TRAVEL SECRETS BY PATTY
  Patty Gern, Travel Consultant
  Phone: 814-688-5797
  Email: pattygern@gmail.com
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ADVENTURE TRAVEL  |  DANUBE RIVER CRUISE 2025  |  AFRICAN SAFARI 2025  |  PIGEON FORGE, SMOKY MOUNTAINS, DOLLYWOOD  |  MACKINAC ISLAND


AFRICAN SAFARI
OCTOBER 15 - 27, 2025

 Ride in an open air jeep to view the "Big 5" in the wild.   Safari's by vehicle, boat, or take a hot air balloon ride. 

DAY 1: Oct 15, 2025                                                                                                                                    

 ARRIVAL CAPE TOWN     

 Upon arrival in Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and assisted by Goways local representative at transferred to hotel. 

With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world; an eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past and the more functional demands of the 20th Century. Cobblestone streets, mosques and the flat roofed pastel homes of the Malay quarter enhance a cosmopolitan ambience and in a recent development, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century. At the end of the day, gourmets and lovers of sophisticated entertainment have a treat in store as the choice for your evening's repast is vast.   Overnight in the comfort of your hotel. 

 Accommodation:  Commodore, Standard Room (OR) Similar

DAY 2: Oct 16, 2025(B, L /Welcome Dinner) 

 HALF DAY STELLENBOSCH WINELANDS TOUR & WELCOME DINNER WITH DRUMMING AT GOLD RESTAURNT

This morning after breakfast, proceed on a Half Day Tour to Stellenbosch Winelands on Shared Basis (*This Tour Is Weather Dependent): Enjoy a half-day wine tour into historic Stellenbosch to learn about this region’s role in South African winemaking. 

You will visit Blaauwklippen Vineyards where you will enjoy Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour.  Then enjoy lunch at De Blaauwe Kitchen. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and home to more than 200 award-winning wine estates. 

In the evening, at around 18:00HRS approximately. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the most renowned gold restaurant where you get to enjoy authentic South African food and African drumming. Gold Restaurant is a unique African restaurant in the heart of Cape Town. 

An evening here begins with a djembe drumming session, followed by a hand-washing ceremony and afterwards, you will tuck into the set 3-course meal consisting of 14 ‘taster dishes. This dining experience can best be described as a taste safari that will transport you from Table Mountain to Timbuktu. This culinary experience is accompanied by a unique interactive traditional entertainment.

Accommodation:  Commodore, Standard Room (OR) Similar

DAY 3: Oct 17, 2025(B) 

 HALF DAY CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR & TABLE MOUNTAIN (Approx. 4 HRS)

After breakfast (At approx. 08:30 HRS), you will enjoy a half-day orientation tour of Cape Town. You will see iconic buildings, snatches of history, and experience the uniqueness of this city. 

Drive past the country’s oldest building, the Castle, and a short distance away, the Company Gardens, both historically fascinating and well conserved. Our drive continues past the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge; you will sense the depth of history via their distinctive architecture. Colonial then changes to colorful, as you move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes. 

Take the cable car up to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain (*weather permitting) for a view of the city and the surrounding layout of the southernmost tip of Africa. Spend time up there exploring. You can hit one of three hiking trails that start at the Upper Cable Station and explore the summit further. Table Mountain is part of a World Heritage Site, an important part of the Cape Floristic Region and the single richest floristic area in the world. There is a lot of fynbos vegetation on the mountain, with over 1 460 different species of plants. There are also plenty of daisies, lizards, insects and birdlife to be seen. You can take one of the audio tours, join a guided walk, grab a coffee or beverage at the cafe or do some shopping at the gift shop. Whatever you decide, you will enjoy the view. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, and the nearby peaks of the surrounding mountains and the rest of the Table Mountain National Park, in which the Cableway is situated. 

Return to the hotel in the afternoon for the rest of the day at leisure 

Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation:  Commodore, Standard Room (OR) Similar

DAY 4: Oct 18, 2025                                                                                                                                      (B / L)

 FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR (Approx. 9 HRS)

This morning after breakfast (At approx. 08:30 HRS), you will proceed on a Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour. You drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire's Paradise - from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno - towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay.

Embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise at Hout Bay (weather dependant)

Wind along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath-taking ocean views, before visiting the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.

Enjoy lunch at the popular Bertha's Restaurant in Simon's Town.

