Insider Trips
SOUTH AFRICA & Botswana
CHRISTIAN CHUMBLEY WORLD EXPLORER
O K O VA N G O D E LTA
O GM
SOUTH AFRICA N
AINS
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BU S H M A N ’ S KLOOF
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OC
EA
TRIBAL CULTURES
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>
RB
WILDLIFE IN LONDOLOZI RESERVE
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CANOEING IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA
TIC
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CE
When you sign up your trip is guaranteed
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Our Regional Manager for Africa and Asia, Christian Chumbley has a degree in archaeology from the UC Berkeley, where one of his areas of specialization was colonial South Africa. In addition to our Botswana and South Africa adventures, he has designed and led trips in regions around the globe, including India, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey and Mexico. Currently living in Cape Town, Christian gets enormous satisfaction from taking Backroads guests to exotic locales: “I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to return frequently to my favorite parts of the world and share them with others.”
L O N D O L ODZSI SABI SAN G A M E R E S E RV E
BOTSWANA
AT L
On this Insider Trip, we bridge vast distances to capture the astonishing diversity, complex history and spectacular natural environments of Southern Africa. And we do so in style, using private charter flights and staying at some of the region’s most exclusive retreats. Near Cape Town, discover the Cape Floral Kingdom’s botanical riches, the pleasures of local wine and cuisine, and the complexities of the apartheid legacy. In the Cederbergs, view some of the best-preserved prehistoric cave paintings. Journey on to Botswana’s Okavango Delta for a safari into one of the world’s wildest ecological systems. Then return to South Africa for wildlife viewing so intimate you can hear the leopards breathing – and meet some of our good friends from the tribal communities, who offer further insights into a nation reinventing itself.
Cape Town
BOTSWANA’S DESERT MIRACLE Called “the river that never meets the sea,” Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta — a labyrinth of lakes, channels, lagoons and islands harboring a vast range of African wildlife that would not otherwise survive in the harsh Kalahari. We spend two unforgettable days exploring the region by mokoro (canoe) and Land Rovers. 5 BIG REASONS TO BRING A CAMERA Lions.
Rhinos. Elephants. Buffalos. Leopards. Not to mention cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, baboons… We get you astonishingly close to big game at the private Londolozi reserve, a 35,000-acre wildlife haven. And Londolozi’s excellent relations with local tribal villages offer unique opportunities to learn more about traditional African culture. CULINARY SAFARI The South African dining
experience is as diverse as the country itself, where East meets West — and North and South. Savor Cape Malay cuisine, a sweet and spicy mix of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy European-style afternoon tea. And at remote game reserves, sit down to a feast of regional specialties beneath the star-filled African sky — serenaded by an occasional chorus of hyenas.
>
PREHISTORIC CAVE ART
>
CULTURAL CLOSE-UPS Get to know the real
South Africa through our charismatic experts: Thandu, our Xhosa guide, provides insight into the everyday life and traditions of black South Africans. Lotus, a young Shangaani man, coordinates community development projects for the villages bordering Sabi Sands Game Reserve. And Margot Winer, an archaeologist at the University of Cape Town, sheds light on South Africa’s rich cultural past. PREHISTORY ROCKS Bushman’s Kloof Reserve
is home to 130 ancient San (Bushman) rock art sites. Gain a new understanding of Africa’s past on an interpretive walk to Fallen Rock, which has some of the region’s best-preserved images, subtly detailed and fascinating in their depiction of the spiritual world. VINTAGE SOUTH AFRICA Thanks to the great strides made by vintners in the post-apartheid years, the world has been gushing over South African wines. As part of our Insider journey, we dive deep into a heritage that extends over 350 years, tasting outstanding regional wines you’d not likely find at home — including the heralded pinotage, a blend of pinot noir and hermitage that is unique to South Africa.
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PREMIERE INNS THE CELLARS-HOHENORT Constantia, Cape Town (2 nights): This luxurious winelands manor house, a Relais & Châteaux member, features two swimming pools, a tennis court, a spa, elegantly decorated guest rooms and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
DETAILS
BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE AND RETREAT Cederberg Mountains (2 nights): This Relais & Châteaux member, winner of the coveted Grand Award from Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, has a spa, swimming pools, sauna, delectable cuisine and magnificent surroundings.
PREMIERE INNS Length: 9 days, 8 nights Meet: Cape Town, South Africa Depart: Johannesburg, South Africa Price: $6,298 to $6,998 pp dbl. occ. 2008 Departure Dates Classic Trips: April 19, May 17, August 20, October 25 Family Trips: June 28
SANDIBE SAFARI LODGE Okavango (2 nights): Featuring eight beautifully decorated deluxe thatched cottages, built in a natural clearing and offering open showers and private elevated game-viewing decks ideally positioned overlooking the Santantebi River.
Call or see the Web for a detailed itinerary.
LONDOLOZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Sabi Sands Game Reserve (2 nights): At this elegant Relais & Châteaux retreat, the large chalets are beautifully decorated with prints and handicrafts, and all have private balconies for viewing hippos, elephants and other animals grazing below.
