The John Monds Show South Africa 2016

March 30 – April 10, 2016. To Cape Town, Joburg, Soweto, Pilanesburg and Durban

Day 1 & 2: 30th - 31st March 2016

Departure at 5:40pm from IAD (Dulles International Airport) in Washington DC with your escort to South Africa on SA 208, South African Airways - Africa’s Most Awarded Airline and a Star Alliance Member. Overnight flight with meals and connection through JNB. On arrival at Cape Town International Airport our representatives will meet you and transfer to the Taj Cape Town Hotel for your stay. Check-in to The Taj Hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel.

Few places in the world possess the beauty and style of the historic and culturally vibrant Cape Town, the so-called "Mother City" and the oldest metropolis in South Africa with a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. Apart from the unmissable charms of Table Mountain, the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town offers a host of sights and activities, including wonderful Victorian and Art Deco architecture, fascinating museums, great shopping, superb restaurants, live music, theatres and night-clubs.

Day 3: 1st April 2016Today after breakfast at the hotel, we will meet you in the lobby and escort you on a visit to Table Mountain and a Cape Point and Peninsula tour including lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant located within the Cape Point Nature Reserve. At the end of the day spend the evening at the Cape Town International Jazz Fest.

Table Mountain By the late 1870's, several of Cape Town's more prominent citizens had suggested the introduction of a railway line to the top of Table Mountain. Plans to implement a proposed rack railway got under way but the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War put a halt to these efforts. By 1912, with a strong desire to gain easy access to the top of Table Mountain, the Cape Town City Council commissioned an engineer to investigate the various options for public transport to the top. The new cableway was officially opened on 4 October 1997, the anniversary of the original launch, almost 70 years previously.

Cape Point and Peninsula TourThis is an awe-inspiring tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point. Magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, historic and picturesque coastal villages are to be seen along the way. The Cape Peninsula is one of the world's most scenic areas and stretches from the city centre to Cape Point. Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, stopping at a Llandudno look-out point before continuing to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbour with magnificent mountain views and beach. On through Chapman's Peak, one of the world's most breathtaking coastal drives, to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve, which has magnificent fynbos vegetation, birdlife, endemic antelope species and zebra, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks. Cape Point is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

After lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant, on to historic Simon's Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also an information centre.

You will then make your way to visit the well-known Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The Garden is one of eight National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes. When Kirstenbosch, the most famous of the gardens, was founded in 1913 to preserve the country's unique flora, it was the first botanical garden in the world with this ethos. The garden is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape Flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

Day 4: 2nd April 2016Today after breakfast at the hotel, we will meet you in the lobby and escort you on an emotional journey to Robben Island, home to Nelson Mandela for 18 of the 27 years he spent incarcerated. Then to the Winelands with lunch at the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate with wine tasting included, before paying a visit to the Cheetah Reserve. At the end of the day spend the evening at the Cape Town International Jazz Fest.

Robben IslandFormerly a political prison and a leper colony before that, this historic landmark was recently established as a museum and national monument. Experience the conditions of incarceration - view Nelson Mandela's maximum-security prison cell (Cell 5) and see the lime quarries. In the one, hard labour was served, in the other prisoners discussed strategy, freedom and the future. Later, many would develop eye problems as a result of the sun's reflection off the lime surfaces. This well preservedlandmark is a monument to the triumph of freedom, dignity and determination over humiliation and oppression.

On Robben Island, visitors' movements are restricted by regulation to the bus and the group's guide. 'No easy road to freedom' was a central theme in most of the Mass Democratic Movement's campaigns, from the early days through to the late 1980s. Any understanding of present day conditions in South Africa is greatly enhanced by looking at past injustice, the legacy of the struggle and the promise of reconstruction and development initiatives under way at present.

Winelands TourThis delightful drive winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Head off to the wine country via the N2 to the heart of South Africa's wine industry, Stellenbosch; boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, you are trulyspoiled for choice when you enjoy your first wine tasting of the day.

Travel over the scenic Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. Billed as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, this charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. Enjoy a wine tasting before returning to the bustle of city life after an enthralling day in the countryside.

Cheetah ReserveAn education and community-based programme created to raise awareness of the plight of the cheetah and to campaign for its survival. Founder Annie Beckhelling launched the project in January 1997.

Day 5: 3rd April 2016

Settle your account and enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Today following completion of check out procedures we will transfer you to Cape Town International Airport for your 11:15am scheduled flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at O R Tambo International Airport you will be met by our Johannesburg and transferred to The Tsogo Sandton Sun for your stay.

After freshening up, join us in reception and we will escort you on a Lesedi Cultural Tour including dinner.

Embark on a fascinating and enriching exploration of the various tribes who call South Africa home. One of Lesedi’s many differentiating factors is the village’s natural and tasteful incorporation into the surrounding bush, river and forests, with five traditional homesteads including Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele. Visitors are invited to observe the African way of life through a multi-visual theatre presentation on the history and origin of the people, a guided tour of the homesteads, The Giant Ingoma – song and dance of all five villages. The experience ends with a pan-African feast.

Day 6: 4th April 2016After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you on your tour of the Apartheid Museum before visiting Soweto which includes lunch at the Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto.

Apartheid MuseumThe Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th Century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story.

The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience. The exhibits have been assembled and organised by a multidisciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of the epic saga known as apartheid.

