INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS INTRODUCES 10-DAY CUSTOM SOUTH AFRICA JOURNEY FROM ONLY $3,295

In-Country Air, Accommodations, 12 Meals, Private Tour of Cape Point and Cape Town, and Safari Activities Included

        BIRMINGHAM, AL, February 26, 2009 – International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, has introduced a new custom 10-day South Africa journey starting at just $3,295 per person, including three in-country flights, 12 meals, private tours and safaris.  Independent travelers who book the tailor-made itinerary have the flexibility of discovering the cosmopolitan charms of Cape Town and thrilling game viewing at Kruger National Park when they want, and with whom they want. 

        Upon arrival in Cape Town, guests are greeted by an International Expeditions representative and transferred to the lovely Cape Cadogan boutique hotel, where they will stay for the next four nights.  The adventure begins with the scenic wonders, magnificent seascapes and panoramic vistas of Africa’s “Mother City.”  Guided tours include a cable car to Table Mountain and an excursion to the Southern Peninsula for three to four hours of trekking and observing fascinating chacma baboons.  Next is a stop at pristine Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins, and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve to explore Cape Point, an area known for its diverse and unique flora and fauna.  

        Ample free time is provided to take in Cape Town’s superb mix of adventurous, relaxing and cultural activities.  Travelers can enlighten their senses with a visit to the beautiful Cape Winelands or discover indigenous South African plants at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.  Thrill seekers may opt for a helicopter ride or cruise along the famous Cape Town harbor, while others may visit a museum or take a day trip touring the townships to see life in South Africa’s shantytowns firsthand.

        Leaving a metropolis for rolling grasslands, guests next fly to famed Kruger National Park, which boasts year-round game viewing.  For three nights guests will relish in a genuine bush experience with a stay at Motswari Lodge, a private game reserve featuring luxury bungalows with magnificent land and river views.  Morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with only a savannah or watering hole between guests and Africa’s Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and leopards).  Motswari is also home to spotted hyena, African wildcat, blue wildebeests, warthogs, waterbuck and more.

        Evening safaris — allowed only in private reserves — bring additional opportunities to observe abundant wildlife in the region, as guides introduce travelers to unusual nocturnal animals such as the miniature Scops owl.  A riveting soundtrack only nature can offer with faint sounds of laughing hyena and the grunts of lions sets the scene at dusk as guests soak up breathtaking sunsets followed by unobstructed starry skies. 

        The final day of the journey commences with an early morning safari, followed by a transfer to Hoedspruit for the flight to Johannesburg.  Upon arrival, IE representatives meet guests to assist with overnight flight connections back to the U.S. 

With the help of International Expeditions’ custom Southern Africa desk, those who want to extend or further enhance their stays have the flexibility to do so.  Some options to consider include additional days on safari in Kruger National Park, a trip to the awesome Victoria Falls or a luxury rail journey. 

        The custom 10-day South Africa adventure starts at $3,295 per person and includes three in-country flights, accommodations in Cape Town at Cape Cadogan and Motswari Lodge at Kruger National Park, 12 meals, local transportation, guided tours and safaris as noted above.  Prices do not include additional optional excursions or international airfare, however both can be arranged through International Expeditions.

For more information on International Expeditions visit www.IEtravel.com or call 1-800-633-4734.
Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is the World Leader in Nature Travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

For more information or an International Expeditions brochure, call an International Expeditions travel planner at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, e-mail nature@ietravel.com, or visit www.IEtravel.com.

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