, the rare coastal plant community unique to South Africa. It also features one of the finest restaurants in South Africa, and meals, which are all included, are eaten with some of the best views anywhere. Enjoy an alfresco lunch

overlooking the South Atlantic or watch the sun set over the Cape of Good Hope while you enjoy a glass of fine wine. The rooms are nestled along the hillside in a way that makes just going to and from your room a delightful nature walk, and they have decks with views and plenty of space for relaxing. The resort has a staff of naturalists to keep you busy and the plants and birds alone are worth the trip. You can also take excursions to see the Great White

sharks, seal colony, or whales in Walker Bay. Great White sharks are resident in the Bay year round and Southern Right whales are there in large numbers from June to November. Excursions are available daily to see them, and you can do a shark-cage dive. Grootbos provides free transfers to the boats and will make reservations for you.


Grootbos is an easy 2-hour drive from Cape Town and we recommend that you add it on after your Cape Town extension. If you’ve been to Cape Town before, you might want to go directly to Grootbos. In either case, Orvis Travel will arrange an overland transfer. It makes sense logistically to go to Bushman’s Kloof from Grootbos. You would be transferred to the Cape Town Airport then fly by air taxi, or we can arrange an overland transfer between the two (about 5 hours door to door.) GROOTBOS RATES INCLUDE Luxury suite – 2 nights

Rates are per person, for 2 nights in a spacious private suite, and include gourmet meals, guided walks, horseback riding and hotel taxes. Wine, beverages, boat excursions on Walker Bay and tips are extra. Transfers cost from Cape Town are extra and vary by group size. Plan on approximately $100 per person, round trip.

Cape Town Extensions There are many flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town daily, so you can do the extensions before or after Singita. If you do the extensions first, which we recommend, you can take a morning flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg on a scheduled carrier, then connect to an early afternoon flight to Sabi Sand. It’s important that you coordinate the Cape Town – JNB flights with Orvis Travel, although they can be part of your international ticket. If you do the extensions after Singita, you can take an afternoon flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, preferably after 3:00pm. Again, these flights need to be coordinated with Orvis Travel, although they can be part of your international ticket.

Extension rates

Per person, double room

Single room

Number of nights

Cape Town $2110 $2690 3 Grootbos $675 $1000 July 1 – August 31, 2008 2

$899 $1350 Sept. 1, 2008, - April 1, 2009 Bushman’s Kloof $750 $1032 2

Rates are subject to change based on the exchange rate between the US dollar and South African rand. The number of nights is a suggestion. Orvis Travel will gladly customize the length of your trip.


Safari Terms & Conditions

Please Read Carefully

Reservations, Deposits & Payments The deposit is 25% of the trip price. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before departure. A signed reservation form and release are required prior to departure. All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Prices do not include airfare. Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another. Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and are subject to change. Orvis Travel reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure Planning information When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information. Refund Policy If you must cancel your reservation, the following conditions apply: • More than 90 days prior to departure, deposit is refunded less a $500 administrative fee. • From 90 - 60 days prior to departure, 20% of the tour cost is refunded. • 59 days or less prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 100% of the trip price. Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business, personal emergencies, or weather. We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance. No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement. Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees. Cancellation Insurance Your planning information includes an application for travel insurance covering cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage. Passports and documents This trip requires a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. Details will be mailed to you with other planning material after your deposit is received. You may be required to pay visa fees at border crossings. The trip planner will explain what those fees are. In some cases you are required to pay them in US dollars.


Arrival and Departure Travel days from your home to the international destination and return are not included in the trip dates. Transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary are included in the land cost unless otherwise noted. Transfers not specifically listed in your itinerary are not included in the land cost. Equipment & clothing You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information. Airline reservations The land cost of your trip does not include airfare, except where specifically noted in the itinerary. Orvis Travel trips are designed so you may join the trip at the international destination. Orvis Travel is not responsible for non-refundable, advance purchase airline tickets, cancellation fees or penalties of any kind. Limitation of liability This section defines Orvis Travel’s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully. Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them. Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers. This African safari trip involves hazards and dangers, such as vehicular travel on rough roads and across fields, bad weather, unpredictable wild animals and other unforeseen conditions. Such hazards are a condition of this activity, a trip that includes activities in a remote part of Africa. As a participant in this trip, you acknowledge that such dangers are present and beyond the control of Orvis or its agents. Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, cameras, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation..

singita boulders lodge - orvissingita boulders lodge sabi sands game preserve – south africa...

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