biltong (bill-tong) - This South African favourite is dried and salted meat, similar to beef jerky, although it can be made from ostrich, kudu or any other red meat. /
/ koeksister (kook-sister) - A traditional Malay - and now also Afrikaner - sweet, made from twisted yeast dough, deep fried and dipped in syrup. The word comes from the Dutch koek (”cake”) and sissen, meaning “to sizzle”.
boma (bow-mah) - An open thatched structure used for dinners, entertainment and parties. / lekker (lekk-irr with a rolling r) - Nice, good, great, cool or tasty.
Food Etiquette
braai (br-eye) - An outdoor barbecue, where meat such as steak, chicken and boerewors are cooked, served with pap and bredie. / Food etiquette in South Africa is mostly westernised, with some of its own idiosyncrasies. For instance, it's acceptable to eat pasta twirling it onto a fork with aid of a spoon, and lobster with your hands. The popular braai (barbeque) is another occasion where you can use your hands. In rural areas, traditional stew and mealie pap are also eaten with the hands - use your right hand only and roll the pap into a ball with your fingers, then dip it into the stew and eat. / muti (moo-ti) - Medicine, typically traditional African medicine, from the isiZulu umuthi.
bunny chow - Delicious and cheap food on the go, bunny chow is curry served in a hollowed-out half-loaf of bread. / potjiekos (poi-kee-kors) - Traditional Afrikaner food, generally a rich stew, cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot over a fire. The word means “little-pot food” in Afrikaans.
Where can I smoke?
The law prohibits smoking in public spaces, including airports and railway stations. Most restaurants and pubs have designated smoking and non-smoking areas. No one under the age of 18 may buy cigarettes, or enter a designated smoking area. Both the venue operator and the smoker can face penalties if they ignore the law.
china -China means good friend, as in “This friend's my china”. It’s one of the few Cockney rhyming slang words to survive in the country, coming from “china plate” = “mate”. / robots - Traffic lights.
cooldrink, colddrink - This is the common term for a soda, such as Coca-Cola. Ask for a soda in South Africa and you will receive a club soda. / Drinking Water / shebeen - A township tavern, illegal under the apartheid regime, often set up in a private house and frequented by black South Africans. The word is originally Gaelic.
Drinking water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions where applicable.
dop (dawp) - An alcoholic drink: “Can I pour you a dop?” It can also mean to fail: “I dopped the test.” / toyi-toyi - A knees-up protest dance.
Safety Precautions
Make sure you have the latest safety tips from the establishment where you will be staying and take common sense precautions as you would when travelling anywhere in the world.
The Africa Safari Co. in association with Thompsons Africa welcomes you to Africa.
This Travel Guide has been prepared for MrsLynette Cover,Mr Harold Cover,
Your booking reference number is TA110425.
06 August, 2017
Dear Mr Harold Cover,Mrs Lynette Cover,
We welcome you warmly to Southern Africa. Our broad African canvas painted with extraordinary landscapes, magnificent wildlife, diverse peoples, and unrivalled hospitality are all destined to take your breath away.
Be assured, time spent in Southern Africa changes you and shifts your perspective, for this is a destination so
dynamic, so colourful, so exquisite on so many levels, you’ll yearn to return time and time again.
The authentic travel experience to any destination is always about the small, finer details, and we think that’s particularly pertinent to Southern Africa. We encourage you to take a stroll through our day tour brochures
and know that we’ve spent many years handpicking the experiences we know you’ll never forget.
Please contact us to make your bookings.
Your Travel Guide enclosed, reflects the reference numbers for each service provider and should be provided
on check-in. The reference numbers confirm your stay according to the information provided at the time of
booking, and replace the need for traditional travel vouchers, a proud Green Initiative by Thompsons Africa.
Kindly reconfirm your flight and departure times with each airline, as flight schedule changes can occur at
short notice. The concierge desk at your hotel can assist with this.
Our day tours are a must! Everyone is hand crafted and the stories we tell are filled with interesting facts for
you to uncover about our amazing history, diverse culture and wonderful people.
Should you wish to book one of these captivating tours, have any questions relating to your travel arrangements or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Care Centre on either of the following numbers:031 275 3500 (local) or +27 31 275 3500 (international) This service is available 24-hours a day, 365-days a year.
On behalf of Thompsons Africa and The Africa Safari Co., we wish you a holiday filled with magical moments
and unforgettable memories.
Warm regards,
______
Corinne Bly
Thompsons Africa FIT Department
Your Travel Guide prepared for Mr Harold Cover, Mrs Lynette Cover,
Your Booking Reference Number TA110425.
On your arrival, a warm and friendly Thompsons Africa welcome awaits you!
Our expert Guest Service Officer is ready to assist and guide you through the airport to your waiting vehicle/connecting flight.
