Dear Customer,
We would like to invite you on a unique journey to South Africa!
A succession of highlights on an emotional roller coaster, that's a trip through South Africa. With a variety of natural beauty rarely found in a single country, you tumble from one amazement into the next. South Africa has it all: the animals, the wine countries, the colors, the smells. And the people.
Done to Suid-Africa together with Dossche to discover?
We would be delighted if you could be there (again).
Registration can be done through the registration module on this website.
Hoping to meet you again this year,
Team Dossche Mills
We start in the North, where we 2 nights at safari go into the magnificent Pilanesberg Game Reserve, not far from Johannesburg.
We then set course for the South, where we in Cape Town our base of operations find for the upcoming 3 nights.
What's on the program here?
Finish we do in the wine region for 2 nights, where we discover the charm of Franschoek and Stellenbosch and, of course, taste the most delicious wines.
The connection to the local bread culture will obviously still be added to the program!
Obviously opting for quality hotels and the best restaurants!
We come to 17:15 together at Brussels Zaventem Airport.
The flight with Air Belgium departure to 19:45.
Destination: Johannesburg.
The trip features Economy.
You can indicate during registration whether you are also interested in Premium or Business seats. We will then contact you.
We land at 07:15 local time.
In South Africa, it is 1 hour later than in Belgium.
To 09:00 we are ready to ride the bus to Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
Against 12:30 we come to the Ivory Tree Game Lodge *****
Ivory Tree Lodge is nestled in the bowl of a million-year-old extinct volcano, surrounded by forests, rivers and trails, over which elephants make their way through the park. Ivory Tree Game Lodge is located in the northeastern part of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park and is accessible via the Bakgatla Gate.
Delicious lunch, and then to the rooms.
Gather at 16:00 for the afternoon game drive.
A first chance to spot animals.
We also stop for a sundowner: aperitifs in wild nature!
Followed by dinner.
06:00 Ochtend game drive.
First a small snack, then we set off to spot the animals waking up - or returning from hunting.
Upon returning to the hotel, the breakfast ready.
The rest of the day you can free fill in.
Enjoying the pool, the spacious rooms or the spa? There are plenty of options.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Also today, we gather at 16:00 for the afternoon game drive.
That one doesn't end at the hotel, but it does end at the park.
For the bush dinner the tables are set with white tablecloths and decorated with a multitude of candles, lanterns hang from the end of the branches, the buffet is brilliantly presented ....The absence of electricity adds to this mystical moment.
Return to the lodge.
06:00 Morning game drive.
For enthusiasts, the last chance to witness the splendor of African wildlife as the sun rises.
After breakfast, we are ready to leave Pilanesberg and set course for Soweto.
Soweto is a district within the city of Johannesburg in the province of Gauteng. The word is actually an amalgamation of the words South Western Townships, a residential district for black people who worked in the gold mines, created after 1886. A district that grew rapidly during South Africa's Apartheid and is still remembered for it today.
We make a bicycle tour through this impressive neighborhood.
Then we have lunch in a Shebeen, a local eatery.
We drive on to the Johannesburg airport to 15:00, as we take a domestic flight to Cape Town.
Upon arrival, we are taken to our hotel, Radisson Red Cape Town V&A Waterfront ****
Ideally located in the Silo District, within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront, and minutes from major tourist attractions, you couldn't be in a better place.
The rooms are elegantly designed and resemble no other hotel you've ever stayed in. With sparkling, colorful art, stylish lighting and plenty of space, you can totally relax even though you're in the heart of the city.
Dining at the hotel or on the Waterfront.
Visit to Cape Town.
Cape Town is situated between the Atlantic Ocean, the wine countries and the famous Table Mountain. It is a large city with more than 3 million residents, but its relatively small center makes it feel more like a village. Cape Town has a traditionally important port, and the old harbor district is a great place to stroll through. The modern center is also bustling, you will find many trendy restaurants, stores and a great nightlife.
Immerse yourself in Cape Town's most colorful neighborhood, called the Bo-Kaap. Even though the neighborhood is directly adjacent to downtown Cape Town, the area has a totally different look and feel than the rest of the city. However long your visit to Cape Town, your trip is not complete without a visit to this colorful neighborhood.
We learn here some loval dishes know from the kitchen, an interactive lunch.
Later, we are going to be the Table Mountain on.
