SOUTH AFRICA FARMING TOUR 25 DAYS Dep: 23 June 2016

DAY 1:

Thu 23 Jun

MELBOURNE – PERTH – JOHANNESBURG

(-)

Meet your tour Weekly Times escort at Tullamarine airport to assist you through check-in for your domestic Virgin flight to Perth departing early evening. Upon arrival proceed through customs and immigration procedures for your late evening overnight flight to Johannesburg. Overnight: In flight

DAY 2:

Fri 24 Jun

JOHANNESBURG

(D)

On arrival very early this morning be met by your driver and guide and enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Pretoria including the Voortrekker Monument, situated in a beautiful setting which commemorates the pioneering history of Southern Africa and the Afrikaner. Afterwards transfer to your hotel at midday for an early check-in where the remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or for private sightseeing before meeting for dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Johannesburg

DAY 3:

Sat 25 Jun

JOHANNESBURG – GAME AUCTION

(BD)

Early morning departure from Johannesburg as we drive from the “Highveld” to the “Lowveld” to the tiny hamlet of Vaalwater to attend a game auction. (*Game auction subject to confirmation and may operate on a different day and/or location.) Witness this unique auction of wildlife and see the herds of plains game: impala, zebra, wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, blesbok and other species. There will be time before the auction to inspect the animals then watch the auction process. Late in the afternoon head closer to South Africa’s most prestigious National Park: Kruger. Overnight: Marble Hall or similar

DAY 4:

Sun 26 Jun

PANORAMA ROUTE – HAZYVIEW

(BD)

After breakfast depart for the scenic Panorama Route. Visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and the beautiful and spectacular Blyde River Canyon - the world’s third largest canyon. Also stop off to visit Pilgrims Rest, an early 20th century mining town now beautifully restored. Afterwards travel to Hazyview to relax with sundowners on the open deck overlooking the hippo pool. Overnight: Hazyview

DAY 5:

Mon 27 Jun

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

(BD)

Kruger National Park is one of the oldest and most famous Parks in the world. Upon the opening of the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe allowing the free movement of animals to and from the Park, the present 2 000 000 hectare area will swell to the biggest conservation area in the world. A full day game drive in your coach today to possibly see herds of elephants, buffalo, prides of lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, wild dog, hyena and many antelope species as you look for the Big Five and the rest of the animal kingdom together with the wide array of birdlife. Overnight: As Above

DAY 6:

Tue 28 Jun

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

(BD)

After an early breakfast embark on a true African safari adventure – travel in open 4WD vehicles with experienced rangers to assist in looking for the Big Five along with the rest of the animal kingdom together with an abundant variety of birdlife. Time in the afternoon to relax at the rest camp. Another option is to partake in the experience of a lifetime with Elephant Whispers, to interact with these majestic animals up close with a range of activities including elephant back rides, interacting with and feeding the elephants then finishing with sundowners. Overnight: As Above

DAY 7:

Wed 29 Jun

HAZYVIEW – KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND

(BD)

Up early for breakfast and pass through traditional African villages set amongst the hilly terrain and small plots of sub-tropical and tropical agriculture. Enter the Kingdom of Swaziland with its rural aspect of subsistence agriculture. Our travels this afternoon are through scenic rolling hills with typical African villages and their way of life evident. Stop at a village market to view the crafts and artefacts. Overnight: Swaziland

DAY 8:

Thu 30 Jun

SWAZILAND – DUNDEE

(BD)

Today the rolling countryside will enthral you as you head for the beautiful Ezulweni Valley. Stops will be made today at a candle factory and a hand-made glass factory to enjoy the cultural activities before leaving Swaziland travelling to the battlefield areas of Rorke’s Drift and Blood River where the mighty British Army and the Boer trekkers were confronted by the full force of the Zulu nation. It was also where the Boer wars were fought by the Afrikaaners in their bid to halt the advancing threat of Anglo colonisation. End the day in Dundee in bed and breakfast country style accommodation for the next two nights. Overnight: Dundee

