A Joyous Celebration of Being
Spiritual Quest Journeys unveils the rhythm and soul of South Africa through the ultimate Joyous Celebration of Being sojourn. Perfect for those wanting to gift themselves or others with an experience of a lifetime celebrating being an abundant woman in grand style, and living with an open heart and mind.
12 days | ZAR price tba | Sept 2013
Highlights include:
Luxuriate in hand picked exclusive accommodation ~ Savor sublime culinary offerings ~ Experience fascinating cultures and local traditions ~ Indulge in pampering treatments ~ Meet inspirational women from all walks of life and hear their stories ~ Understand the intricacies of this fascinating diverse Rainbow nation – sophisticated cities, vast majestic landscapes, natural treasures and a unique array of land and sea wildlife ~ Explore social responsibility projects with the opportunity to give back ~ Walk Labyrinths and mazes ~ Connect to your own spiritual wisdom and divine life plan.
Journey Overview:
Journey Leaders:
Peta Panos, founder of Spiritual Quest Journeys, grew up in South Africa and has spent over 25 years in the tourism industry. Peta’s personal quest has been to live joyously from the heart and has helped many people on their spiritual paths over many years. As a Reiki Master, spiritual councilor, clairsentient and conscious world traveler with a light fun loving approach, Peta effortlessly empowers and assists people to open their hearts to conscious soul living and manifestation.
Marion Ellis will join Peta for the Cape Town portion of the journey. Marion was born on a farm in Africa, and after studying languages and history of art at the University of Cape Town, travelled extensively, sailing the oceans and crossing continents, before settling back in Cape Town. Marion specialises in hosting special interest groups in Cape Town and with her own high profile restaurant and head hunted organisations under her belt, is well placed to offer the inside track ensuring multiple perspectives and a real taste of authenticity.
Marion knows the landscape, foodscape and funscape like she knows how to breathe and adds sparkle and depth to all groups that have the privilege of being guided by her.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1, Mon 17th Sept
Be met on arrival at Cape Town International airport and enjoy the scenic private transfer to The Cellars -Hohenort Hotel, located in the historical Constantia Valley, Cape Town, on the slopes of the breath-taking Table Mountain.
With panoramic mountain and garden views, the owner-managed Cellars-Hohenort sets the scene for a fairytale stay. Perfect for those looking to add a delicious dose of peace and tranquillity to their life, nestled in the oldest winelands of the cape and a mere 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre and V&A Waterfront. Set on nine expansive acres of world-renowned gardens, this historic and beautiful country escape in the city offers guests far more than just incomparable scenery. A range of award-winning culinary offerings, a relaxing D & D Spa and Hairstylist, a Gary Player designed nine-hole golf putting and chipping green, a tennis court and mention a few ensures that The Cellars-Hohenort is the perfect base for your Cape Town stay.
After a grounding and intention setting meditation, meet Marion Ellis, (your Cape Town guide), Jo Massie (GM of the Cellars-Hohenort) and Janet De Jager (your personal shopper) for sunset drinks and garden walk, hearing about the history and heritage of this award-winning garden with trees dating back to the late 1600’s and breathtaking views of False Bay and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the welcome dinner at The Greenhouse, which showcases chef Peter Tempelhoff’s innovative approach to cuisine. Peter is one of the two Grand Chefs in the country.
Overnight Cellars-Hohenort.
Day 2, Tues 18th Sept
After breakfast, depart of a full day tour of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. Discover the Cape’s natural beauty and why Table Mountain is a sacred space…
For those within its scared belt, who feel blessed and protected by the Holy Circle of Islam consisting of a number of kramats (burial sites) surrounding the city…
For Africans, the top of the mountain is where the male and female line intersect, creating a node point in their mythology…
For planetary healing work and visiting mystics, who believe it’s a vortex where ley lines intersect, and a portal producing an enormous concentration of natural energies. In 2001 Hopi Indians and African sangomas jointly activated the mountain as a sacred site claiming to open a portal of cosmic consciousness.
For the indigenous Khoi inhabitants, who called it Hoerikwaggo meaning ‘Mountain of the Sea’ and the Cape Camissa, meaning the ‘Place of Sweet Waters’…
For its citizens, it’s a national park within a metropolitan area that conserves the Cape Floral Kingdom – ‘A Park For All, Forever’..
For Nelson Mandela, it was ‘a beacon of hope’, a scared and precious place, to which we knew we would one day return.’
