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Africa: A Journey to the Heart and Soul
South Africa Safari and Uganda Gorilla Trekking
October 17 – 25, 2023
Africa: A Journey to the Heart and Soul
Be prepared for magnificent vistas and beauty that constantly elicits whispered gasps. This journey takes you into the heart and soul of Africa and awakens the heart and soul within you… this is travel with meaning… in places that feed your soul and fill your heart with an intoxicating sense of wonder and awe.
The Divine Destination Collection’s journey into Africa will touch you in so many ways that you’ll leave forever changed.
Home to the origins of ancient man, both South and East Africa offer breathtaking and vibrant experiences that are unrivalled. Experience the natural splendour of Cape Town, incomparable exclusive Big Five safari game drives in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve next to Kruger National Park, a quick stop in Johannesburg and heart stopping encounters with gorillas in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
This is indeed a journey of a lifetime. Here, just beneath the surface, it is easy to find the real thing, to discover new meaning, to see more, to live more and to come away a richer human being.
- Pay by USD cheque, bank transfer or money order to save $400 on your booking
- Ask about our convenient payment plan. Contact us for more details.
Africa: A Journey to the Heart and Soul
Cape Town, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge Safari and Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge Gorilla Trekking
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Highlights of our 8 night life changing journey include:
THE GATEWAY: Cape Town, Table Bay Hotel, South Africa (2 Nights)
- Embrace the gracious Table Bay Hotel in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling waterfront, with stunning views across the harbour and majestic Table Mountain.
- Vistas Abound: Experience Table Mountain, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World with glorious views of Cape Town.
- Vintages in Vineyards: Private wine tastings at renowned winery estates, stopping at charming villages to browse quaint shops, peruse art galleries and nibble on decadent chocolate.
- All That Jazz: Immerse in the culture in divine style as a local jazz musician opens their home exclusively, complete traditional dinner with a concert weaved in between courses.
THE HEART: Safari at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa (2 Nights)
- Flights from Cape Town International Airport to Skukuza Airport.
- EXCLUSIVE takeover of Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, private for The Divine Destination Collection guests. This living gallery of the senses is a must for those who appreciate the art of luxuriating among the animals of the African continent.
- HEART EXPANDING: Feel the rush of twice-daily game drives, where rangers will share their love for animals and introduce you to the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo) in their natural habitat.
- HEART OF DARKNESS: Under the African stars, enjoy a private Boma dinner with open bar and delight in traditional African entertainment.
- OPULENCE & ELEGANCE: a la “Out of Africa” Share memories and stories of what you got “out of Africa” at a private farewell dinner with gourmet food and remarkable entertainment.
- Flights from Skukuza Airport to Johannesburg International Airport.
THE TREK: Overnight Accommodation in Johannesburg (1 Night) before hopping on our flight to Entebbe, Uganda
THE SOUL: Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi National Park, Uganda (3 nights)
- Flights from Johannesburg International Airport to Entebbe Airport.
- Roundtrip private charter flights between Entebbe and Kihihi airports.
- Exclusive takeover, private for The Divine Destination Collection guests at the glorious Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. Immerse yourself into the mystery and wildness of the rainforest.
- MISTS & MAJESTY: Trek through the rainforest with our private guides and come face-to-face with the majestic and endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi.
- Women’s Cooperative Encounter: Enjoy cocktails and a meet and greet with the Founder to embrace and support the women of the region.
- Each of the three evenings, enjoy our Divine PRIVATE CLUB with exceptional and delicious dinners with wine and very special local entertainers.
TABLE BAY HOTEL
Embrace the gracious Table Bay Hotel, in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The hotel combines Victorian elegance with contemporary charm, while the rooms and suites enjoy stunning views of Robben Island and magnificent Table Mountain.
SABI SABI EARTH LODGE
Earth Lodge is the Sabi Sabi of Tomorrow. Exceeding the highest international standards of architectural design, its curved lines, artistry of light and natural textures are a sensory pleasure designed to sooth and delight. Remote and Eco-chic, this safari lodge will at once relax and enchant the senses.
Enjoy the carefully crafted ecological responsibility of the lodge as well as Divine food, an underground wine cellar, the Amani Spa, a day bar and a beautiful fire pit. Feel the warm embrace of Earth Lodge and unwind in untamed wilderness as you experience the majesty of the safari.
VOLCANOES BWINDI LODGE
Overlooking the beautifully primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge offers a stylish setting from which to enjoy the unforgettable experience of tracking the majestic mountain gorillas of Uganda. This beautiful lodge has just ten stone and timber glass-fronted bandas, which face the lush forest canopy. The ensuite rooms reflect the local building style and provide luxury in an eco-sensitive way. Guests can relax on a private balcony from which to spot wildlife, including chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and monkeys. And, your personal butler will take care of your every need!
