ECLIPSE TOURS

In Conjunction with MONTROSE TRAVEL

June 16 – 26, 2001

Our Iternary: Where we are going and when

Your Tour Leaders: Okay, its just us...read
                                                about our experience

The Bottomline, Terms and Conditions,
Straight Talk about Tours and
Who to Contact:    Cost, Terms, and How to  Reserve
                                          Your Spot  on the Tour

An early morning wake-up call and out into the bush on the morning safari in search of animals not seen the day before. Return to camp for a hearty hunter's breakfast, relax and spot game en-route to Hoedspruit airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Connect with your flight to the resort of Sun City for a two night stay.

Deep in the heart of an ancient volcanic crater lies a city surrounded by untamed Africa. It is a city that never sleeps, a city that knows no limits.

Rising from the hills of the Pilanesberg, Sun City overlooks a fabulous landscape of sub-tropical gardens, sparkling swimming pools and a lush spread of fairways and greens next to a huge man-made lake offering every watersport imaginable.

By day, you can go on a game drive through the beautiful Pilanesberg National Park, 60,000 hectares of natural African bush, with elephant, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, rhino and a large variety of buck species.

For the golfer there is the Gary Player Country Club, where you can test your skill on a course which plays host to a select few of the world's greatest golfers who compete in the annual Sun City Million Dollar Golf Challenge.

By night, Sun City has it all, from ultra-energetic extravaganza shows and glittering casinos to revue bars, cinemas, restaurants, shops, boutiques and the Sun City Superbowl spectaculars.

ACCOMMODATIONS: THE PALACE OF THE LOST CITY AT SUN CITY

Situated right next to Sun City, the surrounding jungle will reveal some of the largest man-made waterscapes ever created. Stunning features include waterfalls, hidden streams, fish ponds, bubbling cataracts, water slides, a surfing pool with waves and a salt water pool with a tropical coral reef where guests can snorkel or scuba dive amongst brightly colored tropical fish.

Sporting facilities will include a second 18 hole championship golf course to complement the world-famous Gary Player Country Club golf course.

Hotel amenities include 350 opulent rooms and suites. Standard features include bathrooms en suite, color television, telephone, radio, air-conditioning and 24 hour room service.

The towers provide a dramatic view of the jungle, where concealed walkways lead to surprising discoveries. The two restaurants at the Palace are set in fabulous locations, one on an island and the other overlooking the magnificent lake and rain forest. (B)

The day is at leisure to explore and enjoy the complex. Some leisure activities include, horse riding from the Sun City Stables, at the Palace of the Lost City you can enjoy The Valley of the Waves set in over 60 acres of amazing jungle, where orchids cling to treetops and intriguing paths wander beside tumbling streams, sparkling waterfalls and small lakes past the Royal Bath. You won't want to miss the Temple of Courage with its heart-stopping water chutes, where the brave can plunge down nearly 330 feet of rockface at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Also there to enjoy is a walk in the gardens, an adventure trail, cinemas, ten-pin bowling and a casino. You can soar high over the incredible man-made lake on a parasail or take a quiet trip across the lake in a sailboat.

ACCOMMODATIONS: THE PALACE OF THE LOST CITY AT SUN CITY (B)

Transfer overland to Johannesburg today in time for your South African Airways flight to New York. (B)

Upon arrival in New York you will connect with your ongoing flight home to Los Angeles. Arrive later today with memories to last a lifetime.

**W E L CO M E H O M E**

PLEASE NOTE: THE ORDER OF HOTELS, CAMPS AND LODGES ON THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND THE RIGHT IS RESERVED TO SUBSTITUTE CAMPS, HOTELS AND LODGES WHEN NECESSARY.

An early morning wake-up call and out into the bush on the morning safari in search of animals not seen the day before. Return to camp for a hearty hunter's breakfast, relax and spot game en-route to Skukuza airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Connect with your flight to Durban.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Melmoth area, north of Durban, to arrive at the Trading Store departure point at 3:30PM (it is essential that you arrive by this time).

Located far from everyday world your journey to the lodge is on horseback, by donkey or ox cart. From here a Warrior guides you past towering cliffs and winding rivers into the breathtaking Mfule Valley where you will find Simunye nestling in the Zulu Heartland. (Please note: it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing such as walking shoes, jeans and hats).

Upon arrival, you might want to explore the lodge area including "The Cattle Station" pub, bringing the South African heritage of life. Here you can enjoy a full bar service, including Zulu beer, surrounded by artifacts from the Anglo-Zulu war, Zulu kings and early pioneers.

During your stay, you will experience vibrant Zulu dancing - join in if you wish - or else just relax as the drumbeat draws you into the pulse of Africa. You can also get to know a true Sangoma and the use of natural remedies, herbs and medicines.

ACCOMMODATIONS: SIMUNYE ZULU LODGE

Journey in the footsteps of the early pioneers into Zululand. Simunye is a declared Natural Heritage site located some 20 kilometers from Melmoth. You are invited to be a part of the vibrant culture that lives unto each day.