Opening your heart and connection to this sacred space meditation with Peta on top of Table Mountain
Ascend Table Mountain by cable car and drive along the spectacular Atlantic Seaboard. Through the coastal suburbs of Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton. Stop for a photo opportunity of Table Mountain’s impressive Twelve Apostles and on past Bakoven and Llandudno which are marked by shipwrecks which fell foul to the infamous Cape winter storms, then on to the scenic fishing village of Hout Bay.
Head over the 600m heights of Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain passes.
Walk the Reconciliation Labyrinth. The first permanently built reconciliation labyrinth was built to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Kommetjie and as symbol of hope that the next 100 years will be an increasing reaching out towards each other by neighbouring communities whose common sense of humanity still suffers from the dehumanization of apartheid. It is located at the base of the lighthouse at Kommetjie and was designed by Clare Wilson as a tool for and symbol of healing. Terry de Vries will introduce us to the labyrinth process and lead us through the walk. Terry is an international certified labyrinth facilitator and leads labyrinth workshops and retreats to help people journey to their deepest true self for an unforgettable, powerful and transformative experience.
Kick back with a glass of bubbles at the Boat House in Scarbourgh where Celebrity Chef Bruce Robertson will prepare a simple seafood lunch paired with Cederberg wines.
Explore the rocky coastline and unique Cape Fynbos vegetation, which is home to unique birdlife such as African Black Oystercatchers and Cape Sugarbirds amongst others. There is also opportunity to view small animals such as the Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Ostrich and Baboon as we enter the Cape of Good Hope National Park. Climb to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse to capture the magical vistas of False Bay, and stop at the southwestern most point of Africa – the fabled Cape of Good Hope. (A funicular is an optional extra for those who prefer)
Round the southernmost point of the Peninsula and travel back along the Indian ocean, passing through the historical naval village of Simonstown and over yet another spectacular mountain pass; Boyes Drive, where you can take in views of the quaint fishing harbour at Kalk Bay as well as the seaside villages of St James and Muizenberg. Continue to the country’s oldest and most venerable vineyards in the Constantia valley, stopping for a wine tasting at Klein Constantia
Enjoy an evening’s soothing revitalization at Mangwanani African spa. By unleashing the natural inherent ability of previously disadvantaged women through training and development, Mangwanani offer a rare experience of true African Indulgence that blesses the body and soul through Ancestral Therapies. Pamper yourself with a ‘’Moonlight’’ spa that includes a full body massage with hot stones, an African head, neck & shoulders massage and a traditional African royal foot massage, interspersed with welcoming drinks, dinner and a liqueur on departure.
Overnight Cellars-Hohenort.
Day 3, Wed 19th Sept
After an early morning release meditation and breakfast, we start the touring day in the picturesque Malay Quarter, “die Bo Kaap” giving you a glimpse of what Cape Town was like two hundred years ago. Experience two exciting craft art initiatives in the heart of the city that uplift and empower and affords an opportunity to give back. Monkeybiz, was founded in 2000 by two ceramicists Barbara Jackson & Shirley Fintz, whom promoted a revival of traditional southern African beadwork among a group of unemployed black women from the townships, providing them with beads, materials and examples to inspire. Now 200+ participants earn a living working from home producing unique artwork, with 70% of the collection exported and being sold at the likes of Sotheby’s. Africa Nova is a sophistical gallery that stocks a meticulously curated selection of handmade objects, and is owned by a doyenne in the crafts world who has nurtured and empowered a great number of emerging talents.
Take in three centuries of history from the seat of power. VOC officials ran the settlement for nearly 150 years from The Castle of Good Hope. Another 150 years later this became the heart of the apartheid state from 1948.
Stroll along Government Avenue, a tree-lined boulevard that runs the length of The Company´s Garden, passing the Houses of Parliament, Tuynhuys (office of the state president) the SA Museum, the SA National Gallery, all significant architectural and civic landmarks, made predominantly by the invisible hands of slave labour, who built and maintained the infrastructure of the colony.
Explore the vibrant Waterfront and lunch at your choice of cosmopolitan waterside restaurants with great views and delicious food.
In the afternoon, join a legendary authority, Martha Williams, in the kitchen for an interactive cooking experience. You prepare several courses and later sample them. Traditional, authentic Cape Malay specialties – a harmony of legacies from East and West.
Overnight Cellars-Hohenort
Day 4, Thurs 20th Sept
After breakfast, leave Cape Town for the Winelands, travelling along a coast-hugging drive that heads out towards Somerset West. We start at one of the country’s top estates, Vergelegen. Stroll though the homestead, library and expansive gardens, having morning tea and scones.
