Friday 23 April 2010
Sunday 18 April 2010
It was my 50th birthday in 2009, so, after talking over where we would like to go, my wife and I eventually decided to celebrate it in South Africa, last week in February to the first week in March. Neither of us had been to mainland Africa before although we had been to the Cape Verde islands west of Senegal a couple of times. What we would do there was left to me, although we both agreed that a safari of some kind would have to make up some of the holiday.
I spent a good while looking at different locations and activities that we could do and eventually came up with an itinerary that would suit us both. Then I looked at hotels, activities, flights, car hire, etc. This was not going to be easy. In the end I contacted a travel company at http://www.rhinoafrica.com/ My travel agent was Nicci Brand. I discussed with her over the phone and by E-Mail what I wanted and how we were going to achieve it. Over the next few weeks Nicci came back to me with various ideas and in the end we agreed a package that would suit us. I have to say that throughout this process Nicci was brilliant. I can’t praise her or Rhino Africa enough.
It was up to me how we got to South Africa. I again looked at various options, but plumbed for flying there with Virgin Atlantic, because of costs and their reputation. Our eldest daughter Nikki and her husband Nash had flown with Virgin to the States and they recommended that if I booked with Virgin I should pay a little bit more and go Premium Economy. This I did.
Here is our itinerary:
Day 1. Travel to London Heathrow for direct flight to Johannesburg. Depart 18:00 and arrive at 07:05 the next morning.
Day 2. Upon arrival at Johannesburg we have to collect our luggage and make our way to the departure lounge for another flight to Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe. Depart 11:25 and arrive at 13:10. After collecting luggage again take transfer to Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe for 3 nights.
Day 3. Guided tour of Victoria Falls followed by sunset boat trip along the Zambezi river.
Day 4. A free day to do as we like. Will make plans when we arrive.
Day 5. Transfer from Victoria Falls back to Johannesburg. Pick up hire car. Drive to Sun City for 4 nights at Sun City Hotel.
Day 6. My birthday.
Day 7. Play golf at the Gary Player Country Club.
Day 8. Final day in Sun City to do as we please.
Day 9 - 14. Travel by car to Madikwe Game Reserve for 5 days and 6 nights on safari.
Day 15. Charter flight from Madikwe to Johannesburg again. Transfer by car to Westcliff Hotel for last night in South Africa.
Day 16. Transfer to airport for flight back to Heathrow. Depart 21:45 and arrive 06:50 the following morning.
On the day prior to us flying to South Africa, we decided to travel down and stop in The Holiday Inn in Slough. Doing this would help us to avoid any traffic congestion which we had encountered on a previous trip, it would enable us to be fresh and relaxed for the long flight and we could leave the car for the duration of or holiday in secure parking. The hotel also provided luxury car transfers to and from the airport. A great hassle free start.
Day 1.
We woke late on Sunday morning and had a lie in. We talked about the trip and realized that we were both getting excited about the it now. At breakfast I commented on how relaxing this was. Nice leisurely start to the day with no worries about making the airport on time. We can have a light lunch later then; get ready for the transfer at around 16:00. Perfect.
All went to plan. At the airport we found the Virgin Atlantic desk, not difficult as they have their own people there to direct you and the desk is quite distinctive being bright red.
Checking in was effortless. I had booked Premium Economy, the next step up from Economy. In Premium Economy you get more leg room, the seats recline more, you only have 2 seats in your row, you have a dedicated stewardess, drinks on embarkation and a very good dinner menu. I’m not saying that it’s as good as first or Business Class, but having flown many times before on economy with various airlines, I thought it would be well worth paying the extra to upgrade, especially on an eleven hour flight. I wasn’t wrong or disappointed with this decision.
After check in, we went to the departure lounge to chill in the bar. We idled away an hour or so talking about the next two weeks and what we were going to do. When the departure screen showed that boarding was about to take place we marched on down towards the respective gate. First and Business class passengers were allowed to board first, followed by us. Very relaxed walk onto the plane and as Premium Economy is quite spacious; there was no need to get in your seat quickly so as to avoid blocking the isle. Elaine took the window seat and I had the isle. Within a few minutes we were offered a hospitality drink to welcome us on board. It didn’t seem to take long to get everyone on board and as soon as they were, we were off.