Soweto TourSoweto is a sprawling township, or more accurately, a cluster of townships on the south-western flank of Johannesburg. Soweto was created in the 1930s, with Orlando the first township established. In the 1950s, more black people were relocated there from 'black spots' in the inner city - black neighbourhoods which the apartheid government had reserved for whites. Nelson Mandela's humble little house in Orlando West, Soweto, now called the Mandela Family Museum, is an interesting stopover for those keen to imbibe a slice of authentic history on the world's most famous former prisoner. The museum, a house comprising four inter-leading rooms, contains a rather eclectic assortment of memorabilia, paintings and photographs of the Mandela family as well as a collection of honorary doctorates bestowed on Nelson Mandela from universities and institutions around the world.

Days 7 & 8: 5th / 6th April 2016

Settle your account the night before and have all your luggage ready. Today after breakfast and completion of check out procedures we will meet you in reception to transfer you by road to the Pilanesberg National Park for a two night stay at Bakubung Bush Lodge.

A typical day at the Game Lodge consists of the following:05h00 - Wake up call05h30 - Game drive 08h30 - Breakfast13h00 - 14h00 Lunch16h00 - High tea16h30 - Game drive 20h00 - 22h00 Dinner

Day 9: 7th April 2016Settle your account the night before. Today after breakfast we will meet you in the lobby and transfer you to OR Tambo International Airport for your scheduled flight to Durban at 1:55pm. On arrival at King Shaka International Airport you will bemet by our Durban Representative and transferred to Beverly Hills Hotel accommodation for your stay.

En route to the hotel enjoy an orientation tour of the city of Durban. Discover the cultural and historical contrasts of thiscosmopolitan city where east meets west. Drive along Durban's distinctive beachfront, the Golden Mile, past the art-deco buildings and Ushaka Marine World to The Point at the harbour entrance.

Drive along Victoria Embankment and through the city past buildings of historical significance such as the Natal Museum, City Hall and the Play House Theatre. Visit the colourful and lively Victoria Street Market filled with the aromas of Indian spices.

After spending some time at leisure, you will spend the evening at the Havana Grill for dinner.

Day 10: 8th April 2016Today after breakfast we will meet you in the lobby and escort you on a Tour of 1000 Hills including the fascinating Zulu dancing and a visit to the Crocodile and Snake Park with lunch included at the Pot & Kettle Restaurant.

Tour of 1000 HillsThis is a tour of complete scenery, culture and game all rolled into one tour.

Drive through the western Durban suburbs on the picturesque countryside of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Visit a reconstructed Zulu village where you will be taken into traditional beehive shaped thatched huts, where the various artefacts, beliefs and rituals are explained, providing insight into the fascinating Zulu culture. Following the impressive Zulu dancingshow, enjoy a guided tour of the Crocodile and Snake Park.

Farewell Dinner this evening will be at moyo at uShaka Marine World.

Day 11: 9th April 2016Settle your account at the hotel the night before, pack-up all of your luggage and memories. Today after breakfast we will meet you in the lobby and transfer you to King Shaka International Airport for your international flight home at 1:55pm. You will arrive back at IAD in Washington DC at 6:25 am on the 10th of April.

All items subject to change

Taj Hotel, Cape TownTaj Cape Town welcomes guests to the vibrant heart of one of the world's most scenic and desirable cities, Cape Town.

Taj Cape Town is a combination of rich history and elegant contemporary architecture. Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, later the Board of Executors (BOE), it successfully combines the heritage of the old with the luxury of the new.

This five-star hotel is ideally located in the center of historic Cape Town at the entrance to the famous pedestrian precinct, St George's Mall. Its prime location ensures that Taj Cape Town is perfectly situated for those looking to discover authentic Cape Town; and its blend of fascinating history, exotic culture, soulful art, lively entertainment and delectable cuisine.

Sandton Sun, JohannesburgThis 5‐star hotel is located in the heart of Johannesburg’s economic hub, Sandton. It is connected to Sandton Convention Center. It offers spacious rooms, a variety of dining options and a state‐of‐the‐art Business Suite. Sandton Sun is also connected to the luxury shopping center, Sandton City. It is located 40 minutes from O R Tambo and half a mile from the Gautrain.Guests can choose from many dining options, including a deli, bar, 2 restaurants, a show kitchen, cheese room and deck. All menus are seasonal and ingredients are sourced from local farmers.Sandton Sun features VIP check‐in facilities. The Spa is open 7 days a week, offering a variety of relaxing treatments and massages. There is also a fully equipped 24‐hour fitness center. Sandton is a great choice for travelers interested in Food, Luxury Brand Shopping and Clothes Shopping. 

Bakubung Bush Lodge, Pilanesberg

Bakubung Bush Lodge is concealed within the rich expanses of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park and offers you everything you need to get in touch with the bush.

Bakubung, or “People of the Hippo”, offers you everything you need in regards to comfortable and luxury accommodation. With the bush just outside your window you will be able to relax and take in everything about the bush and the animals livingaround you. Bakubung Bush Lodge has some of the best accommodation in the Pilanesberg and offers an amazing family holiday experience.

Beverly Hills Hotel Umhlanga, Durban

The award-winning Beverly Hills hotel, which is one of Tsogo Sun’s prestigious properties, opened her doors in 1964 and has since been considered one of Durban’s finest accommodation destinations by discerning travelers. Over the past 5 decades, the Beverly Hills hotel has been home to royalty, celebrities and captains of industry; the place where deals have been done and memories have been made. A pioneer in the area in 1964, the Beverly Hills hotel is located in uMhlanga and boasts uninterrupted views of the ocean. The hotel is perfect for romantic escapes, family holidays and business travel and offers an idyllic place for guests to unwind and enjoy the gracious and intuitive service it is so well-known for.