Meditate and walk in the eleven circuit Chartres-style labyrinth, laid out in half brick and river stone, located in the historic gardens of the Cape Dutch homestead Schoongezicht, Rustenberg Wine farm, followed by a wine tasting.
Drive through Stellenbosch, a university town filled with oak trees, glimpsing some of its Cape Dutch architectural gems before lunching at Tokara, on top of the Helshoogte Pass that links two of the Cape’s leading wine districts. It’s a modern estate with a contemporary art collection.
Head down the valley to Franschhoek (French corner). Huguenots fleeing from religious persecution settled here in 1688, bringing their winemaking expertise and customs with them. Visit Babylonstoren estate for a walk through gardens landscaped by Patrice Taravella that pay tribute to the Dutch East India Company gardening traditions that replenished passing ships from 1652 onwards, and a prickly pear maze amongst 300 varieties of edible plants.
Own arrangements for dinner.
Overnight Franschhoek Country House and Villas
Franschhoek Country House and Villas is your 5 star hotel accommodation in the heart of the Franschhoek valley complimented by the well known Monneaux Restaurant and a number of guest services on offer for you to enjoy and indulge in. Situated on the outskirts of the Franschhoek Village, only 1km from the main town it is an ideal base to indulge your tastes for fine wines and world class cuisine whilst taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Day 5, Fri 21st Sept
Travel over an even more dramatic mountain pass, towards the Elgin valley, stopping at a number of wine estates before arriving at the coast.
Enjoy an informal wine tasting and light lunch overlooking a willow-clad dam, where a free-flowing country garden surrounds an historic house with the oldest cellar and watermill in the Overberg.
Pass through the Hemel en Aarde valley, a highly regarded maritime wine district, where pioneers Hamilton Russell vineyards forged pinot noir planting, alongside Bouchard Finlayson and reach Hermanus in the late afternoon.
Check in to your seafront hotel and take a walk along the craggy cliff paths to see the gentle giants up close. Whale connection meditation on the cliffs.
Meet the GM of the hotel, Hamish Hofmeyr, for sundowners.
Dinner in the village under your own arrangements this evening.
Overnight The Marine Hotel
The owner-managed Marine is one of the southern hemisphere’s most spectacular seaside Relais & Châteaux properties. Perched on the cliffs, overlooking Hermanus’s Walker Bay, The Marine is home to 42 individually decorated bedrooms and suites.
In addition to its unforgettable setting The Marine offers guests the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. From June to September these majestic creatures can be viewed from the comfort of a beautiful Marine sea-facing bedroom or suite. This centrally located property, which gives guests the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Hermanus famous café culture, not only overlooks South Africa’s most pristine whale sanctuary. It is also just a stone’s throw from one of the greatest densities of the endangered Great White Shark in the world.
Day 6, Sat 22nd Sept
Travel east through rolling wheat lands, stopping at Swellendam, a pretty town in the Langeberg foothills, to explore the Drosdy complex for a taste of the town’s architecture and colonial history.
Then take the route less traveled … over the Tradouws pass, winding through old farming communities, quiet little towns, off the beaten track places where time has stood still for half a century since the highway bypassed it.
Route 62’s charm is that it’s undiscovered by most.
Lunch in Barrydale, pass through Calitzdorp, famous for its port, and Oudshoorn for its ostriches.
Traverse ravishing mountain passes to reach the coast in time for sunset drinks and dinner with unrivalled views of the breath-taking Formosa Bay.
The GM of The Plettenberg, Lisa Knight, will meet you for sundowners on the Terrace.
Own arrangements for dinner.
The Plettenberg for 3 nights in luxury rooms on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 7, Sun 23rd Sept
Join Lisa for an early morning walk/run on the beach and Peta for a sunrise manifestation meditation.
After breakfast, depart on an ecological marine adventure. Leave from Central Beach with an exciting beach launch and head east past the bird sanctuary and Keurbooms beach to Arch Rock. Encounter Bottlenose and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins as well as some shark species. From Arch Rock head into the middle of the Bay where pelagic seabirds are normally to be found some 7km from the shore. The resident Bryde’s whales may be seen, as well as Common Dolphins or Southern Right and Humpback whales during their season. Traverse the Bay to the point of Robberg Peninsula and out to the Wild side, often seeing groups of whales and pods of dolphins. Cruising back along the inside of Robberg, you will see the unique geology from this unusual viewpoint and can observe the growing Cape Fur Seal Colony. Finally head back along the Robberg beach, while a brief rundown on the history of the area is given. After passing the Beacon Island Hotel, built on the site of an original Whaling Station, end the experienced with an exhilarating landing back on Central Beach.
