Classic Travel

22 Night - Sensational Seychelles and South Africa Package

Package Details

Overview

Accommodation Fly Package Tour Transfers

From AU$11,799 per person*

Package Provider: Trafalgar
Package Type: Package
Region: Africa
Duration: 22 Nights


Description

 

 Your Fly, Tour & Stay package includes: 

·      Economy class flights from Sydney to Mahe, returning from Cape Town

·      1 night accommodation in Mahe, Seychelles

·      8 day Cruising in the Seychelles with Peregrine

-      Includes 7 nights small ship tour, 20 meals, activities + more

·      Economy class flight from Mahe to Johannesburg

·      15 day Best of South Africa tour with Trafalgar from Johannesburg to Cape Town

-      Includes 14 nights handpicked accommodation, 27 meals, expert travel director & more

·       Transfers throughout

·      Port charges, fees and airline taxes

 

 

Cruise Itinerary

 

Day 1: Embarkation in Mahe

Embarkation will take place between 15:00 to 16:00 pm. After the welcome cocktail and safety drill, we leave Port Victoria and sail to nearby St Anne for a refreshing swim stop off the ship. Overnight at anchor near St Anne and enjoy a welcome dinner.

 

Day 2: St Anne Island to Curieuse

We leave St Anne Island early in the morning to reach Curieuse. This morning we visit this uninhabited island for an included walking excursion with a park guide. Lying about one mile to the north-east of Praslin, this island of about 2 miles long, was first given the name Ile Rouge on account of its red earth. As part of the Marine Park the island is strictly protected and only a few families live here. Like Praslin, Curieuse is home to the Coco-de-Mer palm. The island has a wild population of about 250 Giant Tortoises, brought over from Aldabra in the 1980s and a breeding scheme has been in place there for several years. Curieuse was once a leper colony, and the ruins of the houses can still be seen. There is also a large, restored colonial villa, known as the Doctor’s House, where the island doctor lived in the 1870s. Nature trails wind their way across the island, notably through the extensive swamps, home to eight different species of mangrove.

Later we return to the beach for a BBQ under the trees. In the afternoon you can enjoy the beach and sea activities. Overnight at anchor in Curieuse.

 

Day 3: Curieuse, Cousin Island and Anse Lazio

In the morning we sail for Cousin Island for an included excursion. Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 27 hectares and lies approximately 2km from Praslin island. It became the world’s first internationally owned-reserve when it was purchased in 1968 by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (ICBP), now Birdlife International. The objective was to save the last remaining population of the Seychelles warblers.

First made into a Nature Reserve in 1968 it was afforded further protection when it was designated a Special Reserve in 1974. It is not only significant for sea birds and endemic land birds but is also the most important breeding site for Hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian Ocean. The reserve is managed solely by local staff and benefits local communities on the neighboring Praslin island through eco-tourism. Today, Cousin is managed by Nature Seychelles. Conservation activities include monitoring of the island's biodiversity, research, re-introduction of endangered species such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin.

Later in the afternoon we reach Anse Lazio, Praslin, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Time for water sports and snorkelling. Evening at anchor.

 

Day 4: Anse Lazio, Aride Island, St Pierre, Baie St Anne, Praslin

In the morning we leave for Aride. A visit to Aride Island is an essential part of the itinerary for any visitor to Seychelles to discover what the islands were like 250 years ago before human settlement. Aride is the northernmost island of the granitic Seychelles and is 1.6 km long and 0.6 km wide. Aride hosts one of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean with more breeding species than any other island in Seychelles. Eighteen species of native birds (including five only found in Seychelles) breed on Aride including Audubon's shearwater and the Seychelles warbler. It is also home to the Wright's gardenia which is found nowhere else on earth. The island is managed as a nature reserve by the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles and the only human inhabitants are the reserve's staff, including the Island Manager, Conservation Officer and rangers.

Aride Island hosts thousands of breeding seabirds each year, especially during the southeast monsoon and land birds that breed year round. Aride is also an island where native plants find fertile soil for growth. Because of this, it plays a very important role in the conservation of Seychelles wildlife both terrestrial and marine (with a 200m of protected area from the coastline).

At noon we sail for St Pierre Island arriving just after lunch in time for a 3 hour snorkelling and swimming stop. At sunset, we leave St Pierre to sail into Baie St Anne, Praslin. Overnight at dock and a Creole themed night.

