Red wine and chocolate?

One of several new programs contained in its new ‘Africa 2008’ brochure, African Traveller has tabled a new South African special interest option targeting lovers of fine wine, cuisine – and chocolate – with the release of a new ‘Cape & Cuisine’ program.

The six-day/five-night program is ideal for first-time travellers and seasoned visitors alike, providing an excellent insight into the fabulous South African fine wine and food scene and the picturesque Western Cape Province.

Program highlights include visits to several wineries in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl and an afternoon spent chocolate tasting at Waterford Farm.

The itinerary also allows time for Cape Town sightseeing, a Table Mountain cable car ride and a visit to Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge.

A special feature of this tour includes 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the historic 205-year-old d’Ouwe Werf Country Inn in Stellenbosch.

Prices for the ‘Cape & Cuisine’ program start from $1774* per person twin share including accommodation, sightseeing, meals and tastings as per itinerary and transportation.

African Traveller is also offering a variety of value added-extras at six newly-introduced luxury lodges in four different regions of Kruger National Park.

These include the River Lodge and Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands, the Bush Lodge and Earth Lodge in Sabi Sabi, the Lukimbi Safari Lodge and Leopard Hills in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

The extras range from free accommodation in Cape Town or a 50 per discount on a Johannesburg to Sabi Sabi flight to a free massage and bottle of wine and extra nights accommodation depending on the package booked.

Prices start from $1637* per person twin share based on three nights at the River Lodge.

African Traveller has repeated the luxury element with its new 10-day/nine-night ‘Memories of Kenya’ program operating ex-Nairobi.

Features of the program include three nights in first-class accommodation at the renowned ‘Elsa’s Kopje’ in Meru National Park.

The program also offers two nights in Samburu Game Reserve, a highlight of which includes ‘in-depth interaction’ with the local elephants and three nights at one of Kenya’s most well-appointed ‘campsites’, Cottars 1920 in the Masai Mara.

The camp comprises just eight tents, each with a canopied veranda and furnished with safari antiques from the 1920’s, private en suite dressing rooms and bathrooms, safari style tubs, showers and flush loos – even private butlers.

The program also includes a flight over the Great Rift Valley en route to the Masai Mara.

Prices for the ‘Memories of Kenya’ program start from $9711* per person twin share.

The new ‘Africa 2008’ brochure also covers rail travel and self-drive programs throughout South Africa and a much expanded range of accommodation and tour package options further afield in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person twin share based on travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges apply.

Please note packages do not include international airfares.

For more information, contact African Traveller on 1300 73 1003 or (02) 9423 8003 or visit http://www.africantraveller.com.au/

A Report by The Mole