Continue into the Qoweni township to Ihlengethi (An African Name for Dolphin) Guest House where the locals will introduce you to real African cuisine. You will be entertained by the local Umthombo Theatre choir while the ladies introduce you to their hand made goods and tell you interesting facts about the Xhosa history and Tribal culture. The funds raised through the performance pay the Teachers Salaries and go towards the maintenance of the Qolweni crèche.
Own arrangements for dinner
Overnight The Plettenberg Hotel
Day 8, Mon 24th Sept
Full day Angel workshop with Margi McAlpine near Knysna. Margi is the Founder and Principal of The Angel Connection School of Africa, she is an experienced Workshop Facilitator, Master Teacher, Reiki Master, Spiritual Counsellor, Angel Card Reader, Antaneea Practitioner and Past Life Regression Practitioner. She has appeared on national television on Spirit Sundae, 3Talk and Free Spirit. She has also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and written articles for various magazines. She facilitates Spiritual Workshops throughout South Africa.
Spend a very special day with her at the magical and sacred space of Spirit of Amberfield, Rheenendal, Knysna. She will introduce you to the Angels and show you how to work with them to improve your life and the lives of others. She will facilitate a powerful visualisation which will enable you to meet your Guardian Angel and to find out the name of your own special Angel. There will also be lots of time for questions and useful, fun exercises.
Have sundowners and dinner in a most unusual location. ‘Eco’ and ‘reserve fail to fully capture the novelty of Phantom Forest, a hilltop resort that peeks through the trees to the Knysna River way below, where everything’s made from renewable materials to reduce environmental impact and linked by winding, wooden walkways.
Contemplate the African night sky at a traditional boma around a fire, where Pan African cuisine is served in a classic style, and make a wish on a shooting star.
Day 9, Tues 25th Sept
Transfer to George
Scheduled flight George/Johannesburg/Londolozi
Londolozi Varty lodge for 3 nights on a Fully Inclusive Basis
Londolozi is one of the original pioneering Private Game Reserves of the ecotourism industry in South Africa.The root of the word Londolozi is the Zulu word for protect and means “protector of all living things” – an ambitious conservation ethic that Londolozi embraces in its sensitivity to the natural world. The reserve is internationally recognised for its far-sighted and progressive management of land and wildlife rehabilitation as well as productive community involvement.
World renowned as one of Africa’s finest game lodges, Londolozi was the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & Chateaux status, reinforcing its commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service. The campfire has burned here for over 85 years making Varty Camp the symbolic heart and soul of Londolozi. Meet Shan Varty and her daughter Bronwyn.
Varty Camp is the home of an African safari holiday. All rooms have private swimming pools framed by timber decks that overlook the riverine bush. The living spaces are raised off the ground and shaded under a cathedral of trees. Varty Camp is also home to the original Sparta Hunting Camp, a boutique, the Cardio Vascular Room, Massage Treatment Room and Library.
No two days are the same at Londolozi and every experience is tailor-made to suit individual preferences and expectations. However, there is a certain rhythm and pace to the experience that stirs a sense of homecoming on repeat visits and a pleasant sense of order for first time bushveld visitors.
Life at Londolozi is set by the seasons; the vegetation and the animal behaviour changing with the rains of summer and the chill of winter. What is unchanging is the warmth of the welcome by the camp manager and the opportunity to experience a deep and authentic connection with nature, something as rare as the land itself.
There are two game drives and a bush walk on offer each day complimented by a yoga session and meditation with Peta. Postures practiced at Londolozi include Iyenger, Ashtanga, Jivamukti and Tripsichore. Pilates sessions are also available on the yoga deck with BeeJay.
The first step is to get into swing with the rhythm of nature. Rising with the dawn is a richly rewarding experience. Witnessing the start of the day in the African bush is like being invited to partake in a daily miracle. A dawn chorus of birdsong and the haunting calls of fish Eagles, the air rich with the night flowers’ perfume and delightfully cool. Londolozi is the ideal space to escape from the rigors of everyday existence, to shift into a full appreciation of the moment and awaken the senses. With this in mind we have created activities to help recuperate mind, body and spirit.
Day 12, Wed 28th Sept
Federal Air flight to Johannesburg.
Included in the tour price:
Not included in the tour price:
Terms and Conditions:
A full list of Spiritual Quest Journeys terms and conditions is available on the Terms and Conditions page of www.spiritualquestjourneys.com Specific terms and conditions relating to this tour, are as follows: