The whole world watched as the beauty and diversity of South Africa was put on display amidst amazing soccer matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup this summer. The bustling cities and remote wilderness were showcased on global television, but now that the final match has been played, the best way to experience these intriguing places is by visiting for yourself! Ker & Downey’s Grand South Africa features two of the most popular cities in the country – Cape Town and Durban.
Your stay in Cape Town offers a soothing, cosmopolitan atmosphere in the Western Cape. Rich veins of mountains surround the area, and it is a haven for lovers of fine cuisine, history and stunning natural beauty. The second-largest city in South Africa is a thriving hub of colonial charm and contemporary luxury. The historic Greenmarket Square is a former slave auction and protesting site in the city center. Today, the square is a bustling venue for local artisans and crafters and a great place to purchase authentic souvenirs. Many museums and gardens are available to tour, and soccer fans will not want to miss Cape Town Stadium, the host venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
For the first three days of Grand South Africa, you’ll stay in the brand new Taj Cape Town. With easy access to the shops, museums, entertainment and cuisine of historic St. George’s Mall, venturing beyond the Taj provides exciting moments in the famous pedestrian precinct. Visit the Iziko South African Museum and National Gallery, the planetarium, the Houses of Parliament and a plethora of high-end shops and street-side craft vendors – vibrant both by day and night. It’s also from the Taj that you’ll explore the highlights of the Western Cape, the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands.
The largest port in South Africa, Durban’s coast enjoys a tropical climate in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. KZN, as abbreviated by the locals, offers an eclectic mix of cultures, natural and unspoiled scenery, pristine beaches, the splendid Indian Ocean with its abundant sea-life and modern cities like Durban juxtaposed against rural settlements. KZN is also home to the culturally-rich and fascinating history of the Zulu Nation, evident in the many battlefields and historical establishments dotted around this colorful province.
The iconic lighthouse of the Oyster Box Hotel is a beacon for travelers in search of peaceful accommodations just outside of Durban. Enjoy the sun at the spacious swimming pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Beach bags, sun umbrellas and suntan lotion are found in each room to ensure effortless enjoyment of the beach. If you can stand to leave the plush hotel, Umhlanga Village and the city of Durban are both a short drive away. Local attractions include the Drakensberg Mountains, the Moses Mabhida Stadium built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, excellent golf courses, marine experiences and world-class shopping.
In addition to the fabulous life of leisure you’ll enjoy in Cape Town and Durban, exciting encounters with Africa’s Big Five await in the wilderness of the Sabi Sands and Phinda Private Game Reserve. Let the professionals at Ker & Downey show you how effortless luxury travel in South Africa luxury travel can be. Contact us to start planning your getaway!
Chobe National Park is the second largest national park in Botswana with one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent, with the 15 air-conditioned cottages of 
The Selinda Reserve offers all the intimacy and elite, experiential travel and eco-friendly tourism experiences that Botswana has become known for. This 320,000 acre private wildlife sanctuary in the Northern part of Botswana is unique in that the entire reserve is shared only by a maximum of 32 guests at any one time. It will be an experience unlike anything else you could imagine. 
The Okavango is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels – the largest inland delta in the world. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands, it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on its permanent waters. Your accommodations for the next three nights will be at the incomparable 
remaining migration of zebra and wildebeests. 
Pharaohs and aristocrats in colonial Egypt, the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer is an elegant way to explore the histories and wonders of the Nile. Accommodations that are both modern and distinctly Egyptian – each of the 32 cabins features a flat screen television, private mini-bar and en-suite bathrooms with separate tub and shower. Spacious Presidential and Deluxe Suites offer additional comfortable luxury in more secluded areas of the ship. A modern, cozy decor highlights the cabins, providing welcoming retreats in which to retire after your amazing tours.
excursions that include the Karnak Temple, Luxor’s West Bank, the Temple of Horace and the Unfinished Obliesk in Aswan. Land tours are designed to maximize the exploration of these ancient sites, while still enjoying all the activities the ship has to offer. Relax poolside on the roomy teak sundeck or shaded deck with outdoor bar and plush loungers. Interiors reflect the east-meets-west feeling of Egypt with oriental influences and luxurious finishes throughout the many peaceful lounges.
Dine on delicious international and local cuisines by buffet or a la carte in one of several sumptuous dining rooms. Your hosts also present a variety of authentic activities on board. Attend a festive mid-afternoon poolside barbecue on the ship’s spacious deck and rest on the beautiful canopied lounges as you float in style. Every cruise includes a colorful Galabeya party, where guests have the opportunity to dress up in traditional Egyptian clothing and dance to Arabic music. Belly dancers, whirling dervishes and authentic local music are also part of the ship’s nightly entertainment offerings.