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| KWA ZULU NATAL
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6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS |
“flagstick” |
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| PRICES (Per Person) - LAND ARRANGEMENTS ONLY |
| GOLFER |
USD1786 - Sharing |
| USD2557 - Single |
| NON - GOLFER |
USD1385 - Sharing |
| USD2164 - Single |
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DAY 1: DURBAN |
On arrival in Durban, please proceed to the National Alamo Car Rental kiosk, to collect your Group B car (Nissan Tiida 1.6 manual or similar). Your car is booked on a total cover basis (no excesses apply).
Durban has one of the best climates in the world. Never really getting cold but often very humid.
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| Durban |
Where East meets West in a sub-tropical holiday city. Durban formerly known as Port Natal is a natural port that has grown into one of South Africa's best-known and most popular coastal resorts and commercial ports. With stretches of safe, sandy beaches, abundance of holiday accommodation destinations available and all-year sunshine, thousands of visitors are attracted to this festive city every year.
Durban is a major holiday resort with high rise hotels crowding each other for space along the ‘Golden Mile’ beachfront. The wide promenade is full of Zulu ladies selling hand-woven baskets and beautiful beadwork, while the men try to lure you into a rickshaw for a ride around town. These comfortable contraptions are brightly painted and decorated with tassels and mirrors while the puller adorns himself with a flamboyant head-dress almost tall enough to topple him over backwards. Rickshaws are more commonly associated with India and it would not be out of place to call Durban the ‘Curry Capital of South Africa’ due to the high population of Asian Indians who originally came to labour in the sugar-cane fields. Durban is now famous for its spice markets, oriental plazas and temples.
Experience and view the traditional Zulus performing tribal dances amongst the rippling folds of the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the newly-opened world-famous uShaka Eco-Marine Theme Park. Join the sun seekers waterskiing and swimming in the tumbling surf, sunbathe on Durban’s finest beaches or taste the nightlife of the city where the fun never sets on the cosmopolitan atmosphere that is uniquely Durban's own!
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On arrival in Durban you can make your way to your hotel, The Royal Hotel. Here you will spend your first night on a bed and breakfast basis.
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The Royal Hotel |
The Royal Hotel's principle of uncompromising service and unfailing hospitality has always been a cornerstone in it's 150 years of existence. During these years it has been this ethos that has carried it from strength to strength through a colourful and, at times, tumultous evolution. At The Royal we believe that the real ingredient of lasting hotel excellence cannot be bought. This is because it is service that makes the difference and high standards first have to be cultivated and then continuously refined. It is this commitment that has made us one of the foremost hotels in the world.
Five-star sophistication is the keynote throughout your Royal room or suite, where a subtle blend of yellowwood and royal blue colour schemes, graciously complemented by rich, sophisticated decor, create an atmosphere of comfort and splendour. Breathtaking panoramic views of Durban add to the overall ambience of the bedroom, and the exquisite finishes of your adjoining bathroom ensures you remain in the height of luxury. All rooms have selected DSTV, direct dial telephones, air-conditioning and heating, and tea and coffee making facilities, re-enforcing our goal to ensure a convenient stay for all. Mini bars are a standard feature of all our suites, with fax machines, and in-room internet available in our executive and penthouse suites. A butler service is available on two dedicated floors and The Royal also provides a floor of accommodation for those women travelling alone, as well as non-smoking floors.
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| The afternoon and evening are at leisure. |
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| DAY 2: DURBAN - ZIMBALI LODGE |
This morning after breakfast you can head to The Durban Country Club. This course is in the Platinum section and is ranked 4 th in the country |
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Since the time it was first shaped from the bush and dunes of the KwaZulu-Natal coast during the early 1920’s, the Durban Country Club course achieved and maintained an excellence that keeps it at the forefront of South Africa’s 250 odd courses. The Country Club is not long at 6,075 metres, and to be seen at its best, must be experienced in all its moods – especially in the wind which blows often and puts a green out of reach of two shots when it could have been hit with a 7 iron only a matter of hours before. Suddenly all the bunkers then begin to make sense. The course has been updated on occasions – by Bob Grimsdell in 1959, and before him by the English architect, Colonel S.V Hotchkin, whose suggestions were adopted in 1928. Several tees have been resited and some holes have been renumbered but basically the Durban Country Club has remained unchanged since 1922.
