Ellerman House in Cape Town, South Africa

Reputable tour packager Kensington Tours is offering a new 8-night luxury vacation to South Africa. Dubbed “Sophisticated South Africa,” the package is privately guided so there’s no set departure dates. Go when your schedule dictates, not someone else’s.

You’ll spend four nights at Ellerman House in Cape Town. This chic hotel is know for its personalized service, and celebrities like Oprah, Sting, and Bono have all stayed here while traveling in South Africa.

The first part of your journey in Cape Town will take you to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Simons Town, Boulders Beach (for some playtime with the penguins), and nearby vineyards.

Next you’ll fly to Johannesburg and then connect to Kruger National Park, where you’ll make yourself at home at either Singita Lebombo Lodge or Sweni Lodge. Eight game drives are included, along with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on safari.

Pricing for Sophisticated South Africa has been reduced for departures between January 15–May 31, 2010 and August 1–December 15, 2010. The package is approximately $8,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or Kensington Tours.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

A flurry of South Africa travel packages are being announced now that the 2010 World Cup is only eight months away. Here’s a 15-day adventure from Africa Adventure Consultants that combines 10 nights in Cape Town (or other cities), two soccer matches in Category 1 (best) seats, and a four-night game safari at Thornybush Private Game Lodge in Thornybush Nature Reserve near Kruger National Park. The land-only price is $7,820 per person.

Africa Adventure Consultant’s president Kent Redding is seeing an uptick in bookings for the period surrounding the World Cup. “Now is certainly the time for soccer fans to make World Cup Africa travel plans, as we’re already seeing limited availability at some hotels throughout South Africa. With the recent news from London regarding bogus tickets, it’s also important to purchase your travel packages from reputable operators.”

In addition to World Cup Africa travel, Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia.

For more information, visit Africa Aventure Consultants or call 1-(866) 778‑1089.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Thornybush Private Game Lodge

Read travel writer Michael Wines’ suggestions for spending 36 hours in Cape Town, South Africa. This story was published in today’s New York Times.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com