Table Mountain is the famous mountain that watches over the city to the east of Cape Town. It is an unadulterated landmark, as truly anywhere in the city you can see the distinctive flat mountain. Table Mountain is 1084 meters high and about 3 kilometers wide, and a climb is definitely one of the highlights of your visit to Cape Town.
We take the cable car upwards.
Upstairs, we pull out some bottles of 'sparkling wine' open.
Return with the cable car.
Dine at GOLD Restaurant offers a delicious, cultural African dining experience. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, and friendly service that makes you feel immediately at ease here.
Traditional African dishes are combined here with modern flavors and techniques. Here you will discover the South African heart and not let it go!
The Cape Peninsula (Afrikaans: Cape Peninsula) is a generally rocky peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean at the southwestern end of the African continent. At the southern end of the peninsula are Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. At the northern end is Table Mountain, which overlooks Cape Town.
First we set course for Boulders.
Cape Town certainly has no shortage of fantastic beaches, but Boulders Beach in False Bay offers something extra - a colony African penguins in all their smartly dressed, waddling glory, right under your nose. In fact, it is the only place in the world where you can see African penguins up close.
Lunch we do in the Black Marlin restaurant, overlooking the water.
Further to Cape of Good Hope.
So named by Portugal's King John II, this area has captured the imagination of European sailors such as Dias who first called it the Cape of Storms in 1488 and later in 1580 Sir Francis Drake who called it the "Most Beautiful Cape in the World."
At one point, visitors are treated to excellent views from both lighthouses that adorn Africa's most southwestern point, one of which is still fully functioning. The lighthouse is accessible on foot or one can take the Flying Dutchman cable car to the top (included).
About the world-renowned Chapmans Peak, with the most beautiful views, we drive back toward Cape Town.
Get ready for Kloofstreet House, housed in a 20th-century Victorian house that sits behind busy Kloof Street.
Hidden behind thick bushes you might miss it, but once inside you'll be glad you didn't.
The twinkling fairy lights and velvet cushions along the garden seating area, as well as the warmly lit, romantic setting of the cozy-chic interior, make this one of Kloof Street's sexiest venues for a special occasion.
Check out after breakfast.
Per boat we go to Robben Island.
The island was used as a prison island as early as 1638 and held this function until the year 1996.
For years, this island was hell on earth for many people. Robben Island is not a tropical island, but a rather barren, flat island which made it a perfect place for a prison. Escape was impossible.
The most famous caught was Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his 27 years in prison here. He was not the only one who spent time here. South African presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma also spent time here.
We made contact with a bakery which was repeatedly put forward as being the benchmark in Cape Town.
The owner, Jason, would like to host our group for the lunch.
South Africa, also known for its delicious wines? We haven't noticed much of that so far!
Time to drive on to this region.
We are staying at the Spier Estate ****
Spier wine estate has long been a household name in South Africa and has its own hotel built in so-called "Village Style. The gardens surrounding it are large to say the least, and the evergreen grass is obtained in part from the large number of trees that comprise the estate.
The spacious rooms are spread over no less than six private indoor domains, each with its own swimming pool. Their design is inspired by centuries-old Cape Dutch and Mediterranean influences.
Dinner in the hotel.
The Cape Winelands, an engaging and green area in South Africa. The Cape Winelands are the area where the most delicious wines are produced.
In addition to the beautiful landscape of green vineyards, mountains and valleys, there are a number of quaint villages to visit. There is much to see in the green landscape, but a tasting really lets us know the delicious South African wines!
Optional:
Bike tour through the wine countries, accompanied by a guide. We followed the same route as the rest of the group, but as cycling.
Guide, quality bikes, insurance incl.
€ 90 per person (to be indicated at registration)
We visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
In addition, we will picnic in one of the magnificent wine estates.
Of course trials we also wine on 2 different locations.
A sumptuous aperitif and an upgrade of the dinner!
We'll make it a wonderful evening at Spier of Erinvale, a appropriate farewell Of a great trip.
We make sure we can still enjoy a delicious brunch before checking out and going to the airport driving.
Departure at 11:30, arrival at 12:15.
To 15:00 departs for Brussels, with a stop in Johannesburg (where we stay on board).
06:15 Arrival of flight in Brussels, end of the journey.
De inschrijvingen zijn afgelopen.
Ben je alsnog geïnteresseerd, neem dan contact op met jouw vertegenwoordiger.
