South African Observatories - New - The Adventure Company Astronomy Tours 2012/3

New South African Observatories South Africa � 12 days Trip Code EXSO Iconic Table Mountain The Cape region is famous for its beautiful scenery, rolling vine clad hills and the richness of its nature. Astronomers have sought out South Africa's southern skies since the early 19th century when Sir John Herschel set up an observatory in Cape Town. These days it is the dark skies of Karoo that attract astronomers. Come and explore the very best of South Africa and view the glorious southern skies with experts along the Garden Route. Insider's view South Africa is a land of diverse cultures, amazing scenery and unforgettable memories and you will get to experience many of these elements throughout the Western Cape. As a South African living in the UK there is one aspect I do miss, and have in the past taken for granted, and that is the amazing night skies. With little or no light pollution in the wilderness and rural areas of South Africa, on a clear night, the skies are majestic with the thousands of stars and the Milky Way is very prominent. I have fond memories of lying on my back at night just gazing upwards and counting the number of satellites and shooting stars! Michelle Friedemann � Customer Services Itinerary Day 1-2 Fly to Cape Town. The following afternoon enjoy a tour of the former Royal Observatory. With a clear evening there are telescopes available to view the night sky. Day 3 Explore the wild beauty of the Cape Peninsula driving south to the Cape of Good Hope. In Simonstown you visit the Penguin Colony of Boulders Beach and stop at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Day 4 Morning visit up iconic Table Mountain by cable car for views across the Atlantic coastline and to Robben Island. The afternoon will include a visit to the Iziko Planetarium. Day 5 Drive to the coastal town of Hermanus with the possibility to spot whales in the coves below. Moving towards Stellenbosch you enjoy wine tasting at vineyards before returning to Cape Town. Sutherland Oudtshoorn Addo Elephant Park SAAO Day 6 Travelling north to the Karoo visit the Southern African Large Telescope. Return for a night tour and viewing through dedicated visitors' telescopes. Day 7 Spend the day relaxing and exploring Sutherland before an evening excursion to a small observatory for viewing the southern skies through amateur sized telescopes. Day 8 Travel across the arid lands of the Karoo. Stopping at Oudtshoorn you visit an ostrich farm. Driving on to the spectacular Cango Caves with its enormous stalactites and stalagmites. Day 9 Heading to the coast you stop off at Knysna, a quaint seaside town before continuing to Tsitsikamma. Enjoy a leisurely walk through a yellow wood forest. Day 10 Visit Addo Elephant Park and enjoy an exhilarating safari experience with the option of an evening game drive. Day 11-12 An included game drive brings you close to herds of elephants, and possibly lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinos. Afternoon journey to Port Elizabeth for your flight home. Prices & Departures Visit our website or call our Travel Consultants for the latest prices. Alternatively scan your smart phone over this barcode. Departures With Without flights flights SALT Stellenbosch Essentials This gentle itinerary can be taken by anyone in good health. Climate October is typically dry in the Cape region when the days are warm and the spring flowers blooming. At the higher altitude around Sutherland it will cold by night. Transport Minibus, safari vehicle, on foot Accommodation Hotel (9 nights) Meals included 9 breakfasts 1 Oct - 12 Oct 2013 �3,199 �2,549 Tsitsikamma Hermanus Cape Town SOUTHERN OCE A N Port Elizabeth Prices are per person and subject to change (see Booking Conditions p49) All elements in the itinerary are included unless otherwise stated. Single room option �210. Flights are direct with South African Airways. 36 Call one of our helpful Travel Consultants on 0845 287 6121 for further assistance

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