Tuesday, October 7 to Thursday October 19, 2023
- Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and escorted via private transfer to the luxurious and majestic Table Bay Hotel. Welcome to South Africa with a private casual cocktail at a nearby waterfront bar/restaurant The Harbour House with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. This is a great time to mix and mingle with your fellow Divine travellers before heading to your lovely room.
- Breakfast is included and at leisure in the hotel’s Atlantic restaurant daily.
- VISTAS ABOUND: Experience Table Mountain, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World with glorious views of Cape Town.
- VINTAGES IN VINEYARDS: Private wine tastings at renowned winery estates, stopping at charming villages to browse quaint shops, peruse art galleries and nibble on decadent chocolate.
- ALL THAT JAZZ: On our final night in Cape Town, we will be immersed in the culture in divine style as a local jazz musician opens their home exclusively, complete with a traditional dinner and a concert weaved in between courses.
Thursday, October 19 to Saturday, October 21, 2023
- Depart this morning on our flight from Cape Town into “The Bush”.
- Experience the romance of being on safari as you arrive at our own private lodge. For the next two nights, revel in an EXCLUSIVE takeover of Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, private for The Divine Destination Collection guests. This living gallery of the senses is a must for those who appreciate the art of luxuriating among the animals of the African continent.
- HEART EXPANDING: feel the rush of twice-daily game drives, where rangers will share their love for animals and introduce you to the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo) in their natural habitat.
- Your continental breakfast pre-game drive, full breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are included daily. In addition, all beverages including alcoholic, are available on a complimentary basis. Four game drives through the reserve are included during our stay. Each and everyday ends with a traditional Sundowner cocktail!
- HEART OF DARKNESS: The first night, we’ll gather for a private Boma dinner with open bar– a unique area under the African stars where special tribal dining experiences will be hosted just for us. Local entertainers will delight with traditional music and dance…welcome to the BUSH!
- Game drives continue during the day, then bask in your luxurious room as you prepare for the evening’s farewell.
- OPULENCE & ELEGANCE: a la “Out of Africa” Share memories and stories of what you got “out of Africa” at a private farewell dinner with gourmet food and remarkable entertainment. Our final night on Safari, under the stars, we cap off our stay at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge with an extraordinary Divine surprise.
- All we can say is that you will be thunderstruck and talking about the experience long after your South African journey is over. What is the mystery event? You know us, we won’t disappoint, and we’re not letting the cat out of the bag. Yet.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
- Breakfast at leisure at the Lodge before we embark on our last early morning game drive. Our magical safari experience has come to an end as we check out and drive through the reserve to the Skukuza Airport for our flight to Johannesburg.
- Due to flight schedules, we’ll overnight in South Africa’s vibrant capital city of Johannesburg.
- We’ll check-in at the Johannesburg City Lodge near the airport to relax and enjoy a dinner at leisure and on own.
- NOTE: With weight restrictions of 15 kg for your bag for our next flight into Uganda, you’ll need to pack your light bag tonight in preparation of leaving the rest of your luggage in storage at the Entebbe Airport.
Sunday, October 22, 2023
- After breakfast at leisure at the hotel, we’ll depart Johannesburg this morning for the four (4) hour flight to Entebbe. Here, we will store the luggage you will not be bringing to Bwindi. The adventure continues as we board our own charter planes for a 1.5 hour flight into the Kihihi Airstrip in Bwindi. This will be a long travel day, so please pack your patience.
- We’ll be met late afternoon by our private vehicles & drivers for our journey into the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for our stay at the charming Volcanoes Exclusive takeover, private for the Divine Destination Collection guests at the glorious Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. Immerse yourself into the mystery and wildness of the rainforest.
- Travelling with The Divine Destination has its privileges: upon arrival and check-in to your luxurious suite, we’ll gather for a delightful late a la PRIVATE CLUB Welcome Dinner in the Dining Room featuring a variety of dishes at various food stations with premium drinks. You will be completely delighted with the very special performance tonight of local Batwa Pygmy singers and drummers. Welcome to Uganda!
Monday, October 23, 2023
- Breakfast at leisure at the Lodge.
- MISTS & MAJESTY: Today is the day! We will trek through the rainforest with our private guides and come face-to-face with the majestic and endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi. We’ll depart for Gorilla Trekking Headquarters in Bwindi National Park for our incredible Gorilla Trekking adventure.
- Our guides and porters will lead us into to the forest for the ultimate experience and discovery. We will all have the opportunity to encounter these giants of the region with time for plenty of photos and meditation. What pure, unmitigated joy.
- Picnic lunch included on the gorilla trek.
- This evening, join us for our carefully curated Women’s Cooperative Encounter: embrace and support the women of the region. After a stimulating day, we’ll gather at the Ride 4 Woman Cooperative for a unique cocktail reception with the Founder who will share stories about this special charity that supports the women of Bwindi. You will have an opportunity to get fitted for and purchase a custom shirt or dress made with local fabric by the local women.
- We’ll return to our PRIVATE CLUB Lodge for a delicious dinner.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
- Breakfast & lunch at leisure at the lodge.