LIONS, ELEPHANTS, ZEBRAS, RHINOS, HYENAS, HIPPOS…
800-462-2848 • www.backroads.com
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CHRISTIAN CHUMBLEY WORLD EXPLORER
O K O VA N G O D E LTA
O GM
SOUTH AFRICA N
AINS
EA
UNT
BU S H M A N ’ S KLOOF
N
OC
EA
TRIBAL CULTURES
ER
>
RB
WILDLIFE IN LONDOLOZI RESERVE
OC
>
DE
CANOEING IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA
TIC
>
CE
When you sign up your trip is guaranteed
AN
32
Our Regional Manager for Africa and Asia, Christian Chumbley has a degree in archaeology from the UC Berkeley, where one of his areas of specialization was colonial South Africa. In addition to our Botswana and South Africa adventures, he has designed and led trips in regions around the globe, including India, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey and Mexico. Currently living in Cape Town, Christian gets enormous satisfaction from taking Backroads guests to exotic locales: “I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to return frequently to my favorite parts of the world and share them with others.”
L O N D O L ODZSI SABI SAN G A M E R E S E RV E
BOTSWANA
AT L
On this Insider Trip, we bridge vast distances to capture the astonishing diversity, complex history and spectacular natural environments of Southern Africa. And we do so in style, using private charter flights and staying at some of the region’s most exclusive retreats. Near Cape Town, discover the Cape Floral Kingdom’s botanical riches, the pleasures of local wine and cuisine, and the complexities of the apartheid legacy. In the Cederbergs, view some of the best-preserved prehistoric cave paintings. Journey on to Botswana’s Okavango Delta for a safari into one of the world’s wildest ecological systems. Then return to South Africa for wildlife viewing so intimate you can hear the leopards breathing – and meet some of our good friends from the tribal communities, who offer further insights into a nation reinventing itself.
Cape Town
BOTSWANA’S DESERT MIRACLE Called “the river that never meets the sea,” Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta — a labyrinth of lakes, channels, lagoons and islands harboring a vast range of African wildlife that would not otherwise survive in the harsh Kalahari. We spend two unforgettable days exploring the region by mokoro (canoe) and Land Rovers. 5 BIG REASONS TO BRING A CAMERA Lions.
Rhinos. Elephants. Buffalos. Leopards. Not to mention cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, baboons… We get you astonishingly close to big game at the private Londolozi reserve, a 35,000-acre wildlife haven. And Londolozi’s excellent relations with local tribal villages offer unique opportunities to learn more about traditional African culture. CULINARY SAFARI The South African dining
experience is as diverse as the country itself, where East meets West — and North and South. Savor Cape Malay cuisine, a sweet and spicy mix of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy European-style afternoon tea. And at remote game reserves, sit down to a feast of regional specialties beneath the star-filled African sky — serenaded by an occasional chorus of hyenas.
>
PREHISTORIC CAVE ART
>
CULTURAL CLOSE-UPS Get to know the real
South Africa through our charismatic experts: Thandu, our Xhosa guide, provides insight into the everyday life and traditions of black South Africans. Lotus, a young Shangaani man, coordinates community development projects for the villages bordering Sabi Sands Game Reserve. And Margot Winer, an archaeologist at the University of Cape Town, sheds light on South Africa’s rich cultural past. PREHISTORY ROCKS Bushman’s Kloof Reserve
is home to 130 ancient San (Bushman) rock art sites. Gain a new understanding of Africa’s past on an interpretive walk to Fallen Rock, which has some of the region’s best-preserved images, subtly detailed and fascinating in their depiction of the spiritual world. VINTAGE SOUTH AFRICA Thanks to the great strides made by vintners in the post-apartheid years, the world has been gushing over South African wines. As part of our Insider journey, we dive deep into a heritage that extends over 350 years, tasting outstanding regional wines you’d not likely find at home — including the heralded pinotage, a blend of pinot noir and hermitage that is unique to South Africa.
IN
DI
AN
PREMIERE INNS THE CELLARS-HOHENORT Constantia, Cape Town (2 nights): This luxurious winelands manor house, a Relais & Châteaux member, features two swimming pools, a tennis court, a spa, elegantly decorated guest rooms and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
DETAILS
BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE AND RETREAT Cederberg Mountains (2 nights): This Relais & Châteaux member, winner of the coveted Grand Award from Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, has a spa, swimming pools, sauna, delectable cuisine and magnificent surroundings.
PREMIERE INNS Length: 9 days, 8 nights Meet: Cape Town, South Africa Depart: Johannesburg, South Africa Price: $6,298 to $6,998 pp dbl. occ. 2008 Departure Dates Classic Trips: April 19, May 17, August 20, October 25 Family Trips: June 28
SANDIBE SAFARI LODGE Okavango (2 nights): Featuring eight beautifully decorated deluxe thatched cottages, built in a natural clearing and offering open showers and private elevated game-viewing decks ideally positioned overlooking the Santantebi River.
Call or see the Web for a detailed itinerary.
LONDOLOZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Sabi Sands Game Reserve (2 nights): At this elegant Relais & Châteaux retreat, the large chalets are beautifully decorated with prints and handicrafts, and all have private balconies for viewing hippos, elephants and other animals grazing below.
LIONS, ELEPHANTS, ZEBRAS, RHINOS, HYENAS, HIPPOS…
800-462-2848 • www.backroads.com
33