Your hosts, the Biyela clan, are directly related to the Royal House of Zulu. Named "The Protectors", they played a key role in the rise of the Zulu kingdom. As their guests you enjoy the protection of warriors of the Royal House. This has been decreed by the clan's Patriach Prince, Gilenya Biyela, whose forebear, Mkhosana, led the Zulu regiment that defeated the British at Isandlwana.

Each room is uniquely crafted and created entirely by Zulus using natural materials from the valley. Zulus build by instinct with no plans and it feels as if the rooms simply grew out of the rockface as if by magic. Your accommodation is either a Royal suite in the village or a stone and thatch lodge nestled in a cliff across the Mfule River. Here you will feel a deep bonding with nature and feel that you have "come home". You can be at one with nature while you soak in your very own hot rock pool bath, an experience you will get nowhere else. (D)

You will be transferred back to your accommodations in the Durban area for the next two nights.

Durban offers subtropical carnival atmosphere, endless summer, an effervescent ocean lined with golden beaches, and thousands of pleasure options. The slogan: 'Durban - Where the Fun Never Sets' is particularly apt when applied to the Golden Mile. Sumptuous hotels command superlative views of the sea; restaurants represent every facet of the city's cosmopolitan nature; discos, night clubs and coffee bars scintillate until late. On a classical note, concert halls, theaters and art galleries pay tribute to the world's to talents - past and present.

The city is an intriguing blend of East, West, and Africa. On the palm-fringed beachfront where the chic rich stroll, Zulu women sell baubles and baskets, and colorful ricksha pullers pose for photographers. Ships cruise in and out of the harbor mouth; yachts bob at anchor in the bay. And within a stone's throw of the office blocks, the theaters and shops of the business centre, you will discover a world of mosques, temples, oriental festivals and bazaars, fragrant with spice and incense. The cosmopolitan vibe is further enhanced by a constant floating tourist population.

Durban recently invested in a multi-million Rand facelift. Some roads have been converted into pedestrian shopping malls with sidewalk cafes, shrubs and palm trees; parts of the road network have been upgraded to promote an easy flow of traffic; and the main beaches have been widened and fitted with new facilities. As a result, the city's status as one of the country's top holiday playgrounds has been firmly established. It is hard to believe that only 150 years ago, hippos wallowed among the reeds in Durban's harbor, and elephants strolled through the forest along the shore!

ACCOMMODATIONS: ZIMBALI LODGE

Set in the lush subtropical coastal belt and only 42 kilometers north of Durban, lies Zimbali Lodge, a five-star lodge on the level of intimate excellence. The property is located in the heart of an area of naturally occurring lakes and wetlands. As a protected environment, it is home to a variety of wild life from magnificent butterflies such as the Citrus Swallowtail, to beautiful species of buck. The ocean provides another life system for exploration by nature-lovers.

Zimbali offers an African lodge experience, with stilted timber construction set in lush forested land within walking distance of the sea. The superb golf course has been designed specifically for use by cart and will offer one of the most breathtaking scenic golf experiences in the world.

All rooms offer five-star luxury designed for local relaxation in the forest lodge atmosphere. The Colonial/Indonesian theme of the architecture is epitomised by the open truss roofing, and warm wood floors and walls. Bathrooms are luxurious with freestanding baths on legs in a turn-of-the-century style. Room amenities include a mini-bar with ice that is replenished at cocktail hour, and a selection of hot beverages and light snacks are offered on an honor system.

Other lodge amenities include a swimming pool with a pool bar nearby, offering drinks and light snacks situated high on stilts above the 15^th fairway offering views out to the sea, a golf club membership during your stay, tennis courts and a beach club, designed for the enjoyment of guests taking a break from golf or tennis. In addition, the lodge offers a lounge popular as a tea/coffee and after-dinner venue offering a selection of cakes, pastries and other teatime refreshments. Also available is a well stocked international periodicals and newspaper rack for those so inclined to do some reading.

The lodge’s restaurant enhances the colonial mood of the lodge, with rich wood furniture and specially designed fabrics. Breakfast and dinner are served in two sittings. The chef revises and varies the menu daily according to the freshest ingredients available to be able to offer guests a choice of starters, soup, main courses and desserts. (B)

Depart your hotel early this morning as your private journey leaves Durban for Zululand, travelling along the Dolphin Coast to Hluhluwe (shloo-shloo-wee) Game Reserve, famous for its species of white or 'square lipped' rhino, among many other species in the reserve.

Hluhluwe Game Reserve derives its name from 'umhluhluwe', the Zulu word for the thorny monkey-rope, a climbing plant that florishes in riverine areas. Established in 1897, Hluhluwe shares with the Umfolozi and St. Lucia Reserves a unique distinction, they are the oldest existing wildlife sanctuaries to be proclaimed on the African Continent.

Famous for its rhino, both black and white, the reserve offers an impressive variety of game species including lion, buffalo, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hippo, crocodile, nyala, blue wildebeest, kudu, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, warthog, monkey, baboon, wild dog and hyena. Birds are numerous and varied. Among those commonly seen are White-backed vulture, bateleur, crested guinea-fowl, emerald-spotted dove and trumpeter hornbill.

After lunch at the Hilltop Camp in Hluhluwe Reserve, begin your return journey back to Zimbali. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

ACCOMMODATIONS: ZIMBALI LODGE (B,L)

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the Durban Airport in time for the departure of your South African Airways flight bound for Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will connect with you ongoing flight back to the United States. (B)

Arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime.

An early morning wake-up call and out into the bush on the morning safari in search of animals not seen the day before. Return to camp for a hearty hunter's breakfast, relax and spot game en-route to Skukuza airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Connect with your flight to Cape Town.

Upon arrival in Cape Town today you will be met and transferred to your reserved hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

When Jan van Riebeeck arrived at the Cape in 1652, the territory was occupied solely by nomadic Hottentots and Bushmen, eking out a living from the land. Van Riebeeck’s first undertaking was to establish a settlement and a means of supplying passing merchant ships with fresh supplies. The settlement soon earned the title "Tavern of the Seas". To this day, Cape Town maintains a reputation for friendly hospitality.

With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful 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 20^th century. The city’s Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs.

Cobblestone streets, mosques and the flat-roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter enhance a cosmopolitan ambience, and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19^th century. For a closer look at life at the Cape in earlier times, interesting historical collections are on display in several museums.

Cape Town’s shopping options invite you to endlessly browse – and buy. At the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Victoria Wharf Shopping Center caters for most shopping needs, from designer clothing boutiques and fashion accessory shops to gift stores and food outlets. The Waterfront Craft Market is one of the largest indoor craft markets in South Africa with quality crafts including pottery, leather work, furniture, educational toys, clothing, glass art and African arts and crafts. Situated adjacent to Victoria Wharf, The Red Shed Craft Workshop offers a unique interaction between shoppers and those making the wares. Here, you can order a custom made item and watch 23 specialty crafters at work.

ACCOMMODATIONS: THE CULLINAN INN – CAPE TOWN WATERFRONT

This classical 19^th century style hotel is conveniently situated opposite the main entrance of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Each of the 422 guest rooms offer views of either Table Mountain, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or the City. Amenities include color television with M-Net and satellite channels, en suite bathrooms with separate walk-in shower, air-conditioning, radio, tea & coffee making facilities, a digital safe and facilities for a fax/modem.

Hotel amenities include a breakfast room with buffet service, an a la carte restaurant offering lunch and dinner daily, a Ladies Bar that opens onto the swimming pool courtyard off of the reception area, an outdoor swimming pool, a guest gymnasium for those who want to exercise while on vacation and a superb curio shop located just off from the main foyer. (B)

Depart from your hotel on your full day sightseeing tour. Begin early this morning to beat the crowds to the cable station and take a cable-car up Table Mountain and experience the sweeping views of "the fairest Cape in the whole circumference of the world". Weather permitting, enjoy visibility over 70km and take a close look at the city below through numerous telescopes. Descend from the Upper Cableway station and continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve along one of South Africa's most scenic and popular routes. We will drive through Sea Point, visit Hout Bay, where you can take an optional half-hour boat excursion to view seals and sea birds at Duiker Island (weather permitting). Then on to Cape Point where two marine ecosystems and oceans meet.

During the afternoon we drive through the historic naval base town of Simon's Town. Named after Governor Simon van der Stel in 1687, Simon’s Town was used by the Dutch East India Company as its winter anchorage from 1743 until the British occupation in 1795. It was the Royal Navy’s South Atlantic Base from 1814 until the hand over to the South African Navy in 1957.

Just south of Simon’s Town is Boulders Beach, where a series of nooks and coves tucked in among towering boulders offers shelter from the wind and sun. Next to Boulders is one of only two mainland Jackass Penguin breeding colonies in the world. The bird derives its name from the call it makes – a loud bray similar to that of a donkey. A walk along the bridle path from Boulders to Seaforth allows one a close look at this endangered species.

Afterwards, continue through Muizenberg to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Kirstenbosch was established as a center for the preservation and study of the indigenous flora of Southern Africa. All year round one can enjoy glorious living displays of wild flowers and the magnificent collection of cycads, silver trees and other shrubs, plants and trees. We return to Cape Town late this afternoon.

ACCOMMODATIONS: THE CULLINAN INN – CAPE TOWN WATERFRONT (B)

Today’s classic tour takes us through spectacular vineyard covered valleys along scenic country roads. During the course of the day we will visit Franschhoek, a thriving town first settled by the French Huguenots in 1688. We make a stop in the university town of Stellenbosch, the second oldest European settlement in South Africa which has retained much of it's 18th and 19th century charm and has some of the best preserved historical buildings in South Africa. The scenery is combined with two wine tastings, a cellar tour and the opportunity to purchase the local wines. Return to Cape Town by approximately 5:30PM.

ACCOMMODATIONS: THE CULLINAN INN – CAPE TOWN WATERFRONT (B)

You will be transferred to the airport in time for the departure of your international flight bound for the United States. (B)

Arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime.

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Presented by
Carmelita Miranda
and Charles Morris.
Dream Weaver Observatory,
Fillmore, California