Bethany Baptist Church South Africa and Victoria Falls Trip 2024

Date: January 12, 2024 (Departure Flight)
Airline: British Airways
New York to Cape Town, South Africa

• Flight #: BA 178
• Depart: New York (JFK) at 8:05 am
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 7:50 pm  

Layover in London

• Flight #: BA 059
• Depart: London (LHR) at 10:15 pm  
• Arrive: Cape Town (CPT) at 12:00 pm+ (13Jan)

Arrive in Cape Town, undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

As you transfer to your hotel, you'll see the towering symbol of the city - Table Mountain.

The rest of the day is at leisure in this magnificent seaside city

Overnight: AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Meals: None

A morning Township tour followed by an afternoon visit to Robben Island, infamous site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration.

This tour looks at the current social and economic situation faced by those living in Township communities, it also looks at current development programs aimed at improving the lives of people living in these communities.  We will visit a Township Gospel Church and experience their Praise and Worship period.  Then we will take a walk through the Township to learn about life in the community.  

You’ll have time for a quick lunch at the waterfront (on own account) before boarding the ferry to Robben Island.

Robben Island is a world heritage site, perhaps best known for the incarceration of anti-Apartheid leaders, including the late Nelson Mandela.  The Robben Island visit includes a return ferry ride, a guided tour of Robben Island and the prison including Nelson Mandela’s cell.  The prison tour will led by former political prisoners.

Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant in Langa Township.

*The operation of the Robben Island ferry is dependent on weather and sea conditions. If the ferry is canceled, the visit to Robben Island will be replaced with alternate sightseeing.

Overnight: AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will head to the majestic Table Mountain (weather permitting). Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa and its famous cable cars have taken millions of people to its top.

Next, you will travel along the Cape Peninsula to behold some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever set your eyes on. Drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno – currently one of the hottest real estates in the world – to Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local crayfish industry.  After a stop for lunch at a local restaurant, it’s on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you can ride the Funicular (own account) to the scenic viewing point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape – home to mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostriches – blooms magnificent Cape flora.

This evening dinner will be a wonderful cultural experience at Gold Restaurant.

Overnight: AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel through the spectacular mountain scenery and lush fertile valleys of the Cape. Taste a mixture of fascinating history and allow yourself to indulge in the pleasures of the renowned Cape Winelands.

Visit Stellenbosch, 45 minutes away from Cape Town, a picturesque village with an interesting history and heritage. Here, we will have a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.  Next, its on to the second wine estate where we’ll have another wine tasting and gourmet lunch.

Remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Cape Town on your own.
 

Overnight: AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Meals: Breakfast

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Durban. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, drive to St. Lucia. Later, embark on a game viewing cruise that takes you on the St. Lucia Estuary. This tidal estuary is home to Nile crocodiles, hippopotami, sea turtles, and even sharks, making it a fascinating and uniquely diverse ecosystem. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After an early bush breakfast, travel to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhinos. Home to Africa's "Big Five," you may have a chance to see elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard, in addition to rhino during your morning game drive through the reserve. The park also boasts warthog, crocodile, and antelope. Continue to the border of the Kingdom of eSwatini.* This independent kingdom within the borders of South Africa is known for its lovely scenery and vibrant indigenous culture. Stop at a handicraft market this afternoon before arriving at your hotel in the early evening

*Please note: eSwatini is an independent country from South Africa and therefore has different entry requirements. Non-US passport holders are responsible for checking if a visa is required for eSwatini in addition to all other countries on their itinerary

Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast visit the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds, and fish, as well as tableware, made from recycled glass that is collected by the children of eSwatini. Transfer to the South African border and visit Matsamo Cultural Village where you can learn more about the Swati traditions and customs. Enjoy traditional dance and song performances with authentic African instruments as well as traditional Swati cuisine. You may wander through the village with its many traditional huts and interact with the locals. Later, continue to the hotel in time for dinner

