Among budget-travel destinations, out-of-the-way South Africa isn’t usually considered one of the bunch. However, with round-trip air fare from New York to Cape Town usually costing about $1,200, these South African summer deals are certainly something to get excited about.
Cape Town Great Escape. From the natural beauty of Table Mountain to the famous wine region, there’s never been a better time to visit Cape Town. The $1,550 price tag includes round-trip air fare from Atlanta or New York to Cape Town and a six-night stay at the Park Inn Greenmarket Square, with breakfast. Valid from Jan. 11 through June 30. Single supplement $235. Additional gateways are not available. (2Afrika, www.2afrika.com; 877-200-5610)
Two-City Combination: Cape Town and Johannesburg. For a price similar to the Cape Town package above, visitors to South Africa can get two cities for the price of one. For $1,499, the five-night package includes round-trip air fare from New York or Atlanta to Johannesburg, where you tour the historical heart of the city and stay two nights at the City Lodge Morningside hotel. Then you fly to Cape Town and stay at the Victoria and Alfred City Lodge hotel for three nights. Price is valid through Oct. 31, 2004. (SAA Holidays, www.saaholidays.net; 888-777-1138)
Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the St. Lucia Wetlands. One of the world’s finest national parks, Kruger lays claim to every major animal in Southern Africa, including elephants, lions and herds of Cape buffalo. Mix that with the fantastic population of white rhinos in Zulu country’s Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the saltwater crocodiles of the St. Lucia Wetlands, and you have an animal lover’s paradise. The eight-day/seven-night package costs $1,883 and includes round-trip air from New York to Johannesburg from Jan. 15 through Feb. 29. (See SAA Holidays, above)
Hluhluwe Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. This package is almost identical to the one above–minus the exotic aquatic animals. For $1,960, the seven-night package includes round-trip air fare from New York to Johannesburg, where you spend one night at the Durban City Lodge. After breakfast the following morning, you travel overland to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve for game drives and guided walks through the African wild. After three nights, you head back to Durban to explore Kruger National Park for another three nights. Breakfasts and most dinners are included. Price is valid from Jan. 15 to Feb. 29. Single supplement $542; call for extra nights and other gateways. (Also SAA Holidays)
Sun City and Kruger National Park. Internationally renowned as South Africa’s premier holiday resort, Sun City offers golf, game and gambling. Modeled after an exotic African palace, the resort calls itself the “Lost City,” with dozens of attractions and activities to keep everyone occupied. The cost of $1,803 includes round-trip air fare from New York to Johannesburg, where you’re brought directly to Sun City for a three-night stay. After that, you return to Johannesburg and fly to Kruger National Park with a three-night stay at Pretoriuskop Camp. Price is valid from Jan. 15 through Feb. 29. Single supplement $403; call for extra nights and other gateways. (Also SAA)
Botswana Safari and Victoria Falls. For those interested in trying something a bit more adventurous, 2Afrika offers a nine-day/six-night Botswana Safari complete with game drives, a river cruise and a full-day tour of spectacular Victoria Falls. For $1,995, the safari includes round-trip air fare from Atlanta to Johannesburg with connecting flights and overland transfers to the Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana. During a six-night stay with breakfast and dinners daily, you have a choice of 10 activities ranging from a Namibian village tour to various game-viewing excursions. Price is valid Jan. 11 through May 30. Additional gateways are not available. Single supplement $400. (See 2Afrika, above)