South Africa Takes the Spotlight on ABC's Hit Romance Reality Series The Bachelor

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lush landscapes, pristine wilderness and awe-inspiring encounters with nature's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitats will enchant the newest Bachelor, Brad Womack, and his three beautiful Bachelorettes as they embark on their romantic journey of a lifetime in SOUTH AFRICA.

Their iconic South African journey will take them to Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand, a family-owned jewel renowned for its Big Five Game viewing and world class luxury experience, situated on the banks of the Sabie Riverin Kruger National Park.

Brad's date activities will include the thrill of morning and evening safari game drives to spot the Big Five; a tryst at the Chalkley Tree House, recently featured on the front cover of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, a secure bush bedroom under the African stars; and an interaction at Elephant Whispers, to exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats in return for a short ride atop these impressive titans of the bush.

Another highlight is a helicopter tour to the Blyde River Canyon in the Drakensberg Mountains, an area of breathtaking scenic splendour, for a delicious picnic lunch.  The poignant Rose Ceremony will take place at Lion Sands' Tinga Legends Lodge, a classic safari lodge built around an enormous Jackalberry tree which is reputed to be over 200 years old.

The party will arrive rested and refreshed after enjoying luxurious service on South African Airways, whose daily flights to South Africa from New York and Washington, DC offer travel convenience and award-winning service.

South African Tourism and South African Airways Vacations have created The Bachelor Ultimate South Africa Getaway, a fantastic 10 days/7 nights package inspired by Brad and the Bachelorettes' romantic South African adventure that includes the following:

• Roundtrip international flights from New York's JFK Airport or Washington DC's Dulles Airport
• Internal South Africa flights from Cape Town International to Kruger Airport, and from Kruger Airport to O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg
• 4 nights' accommodations with breakfast at the ultra-chic One & Only Cape Town
• A Bento Box for two with a sake tasting OR a Romantic Picnic for two with a bottle of House wine
• A couples massage in a couples' treatment room at the One & Only luxury spa
• Full and half day Cape Town area tours to Cape Point and the Winelands
• Full day Great White Shark cage diving trip in Gansbaai
• 3 nights' accommodations at the Lion Sands River Lodge, including cocktails and a night in the Chalkley Tree House
• 3 meals daily at Lion Sands, with two safari game drives daily with rangers and trackers
• Elephant Whispers interaction and elephant ride

Package rates start at $6,875 per person, inclusive of airline taxes and fuel surcharges, and are valid through January 15th, 2012.  Additional details and direct booking information are available at South African Airways Vacations® www.flysaavacations.com/south-africa-travel/the-bachelor/ and www.flysaavacations.com/the-bachelor-sa-getaway-affordable-luxury/; by calling 855-FLY-SAAV, or emailing [email protected].  Additional romance themed packages are available on www.southafrica.net/deals. 

Tune in for the South Africa Episode 9 of The Bachelor on MONDAY, February 28 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), which airs on the ABC Television Network.  For more information on The Bachelor visit http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor.  To learn more about South Africa please visit www.southafrica.net.

ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed by Chief Executive Officer Thandiwe January-Mclean and Chief Operating Officer Timothy Scholtz. For more information on South Africa, a world-class destination, the ideal place for both business and leisure, contact South African Tourism at 500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2040, New York, N.Y., 10110; Tel: (212) 730-2929; Fax: (212) 764-1980; Email: [email protected] or visit www.southafrica.net. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitsouthafrica. For information and brochures call 800-593-1318.

ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

South African Airways features daily nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with morning departures from New York JFK and afternoon direct service from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal). Travelers in Premium Business Class enjoy 180 degree fully flat-bed seats, and in Economy Class enjoy the most legroom versus competitors.  SAA's unrivaled network, featuring seamless connections to nearly 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 25 cities across the rest of the continent, makes the airline the savvy traveler's "gateway to Africa."  South African Airways is a member of Star Alliance, and members of United's, Continental's, US Airways' and Air Canada's frequent traveler programs are able to earn and redeem miles on all SAA flights.  For more information, please call (800) 722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com.

ABOUT LIONS ANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Family owned since 1933, Lion Sands is comprised of  three exquisite properties: the award winning Ivory Lodge, six exquisite villas each with a separate living room, heated swimming pool and an open plan en-suite bathroom with an enclosure for the outdoor shower;  River Lodge , the soul of Lion Sands,  20 luxurious thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor & inside shower & wooden viewing deck; and 1933 Lodge, a gracious home away from home – with a few added luxuries, including your own private chef and ranger, with the exclusive use of a 4x4 Landrover for safari game drives.  Relax, enjoy and experience African hospitality at its finest. Visit us at www.lionsands.com.

ABOUT THE BACHELOR

In the hit primetime reality series The Bachelor, one lucky man is offered the chance to find true love. A single and eligible Bachelor embarks on a romantic journey, getting to know a bevy of beautiful bachelorettes, gradually narrowing the field to the one woman to whom he may propose marriage in the dramatic season finale. Hosted by entertainment reporter Chris Harrison, The Bachelor is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.

 Website www.southafrica.net

SOURCE South African Tourism