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An African Culinary and Wildlife Adventure with le Calabash’

0.00€68,500.00€

‘An African Culinary Adventure with le Calabash’

Home of the International Culinary Adventure

 Africa may yet prove to be the spiritual conservatory of the world…. When the civilised nations in consequence of their wonderful material development shall have their spiritual susceptibilities blunted through the agency of captivating and absorbing materialism, it may be that they have to resort to Africa to recover some simple elements of faith.

Edward Blyden

More Info

Your hosts Alison and Sidney who met in Africa where Sidney was born and raised are Africans at heart with a passionate knowledge and love for this part of the world and its culinary heritage. They both have extensive insight and experience of this part of the world where they lived and worked for many years before starting ‘le Calabash’ France and now ‘le Calabash’ Cape Town.

Prices

Per Person Sharing 6850.00€
Single Supplement 1950.00€

Extra Info

Price includes

  • Fully inclusive of all superior standard accommodation
  • Return flights between Cape Town South Africa and Windhoek Namibia
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All transport during Tour, including scheduled Airport Transfers
  • All safaris and excursions as per itinerary

Price excludes

  • Wine and Beverages
  • Meals that are not included as shown
  • Laundry
  • Personal Insurance
  • Telephone Calls
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities

Travel Insurance is highly recommended.

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Itinerary

Day 1

    • Arrive at Cape Town International Airport where Alison and Sidney meet you personally and you will be transferred to Zevenwacht Wine Estate for a welcome drink overlooking the Cape peninsula.
    • If you arrive before lunch, you can enjoy a light lunch in the garden or make a reservation for The Manor House Restaurant for lunch.
      This is for your own account.
    • Settle into your room. Situated in the heart of Zevenwacht’s picturesque vineyards, the Country Inn offers guests luxuriously appointed, air-conditioned suites, each with its own private terrace and uninterrupted view of Table Bay and False Bay. Facilities at the Country Inn include a club house, swimming pool, tennis court and Sauna.

Both Alison and Sidney played a major role during the infancy days of Zevenwacht.

  • Tonight, we will welcome you with a glass of Zevenwacht wine followed by a Cape Malay Dinner where Sidney will share with you some of the Cape’s Culinary secrets.

Situated on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Zevenwacht has viticulture roots which penetrate deep into the historic past of South Africa. While literally meaning Seven Expectations, the name Zevenwacht exemplifies the abundant delights which await visitors to the Farm. A leader in wine tourism, Zevenwacht was one of the first Wine Estates to establish a restaurant, hotel and conference facility, and spa on the estate.

The wines of Zevenwacht are distinguished by their classic style and finely crafted elegance. The Winemaker, Hagan honors century-old wine-making traditions, yet is boldly innovative, welcoming the contribution that modern technology makes to the vinification of premier wines. Covering 120 hectares of the 450-hectare property, the vineyards are ideally situated for the growing of quality grapes. Zevenwacht is characterized by good quality, varied soils and the vineyards have been selectively planted with red and white noble varietals

 

Day 2

    • Breakfast in the Manor House
    • This morning you have your first cooking class that will expose you to the world of Cape Malay Cooking including Bobotie and Malva Pudding’ Rich Buttery syrup laden cape malay pudding served with Alison’s take on Amarula Ice Cream

Sidney believes that South Africa is unrivalled when it comes to comfort food and he will tell you that nothing reflects the rich historical background and diverse origins of this nation better than its cuisine.

    • Lunch
      We enjoy our mornings work for lunch on the kitchen terrace.
    • After lunch we take a trip to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, now one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, within a stone’s throw from the Cape Town Stadium and in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor. The V&A Waterfront offers the visitor an abundance of unforgettable experiences. Indoor shopping and entertainment venues seamlessly merge with ocean vistas and mountain views and the fresh sea breeze and warm African sun add zest to a cosmopolitan, vibrant atmosphere. More than 80 restaurants bring a fusion of international food, from rustic al fresco fish and chips to starched tablecloth cuisine.
    • You will be given time to enjoy South Africa’s premier shopping experience.
      Dinner is for your own account and you can choose from one of the many dining areas around the waterfront.