Overnight: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins at dawn with coffee, tea, and rusks, a South African dry biscuit. Upon departure from the hotel, a pre-packed breakfast will be provided for you. Then, on to Kruger National Park for a thrilling full day open-vehicle game drive. Larger than the state of Connecticut, the park offers some of the best game and wildlife viewing opportunities in the world, and early morning is an optimal time of day. You may have a chance to see lion, elephant, giraffe, or zebra in their natural habitat. After stopping at a rest camp for lunch, continue your game drive. With any luck, you may even see cheetah and leopard. After the day's excitement, relax by the pool and enjoy dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart after breakfast and travel to Mpumalanga Province, known as "Paradise Country," driving the spectacular "Panorama Route." Stop to admire the views of amazing scenery along the 16-mile-long Blyde River Canyon, cut deep into red sandstone, and God's Window (weather permitting), a breathtaking vista at the edge of the escarpment overlooking Kruger National Park. Visit Bourke's Luck Potholes, a series of waterfalls and distinctive rock formations created by countless millennia of water erosion before proceeding this afternoon to Johannesburg. Stop at a family-run curio shop before arriving at the hotel.

Overnight: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch
Meals: Breakfast

After an early breakfast depart on a half day tour of Soweto. Experience a fascinating glimpse of the bustling neighborhood life of Soweto, the most metropolitan township in the country, setting trends in politics, fashion, music, dance, and language. Drive by the former residence of Bishop Desmond Tutu and visit Nelson Mandela's former home. Continue to the Apartheid Museum, where you will journey through the racial segregation experienced by millions of South Africans. Apartheid Museum is currently still closed on a Monday & Tuesday we will be continuing with Pretoria City Tour as the alternative.

This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance from the hotel or at the hotel.

Overnight: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to picturesque and thundering Victoria Falls,* named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Falls are a little over a mile wide and 351 feet high, making them one-and-a half times as wide and twice as high as the Niagara Falls. Here, you can still encounter herds of buffalo and elephant on their way to the Zambezi River. Transfer to your hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. In the late afternoon, enjoy a sublime sundowner cruise on the broad sweep of the mighty Zambezi River. Afterward, return to the hotel. Tonight, attend the optional Boma Dinner & Drum Show, an unforgettable dinner experience featuring dance performances, lively songs, and an interactive drumming show.

*Flights to Victoria Falls will arrive and depart into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia. The Livingstone airport is a 30-minute drive to the hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Optional: The Boma Dinner & Drum Show

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, take a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World". The walking safari takes you through the magnificent rainforest to view the Cataracts, Livingstone's statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. The rest of the day is yours to discover this beautiful area independently.

Overnight: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Fly to Johannesburg and connect to your international departure flight this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Date: January 25, 2024 (Return Flight)
Airline: British Airways
Johannesburg, South Africa to New York

• Flight #: BA 056
• Depart: Johannesburg (JNB) at 8:15 pm
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 5:30 am+ (26Jan)  

Layover in London

• Flight #: BA 117
• Depart: London (LHR) at 8:25 am  
• Arrive: New York (JFK) at 11:25 am

Today, you will arrive back home with wonderful memories of your trip!

Full Package Price

• $6,699 per person (double occupancy)
• $7,399 per person  (single occupancy)

Land Only Package 
(International flights and transfers NOT included)

• $5,499 per person (double occupancy)
• $6,199 per person  (single occupancy)

Note: In the Land Only package you will make your own flight arrangements and transportation to/from the hotel upon arrival and departure. Overton Travel can assist you with these arrangements upon request.

Payment Schedule

• Deposit: Due at the time of booking:  $500 (Non-Refundable)
• Installment #1: March 31, 2023: $1,000
• Installment #2: April 30, 2023: $1,000
• Installment #3: May 31, 2023: $1,000
• Installment #4: June 30, 2023: $1,000
• Installment #5: July 31, 2023: $1,000
• Installment #6: August 31, 2023: $1000
• Installment #7 - Final Payment: August 31, 2023 - Remaining Balance

All group seats on the flights included in the Full Package are in Economy Class.