€ 3999,00 based on 30 people
Single supplement: € 680,00
Included
Options
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Important
More than 250 million people use our services. With 1 intervention every 2 seconds, Allianz Assistance is the world leader in travel insurance and assistance. When you travel with Allianz Assistance, you can rely on an extensive network of more than 400 000 service providers. Travel the world, free from worry, we do everything we can to protect you, both before and during your trip.
For this trip, you can choose from:
Travel Assistance; €70 per person
Cancellation Insurance; 6.5% of the total trip cost
Upon registration, you pay immediately €1200 advance per person.
You will then receive the invoice by email, for the full amount (depending on any extras you choose).
The balance is due 3 months before departure (July 8, 2023).
From then on, 100% cancellation fees apply.
At a minimum, your passport must still have valid for 30 days be on arrival in South Africa, with at least two blank visa pages side by side.
Persons with the Belgian nationality no visa required for South Africa when staying up to 90 days.
People of other nationalities are responsible for checking what conditions they must meet.
For the latest info, check this page.
Tips
Tipping is very common in South Africa. A tip is an expression of appreciation and is therefore much appreciated. We recommend that you carry several South African rand bills with you so that you always have an appropriate tip on hand.
In hotels and restaurants, the tip is already included in the bill, so you don't have to give anything extra.
Electricity
The mains voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. There are several types of electrical outlets in South Africa. It is recommended to bring a type D, M and N world plug when traveling.
Money Matters
South Africa's currency is the South African rand (ZAR).
1 ZAR = 0.055 EUR (dd 17/01/2023)
In many places in South Africa it is possible to use your bank card (with Maestro or Cirrus logo) and/or your credit card to withdraw cash (ATM). Via your bank's website, before departure, temporarily activate your bank card's setting to 'World'. Belgian bank cards with Maestro logo are sometimes refused at ATMs. If you have a Belgian bank card, we therefore recommend that you also bring a credit card.
You can pay by credit card in most hotels and larger stores. Abroad, paying by credit card almost always requires a PIN. Be careful that your credit card is not being used for fraud. Almost everywhere it is possible to exchange euros and U.S. dollars into Rand (note: only bills without tears and folds and completely unwritten).
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is spoken throughout South Africa. In the Cape Provinces and the Free State, Afrikaans is mainly spoken. Afrikaans evolved from Dutch, as it was used in the Middle Ages and is therefore easily understood by us.
Clothing
South Africa has a pleasant climate. Airy, loose-fitting cotton clothing in layers is most comfortable to wear. In the morning and evening it can be chilly, a cardigan or sweater is then handy. Especially during safaris, we recommend dressing warmly. There are no dress codes from a religious point of view in South Africa. You can wear what you feel comfortable in.
Food and drink
South African cuisine is a blend of various international cuisines. Over the years, South Africa has given it its own character thanks to local ingredients and methods of preparation. Moreover, they love meat and the South African Braai is very popular throughout the country. The menu features mostly meat and traditional dishes such as Boerenwors, Bobotie and delicious curries.
South African wines are famous and loved the world over! The country makes phenomenal wines that can be found mainly in the Cape Town area and the Wine Countries. All international soft drinks are for sale and in addition, South Africa has many local beers. Tap water you can drink in most cases.
Telephone and Internet
Mobile calling is possible almost everywhere in South Africa. Almost throughout the country you have good coverage. Calling from your cell phone and landline from your hotel room can be very expensive.
Locally, you can also purchase a local sim card cheaply. This allows you to make cheaper calls than using your Dutch sim card.
Wi-Fi
Most hotels have Wi-Fi, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee. In some hotels, you have to pay extra for a faster connection (usually needed to make -free‖ WhatsApp calls) or Wi-Fi is available only in common areas, such as the lobby.
Wouter Claessens
+32 495 234 866
wouter@contourtravel.be
Officiële erkenning
Contour Travel is door de Vereniging van Vlaamse Reisbureaus (VVR) officieel erkend als reisbureau onder het nummer 9220. Dit betekent dat u kunt rekenen op een professionele dienstverlening.
Verzekering
Zoals voorgeschreven door de Belgische wet, hebben wij een verzekering tegen financieel onvermogen afgesloten bij het GFG (Garantiefonds Reizen) en een verzekering voor burgerlijke aansprakelijkheid bij VVRO/MS Amlin Insurance SE.
De verzekering biedt u als klant optimale zekerheid.