As the afternoon is yours to shop, you may wish to take the advantage of this time and take a boat trip to Robben Island which needs no introduction with regards to the significance of its place in South Africa and indeed the world’s history. As ‘Home’ to one of the world’s most famous prisoners, statesmen and leaders in Nelson Mandela, Robben Island is quite possibly the most well-known prison on the planet. Should you wish to take this trip, it will be for your own account and can be booked online www.robben-island.org.za and we advise you take the 15.00 hrs boat.

Cape Town Afrikaans: Kaaps; Xhosa: iKapa is the second-most populous city in South Africa, after Johannesburg, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. The city is famous for its harbor, for its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, as well as for such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point.

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was first developed by the Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony. Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa. Today it is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa. In 2011 the metropolitan region had an estimated population of 3.74 million. The city was named the World Design Capital for 2014 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. In 2014 Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by The New York Times.

 

Day 3

      • Breakfast in The Manor House
      • After breakfast you will enjoy a Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour by the Cellar Master himself, Hagen Viljoen whose passion and dedication has taken Zevenwacht Wines to being award winning and sought after wines in South Africa and abroad.Hagen Viljoen, a graduate in Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. Hagen, Cellar Master, is a talented and passionate winemaker with over 12 years’ experience gained in both new- and old-world wine regions internationally and here at home. Hagen has a vast knowledge of different terroirs, having previously worked with fruit sourced from several regions which, in the process developed his love of Rhône varietals.
      • Sidney and Alison will then take you on a journey of a Wine and Chocolate Tasting. In the middle of the famous Cape Winelands surrounded by the towering mountains and lush vineyards we visit Lanzerac one of South Africa’s most prestigious Wine Estates for a wine and chocolate tasting.Lanzerac Estate situated on the outskirts of the historic town of Stellenbosch, the Lanzerac Estate is a 300-year-old private working wine estate in the Jonkershoek Valley. The Lanzerac Pioneer Pinotage is a tribute to the world’s first bottled Pinotage
        a 1959 Lanzerac Pinotage.
      • For lunch today we will visit Boschendal Wine Estate. We will languish in the summer afternoon at the very popular ‘Le Pique Nique’ on the famous Pavilion lawns immersed in the breath-taking beauty of the mountains and vineyards.
      • This afternoon you are taken on your second culinary trip in the kitchen where Alison will share with you one of South Africa’s most popular desserts
        ‘Melk Tert’ a beautiful creamy milk tart with a dusting of cinnamon
      • You will participate in a Cape Malay Dinner where Sidney will share with you some of the Cape Malay Culinary secrets, we will enjoy our meal on the Kitchen Terrace.

Day 4

      • Breakfast in The Manor House
      • After breakfast you will be taken on a tour around the Cape Peninsula travelling on what is said to be one of the world’s most breath-taking coastal drives, Chapmans Peak
      • You then visit Simons Town, home to a Penguin Colony and enjoy lunch with an old friend of Alison and Sidney in a casual Fish Restaurant in Fish Hoek.
      • This afternoon you depart for Cape Town and travel up to what is known as one of the most beautiful sights in the world, Table Mountain. Take a cable car up the mountain and enjoy the panoramic view and walk on the mountain.

Dinner will be a special last night dinner around the fire whilst watching the sun go down over Table Mountain.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory”

Day 5

 

      • Breakfast in The Manor House
      • The morning is yours to relax on your terrace, take a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoy a stroll through the vineyards soaking up the beauty of your surroundings.
      • You can enjoy a light lunch in the garden or make a reservation for The Manor House Restaurant for lunch. This is for your own account.
      • This afternoon we meet our Flight from Cape Town International Airport to Namibia and our next chapter of our Culinary Adventure
      • Upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport we will be met by our partners in Namibia who have our vehicle ready for our onward journey and drive 40km to the capital city of Namibia, Windhoek where we check into our hotel for the evening.

The Am Weinberg Estate’s Boutique Hotel provides all of the exclusivity and privacy you might expect from this prestigious Estate – making it the perfect overnight retreat. The elegant hotel wraps around a heritage building, creating an inviting courtyard. This design complements its historic character, while modern amenities ensure the utmost comfort and spectacular views.