From the outset there was very little interference with the natural terrain but rather an accentuating of some of the site’s original features. Grimsdell said, “The player is not shown everything at a glance, but is given the thrill of anticipation and uncertainty.” There are two distinct features – the holes on the dunes where either tee or green is elevated and surrounded by the natural bush, and those on the flatland where trees still help shape the fairways but where the chance of a hanging lie are minimal – typically at the 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 14th and 15th. They are no easier, but are not likely to cause so much apprehension.
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While the golfers are enjoying their game, the non golfers can walk on the Marine Parade or even go to uShaka Marine World for the day. Durban has so much going on that you will not have a moment of boredom.
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uShaka Marine World |
uShaka Marine World Incorporates fresh and sea water, natural materials, the re-creation of a wreck of a 1940's cargo ship, with the 5th largest aquarium in the world by volume of water, coupled with indigenous African imagery, lush vegetation and maritime images of the Port of Durban, plus a water slides amusement park. uShaka is a complete 'Marine World', tastefully themed with a focus on family entertainment in terms of fun, excitement, friendliness, imagery, activities, education and unique experiences, grouped into five distinctly themed areas.
Treasure World
The retail food and beverage outlets are close to the main entrance to uShaka and at a height of about 10 metres above sea level, overlook much of the park and the Indian Ocean beyond. From the mysteries of the ocean floor to the wonders above, you'll find many of the treasuries you're looking for in over 11 250m2 of retail speciality stores. These include fun products such as clothing and apparel, outdoor gear and equipment, arts and crafts and other indigenous and tourist-focussed goods, information and services.
Sea World and Dolphin World
Located in the centre of uShaka Marine World, these comprise a salt water aquarium with indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits, a 1200- seater dolphin stadium where you'll be entertained by the world-famous Gambit and friends, the seal stadium and penguin rookery. In addition, Sea World offers edutainment tours behind the scenes and special interactive activities such as snorkelling through reefs and grottos and scuba dives. Many of uShaka's unique experiences are to be found in and around Sea World.
Snorkel Lagoon
Catch a feed presentation for the rock lobsters, eel and octopus before heading into the water and snorkelling into a pool designed as a rocky lagoon. Float gently over the lagoon filled with a huge variety of marine life and maritime effects such as a 16th century ship's canon before entering the bowels of a shipwrecked cargo vessel and facing up to the predators of the deep through glass.
Offshore Rocky Reefs Exhibit
Offering a diving experience, the Rocky Reef's tank will have you interacting with fish such as Slinger and Englishman and other rare and magnificent reef fish found off the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Rocky Touch Pool
Touch a starfish or feel the skin of a sea cucumber - with the help of a specially trained guide.
The Open Ocean
Gazing through an enormous window 8m long by 3m high you'll feel as though you are actually standing underwater with the many fish associated with the open ocean such as tuna, pompano, dorado and rays. Dangers of the Deep - Sharks, sea snakes, devil fire fish and stone fish occupy this area where from the surface you might even be able to touch a shark as it swims past a purpose-built balcony at feeding time. Coral Gardens - A coral reef, one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth which has been recreated for you within Sea World.
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After the game the golfers will meet up with everybody else and make their way to Zimbali Lodge, you will spend the evening here on a bed and breakfast basis.
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| Zimbali Lodge |
Zimbali Lodge is one of Southern Africa's most exclusive hideaways, set within the serene confines of a coastal forest reserve on the north coast of Kwa Zulu Natal - a natural sub-tropical paradise and home to mischievous dolphins and a myriad of sea and bird life. An ideal retreat when it comes to getting-away-from-it-all all and relaxing. Zimbali Lodge and Country Club is located in a coastal forest surrounded by a championship 18-hole golf course and naturally occurring lakes and wetlands. The lodge is a 5-Star boutique hotel and all the guest rooms offer five-star luxury accommodation, designed to complement the natural surrounding forest and to reinforce the charm of African Classical architecture. Luxury accommodation is decorated to complement the natural surrounding forest. The bathrooms are luxurious and feature Victorian baths from the turn of the century. Each room is well stocked with a selection of hot beverages, light snacks and a mini-bar.