After lunch meander back along the coast and end your day at the penguin colony at Boulder's Beach, where you get to watch these entertaining, waddling characters.

Later that evening you will enjoy a dinner at a restaurant at V&A waterfront and return to the comfort of your hotel for an overnight.

Accommodation: Commodore (OR) Similar, Standard Room

DAY 5: Oct 19, 2025                                                                                                                       (B / L / D)

 CAPE TOWN – KRUGER HOEDSPRUIT ARRIVAL

After early breakfast this morning, checkout your hotel in Cape Town (CPT) and head to the airport for your flight to Kruger Hoedspruit (*flight not included).

Recommended Flight (*flight not included): 4Z 655 CPT/HDS Depart 08h35 Arrival 11h05

Upon arrival at Kruger Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), you will be met by our local representative and be transferred to the hotel.

Lunch at the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure on your own.

Dinner at the hotel of stay.

 Accommodation:  Shiduli Private Game Reserve (OR) Similar, Luxury Suite

DAY 6: Oct 20, 2025                                                                                                                       (B / L / D)

 MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

This morning after early breakfast, enjoy morning and afternoon game drive on open vehicle.

 Approx. Time: Full day safari 05:30 / 06:00 HRS -16:00 HRS

 **Optional Hot Air Balooning Experience in the Morning– This Tour Is Weather Dependent  (**Not Included**Available at additional cost of USD 625 Per Person)

 Kruger N.P - home to some of South Africa’s most impressive wild animals, the Kruger National Park ranks among the world’s largest game reserves—but its size can make exploring a challenge. On this safari, drive through the park in comfort with your guide, you get to enjoy up-close views of native elephants, giraffes, lions, and more in their natural habitat. Watch the animals interact in the wild, and experience uninterrupted views across the South African countryside.

Later return to your accommodation for a comfortable night's stay.

Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation:  Shiduli Private Game Reserve (OR) Similar, Luxury Suite

 DAY 7: Oct 21, 2025                                                                                                                       (B / L / D)

 MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

Today after breakfast, you will enjoy morning game drive and afternoon game drive on open vehicle enjoying up-close views of native elephants, giraffes, lions, and more in their natural habitat.

Later return to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 08: Oct 22, 2025                                                                                                                                   (B)

 KRUGER - ARRIVAL VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – SUNSET CRUISE

This morning after early breakfast checkout your hotel and transfer to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) for your flight (**flight not included) to Mpumalanga Airport MQP for your flight to Victoria Falls (VFA)

Approx 3 - 3.5 hrs drive time from Shiiduli Pvt Game Reserve to MQP Airport.

Recommended Flight (*flight not included**No direct flights operate between HDS-VFA) hence have recommended flight from MQP): 4Z 476 MQP/VFA Depart 11h35 Arrival 13h25

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel may not be possible until after 2pm.

Later in the evening (at approximately 16:30HRS) enjoy a Sunset cruise on Zambezi Explorer (approx. 2 hrs)- A visit to Victoria Falls isn’t complete without the most popular unique Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River – On this cruise experiences you will be enchanted with the magnificence of the Zambezi, Africa’s grandest lifeline, teeming with hippos and crocodiles, herds of elephants on the riverbanks and a plethora of birdlife.  Enjoy dinner at Lookout Cafe.

Later transfer to the hotel and an overnight stay.

Accommodation:  Pioneers Lodge (OR) Similar, Standard King Room

DAY 09: Oct 23, 2025                                                                                                     (B / BOMA DINNER)

 VICTORIA FALLS GUIDED TOUR – BOMA DINNER WITH DRUM SHOW

This morning after early breakfast (at approximately 08:00HRS) you will enjoy the Victoria Falls Guided Tour.

Victoria Falls; is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World! You will understand it instantly as we tour the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the fall, and the sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away. Walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rain forest, which flanks the fall, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as it cascades to the depths below: the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island.

Enjoy rest of the afternoon at leisure at the comfort of your hotel.

Early this evening, enjoy a Boma Dinner & Drum Show, a ‘must do’ Victoria Falls dining and entertainment experience, specializing in traditional African food, drumming and dancing. The food is cooked and served in the style and quantity of a lavish feast, including irresistible desserts. You are welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere in which the tantalizing aromas of local dishes and game meat on the braai (barbecue) fill the restaurant, which is partially open to the star-filled African sky.