 

Day 5: Praslin to La Digue

This morning, we offer an optional excursion to Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, via the main mountain pass. A scenic coastal drive through picturesque fishing villages and dense forest of contrasting shades of green. On arrival at Vallee de Mai, we start our guided tour. Discover the mystical World Heritage Site famous for its Coco de Mer – the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Capture the Cathedral feel of this primeval forest with its gigantic palms, a truly uplifting experience. Watch for the Black Parrot, one of the rarest birds in the world and listen to its high pitched whistle. Depart Vallee de Mai for Cote d’ Or Beach – voted on several occasions as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you will have time for swim and a refreshing soft drink.

Rejoin the boat for an afternoon sailing to the uninhabited island of Felicite or Grand Souer for snorkelling, swimming and optional dive excursion. Evening sailing to La Digue where we will anchor in the port overnight.

 

Day 6: La Digue to Moyenne Island

This morning, take a half day optional excursion in La Digue, the most photographed and quaint community in the Seychelles. After disembarking by zodiac, this excursion will take us by bus to the Veuve Nature Reserve and through Union Plantation to l’ Anse Source d’ Argent beach. Arrive at L’ Union Estate and tour the copra kiln, a traditional coconut oil mill and the colonial plantation house. Time at Anse Source D’ Argent one of the most magnificent beaches in the world. Marvel at some of Seychelles' most impressive rock formations, whilst enjoying a refreshment. Time for hunting souvenirs at La Passe, the islands main village, before returning to the ship.

In the late afternoon, we set sail for Moyenne island, opposite Mahe where we will spend the night at anchor.

 

Day 7: Moyenne Island and Mahe

Take a short, included guided tour around the island before there is time for swim and a beach BBQ. This is the last opportunity for snorkelling and swimming before the end of the trip.

We leave Moyenne island for Mahe’s Victoria port in the afternoon arriving late at the Inter Island Quay. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner with live music and dancing. Overnight in Mahe.

 

Day 8: Disembarkation in Mahe

Disembarkation takes place after breakfast between 9.00 and 10.00am. Make your way to the airport for you onward flight.

 

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive In Johannesburg, South Africa.

Welcome to Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

 

Day 2: Johannesburg.

Today's sightseeing starts with a visit to SOWETO (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Soweto is a part of South Africa's turbulent past, but this multicultural area is also a reflection of today and hope for tomorrow. Along the way, see the neighbourhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Gain some perspective of life here at MANDELA HOUSE, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest. After lunch, visit the unforgettable APARTHEID MUSEUM to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid era. Using photos, video, and print, the museum takes you on an extraordinary journey through the apartheid years to the 1994 democratic elections that named Nelson Mandela president.

 

Day 3: Johannesburg-Kruger National Park Area.

Depart Johannesburg and explore the PANORAMIC ROUTE known for its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, see GOD'S WINDOW, the LISBON FALLS, and BERLIN FALLS. Continue on to the Kruger National Park area.

 

Day 4: Kruger Area.

Rise between 5 am and 5:30 am for coffee and tea before your EARLY MORNING GAME DRIVE with an experienced guide. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend some time at leisure in the middle of the day. Perhaps book a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Be sure to watch for kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more on your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. As darkness descends, your guide will bring out a spotlight to help you spot nocturnal animals. Return to your lodge for dinner.

 

Day 5: Kruger Area.

Like day 4.

 

Day 6: Kruger Area-Cape Town.

Enjoy some time at leisure this morning before flying to beautiful Cape Town.

 

Day 7: Cape Town.

Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a CABLECAR RIDE (weather permitting) up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Next, visit Boulders Beach where you will see a COLONY OF ENDANGERED AFRICAN PENGUINS, known for the unique sound they make. After free time for lunch, continue on to CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwesternmost point on the African continent. Here, take a FUNICULAR RIDE to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. On your return journey back to Cape Town, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

 

NOTE: Each year, generally in early August, the Table Mountain cableway closes for yearly maintenance. During this time, we will visit Signal Hill for views over the city.

 

Day 8: Cape Town.

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape winelands for wine tasting, or cruise to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day.

 

Day 9: Cape Town.

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

 

Terms & Conditions

Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.

Enquire Now

1300 765 305 (AUST) 0800 956 363 (NZ)

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