The service emphasis is personal care and attention - Butlers are on hand to attend to the guest's every need. The cuisine is sublime and only the freshest ingredients are used. The exclusive Health Spa offers a refreshing therapy of its own kind with its range of holistic treatments. The Zimbali Country Club Golf Course is a par 72 championship course, designed by former British and South African Open Golf Champion, Tom Weiskopf. This course is both challenging and superbly beautiful, offering world-class standards for top players and higher handicap players alike. Activities include tennis, swimming in the pool or the ocean (it’s difficult to distinguish the two), the beach and lake, horse riding, bird and butterfly watching, forest walks, golf and a magnificent health and beauty spa.
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| Evening at leisure. |
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| DAY 3: ZIMBALI LODGE - PRICE'S GRANT |
This morning after breakfast you will play The Zimbali Golf Course. This course is part of the Platinum Collection but is not yet ranked.
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Zimbali Country Club |
Offering irresistible ocean and forest views, exceptional scenic water and wetland features and a magnificent natural setting, Zimbali Country Club has developed the reputation of a memorable course with charisma and challenge. With the brief of “conservation takes precedence” international golf course designer and former British and South African P GA champion, Tom Weiskopf, had to integrate a “cart only” course into a property with dramatic elevation changes, varying eco-systems and substantial residential sections. This was no easy task, but the end result is a prestigious course that is ecologically sound, yet it maximizes the natural landscape. Described by authoritative golf writer John Botha as “an enthralling journey through 18 holes”, the changing terrain stretches the skill yet captivates its participating golfers. With the Weiskopf philosophy of “presenting a fair challenge to any level of play” the essence of this course is that it will reward the good shot and punish the bad.
Now in its fifth year, the course has matured. Gradual adjustments have been made to improve user friendliness. Landing areas are wider and there is improved definition from tee positions. However the need to retain the ecology and extensive wildlife habitats dictates the positioning, abundance and controlled maintenance of the semi and long rough areas. This ultimately necessitates some precise shot making indeed and also contributes to increased difficulty of play.
The remains of a ruined farmhouse framed around an ageing wild figtree dominates the entrance to the clubhouse. Again construction had to take place around nature and this feature not only marks the entrance of the modern, colonial-styled clubhouse, it also bears testimony to the preservation ethos of the developers of Zimbali Country Club. The Country Club provides full amenities for golf, including golf carts (compulsory), a halfway house, putting greens, a driving range, tennis courts and a bar and lounge facility which is of the highest order. In terms of the ultimate golfing experience, Zimbali is amongst the top 10 courses in South Africa to receive the Compleat Golfer’s Five-star Golf Experience Award; based on service excellence, top-class clubhouse facilities, golf course conditioning and last but not least the overall lingering experience.
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While the golfers are enjoying their game on the course, the non golfers can enjoy a Spa treatment that is included in the package for the value of up to R300.00 |
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After the day at Zimbali, you will need to head off to Prince’s Grant. Here you will be spending the next 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. |
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| Prince's Grant |
The Lodge at Prince's Grant on Kwa Zulu Natal's Dolphin coast has 15 lovely rooms overlooking one of South Africa's top golf courses or the Indian Ocean. Situated forty-five minutes north of Durban and twenty kilometres from Ballito on an unspoilt stretch of coastline our superior golf accommodation will afford you a most memorable golf experience and a wish to return. Rated 4 star and is “Highly Recommended” by the Automobile Association Travel Guide. A secluded beach and private lagoon further compliment the golf resort along with squash, tennis and swimming.
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Evening at leisure. |
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| DAY 4: PRINCE'S GRANT |
This morning after breakfast you will play The Prince’s Grant Golf Course. This course is ranked 21 st in South Africa and is in The Platinum Section. |
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Prince's Grant Golf Course |
With large greens, undulating fairways each and every hole is unique and provides golfers with a most rewarding and challenging golf experience Our Peter Matkovich designed golf course has constantly been ranked as one of the top courses in the country and certainly one of Kwa Zulu Natal's finest. The course is a links/parkland layout with magnificent sea views, natural bush and Zululand interior. In February of 2005 we received one of eleven awards for a “ Five Star Golf experience” in South Africa. With our home from home atmosphere all guests are made to feel like members for the duration of their stay.
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Spend the evening at leisure. |
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| DAY 5: DURBAN |
This morning after breakfast make your way back to Durban at leisure.