Date / Detail / Contact Information
06 August, 2017 / South African Surprise - 15 days
2 x Per Person Sharing - Double for 1 night(s)
SupplierReference: SASUR / 20 The Boulevard
West End Office Park
Durban
South Africa
3630
Tel: +27 (0)312753903
Itinerary: Day 1: (Sun) Johannesburg
Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar
Day 2: (Mon) Hazyview (Buffet Breakfast)
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God's Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and finally a visit to Bourke's Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview.
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Distance travelled today: 500 kms
Day 3: (Tue) Kruger National Park (Packed Breakfast)
We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed touring vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
Day 4: (Wed) Swaziland (Buffet Breakfast)
This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Swaziland. We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief's village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture.
Accommodation: Lugogo Sun or similar
Distance travelled today: 261 kms
Day 5: (Thu) St Lucia and surrounds (Buffet Breakfast)
This morning we journey through Swaziland into Zululand. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umfolozi or similar
Distance travelled today: 435 kms
Day 6: (Fri) St Lucia and surrounds / Durban (Buffet Breakfast)
Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar
Distance travelled today: 290 kms
Day 7: (Sat) Drakensberg (Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Dinner)
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride for a stroll along the Umhlanga Beach Promenade which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account).
Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Resort Hotel & Spa or similar
Distance travelled today: 255 kms
Day 8: (Sun) Drakensberg (Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Dinner)
Full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Today a host of leisure activities awaits you against a breath-taking back drop of tranquil beauty.
Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Resort Hotel & Spa or similar
Day 9: (Mon) Eastern Cape Coast (Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Dinner)
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela's birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chintsa East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast.
Accommodation: Crawford's Beach Lodge or similar
Distance travelled today: 520 kms
Day 10: (Tue) Eastern Cape Coast (Buffet Breakfast)
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind... beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. In the mid-morning, we set off heading south to Port Elizabeth.
Accommodation: Garden Court King's Beach or similar
Distance travelled today: 340 kms
Day 11: (Wed) Knysna (Buffet Breakfast, Dinner)
Today our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check in at our hotel.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate or similar
Distance travelled today: 300 kms
Day 12: (Thu) Oudtshoorn (Buffet Breakfast)
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the 'feather capital of the world' because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Travelling back to the Eastern seaboard, we arrive in Mossel Bay in the afternoon for a visit to the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomeus Diaz museum and shell museum.
Accommodation: Garden Court Mossel Bay or similar
Distance travelled today: 315 kms
Day 13: (Fri) Cape Town (Buffet Breakfast)
After breakfast we head for Cape Town via the towns of Swellendam, Robertson and Worcester. After traveling through the Huguenot Tunnel, iconic Table Mountain greets us as we arrive in Cape Town in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Sun Square Hotel - Cape Town or similar
Distance travelled today: 540 kms
Day 14: (Sat) Cape Town (Buffet Breakfast)
Enjoy a day at leisure in the 'Mother City' where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Enjoy quality time exploring this iconic beautiful city with its many world acclaimed attractions.
Accommodation: Sun Square Hotel - Cape Town or similar
Day 15: (Sun) Cape Town (Buffet Breakfast)
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day
will be at your leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.
Date / Detail / Contact Information
06 August, 2017 / Scheduled - Guided Journeys Optional Extra - Soweto Tour
Per Person
Pick up Point: Protea O R Tambo
Drop off Point: Protea O R Tambo
Supplier Reference: KK / 20 The Boulevard
West End Office Park
Durban
South Africa
3630
Tel: +27 (0)31 275 3903
Tour Description:
Date / Detail / Contact Information
20 August, 2017 / SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
1 x Standard Room - Double for 3 night(s)
Meal Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Supplier Reference: 10892232
Check Out Date: 23 August, 2017
Inclusion: Valid 01 Feb 17 - 31 Jan 18
- Accommodation.
- Breakfast.
Valid 01 Feb 18 - 31 Jan 19
- Accommodation.
- Breakfast.
Exclusion: Valid 01 Feb 17 - 31 Jan 18
- All meals.
- Drinks.
- All personal extras not specified.
- Porterage (R45 per room one way). Rates are subject to change.
Valid 01 Feb 18 - 31 Jan 19
- All meals.
- Drinks.
- All personal extras not specified.
- Porterage (R45 per room one way). Rates are subject to change. / Mill Street
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 4651311
Hotel Description: Situated near the Cape Town city bowl in the lush suburb of Gardens, the recently renovated SunSquare hotel offers visitors fresh, unique accommodation that is comfortable and vibrant. The hotel's 136 contemporary and well-appointed en-suite rooms are equipped with a host of amenities, which include flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, free WiFi, tea and coffee facilities and more.
Zepi Grill & Bar restaurant offers an exciting dining experience for hotel guests including the vibrant alfresco terrace. The innovative menu focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients and offers a varied menu of delicious and hearty home-style meals. The hotel also offers a gym for the use of its guests, as well as a magnificent outdoor pool in the gardens.
Should you have any questions relating to your arrangements, or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us on either of the following numbers. This service is available 24-hours a day, 365-days a year.
Contact Details:
Within South Africa: / 031 275 3500
International/ Regional: / +27 31 275 3500
Email /
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