NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
The Fam Trip
Selling Long Haul accompanied a group of agents to South Africa's 'Natural Province'. The following is an account of some of the highlights of their trip along the self-drive Heritage Route. Sell the same itinerary to your clients!
DAY ONE South Africa Here We Come! Selling Long Haul editor Steve Hartridge greets our group of agents and operators at Heathrow’s Terminal Three, all winners of a joint promotion by the magazine, North West Parks and Tourism (NWP) and Virgin Atlantic. Relaxing pre-flight in Virgin’s stylish Clubhouse lounge, which features a full-service cocktail bar, deli, brasserie and waiters – even a Spa with Cowshed products – is a very welcome way to kick off the trip. Leaving London at 19.25 on Virgin’s
daily flight to Johannesburg, aboard an A360-400, our 10-hour flight in Premium Economy passes quickly.
DAY TWO
Johannesburg and Madikwe "The sunny weather, the warmth of the people, the excellent service, the diverse landscape, the amazing nature and animals, the magical star- filled skies, the adventure activities, the adrenalin-fuelled thrills, the history of the region and its place as the Cradle of Mankind will draw you
back to the North West" Antonella Mandato, Thomas Cook
Transformed for the 2010 World
Cup, held in South Africa, Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport is now ultra- modern, spacious and puts out the welcome mat. Over 30 immigration desks provide a hassle-free and ultra- smooth arrival experience. Just 45 minutes after our 08.15
arrival we meet up with Kemo, our NWP host, and Solly, our driver and tour escort for the week. Johannesburg is the main gateway for clients heading to the game parks in the north of the country, such as Kruger, and self-drive tours in Mpumalanga. It is also the jumping off point for the NWP, which is quickly and easily reached via sparkling new highways built for the World Cup. After a welcome breakfast at the extraordinary Montecasino complex, located just 30 minutes from the airport, we are shown around some of the activities on the site, which includes a bird garden with over 1000 reptiles, small animals and birds. We arrive during the Flight of Fantasy Bird Show. A trainer, complete with cockatoos and a compliant bird of prey, gives a demonstration to an audience seated in a small Roman-style amphitheatre. With three hotels – the five-
star Palazzo Hotel, the four- star SunSquare Hotel and the four-star Southern Sun Montecasino hotel – there's a property for most clients. It’s a four-hour drive from Johannesburg to Madikwe Private
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www.tourismnorthwest.co.za
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