Windhoek. An African capital with a difference; dubbed as the ‘Cleanest City in Africa’, Windhoek is the Capital City of the Republic of Namibia, a country described as one of Africa’s most vibrant and successful sovereign states.

Situated in the country’s central Khomas Region, Windhoek is nestled in a basin surrounded by scenic mountains in the central highlands of Namibia; Windhoek can be better described as a ‘Working City’. It is a thriving active, administrative, commercial and industrial centre, serving as the melting pot and hub of most economic and technological developments and activities in the country.

Whether enjoying the continental flair of Independence Avenue; browsing through the numerous shops; exploring the historical buildings or searching the markets for that special Namibian memento – we know that you will enjoy the harmonious blend of African and European cultures and traditions that make our capital city.

History – Around 1840, Windhoek became the headquarters of the Nama-Oorlam Group under Jonker Afrikaner in central Namibia. The name Windhoek dates back to 1844, when it was used in a letter written by Jonker Afrikaner, it is thought that in a moment of nostalgia, he named the place Winterhoek after the farm in the Cape where he was born. German colonial administration was established in 1890 when Major Curt von Francois established a military post in Windhoek. During this administration the town was known as Windhuk,
which later became Windhoek.

Day 6

Windhoek – Etosha Safari Lodge

      • After breakfast we visit the local Craft Centre where you will have the opportunity to spoil yourself to coffee and cake for your own account before we depart Windhoek. We drive north towards Etosha a protected reserve in central Namibia stopping on route for a light lunch.
      • We check into Etosha Safari Lodge

 

Etosha Safari Lodge offers enchanting accommodation and gateway to Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s major attractions. With its lavish view, spacious deck- and dining-area and airy rooms with private verandas. It’s the place to open doors to the mystery and magic of Etosha, ‘Place of Legends’.

Sip on a drink while watching the ruby sun dip into the Mopane woodland. Dine under a dome of stars on the outside veranda, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the sun sink gracefully into the landscape from the sunset deck. The day couldn’t be better. As the stars begin their celestial show, soft beds and animal dreams begin to call – and the anticipation of a good tomorrow. Etosha, the heart of the country, is beckoning with the immense beauty of the natural world.

      • As we are now seasoned ‘African Culinary Adventurers’ we will cook our own dinner over the coals around the open fire under the African Night Sky.

Day 7

 

Etosha Safari Lodge – Etosha King Nehale Lodge

      • After a hearty breakfast, we enjoy a wildlife tour through the Etosha National Park on route to our Lodge on the Northern side, Etosha King Nehale Lodge. Etosha King Nehale’s enchanting rooms pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the area. The lodge is situated in the King Nehale Conservancy. The area is characterised by vast and spectacular landscapes including the Andoni Plains, artesian springs and woodlands
      • Tonight we enjoy dinner in the Lodge.

Day 8

Etosha National Park

      • Breakfast today will be early as we depart from the lodge early morning in open game viewing vehicles for a full day guided game drive in the Etosha National Park.
      • Lunch will be enjoyed as a picnic inside the park.

 

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Alison and Sidney believe this to be the world’s most unspoilt game sanctuary and have for 26 years made it their favourite destination. It is here where they both lived after deciding to get married and where their daughter Hannah was born. Sidney will tell you that it is here where he feels that the human race need to take stock and come to terms with the impact the human race has on wildlife.
Etosha will remain in your heart and soul long after you have left.

The Park was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907. With subsequent additions it became the largest game reserve in the world, covering a vast area of 93,240 km². For political considerations its size was progressively diminished, until by 1975 it had been reduced to its present surface area of 22,270 km². It is still one of the largest game reserves in Africa!

A vast area on Namibia’s central plateau, the park’s focal point is the Etosha Pan – a flat saline desert, 130 km long by 50km at its’ widest in the eastern sector of the park.

The Pan itself is believed to have originated over 12 million years ago as a shallow lake fed by the Kunene River. Subsequent climatic and tectonic changes have since lowered the water level so that the pan only holds water for a brief period each year – it teems with flamingos and pelicans in the summer. The saline and mineral residues together with moisture from perennial springs attract an immense number and variety of game and birds from mid-March into November just before the new wet season starts.

