| WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING DEPOSITS AS OF AUGUST 20, 2001. TO SIGN UP, CONTACT GEORGE WELLER at 281-480-1988 or 800-929-9004 or wellerg@carlsontravel .com |
PRELIMINARY ITINERARY: November 28-December 14, 2002
Paul Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center
Astronomical Society leads his 27th
solar eclipse expedition, this time to the Indian Ocean where we plan
to observe the 2nd total solar eclipse of the 3rd millennium from
the comfortable environs of a cruise ship off the east coast of the
African continent. We have selected a cruise as the best option for
seeing the solar eclipse due to the high likelihood of clouds on the
African mainland. We also rejected the other land fall area (Australia)
because the duration of totality is very very short and the elevation
of the sun above the horizon is very low. From our site off the south
east coast of Africa we expect to see up to 1 minute 40 seconds of
total eclipse.
Following the cruise, we will travel through animal parks in South Africa
and experience 6 game drives during our overland adventure. On this tour
you will be able to have your passport stamped in South Africa, Swaziland,
Mozambique, and Madagascar. We will also have time to observe the marvelous
southern skies during the night. Here such dramatic features as Eta Carina,
the Southern Cross, Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, Omega Centauri and
other landmarks of the southern celestial hemisphere are on display. It
is always a fact of life that during a solar eclipse the moon is new and
therefore most nights will feature dark skies.
The ship we have selected is the MONTEREY. It carries 576 passengers
and crew of 280. It also uses 110VAC outlets for power. The ship is
very stable at sea and has a good amount of open deck space so that
all passengers can view the eclipse. Most cabins are similar in size
and have outside views. However, please specify your preference.
Paul and his wife Lynn Palmer traveled to South Africa twice in 2001 and
took numerous photographs and video of giraffe, hyena, zebra, warthog,
elephant, lion and other indigenous species. You will find the protected
South African game parks we plan to visit particularly well suited to
game viewing. We recommend telephoto cameras to enable you to quietly
shoot great photos of birds, animals and other exotic wildlife.
Note: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner and signify which meals are included on tour:
November 28 Thursday - Depart USA for England
This is Thanksgiving Day in the USA and since many businesses are closed on Thursday and Friday due to holidays, the 17 day tour will only result in needing to take 10 business days away from work. Today we depart from one of British Airway's many gateway cities for London, England. Meals served aloft.
November 29 Friday England to South Africa
Arrival in London. For flights with long connections, a day room will be provided near the London airport. Evening flight from London to Johannesburg, South Africa.
November 30 Saturday - Johannesburg to Durban
Arrive Johannesburg, capitol of South Africa and then transfer to a connecting flight to Durban, our east coast departure port for the eclipse cruise. Arrive Durban and transfer to the Durban Hilton Hotel. Day free. The hotel has 327 rooms, bath with separate shower, bar fridge, TV, coffee/tea facilities. There are two restaurants and bar, fitness room, and outdoor swimming pool.