Now, Normally I wouldn’t relish 5 or 6 hours on a plane let alone 11, but after only being on the plane for 10 minutes or so, I knew that this was going to be alright. The seats were extremely comfortable. You do get some extra leg room and I was grateful for the extra recline. Throughout the entire flight, I didn’t notice anyone in front or behind us (There were passengers behind us, but they never used my head rest as a way of getting out of their seat, pulling it back and then catapulting your head towards the cockpit like on previous flights). We also got a blanket, ear phones, “socks”, etc to make the flight more comfortable. Exquisite.
During the flight we talked, listened to music, watched a film and slept. Leaving at 18:00 and arriving in Johannesburg at 07:05 (+ 2 hours) meant that we would be flying through the night, so our sleep pattern was not disrupted.
(South Africa does not have day light saving, so from the end of October to the end of March the time difference with the UK is 2 hours. From the end of March to the end of October, when we put our clocks forward 1 hour, the time difference is 1 hour. It can be confusing when you read that South Africa, and other countries, is GMT +2 hours. Although the UK is, if you like, where GMT is (Greenwich Mean Time) when we put our clocks forward 1 hour we are then GMT +1. So if South Africa is GMT +2 and we are GMT +1 then the time difference is +1).
I can’t remember the actual time we were served dinner, but it was well into our flight. The meal was served on china plates with stainless steel cutlery and we finished it off with a large glass of red wine and a sleep.
At 07:05, on time, we landed at Tambo Airport Johannesburg. Disembarking was a breeze, as was luggage reclamation. We now had a 2 hour wait before we could check in for our next flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which was due to leave at 11:25. Feeling quite refreshed, we had a good look around Tambo Airport for a while, where Elaine spent some time looking for something specific that she wanted. Knowing that we would be back here in 3 days and again the following week allowed us to look at what was available and checkout prices.
It was around about 09:15, so we decided to look for our check in desk for our flight to Victoria Falls. Again found with no problem. Checked in and went to departure lounge for another drink. Still very relaxed, though not really looking forward to another flight, but quite excited about going to Victoria Falls.
At 11:00 we were asked to embark and within 20 minutes we were up in the sky. The flight was to last 1 hour 45 minutes. Not enough time to sleep (not that we needed it), but enough time to check things over, make a few notes and grab a bite to eat.
We arrived promptly at 13:10 and after disembarking and reclaiming our luggage we had to get our visas. This proved to be a little bit slower than anticipated. Eventually we got through OK, after having paid “top whack” as we were British (quite normal then).
Our transfer mini-bus was waiting outside as arranged and our luggage was deposited straight away. When all passengers were aboard we made our way to the hotel. There were 3 hotel stops on route, including ours. At the first, the guests were greeted by a local dressed in splendid colours who gave them a traditional welcome.
Traditional Welcome and Greeting at Victoria Falls
We were the only guests that day at the Victoria Falls Hotel. We were met by 2 porters. One took our luggage from the bus and the other took my hand luggage. They took us to reception to book in, then to our room.
The hotel is very grand and elegant. The old style architecture gives it a wonderful charm and you feel that you are in somewhere that has a great deal of history. The walls give evidence to this with pictures and photographs of a bygone age and hunting trophy’s of various animals.
Our room overlooked the rear of the hotel gardens and Victoria Falls. Before we got showered and changed for dinner, we wanted to have a look around the grounds. Coming out at the rear of the hotel the first thing we noticed was a resident “troop” of baboons that congregated on the lawns and then scampered up the walls and over the roof tops. They seemed to be oblivious to us, perhaps due to the many guests that they’ve encountered from day to day making them less wild than they could be. There was a “sounder” of Warthogs cultivating the lawn as we walked down the pathway to get a closer look at the mist. These were also oblivious to our presence. From here you could see the mist spray coming from the falls and as the sun was shining and at this time of day there was a lovely rainbow hanging over it.
To the right of the main hotel was the outdoor swimming pool, Jungle Junction Restaurant and the Stone Dynamics Gallery. We would be visiting these in the next day or so. On our way back there were more animals coming out to play. These were a large troop of Vervet monkeys out and about until the sun goes down. It was now time to get ready for dinner and a beer or 2.
Elaine wanted to explore a bit more, so I went to shower and change first.
She came back a while later and informed me that she had decided to leave the hotel grounds and walk to the shops. Big mistake. The security guard at the main entrance asked her where she was going, but didn’t fully explain the implications. As she walked out past the guard she was immediately mobbed by a hoard of young men (Now she knows how Cheryl Cole and George Michael feel) all trying to sell her something. She made a hasty retreat back to the safety of the hotel after going no more than 50 yards from the hotel. She was then told not to venture out on her own without a guard. You live and learn.