- Today is a day to explore this unique and lovely area and meet the charming people who make it home, to try an intriguing activity or relax in the glorious and soothing surroundings for the Bwindi Lodge. We will have optional activities available for sign up today.
- Our farewell dinner tonight is in our PRIVATE LODGE, as we don our evening apparel and contemplate over cocktails, we celebrate with a gourmet meal, wonderful wines on our soulful journey to the Gorillas and the heart of Africa. The evening is capped with surprise entertainment! No one is going to be ready to start the journey home!
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
- Breakfast at leisure at the Lodge this morning. The morning is yours to pack in preparation for departure. After lunch, we will check out for the journey back to the Kihihi Airstrip for our charter flight to the Entebbe Airport.
- We will enjoy dayrooms at the Hotel #5, where you will be reunited with your stored luggage to repack, rest and enjoy a light farewell dinner and drinks with all the people we’ve experienced so much with over the last days. We’ll depart Entebbe for our international flights home which typically depart around 11:00 pm. Please ensure your international flight departs Entebbe in the late evening.
- Wheels up, heart open, mind expanded, senses satiated as we depart. Indeed, a journey to the heart and soul of both ourselves and this land for all seasons, the sacred motherland, and the cradle of humanity: Africa.
October 17 – 25, 2023
- Pay by USD cheque, bank transfer or money order to save $400 on your booking
- Ask about our convenient payment plan. Contact us for more details.
$12,099.00 USD per person based on double occupancy*
$ 2,000.00 USD per person for Inter-Africa flights**
$14,099.00 USD Total per person cost based on double occupancy
* Note: Due to the limited number of rooms at the Safari Lodge and at the Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi, please reach out to us directly should you require single accommodation.
** Note: Inter-Africa flights are mandatory and part of the itinerary
HOW IS TRAVELLING WITH THE DIVINE DESTINATION COLLECTION DIFFERENT THAN OTHER TRAVEL COMPANIES?
The Divine Destination Collection offers our like-minded travelers a carefully curated selection of life-changing travel adventures.
Our mastery is crafting travel experiences that steep you in luxury while unveiling the most unique, unusual and sacred aspects of faraway places…all while creating magical, immersive and uncommon moments…where luxury, adventure and spirituality meet.
We travel in style offering minimal bus travel, delicious dining experiences and intimate exclusive accommodations. You can relax knowing ever single detail has been taken care of.
Our co-founders, Deb Niven and Allison Frame, are your hosts for the trip and take especially good care of your every need. Travelling with them ensures that anything that needs to be decided upon will happen immediately without any calls to Head Office!
WHY IS AFRICA A TRUE TRIP OF A LIFETIME?
Home to the origins of ancient man, both South and East Africa offer breathtaking and vibrant experiences that are unrivalled. You’ll experience the natural splendour of Cape Town, be part of incomparable exclusive Big Five safari game drives in Kruger National Park, and encounter heart stopping encounters with gorillas in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. These are memories that will last forever.
IS THE TRIP SUITABLE FOR COUPLES? WHO WOULD BE ON THE TRIP?
This Divine Destination Collection trip is absolutely suitable for couples. You can expect to travel in a small group (22) of travellers who include couples and friends. Join us on the journey! Note due to the limited number of rooms at the Safari Lodge and at the Gorilla lodge in Bwindi, please reach out to us directly should you require single accommodation.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN TERMS OF SAFETY AND SUPPORT WHILE TRAVELLING WITH THE DIVINE DESTINATION COLLECTION?
Your safety is our number one priority throughout the trip. We are there to ensure that you will be taken care at all times as we rely on our local support team and best-in-the-industry practices to handle any situation. Our partners and suppliers provide us with all the relevant information to share with you especially related to these travel experiences.
DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY SHOTS OR TAKE MEDICATION IN PREPARATION FOR THIS JOURNEY?
Yes! While on safari in South Africa we will be in Malaria territory. Also, Uganda requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination to enter the country. Please ensure that you have consulted with your medical doctor or travel clinic for appropriate inoculations and malaria medication. This is to ensure nothing prevents you from having the time of your life on this amazing journey!
DO I NEED VISAS TO TRAVEL TO SOUTH AFRICA & UGANDA?
South Africa:
Whether travelling on a Canadian or US Passport, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure. No Visas are required for entry into South Africa.
Uganda
Yes VISAS are required to enter Uganda. Travelers with a Canadian or US Passport must hold a valid Ugandan visa. The online application system provides the fastest and most convenient way to obtain a visa for Uganda. Further details will be made available upon registration. Each passport must have a minimum of 3 blank pages for Ugandan documentation & stamps.
OTHER PASSPORT HOLDERS:
Citizens of other countries should check with the South African and Ugandan Embassy/Consulate for details on Passport & Visa requirements.
IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS TRIP OVER TIME?
We are pleased to offer a unique payment plan that allows you to pay for your trip over time. Please contact us for more details.
Africa: A Journey to the Heart and Soul
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