December 1 Sunday - Durban
Today we board the Mediterranean Cruise Lines ship MONTEREY. Begin the cruise today. All meals are included on a daily basis while on the cruise. Ports of call include Mozambique and South Africa. DAY BY DAY DETAILS OF CRUISE TO BE PROVIDED SOON! (B,L,D)
December 2 Monday -
**Details to be provided**(B,L,D)
December 3 Tuesday -
During the day, Paul Maley will provide an eclipse briefing and simulation preparing everyone for what to expect during the eclipse process. Other onboard presentations will be made by shipboard lecturers. (B,L,D)
December 4 Wednesday - Today we observe the total eclipse at sea! During the preceding evening, the ship will be maneuvered to a location within the 82km wide path in order to get as close to the centerline as possible. Partial phases of the eclipse begin well after sunrise and it will take about one and a half hours to reach totality at 8:35am local time. The sun at that time will be at an elevation of about 50 degrees above azimuth 92 degrees. (B,L,D)
Photo Ó 2001 by Paul D. Maley
December 5 Thursday -
**Details to be provided**(B,L,D)
December 6 Friday -
**Details to be provided**(B,L,D)
December 7 Saturday -
**Details to be provided**(B,L,D)
December 8 Thursday - Durban to Hluhluwe (2 nights)
Disembark at Durban harbor and transfer to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. This reserve is renowned for its huge rhino number, being home to 1600 white rhino and 450 black rhino, and the rest of the Big Five (Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion) and many other species. Established in 1895, it is the oldest preserve in Africa and spans 96,000 hectares. Evening game drive (#1) in open safari vehicles. This will be the first of a number of opportunities to shoot great photos or video of some of the coolest animals on the planet. Overnight Hilltop Camp. (B,D)
December 9 Monday - Hluhluwe, South Africa
Hilltop Camp has a rustic thatched design and located high on the edge of a steep forested slope, commanding breathtaking views of Zululand's hills and valleys. The camp contains a restaurant, bar-lounge, gift shop and store. Early morning (#2) and afternoon (#3) game drives in open safari vehicles. Animals are most abundant in early morning and late afternoon. This is when we usually go in search of good photographic targets such as these elephants crossing the road just before sunset. Overnight at Hilltop Camp. (B,D)
Photo Ó 2001 by J. Lynn Palmer
December 10 Tuesday - Hluhluwe to Swaziland
Today is a travel day going by motorcoach from the territory of South Africa to the Kingdom of Swaziland where we will overnight at the Lugogo Sun Hotel. Swaziland is an area slightly smaller than the state of New Jersey and is a monarchy set inside of South Africa, but which also shares a border with Mozambique. Set below the stunning Mdzimba mountains, the Lugogo Sun Hotel has a swimming pool, cocktail bar and open plan restaurant. Rooms are spacious and guests can elect to play squash, tennis, horseback riding, golf, and are able to transfer to the adjacent Royal Swazi Sun Hotel for late night slots and use of the casino. The hotel has 202 air conditioned rooms with telephone and TV. Overnight Lugogo Sun Hotel.(B)
December 11 Wednesday - Swaziland to Kruger National Park (2 nights)
Tour from Swaziland to Mpumalanga travelling through the Kruger National Park featuring en route game viewing (#4) from the motorcoach. More opportunities to spot the amazing animals of Africa. We will reach the Kruger Gate Lodge in late afternoon. Afternoon game drive (#5) in open safari vehicle. Overnight Kruger Gate Lodge. (B,D)
December 12 Thursday - Kruger National Park
The Protea Kruger Gate Lodge is composed of timbered walkways threading through indigenous forests with birdsong. Luxury air-conditioned accommodations will make you feel like part of the bush. All rooms feature TV minibar fridge, personal tea and coffee making facilities. A bird watchers paradise, the hotel also features several hides which allow meticulous viewing of game such as dwarf mongoose in the photo below.
Nearby attractions include waterfalls and God's Window. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Sabie River and borders Kruger National Park. Full day game (#6) viewing in open safari vehicles including picnic lunch. Overnight at Kruger Gate Lodge. (B,L,D)
Photo Ó 2001 by J. Lynn Palmer
December 13 Friday - Kruger to Johannesburg
Transfer to Skukuza airport for your flight to Johannesburg. If you have not already bought enough souvenirs, stop at "Out of Africa"--a great store in the airport with high quality souvenirs. Then, connect to your British Airways flight to London. Meals served aloft. (B)
December 14 Saturday - London to USA
Arrive London and transfer to connecting British Airways flight back home. End of a fun tour.
PRICES:
$4395. WITHOUT AIR OR $5495. WITH AIR*
$5695. WITH AIR*
per person double occupancy from the following cities: Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, Phoenix, and Denver.
For this expedition you can use frequent flier miles to get you to/
from South Africa. However, we have departures from all British
Airways gateways worldwide. If your city is not listed, let us know
and we will price it out for you.
*If you cannot find a roommate or want to go by yourself, add $1650.00
for single supplement. We will endeavour to find roommates for those
who may want them; however, if one cannot be found, you will have to
pay the single supplement fee.
TOUR INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED:
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
CANCELLATION PENALTIES:
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING
DEPOSITS AS OF AUGUST 20, 2001. TO SIGN UP, CONTACT
GEORGE WELLER at 281-480-1988 or 800-929-9004 or wellerg@carlsontravel
.com