We “dressed” for dinner and went down to the bar for an aperitif.
I spent a good while looking at different locations and activities that we could do and eventually came up with an itinerary that would suit us both. Then I looked at hotels, activities, flights, car hire, etc. This was not going to be easy. In the end I contacted a travel company at http://www.rhinoafrica.com/ My travel agent was Nicci Brand. I discussed with her over the phone and by E-Mail what I wanted and how we were going to achieve it. Over the next few weeks Nicci came back to me with various ideas and in the end we agreed a package that would suit us. I have to say that throughout this process Nicci was brilliant. I can’t praise her or Rhino Africa enough.
It was up to me how we got to South Africa. I again looked at various options, but plumbed for flying there with Virgin Atlantic, because of costs and their reputation. Our eldest daughter Nikki and her husband Nash had flown with Virgin to the States and they recommended that if I booked with Virgin I should pay a little bit more and go Premium Economy. This I did.
Here is our itinerary:
Day 1. Travel to London Heathrow for direct flight to Johannesburg. Depart 18:00 and arrive at 07:05 the next morning.
Day 2. Upon arrival at Johannesburg we have to collect our luggage and make our way to the departure lounge for another flight to Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe. Depart 11:25 and arrive at 13:10. After collecting luggage again take transfer to Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe for 3 nights.
Day 3. Guided tour of Victoria Falls followed by sunset boat trip along the Zambezi river.
Day 4. A free day to do as we like. Will make plans when we arrive.
Day 5. Transfer from Victoria Falls back to Johannesburg. Pick up hire car. Drive to Sun City for 4 nights at Sun City Hotel.
Day 6. My birthday.
Day 7. Play golf at the Gary Player Country Club.
Day 8. Final day in Sun City to do as we please.
Day 9 - 14. Travel by car to Madikwe Game Reserve for 5 days and 6 nights on safari.
Day 15. Charter flight from Madikwe to Johannesburg again. Transfer by car to Westcliff Hotel for last night in South Africa.
Day 16. Transfer to airport for flight back to Heathrow. Depart 21:45 and arrive 06:50 the following morning.
On the day prior to us flying to South Africa, we decided to travel down and stop in The Holiday Inn in Slough. Doing this would help us to avoid any traffic congestion which we had encountered on a previous trip, it would enable us to be fresh and relaxed for the long flight and we could leave the car for the duration of or holiday in secure parking. The hotel also provided luxury car transfers to and from the airport. A great hassle free start.
Day 1.
We woke late on Sunday morning and had a lie in. We talked about the trip and realized that we were both getting excited about the it now. At breakfast I commented on how relaxing this was. Nice leisurely start to the day with no worries about making the airport on time. We can have a light lunch later then; get ready for the transfer at around 16:00. Perfect.
All went to plan. At the airport we found the Virgin Atlantic desk, not difficult as they have their own people there to direct you and the desk is quite distinctive being bright red.
Checking in was effortless. I had booked Premium Economy, the next step up from Economy. In Premium Economy you get more leg room, the seats recline more, you only have 2 seats in your row, you have a dedicated stewardess, drinks on embarkation and a very good dinner menu. I’m not saying that it’s as good as first or Business Class, but having flown many times before on economy with various airlines, I thought it would be well worth paying the extra to upgrade, especially on an eleven hour flight. I wasn’t wrong or disappointed with this decision.
After check in, we went to the departure lounge to chill in the bar. We idled away an hour or so talking about the next two weeks and what we were going to do. When the departure screen showed that boarding was about to take place we marched on down towards the respective gate. First and Business class passengers were allowed to board first, followed by us. Very relaxed walk onto the plane and as Premium Economy is quite spacious; there was no need to get in your seat quickly so as to avoid blocking the isle. Elaine took the window seat and I had the isle. Within a few minutes we were offered a hospitality drink to welcome us on board. It didn’t seem to take long to get everyone on board and as soon as they were, we were off.
Now, Normally I wouldn’t relish 5 or 6 hours on a plane let alone 11, but after only being on the plane for 10 minutes or so, I knew that this was going to be alright. The seats were extremely comfortable. You do get some extra leg room and I was grateful for the extra recline. Throughout the entire flight, I didn’t notice anyone in front or behind us (There were passengers behind us, but they never used my head rest as a way of getting out of their seat, pulling it back and then catapulting your head towards the cockpit like on previous flights). We also got a blanket, ear phones, “socks”, etc to make the flight more comfortable. Exquisite.