Of the 114 mammal’s species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as black rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala. The latter is endemic to north-western Namibia and south-western Angola. Etosha’s current population of more than 600 black rhino represents one of the few growing populations of black rhino in the world.

Other large mammals in the park include giraffe, blue wildebeest, mountain and plains zebra, hyena and lion. Cheetah and leopard complete the trio of ‘big cats’. Antelope species range from kudu, gemsbok and the large and stately eland, to the diminutive Damara dik-dik. Smaller mammals include jackal, bat-eared fox, honey badger, warthog and the ubiquitous ground squirrel.

Around 340 bird species occur in Etosha National Park, about one third being migratory, including the European bee-eater and several species of waders. Larger birds include ostrich, kori bustard and greater and lesser flamingo, millions of which congregate on the pan to breed during a good rainy season. Ten of Etosha’s 35 raptor species are migratory. Those most commonly seen are lappet faced, white-backed and hooded vultures, while sightings of the Cape, Egyptian and Palmnut vultures have been recorded. There are eight species of owl, including pearl spotted and white faced, and four species of nightjar.

For the greater part of the year (the dry season) Etosha’s animals and birds are dependent on about 30 springs and waterholes. These provide excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities. During the rainy season, especially, the bird life at the main pan and Fisher’s pan is worth viewing.

      • Dinner tonight will be in the Lodge

Day 9

        Etosha King Nehale Lodge – Erindi

      • After a relaxed breakfast we depart south via Tsumeb, Otavi and Otjiwarongo to Erindi stopping along the way for a visit to the craft centre where you will have a chance to browse and buy souvenirs.
      • We arrive in time for lunch and you can settle into your room and relax.

Otjiwarongo – This town provides a convenient stop over on route to the north of the country. As, with most towns in central Namibia the name Otjiwarongo originates from the Herero language, which translated means “place of the fat cattle” or “beautiful place”. Given the central role that cattle play in the Herero culture, both meanings are appropriate. The town was officially founded in 1906 upon the arrival of the narrow gauge railway linking the important mining centre of Tsumeb and the coastal town of Swakopmund.

Erindi meaning “place of water” is a sustainable natural wonderland with a prolific amount of endemic species including crocodiles, hippos, elephants and a variety of bird life. It is an idyllic retreat boasting a rich cultural heritage, knowledgeable guides and unmatched hospitality ensuring visitors have a safari that lives in their memory for a lifetime.

  • Tonight’s dinner will be enjoyed in the lodge a colonial style restaurant where the viewing deck boasts magnificent views across the busy watering hole.

Day 10

    • We rise today early as we depart from the lodge early morning in the open game viewing vehicle for a half day guided game drive.
    • We return to the Lodge for lunch.
    • After lunch we have the opportunity to learn more about the one of the beautiful big cats on the Leopard Project Drive.

Erindi’s Global Leopard Project is a registered foundation dedicated to the conservation of leopards through research and communication. Begin the afternoon with a photo and audio presentation explaining the amazing project and the Erindi leopards. Then we head out to try and locate one of these magnificent creatures, you can join in the incredible conservation work we’re undertaking.

  • Tonight’s dinner will be enjoyed in the lodge overlooking the busy watering hole

 

Day 11

  • After an early morning Coffee and Muffin.
  • Today we enjoy an early morning Game Drive. Roam the expansive landscape of the Erindi Game Reserve with a qualified and knowledgeable guide in the comfort of an open 4×4 vehicle.
  • The rest of the day take time to enjoy your last afternoon in Namibia with nature walks or just relax and enjoy the African sun on the terrace of your room or around the pool.

Certificate Presentation and sundowner drinks on the terrace followed by our final dinner in this beautiful land.

Day 12

Today marks the end of our journey in Namibia as we head to the airport to catch our late afternoon flights back to Cape Town or Johannesburg.

  • Lunch will be enjoyed at the legendry Joe’s Beer House, a real Namibian treat. This is for your own account

Time to say goodbye or as Sidney would say in Zulu Hamba kahle futhi babe nohambo ephephile.

Additional Information

How Many People?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, More Than 10 Please Contact Us

Dates

12 Nights – 8th to 20th October 2024 – Fully Booked

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