Later transfer to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Accommodation:  Pioneers Lodge (OR) Similar, Standard King Room 

DAY 10: Oct 24, 2025                                                                                                                    (B / L / D)

MPISI CULTURAL VILLAGE – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA  

After early breakfast check out hotel and proceed on a tour to Mpisi Cultural Village before heading to Chobe National Park, Botswana.

Mpisi Cultural Village Tour: You will be taken to an authentic rural village approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Victoria Falls town where you will have the opportunity to see and interact with local villagers going about their daily tasks. You will have a first-hand glimpse into real South African rural life, visiting rural homes, watching fields being tended and more.

Later you will cross the border and proceed to Chobe.

The Chobe region is home to the largest population of wild elephant in the world. This is estimated to be approximately 120,000 individuals. Their daily passage takes them from Zimbabwe through the Chobe and on into Namibia before returning.

Transfer to your accommodation Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa, which is situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River.

Upon arrival, you can simply choose to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the resort (OR) **if time permits you can opt to go on one of the below game activity offered by the resort. The guests staying in this resort can choose any ONE of the below game activities per night booked.

  • Game Drive in Chobe National Park
  • Chobe River Cruise.

Note: A passport is required, and visa conditions may apply.

**Guests are advised to request a Kaza Univisa on arrival in Victoria Falls, which covers the day trip into Botswana

Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa (OR) Similar, Standard Room

DAY 11: Oct 25, 2025                                                                                                                    (B / L / D)

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

This morning, enjoy a morning game drive in the park. Chobe is the 3rd largest park in Botswana and is home to 450 species of birds and the largest concentration of elephants in Africa.

Chobe is known for its one of a kind “land and water-based” game viewing.

Your first game sighting is from The Chobe River, teaming with animals, you are sitting securely on board, just off the riverbank, game viewing from the relaxing vantage point of a boat. You are on the mighty Chobe River, which flows through the renowned Chobe National Park providing a haven for herds of grazing animals and bird life. Just sit back, relax, and keep those binoculars handy. Watch this glorious scene unfolding itself – large herds of elephant, often with the tiniest frolicking calves, kicking up dust as they wait their turn at the water’s edge to drink.

Frighteningly large crocodiles sun themselves on the banks of the river, mouths agape, teeth terrifying. Glorious birdlife, wonderful game, and the gentle rocking of the riverboat. Can life get any better? Apparently. When you disembark, you will enjoy a gorgeous lunch at the resort awaiting us.... overlooking the Chobe River.

In the afternoon set out once again on an afternoon game drive on an open safari vehicle for a drive through the Chobe Game Reserve with the chance of seeing more wildlife and birdlife before returning to your resort for dinner

Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa (OR) Similar, Standard Room

 DAY 12: Oct 26, 2025                                                                                                                                   (B)

 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK – KASANE AIRPORT DROP – ARRIVAL JOHANNESBURG

 This morning after breakfast, check out hotel proceed to Kasane Airport (BBK) in time for your departure flight to Johannesburg (**flight not included).

 Recommended Flight (*flight not included): 4Z 307 BBK/JNB Depart 14h10 Arrival 16h00

Upon arrival at O.R Tambo International Airport Johannesburg, you will be welcomed by our local representative and be transferred to the hotel.

Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure on your own.

Accommodation:  Southern Sun Sandton (OR) Similar, Standard Room

 DAY 13: Oct 27, 2025                                                                                                                                   (B)

 DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of your hotel, transfer to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your home bound flight (**flight not included).  I will handle all flight arrangements

PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR ONE YEAR AFTER YOUR RETURN DATE.

Pricing below covers everything in itinerary above.

Land package $5,633.05 per person double occupancy and flights will be extra.

Land package single occupancy:  $6395.00 per person single and flights will be extra.

Small group only taking 14.  Only 4 spots left!  Travel with your travel agent and I handle all of your travel arrangments.

Deposits of $750 p.p. are due now

When flights are available to book full payment will be required at the time of booking the air.  I will handle all travel arrangements for you.

Land Package Payment:  

$750 deposit per person due

Feb 7th:  $1500 per person due

April 18th:  $1,000 per person due

May 19th:  $1,000 per person due

June 17th:  $1383.05 per person due and this is final payment on the land package.

Travel Insurance is also available to purchase.

A 5% cancellation fee




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Patty Gern

Phone: 814-688-5797
pattygern@gmail.com
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