Once you have arrived back at The Royal Hotel leave your luggage with the front desk as you will be collected for a half day Kwa – Mashu Township Tour.
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Highlights of the Day |
Highlights of this half day tour include: a fascinating glimpse of bustling neighbourhood life through the streets of Kwa-Mashu and its adjoining townships; visit a traditional herbalist and Spaza shop; Orphanage visit
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Evening at leisure.
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| DAY 6: DURBAN |
Today after breakfast you will make your way back to the Durban Country Club but to day you will play a different course. The Beachwood Course is also in the Platinum Section and is ranked 15 th in South Africa.
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Durban Country Club |
The Durban Country Club boasts two championship courses - the Durban Country Club course and the Durban Beachwood course. The Durban Country Club course is the more famous of the two, and has a classic links feel to it boasting impressive coastal views since it runs alongside the Indian Ocean. Beachwood is also a coastal course, but its ocean views are more limited, since it was designed around a mangrove swamp. Beachwood was remodelled in 1994 by the Gary Player group to bring it closer to the championship standard of its more famous sister. Beachwood is located 12km outside of Durban and 7km north of the Durban Country Club course. It is also positioned south of the Virginia Airport and low flying aircrafts are a common sight.
The large trees and thick shrubbery that line the narrow fairways will keep any golfer honest. The fairways are challengingly long and straight with bunkers and some severe slopes. The front nine, which includes the 10th hole before the halfway house, is particularly tight through the protected mangrove swamp. This par four, of 383m, demands accuracy off the tee as the fairway is well protected on the right by thick bush while two sand bunkers surround the greens. The course opens up from the 11th and the 'back' nine is far more forgiving. The par-four 6th signature hole is both demanding and long. Teeing off from an elevated tee to the fairway 20m below is tricky! This 410m hole has it all and you’ll have to navigate a dogleg, a stream, bushes and a water hazard on the way to a green protected by bunkers on the right.
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After the game spend the evening at leisure.
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| DAY 7: DEPART |
After breakfast, check out and head to Durban Airport. Please drop your car off at the National Alamo Kiosk.
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| Package Includes |
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7 days of car rental: National Alamo Group B car, inclusive of VAT, Contract Fee, Airport Surcharge, Tourism Levy, Additional Driver Surcharge, CDW, TLW, Personal Accident Fund, unlimited kilometres, windscreen damage, tyre damage, untarred road cover and undercarriage damage
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3 Nights accommodation at The Royal Hotel, Durban in a standard room, on a bed and breakfast basis
- 1 Nights accommodation at the Zimbali Lodge in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis
- 2 Nights accommodation at the Prince’s Grant Hotel in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis
- 1 Spa Treatments at Zimbali Lodge - Value of up to USD50.00 (non golfers only)
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Use of Spa at Zimbali
Golfers
1 round of golf with cart at The Durban Country Club
1 round of golf with cart at Zimbali Country Lodge
1 round of golf with cart at The Prince’s Grant Golf Course
1 round of golf with cart at The Durban Country Club – Beachwood Course
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| Package Excludes |
- Hire of golfing equipment
- Meals, drinks and snacks not stated as included in the itinerary
- Activities not stated as included in the itinerary
- Any other items not specifically stated in the above itinerary
- Visa and passport costs if applicable
- Travel Insurance
- Porterage (usually USD2 per bag) and tipping (usually 10-15% depending on level of service)
- All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry etc.
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| General Information |
Please note that this quote is current, but subject to alteration if any parts of the tour are not available when bookings are made, or if rates for any of the services change. No reservations have been made at this time, and this quote is subject to availability of all elements of the trip at the time of booking.
A deposit of 25% of the amount quoted above is required immediately upon confirmation of reservations. The balance of payment, as per the amount stated on the confirmation advice, is due no later than 6 weeks prior to your arrival.
If your booking is made within 6 weeks of your arrival, full payment is due immediately upon confirmation.
Please note that cancellation policies are usually strictly enforced by suppliers, particularly in busy periods. The following cancellation policy exists:
More than 6 weeks prior to departure: 25% of the total tour cost
4-6 weeks prior to departure: 50% of the total tour cost
Less than 4 weeks prior to departure: 100% of the total tour cost
After departure: 100% of the total tour cost
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