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Special Offer: S. Africa Mantis Collection - 11D/10N
The Mantis Collection are a portfolio of exceptional guest houses and lodges, located in some of the most scenic ‘must experience’ areas of South Africa…
All of the Mantis Collection game lodges and guest houses are graded five star properties and are noted for their impeccable service, excellent cuisine and are all in locations of immense natural beauty. Please do refer to our website under the accommodation section for more detailed information on each property.
Stay 2 nights at Shamwari Long Lee Manor (Near Port Elizabeth) and 2 nights at Jock Safari Lodge (Kruger National Park) between May 1 to Sep 30 and receive a total of 6 Nights FREE at the following Mantis properties:
- * 2 nights at Lake Pleasant Living (Knysna)
- * 2 nights at The Franschhoek (Cape Winelands)
- * 2 nights at The Long Beach (Kommetjie, Cape Town)
Shamwari Game Reserve - Shamwari has become internationally recognised for the fantastic efforts of the Born Free Foundation established on the reserve. The Born Free Foundation provides a safe haven for animals that have been treated cruelly, to live out the remainder of their natural lives in a harmonious environment. This ‘Big Five’ reserve has it all – amazing wildlife and birdlife, excellent rangers (this is of paramout importance, as a ranger will bring the ‘bush to life’ with his knowledge of the environment), luxurious and varied accommodation options, as well as outstanding cuisine.
- · View the ‘Big Five’ plus black & white rhino, wild dog, hippo, giraffe, zebra, etc.
- · Highly qualified and experienced game rangers.
- · Exceptional cuisine.
- · Dedicated wildlife department, with full time vet, ecologist and environmentalist.
- · Strategic alliances - Born Free Wilderness Foundation.
- · Easily accessible from Port Elizabeth
- · Stunning landscapes.
Jock Safari Lodge - The Kruger National Park is one of the biggest wildlife reserves in Africa with an incredible variety of plant, bird, reptile and animal life. Jock is a private concession within this world-renowned wildlife sanctuary and guests are richly rewarded with close encounters of all of Africa’s wildlife including the ‘Big Five’. This lodge has a more traditional and warm atmosphere, coupled with fantastic game viewing, excellent rangers, luxurious surroundings and gourmet cuisine.
- · 6000 hectare, private concession within the world renowned Kruger National Park.
- · Luxurious suites with private plunge pools & salas - overlooking the river. The lodge is on the confluence of two rivers (Biyamiti & Mitomeni River).
- · Fully equipped spa with a sauna, steam room & hydrotherapy bath.
- · Only 6 guests per game vehicle.
- · Child friendly (Children under 6 not allowed on game drives).
- · Relive one of South Africa’s cultural heritages through the story of Jock of the Bushveld. Original mementoes can be found at the lodge.
Validity: 1 May 2008 30 September 2008
Rates Include: · Meet and greet on arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport · Avis Group B – 8 days car hire · 2 nights Shamwari Long Lee Manor – full board + game activities · 2 nights Lake Pleasant Living – room only · 2 nights The Franschhoek – bed and breakfast – includes all drinks · 2 nights The Long Beach – bed and breakfast – includes all drinks · Return transfers from Kruger Airport to Jock Safari Lodge · 2 nights Jock Safari Lodge – full board + game activities
Rates Exclude: · Airfares · One way drop off fees and extras payable directly to Avis (Fuel, Contract Fee) · Visa Fees · Additional meals · Entrances
Daily Itinerary:
- Day 1& 2: Port Elizabeth Airport to Shamwari Game Reserve - Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth today, a Representative will meet you, assist you to collect your Avis Group B hire car and answer any queries you may have before you self-drive to Shamwari Game Reserve for check-in. This afternoon enjoy your first game drive on the reserve. You will encounter all manner of wildlife including the famous ‘Big Five’. Your first game drive will be a thrilling experience, as your game ranger takes you ‘up close’ to possibly elephant, rhino or lion! Overnight: Shamwari Game Reserve on a full board basis with two game activities daily
- Day 3 & 4: Shamwari Game Reserve to Lake Pleasant (Knysna) - Depart Shamwari this morning after your early morning safari and breakfast. Travel along the ‘Garden Route’ through the lush Tsitsikamma Forest, past the seaside playground of Plettenberg Bay and on towards Knysna. Overnight: Lake Pleasant on a bed & breakfast basis
- Day 5 & 6: Lake Pleasant (Knysna) to The Franschhoek (Franschhoek, Cape Winelands) - Depart early this morning and head for the Cape Winelands, a much acclaimed wine region of international recognition. Franshhoek or ‘French Quarter’, is a beautiful hamlet of fine foods, boutiques, art galleries, encircled by mountains on whose slopes grow some of the finest cultivar. For the next two days explore the Cape Winelands. Overnight: The Franschhoek on a bed & breakfast basis
- Day 7 & 8: The Franschhoek (Franschhoek, Cape Winelands) to The Long Beach (Kommetjie, Cape Town) - This morning travel to Cape Town after check-out. Explore the ‘Mother City’ at your leisure - from Table Mountain to the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Overnight: The Long Beach on a bed & breakfast basis
- Day 9 & 10: The Long Beach (Cape Town) to Jock Safari Lodge (Kruger National Park) - Check-out early this morning and travel to Cape Town International Airport, where you drop off your hired car and board your onward flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, located just outside of Kruger National Park. Upon arrival at Kruger Airport, a Representative will welcome you and will transfer you to Jock Safari Lodge, which is a private concession within the southern section of the famous Kruger National Park.
A typical day at Jock:
Early wake-up at 5am for your dawn game drive (animals are most active during the early morning and late afternoon/early evenings).
Morning tea and muffins
Leave in time to catch the sunrise and some incredible wildlife viewing
Return to camp around 9am for a scrumptious and hearty breakfast
After breakfast you have the option of joining a guided walking safari - your guide will discuss the flora and fauna you are walking through and even some San rock art viewing if the opportunity arises - there is always the chance of coming across innumerable animals species on foot - perhaps even one of the ‘Big Five’!
Lunch and perhaps an afternoon siesta in your private ’sala’, or a swim in your private plunge pool
Head off again around 4pm for your afternoon/evening game drive (by spotlight!). Sundowners and snacks are served out in the wilderness as the sun sets - your ranger will choose a scenic viewing point for you to enjoy the sunset.
Once back from your evening game drive dinner is served and if the weather permits, underneath the African stars in the lodge’s ‘boma’.
Overnight: Jock Safari Lodge on a full board basis with two game activities daily - Day 11: Departure -
After your morning safari and breakfast, transfer back to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg … or perhaps we can help you to tack on a few days in Victoria Falls - one of the Natural Wonders of the World!