DAY 9:

Fri 01 Jul

DUNDEE

(BLD)

An early start today for an inspection visit of the CCC Feedlot that holds in excess of 12,000 cattle. The same company also own their own abattoirs and supply beef to the largest supermarket chain in South Africa. After the visit return for a leisurely breakfast before visiting a Bonsmara beef stud and commercial operation near Dundee. The Bonsmara are a genetic breed of South African beef and our host today will be Lourens Roos, a local stock agent and auctioneer. Afterwards visit the Zulu Cultural Village and enjoy traditional Zulu food for lunch, then visit Talana Museum – the only museum situated on a battlefield where the buildings from the time of the battle still exist. Time late in the day to visit a commercial mixed wool and meat sheep property with merino and duhne merino flocks. Overnight: As Above

DAY 10:

Sat 02 Jul

DUNDEE – THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

(BLD)

This morning visit a dairy farm between Dundee and Ladysmith, milking over 600 cows in a rotary dairy and producing over 14,000 litres of milk daily. Afterwards drive through the open plain countryside before entering the picturesque mountains of the Drakensbergs. En route today stop off and inspect the state-of-the-art Hydro Electric Scheme at Drakensville. Afterwards travel towards the beautiful Royal Natal National Park, deep in the Mont-aux-Sources area of the rugged Drakensberg Mountains. Overnight: Drakensberg

DAY 11:

Sun 03 Jul

GOLDEN GATE NP – CLARENS

(BLD)

A scenic day in this picturesque mountain countryside. See all the sights with scenic lookouts and short walks in Golden Gate National Park. The towering sandstone cliffs of the Drakensberg Escarpment form an impressive backdrop. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed today in these lovely surroundings. This afternoon arrive into Clarens, a small town situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Overnight: Clarens

DAY 12:

Mon 04 Jul

CLARENS – CRADOCK

(BD)

Today we drive adjacent to the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho heading for the open plain country where maize is grown and beef cattle and sheep are grazed and fattened. Later in the day enter the rural settlement of Cradock and settle into your unique cottage style accommodation. Enjoy dinner tonight in the magnificent dining room in the historic hotel at the end of the street. Overnight: Cradock

DAY 13:

Tue 05 Jul

CRADOCK

(BD)

Three local farm visits have been scheduled for today. Visit a boutique pecan nut grove together with a specialist herb garden. See a large scale dairy together with a vast centre pivot irrigation setup. Lastly visit a prime lamb feedlot, again utilising irrigated pasture. Overnight: As Above

DAY 14:

Wed 06 Jul

CRADOCK – GRAAF-REINET – KNYSNA

(BD)

Today’s travels take you through vast open countryside where grain, corn/maize and sheep are the predominant agricultural pursuits. Stop off in the rural township of Graaf Reinet with time to see and walk around the unique olde worlde buildings in this extremely tidy town. Later on head to the coast and the Indian Ocean to the holiday hamlet of Knysna where holidaymakers from all over South Africa converge in droves during the summer holiday season. Enjoy a sunset cruise on Knysna Lakes and Heads to end the day. Overnight: Knysna

DAY 15:

Thu 07 Jul

KNYSNA – OUDTSHOORN

(BD)

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast this morning before heading inland through the picturesque rolling countryside. Today three different farm visits are on the agenda adjacent to the game reserve. Visit a large scale intensive dairy, milking in excess of 400-500 cows using European/South African technology and see how it differs to our way. Afterwards visit a large family run indigenous (Nguni) beef cattle breeding and fattening operation for the domestic market. End the day with the manager of one of the largest vegetable export farms in South Africa. All vegetables are exported to the European market. Overnight: Oudtshoorn

DAY 16:

Fri 08 Jul

OUDTSHOORN – SWELLENDAM

(BD)

