Pride of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe

Travel the breadth of southern Africa, where history is rich, culture is diverse and “Big Five” game viewing is extraordinary. Enjoy a unique three-night river safari aboard the Five-Star MS Zambezi Queen on Namibia’s legendary Chobe River. Experience superb game viewing in Botswana. Visit Johannesburg, Cape Town and Victoria Falls. Pre-tour extension to MalaMala Private Game Reserve.

Dates
Feb 14 - Feb 28, 2019  (15 Days)
Cost

from $7,995 per person, double occupancy

 

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Thursday, February 14
    Depart U.S. for Johannesburg, South Africa
    Friday, February 15
    Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa

    “A world in one country,” South Africa is perhaps the most diverse, multifaceted country on Earth. Cosmopolitan Johannesburg, known colloquially as “Joburg,” is home to one of the world’s largest urban forests, where amid some of the tallest buildings on the continent, more than six million trees flourish in the pleasant subtropical highland climate. The 1886 gold reef discovery ushered in a flux of European opportunity and ultimately stirred the rich political history of this “City of Gold.” Fairlawns Boutique Hotel

    Saturday, February 16
    Johannesburg / Pretoria

    North of Johannesburg lies vibrant Pretoria, known for its diverse architecture, purple‑blossomed jacaranda trees and distinctly Afrikaans culture. Trace South Africa’s journey to democracy in the historic Liliesleaf Farm, once the epicenter of the liberation movement and now a cultural heritage site. Visit the Voortrekker Monument, honoring the mid‑19th‑century Dutch Voortrekkers (pioneers) who emigrated from the Cape Colony to the inland highveld, and see the Union Buildings and the formal garden where Mandela gave his historic presidential inauguration speech (1994). Fairlawns Boutique Hotel (B,L,R)

    Sunday, February 17
    Johannesburg / Soweto

    Few places reflect South Africa’s history like Johannesburg’s South Western Townships, better known as Soweto. A broad cross section of South African daily life—from shack settlements to a rising middle class to millionaires—this thriving community is a cultural beacon and reminder of the long‑lasting effects of segregationist politics. Soweto endures as an example of the South African strength of spirit; its Vilakazi Street fostered two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Follow in the footsteps of Mandela—visit his house and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, an iconic symbol of the historic 1976 apartheid protests; see the FNB Stadium, where he delivered his first speech in Johannesburg following his 1990 release from prison; and tour Johannesburg’s evocative Apartheid Museum. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel  (B,L,D)

    Monday, February 18
    Johannesburg / Fly to Cape Town

    Enjoy three full days in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities; this “Garden City” is adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Cape Floral Kingdom, which encompasses Table Mountain National Park and over 4000 plant species. Cape Town is a vibrant city of meticulously preserved Edwardian, Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture. See the historic City Hall, where Mandela made his first public speech mere hours after his release from prison. Ascend Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting) for sweeping city and coastal views, and ride a funicular up to lofty Cape Point. In a private home in Cape Town’s Bo‑Kaap township, savor the aromatic spices of traditional Cape Malay cuisine—a unique fusion of South African, Dutch and Malaysian flavors—during a specially arranged C’est Bon! CULINARY TRADITIONS™ dinner. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, (B)

    Tuesday, February 19
    Cape Town / Robben Island

    Tour Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Mandela and other political prisoners made strides in attaining equal rights during apartheid despite inhumane conditions. The prison’s storied interior and its guides— former prisoners, many of whom served with Mandela—provide an invaluable perspective on South Africa’s social and political transformation. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, (B)

    Wednesday, February 20
    Cape Town / Cape of Good Hope

    Visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town for a rare, up‑close look at a protected colony of endangered African penguins nesting in sand burrows. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, (B,L,D)

    Thursday, February 21
    Cape Town / Cape Winelands

    Travel inland along the Stellenbosch Wine Route to experience the world‑class Cape Winelands. Stroll underneath vast, 300‑year‑old camphor laurel trees, a protected provincial heritage site in the formal gardens atthe Vergelegen Cape Dutch Manor House, and enjoy a private tasting of the region’s signature Pinotage red wine. Visit Boschendal, one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, founded in 1685, where the rolling vineyards are planted with five different types of grape, and enjoy a specially arranged lunch with wine pairings. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, (B,L)

    Friday, February 22
    Fly to Kasane, Botswana / Chobe River, Namibia / Embark Zambezi Queen

    Chobe River Safari, Namibia and Botswana Aboard the Five‑Star Zambezi Queen, enjoy extraordinary game‑viewing opportunities distinctly different from a land safari, with unsurpassed, up‑close views of wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, oryx and an incredible array of bird species. Local guides will lead you on game‑viewing river safaris aboard small excursion boats. Visit a village along the river to experience local culture firsthand and try reeling in the famously vivacious tiger fish. Zambezi Queen, (B,D)

