Pre- and Post- Conference Tours

Our team of specialist travel consultants at Africa Bespoke has carefully put together some packages that we hope will appeal to you, the delegates of AORTIC 2013. All the tours below can be bought as they are “off the shelf” or can easily be tailored to your needs, depending on time or budget constraints. We have built two options into each tour: 1 standard and 1 luxury, to cater for varying budgets.

Please bear in mind that by booking with Africa Bespoke you will NOT pay more than you would if booking direct. You are in fact able to access great value via our excellent pre-negotiated rates with all suppliers. Plus we do NOT charge any handling fees or hidden extra charges. Our commission is built into the package price and by using our negotiated rates; we are able to pass on great value to you the traveler.

Other reasons to book with us are: we take all the hassle out of making travel plans by handling all your accommodation, flight and rental car bookings. We provide local knowledge on routes, flight connections and good lodgings. We also provide local point of contact and support whilst you are in Southern Africa. Once you are booked and confirmed we send you full digital travel documents prior to departure.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any further enquiries or requests that are not covered in the demo itineraries below.

All the best
The Africa Bespoke Travel Team

{t} +27 (0)71 695 5546 / +27 (0)79 204 2811
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{w} www.africabespoke.com


KZN Bush & Beach Safari (5 nights)

Enjoy the best of both worlds on safari in the Kwazulu Natal bush at Phinda Private Game Reserve tracking the Big Five and living in luxury. With two daily safari drives, you are bound to see a lot of fascinating wildlife and learn about the fauna and flora of the region. All this as well as fine dining, fabulously appointed accommodations and excellent service. You will then head to the coast for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where your stay at Thonga Beach Lodge will offer the chance to see leatherback turtles beaching, superb clear water snorkeling and many other water-based activities on offer. Or just enjoy the chance to relax and read your book in the sun.



KZN Mountains & Battlefields (4 nights)

This unique journey starts off with a visit to the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa's largest range by far. Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, set right at the foot of these majestic mountains, will treat you to the finest gourmet fare you can imagine, and then the opportunity to explore and hike the mountains nearby. Then a visit to the Battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War will leave you astounded, upon hearing the epic tales told about this war by expert raconteurs - a quite astounding experience. Three Trees at Spioenkop, a stunning lodge set on a hill with a wonderful vistas, is a superb place to spend time. There is much to do here, including horse rides, nature walks and more.



KZN Midlands Karkloof Spa (2 nights)

Indulge in some delicious relaxing and revitalizing Spa treatments in the KZN Midlands. Set just an hour’s drive from Durban we offer you a world-class spa, where you can kick back and really enjoy some peace and reflection whilst receiving some of the many spa treatments that are available. The award-winning Karkloof Spa is second to none. This is the epitomy of luxury and captures your senses like no other. With a personal butler, your experience is tailormade to suit you, complemented with unfailing luxury and impeccable standards, we encapsulate the vibrant yet restful allure of nature’s beauty and embrace every aspect of a relaxing journey to your complete restoration and wellness. With unlimited treatments per day, a private vehicle at your disposal, no set meal times, this fully inclusive pampering package is bound to bring serenity.



Kruger Sabi Sand Safari (3 nights)

Stay in the luxury of a private safari lode and enjoy an authentic African Safari in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. With its open unfenced borders to the Kruger Park, this reserved, this legendary reserve is renowned for its Big Five safari viewing, including incredible leopard sightings, stunning birdlife and epic landscapes. Track Africa's wildest animals from the safety of your open safari vehicle, whilst your ranger educates and enthralls you with their local knowledge of the bushveld around you.



Kruger Kapama Safari (3 nights)

Experience a luxury Safari in the Kapama Private Game Reserve, close to the Kruger National Park. You will be able to live in luxury whilst going on two daily safari drives with your range and tracker looking for the Big Five, including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo as well as hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra and a whole host of other wildlife. In addition to this there are other exciting activities available, allowing guests to participate in a full spectrum of safari activities.



Victoria Falls (3 nights)

Experience all the might and glory of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into the Batoka Gorge. The energy of this remarkable feature is palpable and will remain etched in your memory. This legendary landmark is a must see on any traveller to Africa's list. There are loads of activities to choose from in the area. For those who want adrenalin: whitewater rafting, zip lines, helicopter flips and bungee jumping. And more relaxed: elephant encounters, sundowner cruises, canoeing, lion encounters or cultural village tours.


Explore Cape Town (4 nights)

There is nowhere like Cape Town: with its spectacular position at the very tip of Africa, perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Table Mountain, recently voted as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. This city is irresistibly charming. Affectionately known by the locals as the "Mother City", Cape Town's melting pot vibe and cosmopolitan flare has earned it a consistent reputation as one of the Top 10 cities in the world to visit. So here is your chance to enjoy this fabulous city and all it has to offer.


Garden Route Coast and Safari (7 nights)

Take a stunning coastal drive to the Overberg town of Hermanus, legendary for its land and boat based whale watching and then spend some time on the laidback Mosaic Farm near Stanford. From here take a leisurely drive to Plettenberg Bay, which will be your base whilst you explore the Garden Route. The pristine Robberg Beach, the Knysna Lagoon and Forest are just some of the features that await you. The last leg of your journey takes you to the Eastern Cape, where you will finish off with a luxury exclusive safari at HillsNek. See Africa's big game up close as you track them on guided game drives in this private game reserve.


Route 62 and Garden Route (5 nights)

Get a taste of charming small town South Africa on Route 62. Take a slow drive through Roberston, and stay in the quaint historic village of Montagu. Here you will be hosted in warm Klein Karoo style, with sumptuous meals and more. Then the road trip continues through Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and on to Oudsthoorn, land of to ostrich barons, feather boas and huge eggs. Then the Garden Route, where you will stay in Knysna, situated on the pristine lagoon and surrounded by indigenous forest. Enjoy the sights: Knysna Heads, Waterfront, Featherbed Reserve and eat fresh oysters from the Lagoon. You will drive on Port Elizabeth for one final night before heading home.

Key Dates

Abstract submission deadline:
Closed
Bursary application deadline:
Closed
AORTIC 2013 Pre Conference Workshops:
Wednesday 20 – Thursday 21 November 2013
AORTIC 2013:
Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 November 2013