Our first stop today is at an ostrich farm to gain a rural perspective and see how they value-add to all parts of the ostrich. Afterwards visit a local farmer’s Co-Operative Merchandise store en route to Swellendam - the town in the centre of one of the largest cropping regions of South Africa. This afternoon visit a large scale cropping property operating a minimum till direct drill cropping program. Overnight: Swellendam

DAY 17:

Sat 09 Jul

SWELLENDAM

(BD)

Our local host will personally show us his agricultural machinery enterprise which specialises in modifying air seeders and imported products and components from the Australian/USA marketplaces. Afterwards visit a Dohne Merino commercial flock to talk to the farmer who mixes these sheep with the cropping operation. At Bredsdorp visit a commercial Protea farm to learn about their enterprise exporting product around the world. Overnight: As Above

DAY 18:

Sun 10 Jul

SWELLENDAM – STELLENBOSCH – CAPE TOWN

(BL)

This morning travel through vast open cropping country on the way to the Winelands region for a tasting, cellar door tour and lunch at a wine estate. On arrival there is time to walk around the historic town of Stellenbosch where you can meander under age-old Oak trees and admire the old cottages. Marvel at the beauty of the vineyards with the mountains as their backdrop together with the attractive architecture of the Cape Dutch homesteads and outbuildings. Later in the day travel to the beautiful city of Cape Town for our three night stop. On arrival pass by the Olde Worlde Malayan Quarter and the Parliament’s Buildings. Weather permitting visit Table Mountain. The cable car station is approximately 1070 metres above sea level (ticket not included – approx. AUD $30.00) and marvel at the 360 degree view over the city and Table Bay. Late evening check into the hotel, enjoy dinner at the hotel or one of the local cafés/restaurants (own expense). Overnight: Cape Town

DAY 19:

Mon 11 Jul

CAPE POINT DAY TOUR

(BD)

Begin with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast this morning, passing through the cosmopolitan suburb of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles - part of the Table Mountain range. Continue to the fishing village of Hout Bay which offers an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island (own expense) to view the Cape Fur Seals inhabiting the island. From here travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which comprises of over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora including baboons, rhebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show." You’ll be able to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and may even feel the brisk wind that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers. Return to Cape Town by way of the Simon's Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (own expense) and stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a short walking tour of the beautiful gardens. Overnight: As Above

DAY 20:

Tue 12 Jul

CAPE TOWN – FREE DAY

(B)

A free day in this beautiful city to relax at your hotel or time at the V&A waterfront. Perhaps take a stroll through the marketplaces or maybe an optional tour or cruise to Robben Island could be on your agenda today. Overnight: As Above

DAY 21:

Wed 13 Jul

CAPE TOWN – JOHANNESBURG – VICTORIA FALLS

(BD)

An early breakfast this morning then transfer to the airport to board your flight to Victoria Falls via Johannesburg. On arrival be met and transferred to your accommodation then enjoy a guided tour to witness one of the Seven natural wonders: Victoria Falls. Explore these mighty waterfalls almost twice as high and wide as the mighty Niagara Falls. The breathtakingly beautiful Falls are where the waters of the Zambezi River tumble down in continuous thunder. The mist over the Falls which can be seen from quite a distance is known as “The Smoke that Thunders” or “Mosi Oa Tunya”. Overnight: Victoria Falls

DAY 22:

Thu 14 Jul

VICTORIA FALLS – FREE DAY

(B)

Today is a free day to further explore the Falls and the quaint surrounding township. You may choose to partake in activities such as helicopter flights over the falls, white water rafting, bungee jumping, walking and interacting with lions, elephant back safaris, game drives, village tours and much more during your stay. Dinner is at own expense this evening. Overnight: As Above

DAY 23:

Fri 15 Jul

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP

(BLD)

After breakfast transfer to the Kazungula border where a Botswana guide will join us and head to Chobe River to spend the morning game viewing by boat. At the conclusion of the cruise enjoy lunch on the riverbank before boarding open 4WD safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive in the Chobe National Park to view the abundance of wildlife. Afterwards cross the Kazungula Border back into Zimbabwe and return to the hotel for a unique farewell cultural boma dinner including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes which is accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional Shangaan dancers, the Sangoma (story teller) and a local witchdoctor who is available for fortune telling. Overnight: As Above

DAY 24:

Sat 16 Jul

VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG – FLY HOME

(B)

Some time at leisure this morning before being transferred to the airport to join your flight home to Australia via Johannesburg.