Please contact Overton Travel at the time of booking if you would like to upgrade your seat.

Upgrades to Business Class seats can be done, based on availability at the time of booking.

Specific seats on the flight cannot be guaranteed.

Seats are assigned by the airlines for group bookings. If you would like a specific seat, you can:

1. Book your flights individually with the airline. Do not book the group flights as part of the Full Package.  OR
2. Contact the airline directly after you receive your travel document to request a specific seat. Also note, that some airlines do not assign seats in advance for group bookings, and seats will be assigned at the airport upon check-in.

Date: January 12, 2024 (Departure Flight)
Airline: British Airways
New York to Cape Town, South Africa

• Flight #: BA 178
• Depart: New York (JFK) at 8:05 am
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 7:50 pm  

Layover in London

• Flight #: BA 059
• Depart: London (LHR) at 10:15 pm  
• Arrive: Cape Town (CPT) at 12:00 pm+1 (13Jan)

Date: January 25, 2024 (Return Flight)
Airline: British Airways
Johannesburg, South Africa to New York

• Flight #: BA 056
• Depart: Johannesburg (JNB) at 8:15 pm
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 5:30 am+1 (26 Jan)  

Layover in London

• Flight #: BA 117
• Depart: London (LHR) at 8:25 am  
• Arrive: New York (JFK) at 11:25 am

The Full Package includes flights, hotel, and transfers

All group seats on the flights included in the Full Package are in Economy Class.

Please contact Overton Travel at the time of booking if you would like to upgrade your seat.

Upgrades to Business Class seats can be done, based on availability at the time of booking.

Specific seats on the flight cannot be guaranteed.

Seats are assigned by the airlines for group bookings. If you would like a specific seat, you can:

1. Book your flights individually with the airline. Do not book the group flights as part of the Full Package.  OR
2. Contact the airline directly after you receive your travel document to request a specific seat. Also note, that some airlines do not assign seats in advance for group bookings, and seats will be assigned at the airport upon check-in.

We encourage all travelers to purchase a travel protection plan at the time of initial trip deposit. 

Overton Travel uses Travel Insured International. Click here to review and purchase a travel protection plan from them: Travel Protection

You can purchase travel protection through the supplier used by Overton Travel or any other supplier you choose.

We greatly appreciate your reservation for this exceptional journey!

On your upcoming adventure, you'll get to explore three awesome countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.

As you get ready for this trip, we would like to offer a few gentle reminders of the following: 

PASSPORT:

It is essential for your passport to maintain at least six months of validity past the return date (expiration date of July 26, 2024, or later) and must have at least four (4) blank pages.

VISA:

While a visa is not obligatory for traveling to South Africa, it is imperative to note that a visa is required for visiting Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), and this can only be acquired upon arrival in Zimbabwe.

U.S. citizens embarking on tourism-related visits to Zimbabwe can anticipate a fee of $30 for a 30-day/single-entry visa and $45 for a 45-day/double-entry visa.

Please be aware that all provided details and charges are subject to change without prior notification. We recommend settling payments in cash in USD for your convenience.

IMMUNIZATIONS:

For your travels to South Africa and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, no mandatory immunizations are required. Nevertheless, it is recommended to consider taking anti-malaria medication as a precautionary measure.

We kindly urge you to review the CDC's recommendations, accessible via the links below: 

South Africa: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa

Zimbabwe: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/zimbabwe?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-leftnav-traveler

To ensure timely preparation, we recommend contacting your doctor with any questions. They will be able to provide personalized guidance on necessary immunizations and their optimal scheduling.

We've compiled a list of suggested locations that our previous clients have utilized in case you need it:

Passport Health has travel medical clinics throughout the United States.

https://www.passporthealthusa.com/locations/ny/new-york/382/

Dr. Jeffrey Alan Lederman, MD

Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine

16 Guion Pl #2, New Rochelle, NY 10801

(914) 365-4657

Denran Clinical Services PC (Pediatrics)

114-10 Merrick Blvd

Jamaica, NY 11434

(718) 206-2261