South Africa for under $1,000
Like the Kim Bassinger film we never bothered to see, most of us dream of Africa. However, perusing the high prices and travel costs of a game drive, hotels, meals, and travel, we often realize a trip to the local zoo can seem vastly more appealing.
Enter the Mantis Collection, a South African crew of exclusive, upscale game lodges, reserves, and five-star hotels, that are offering incredible prices this spring and summer. Mantis Madness, from May 1 to September 30, 2006, will have you walking and talking with the animals on a private game reserve, and staying in one of two five-star South African hotels for a relative pittance.
By reserving two nights at Shamwari Game Reserve, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, or Jock Safari Lodge at the incredible rate of only $840* per person, which includes all meals, accommodations, game drives, walking safaris, and local beverages, guests receive three nights complimentary with breakfast, at either Lake Pleasant Living in Knysna or the Radisson Hotel in Cape Town. This presents of savings of over $1,000 based on individual purchase prices.
The Eastern Cape’s Shamwari five-ecosystem reserve is set on 55,000 hectares, supporting seemingly endless forms of plant, animal and bird life. Six luxury lodges on a reserve known for its conservation and preservation programs await lucky club members who wisely choose this inexpensive tour. Shamwari also proudly boasts it is malaria-free, a selling point we are definitely comforted to know about.
Sanbona, on the Western Cape of South Africa, features two game lodges and 54,000 hectares of land with 6,500 plant species, 150 bird species and a variety of game, including the “Big Five.” As frequent travelers to Africa, we can tell you sometimes the insect and bird life is varied enough to intrigue us with the complexity of Africa’s plains, though we’re still content to follow a stalking leopard or lumbering rhino.
Jock Safari Lodge, set within massive Kruger National Park, offers game drives within the park with spectacular, well-rounded insight into African wildlife. Kruger is known for its size and diversity and is a great introduction to the wilder side of safari that South Africa is known for. Other parks in other countries are often lamented for their lack of actual authentic wilderness, something we appreciate still being able to experience in South Africa. In other words, there is always the slight excitement that you could be eaten, though it hasn’t happened yet.
We recommend Cape Town from our experience, for its international cultures, Dutch villages, plentiful wineries, ruggedly gorgeous coastlines and towering mountain peaks, as well as for the educational and cultural dichotomy of seeing slum townships aside the infinitely more stable European society that surrounds them. It is a city of great beauty and tragic history, a blend of the best sights and deepest heartbreaks.
The seaside Radisson is well-situated for jaunts to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, the beach, Cape Point, and the Cape Winelands. Make sure to visit the penguins of Boulder Beach, who are beyond adorable and only visible elsewhere with a trip to the Arctic.
Lake Pleasant Living, situated along South Africa’s enchanting Garden Route, offers one bedroom suites with kitchenette and a lounge opening onto a balcony that overlooks the landscaped garden and Groenvlei Lake. With a spa, vanishing-edge swimming pool and tons of nearby activities, there is no shortage of nature or fun to be had.
Take advantage of Mantis Madness and see the Big Five and more with having to spend 5 Big Ones or more.
Reservations for Mantis Madness may be made on one of the following websites: www.shamwari.com, www.sanbona.com or www.jocksafarilodge.com or by calling 877-354-2213.