During the flight we talked, listened to music, watched a film and slept. Leaving at 18:00 and arriving in Johannesburg at 07:05 (+ 2 hours) meant that we would be flying through the night, so our sleep pattern was not disrupted.
(South Africa does not have day light saving, so from the end of October to the end of March the time difference with the UK is 2 hours. From the end of March to the end of October, when we put our clocks forward 1 hour, the time difference is 1 hour. It can be confusing when you read that South Africa, and other countries, is GMT +2 hours. Although the UK is, if you like, where GMT is (Greenwich Mean Time) when we put our clocks forward 1 hour we are then GMT +1. So if South Africa is GMT +2 and we are GMT +1 then the time difference is +1).
I can’t remember the actual time we were served dinner, but it was well into our flight. The meal was served on china plates with stainless steel cutlery and we finished it off with a large glass of red wine and a sleep.
At 07:05, on time, we landed at Tambo Airport Johannesburg. Disembarking was a breeze, as was luggage reclamation. We now had a 2 hour wait before we could check in for our next flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which was due to leave at 11:25. Feeling quite refreshed, we had a good look around Tambo Airport for a while, where Elaine spent some time looking for something specific that she wanted. Knowing that we would be back here in 3 days and again the following week allowed us to look at what was available and checkout prices.
It was around about 09:15, so we decided to look for our check in desk for our flight to Victoria Falls. Again found with no problem. Checked in and went to departure lounge for another drink. Still very relaxed, though not really looking forward to another flight, but quite excited about going to Victoria Falls.
At 11:00 we were asked to embark and within 20 minutes we were up in the sky. The flight was to last 1 hour 45 minutes. Not enough time to sleep (not that we needed it), but enough time to check things over, make a few notes and grab a bite to eat.
We arrived promptly at 13:10 and after disembarking and reclaiming our luggage we had to get our visas. This proved to be a little bit slower than anticipated. Eventually we got through OK, after having paid “top whack” as we were British (quite normal then).
Our transfer mini-bus was waiting outside as arranged and our luggage was deposited straight away. When all passengers were aboard we made our way to the hotel. There were 3 hotel stops on route, including ours. At the first, the guests were greeted by a local dressed in splendid colours who gave them a traditional welcome.
Traditional Welcome and Greeting at Victoria Falls
We were the only guests that day at the Victoria Falls Hotel. We were met by 2 porters. One took our luggage from the bus and the other took my hand luggage. They took us to reception to book in, then to our room.
The hotel is very grand and elegant. The old style architecture gives it a wonderful charm and you feel that you are in somewhere that has a great deal of history. The walls give evidence to this with pictures and photographs of a bygone age and hunting trophy’s of various animals.
Our room overlooked the rear of the hotel gardens and Victoria Falls. Before we got showered and changed for dinner, we wanted to have a look around the grounds. Coming out at the rear of the hotel the first thing we noticed was a resident “troop” of baboons that congregated on the lawns and then scampered up the walls and over the roof tops. They seemed to be oblivious to us, perhaps due to the many guests that they’ve encountered from day to day making them less wild than they could be. There was a “sounder” of Warthogs cultivating the lawn as we walked down the pathway to get a closer look at the mist. These were also oblivious to our presence. From here you could see the mist spray coming from the falls and as the sun was shining and at this time of day there was a lovely rainbow hanging over it.
To the right of the main hotel was the outdoor swimming pool, Jungle Junction Restaurant and the Stone Dynamics Gallery. We would be visiting these in the next day or so. On our way back there were more animals coming out to play. These were a large troop of Vervet monkeys out and about until the sun goes down. It was now time to get ready for dinner and a beer or 2.
Elaine wanted to explore a bit more, so I went to shower and change first.
She came back a while later and informed me that she had decided to leave the hotel grounds and walk to the shops. Big mistake. The security guard at the main entrance asked her where she was going, but didn’t fully explain the implications. As she walked out past the guard she was immediately mobbed by a hoard of young men (Now she knows how Cheryl Cole and George Michael feel) all trying to sell her something. She made a hasty retreat back to the safety of the hotel after going no more than 50 yards from the hotel. She was then told not to venture out on her own without a guard. You live and learn.
We “dressed” for dinner and went down to the bar for an aperitif.
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