April 19, 2004 -- Aware that one of their prime markets, the United States, is far away, the South African government's official tourism department has collaborated with eight US tour operators and South African Airways to create two packages that have real substance. South Africa is not an expensive destination once you're on the ground, but it's the length -- and the cost -- of the flight that prompts most American tourists to cross it off their lists.
The "value-driven" package starts at just $1,999 for travel between October 15 and November 30, for which you get roundtrip air to South Africa from either New York or Atlanta (the two US destinations that SAA serves), eight nights' lodging at three-star hotels, visits to two provinces, a one-day safari experience and two day-tours. The luxury package starts from $2,999 for the same time period, and includes the airfare, lodging for 12 nights at four-star hotels, a two-night safari experience, visits to three provinces and at least three day-tours.
The eight US tour operators providing these packages include
- Africa Experts (800-387-8850, www.goway.com)
- Brendan Worldwide Vacations (800/421-8446, www.brendanvacations.com)
- Pacific Delight Tours (800/221-7179, www.pacificdelighttours.com)
- Safari Ventures (888/341-7771, www.safariventures.com)
- Somak Safaris (877/467-6625, www.somaksafaris.com)
- South African Airways Holidays (888/777-1138, www.saaholidays.com)
- United Travel Group (800/223-6486, www.unitedtravelgroup.com)
- Wildlife Safaris (800/221-8118, www.wildlife-safari.com)
Here are just two samples from the variety of tours available:
Pacific Delight Tours has three packages tied to the South African Tourism agenda, ranging in cost from $1,977 for a Cape Town & Port Elizabeth program to $2,205 for a Johannesburg, Pilansberg & Cape Town SuperValue deal. The third is for Johannesburg, Kruger National Park & Cape Town, from $2,190. Each is for 11 days and eight nights, and includes roundtrip air on South African Airways from either New York or Atlanta. Add-ons range from $175 to $500, depending on your gateway.
The Cape Town & Port Elizabeth program puts you in moderately priced hotels for the eight nights, with eight breakfasts, roundtrip transfers between airport and hotel, hotel taxes and service charges, and domestic airfare within the country. Also included are game viewing, cultural activities and sightseeing, as specified in individual itineraries. Highlight of the latter will undoubtedly be the full-day visit out of Port Elizabeth to the Addo Elephant National Park. Prices for March and April start from $2,180, going to $2,315 from May 1 through June 10, and then to $2,550 from June 11 to August 15, 2004. After that, prices start downward again falling to the low between October and November.
Africa Experts, has a similar program that it calls Affordable South Africa. In its 11-day (eight-night) Standard Option, you get your roundtrip air fare, five nights in Cape Town with daily breakfast at your hotel, three nights in a rest camp at Kruger National Park, transfers between airports and lodging, a half-day Cape Town city tour, a full-day Cape Peninsula tour, breakfast and dinner at the rest camp, one afternoon and one full-day game drive with Thomspons Indaba Safaris. Prices from now through May 31, 2004 start at $2,129, then go up in June through mid August to a high of $2,599, before heading down again after that. From October 15 through November 30, the price is $1,999.
For more information on South Africa, start with our in-depth coverage at www.frommers.com/destinations/southafrica. You can also contact the SA tourism office at www.southafrica.net, or e-mail them at newyork@southafrica.net, phone 800/221-8118.