DAY 25:

Sun 17 Jul

ARRIVE HOME

(-)

Arrive into your home port today, so ending a magnificent journey throughout South Africa

COST: $9,875.00 per person, twin share * Subject to air and visa fee increases and currency fluctuations Non-refundable deposit required:

$1000.00 per person

Balance required no later than:

02 May 2016

Single Supplement:

$1,540.00

CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply, please see booking conditions for details. MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS: *Hazyview 3 nights *Swellendam 2 nights

*Dundee 2 nights *Cape Town 3 nights

FARM VISITS: *CCC feedlot (cattle) *Large scale rotary dairy farm *Local farm visits – Cradock area *Centre pivot irrigation/feedlot *Indigenous (Nguni) beef cattle farm *Large scale cropping properties - Swellendam *Dohne merino propery *Commercial Angus beef property

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: *Kruger National Park *Panorama Route including God’s Window *Blyde River Canyon *Swaziland *Boer & Zulu Battlefields *Traditional Zulu lunch and Talana Museum *Cape Town

*Cradock

2 nights

TECHNICAL VISITS: *Candle & handmade glass factories - Swaziland *Hydro electric scheme at Drakensville. *Buxton machinery – air seeders *Game wildlife auction

*Drakensberg Mountains *Kingdom of Lesotho *Knysna Lagoon cruise *Winelands region *Cape Town & Cape Point tour *Victoria Falls *Chobe Nat Park – Botswana – cruise/game drive

Tour Cost Includes: • Economy Airfares and pre payable taxes from Australia to South Africa return. • Air conditioned vehicle transport with guide throughout. • Accommodation based on a twin share basis. • Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). • Comprehensive sightseeing and entrance fees including technical and farm visits. • All farm and technical visits as listed in the itinerary. • Standard Travel Insurance for those aged up to 70 years (Surcharge applies to those passengers with an existing health condition or aged 71 or over). Passengers aged 75 and over are automatically required to complete an over the phone medical assessment before the insurance policy can be issued. • Gratuities for the driver/s and guides. • Escort from Australia will travel with you at all times. Tour cost does not include: • Items of personal nature and any optional extras listed in the itinerary. • Alcoholic beverages. • Cost of passport. • Cost of any medication / vaccinations required. • Double Entry Visa required for Zimbabwe (approx. USD $45.00), obtained on arrival.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare, fuel surcharges and/or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to South Africa. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $75 per person (plus extra touring and insurance costs). The amount of passengers able to split at the end of the tour is limited, so will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Farm & Technical Visits: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure. Changes and alterations may take place. PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday if applicable, and/or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Currently there are no visas required for Australian citizens/passport holders to travel to South Africa – but this is subject to change. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy or your Travel Agent. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure, that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police. HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

TOUR ESCORT; James Gordon Livestock Business Owner - Ballarat James grew up on a family farming enterprise at Woodend near the base of Hanging Rock. After completing his tertiary studies James took a role with a wool broker in Victoria then accepted a branch managers role in Skipton before being offered the opportunity to manage Landmark in Katherine. After 2 years James returned to Victoria to establish his own livestock business which has been operating out of Ballarat for the past 9 years and has also developed relationships with key livestock exporters and also has a role in the live export trade.

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:

SWAGMAN TOURS Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473) GEELONG WEST VIC 3218 P: 1800 808 491

E: [email protected]

W: www.swagmantours.com.au