    Saturday & Sunday, February 23 & 24
    Chobe River Safari

    Chobe National Park, Botswana From marsh to dense mahogany and teak woodland, northern Botswana’s sprawling, diverse Chobe National Park is one of the last wild areas on the continent, brimming with wildlife. Enjoy a morning game drive through the park, home to one of the densest Kalahari elephant populations (approximately 120,000) as well as lion, cheetah, leopard, zebra, impala, hyena, wildebeest, warthog, hippopotamus, crocodile, water buffalo and more than 450 bird species. Zambezi Queen, (B,L,D)

    Monday, February 25
    Chobe River / Disembark ship / Chobe National Park, Botswana / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

    The Victoria Falls Hotel, (B,L) 

    Tuesday, February 26
    Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Walk the trail along the edge of thundering Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and among the largest waterfalls on Earth. Here, the Zambezi River suddenly plummets into a 355‑foot gorge, creating frothy rapids and vaulting a rainbow‑hued mist almost 1000 feet into the air; though named for Queen Victoria by its first European witness, the falls’ local name, Mosi‑oa‑Tunya—“the smoke that thunders”— better captures the essence of this breathtaking cascade. See the Victoria Falls Bridge, an engineering marvel designed and constructed in England and reassembled over the Zambezi River gorge—all in only five years. The Victoria Falls Hotel, (B,D)

    Wednesday, February 27
    Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa / Depart for the U.S.

    (B)

    Thursday, February 28
    Arrive in the U.S.
    Map
    MalaMala Private Game Reserve: Feb 13 - 14

    Experience South Africa’s natural wonders in its largest private “Big Five” game reserve. Renowned for the quality of its leopard viewing, MalaMala is ideally nestled between the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Spend two nights in MalaMala's Five‑Star camp along the banks of the Sand River.

    LAND/CRUISE TARIFF excluding taxes*

    Per person, based on double occupancy

    Cat   Description

    5       Private-balcony. 233 sq ft including balcony, Lower Deck                                   $7,995

    4       Private-balcony. 211 sq ft including balcony. Middle Deck, midship                   $8,495

    3       Private-balcony. 231 sq ft including balcony. Middle Deck, midship and aft       $8,695

    2       Private-balcony. Larger, second shared balcony. 283 sq ft including balcony.   $9,195
                     Middle Deck, forward

    1       Private-balcony. Larger, second private balcony. 340 sq ft including balcony.    $9,695
                    Lower Deck, forward

    Add $1000 for reservations made after July 5, 2018.

    Singles are available in category 3 at $12,995* on or before July 5, 2018.

    All internal program air (Johannesburg/Cape Town, Cape Town/Kasane and Victoria Falls/Johannesburg) and transatlantic air is not included in the Land/Cruise Tariff. Attractively priced Air Packages are available.‡

    *Taxes are an additional $295 per person and are subject to change.

    †Zambezi Queen has been specially contracted for this tour, and the applicable deck plan is available on request from Gohagan & Company and reflects the only valid cabin categorization of the vessel.

    Included
    Exclusive lectures and presentations by Nicholas Wolpe and study leaders; Three nights in Johannesburg’s Five-Star Fairlawns Boutique Hotel; Four nights in Cape Town’s Five-Star Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel; Three nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star Zambezi Queen; Two nights in the Five-Star Victoria Falls Hotel; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner while aboard ship; Welcome Reception and Farewell Dinner; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Zimbabwe entry visa; Transfers and luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides, drivers and safari rangers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk in the hotels; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Director throughout the program; Pre-departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company

    Not Included
    International airfare and internal program air; Taxes of $295 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($15 per person, per day); Hotel staff gratuities ($1-2 per person, per day in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Victoria Falls; $6 per person, per day in MalaMala (pre-program option)) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and visa fees (except Zimbabwe); Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section

    Optional Post-Tour Extension: MalaMala Private Game Reserve
    $2595 per person, double occupancy
    $3695 per person, single occupancy

    What to Expect

    Excursions involve some walking over stone floors, brick streets or uneven terrain, and may require climbing a few flights of stairs.  Generally, the river safaris and game drives are not physically demanding, and participation in these activities is optional and at your discretion. This program includes several flights, and you must be able to go up and down stairs to board and deplane the airplanes. The ship is not wheelchair accessible.

    Guests must be able to step into and out of safari vehicles and excursion boats alone or with minimal assistance from their travel companion; safari vehicles and excursion boats do not have hydraulic lifts. This travel program involves long, bumpy drives over very rough, dusty terrain. Although some roads have been cleared through the game parks, the surfaces are unpaved and there can be deep tire ruts cut in the road beds. Some excursions involve walking over uneven terrain.

     

     

    Cancellations
    Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:

    From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s)) 
    From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
    From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 70% of the published full regular tariffs
    59 days or less prior to departure: No refund

    A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.

    In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply.

    Discounted Reservations
    Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by September 22, 2017. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.  

    Trip Insurance
    We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Airfare
    Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.

    Luggage
    Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.

    Physical Accessibility
    All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.

    Rates
    Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.

    Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility  
    The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.

    Binding Arbitration
    Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.

    Acceptance of Contract
    By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

     

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.