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    Home » Travel

    We're Going on Safari in South Africa with Groupon Getaways

    March 8, 2015 by Jenn 30 Comments

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    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Groupon Getaways. All opinions are 100% mine.

    Do you remember how I told you guys a week or so ago that Groupon Getaways are a great way to save money while traveling? You can book hotel rooms, cruises, vacation packages that include airfare, get great deals on activities during your vacation - ring a bell? Well, I have something else to share with you today. It's pretty amazing...I just booked two Groupon Getaways for myself! I am working with Groupon to show you guys how you can make your travel dreams come true for less and they're treating me to two Groupon Getaways of my choice for #MyGrouponGetaway.

    florida riveria

    My first getaway is going to be at the nearby Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Sunny Isles beach is commonly referred to as the Florida Riveria, and it is quite lovely! I really don't know why I don't go there more often, it's only a short drive away. I think that sometimes we take the beauty right there in our own backyard for granted.

    March1

    If you're not familiar with Sunny Isles Beach, just think South Beach, but without the college kids! Chris, Angeline and I will be staying at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort for a weekend in April, and redeeming a few Groupon Bucks for fun activities and local restaurants during the weekend as well!

    Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort in Sunny Isles Beach

    The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort is a totally cosmopolitan hotel with a beautiful stretch of beach, lovely views, restaurants, cabanas, pool, spa - they have it all! It's really the perfect place for a little weekend getaway for us sort-of-locals, and a fabulous vacation destination for families craving a little sunshine in this long and dreary winter.

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo Courtesy of Groupon Getaways

    Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort Features:

    Onsite restaurant Kitchen 305 offers an upscale dining experience with hearty steak and fresh seafood. There’s frequent live music and a weekly line-up of events.

    The Aveda Seven Seas Spa and Salon offers hot-stone massage, customized facials and more!

    In-room amenities include a microwave, refrigerator, WiFi, TV, and jetted tub; some suites even overlook the ocean!

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo Courtesy of Groupon Getaways

    Aventura Mall is just a few miles away, with stores like Burberry, Tiffany, and Louis Vuitton - or Angeline's favorite, H&M.

    About Sunny Isles Beach

    Sunny Isles Beach experienced a renaissance in the late 1990s, when the main thoroughfare, Collins Avenue, transformed from a rambling row of motels into a luxury strip of oceanfront high-rises and resorts. The city lies halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with 2.5 miles of uninterrupted shoreline running along its length. Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort occupies a coveted spot next to the half-mile-long Newport Fishing Pier, the only remaining public pier in Miami-Dade County.

    Starting daily at 9:15 a.m., lifeguards take to their stands along the city’s beaches. Samson Oceanfront Park is a family-friendly escape within walking distance of the resort. Even closer, Jet Ski King rents jet skis, banana boats, and waverunners for adventures on the Atlantic Ocean.

    March2

    Okay, so that sounds pretty amazing, right? Well guess what? I got a Groupon Getaway for our stay at Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort for $69 a night!! Sounds like a steal, right?! Hey, I told you that you could stretch your travel budget farther with Groupon Getaways!

    However, Groupon Getaways offers more than just hotel stays. You can also find all-inclusive resort stays, sightseeing tours, cruises, as well as vacation packages that include airfare, hotel stays, meals and tours.

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    These Groupon Getaways are an excellent value when you want a top notch vacation but can't really afford to pay for all of the pieces of the puzzle. Of course, every package is different, but there are so many options! Trips to China, trips to the Caribbean, to Bali, Australia, Europe, Africa....

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Yeah, Africa. South Africa, to be exact.

    AND I AM GOING THERE!

    Angeline and I are booked for a 10-Day South African City and Safari Tour through Groupon Getaways for spring break in March! While we usually spend Spring Break cruising or hitting the local beach, this year she and I are heading to South Africa to cross another adventure off of our bucket list: an African safari.

    Our trip will include...

    Round-trip international airfare from New York via South African Airways and a domestic flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

    All accommodations: a 4-night stay at the Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel with daily breakfast, a 3-night stay at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge with all meals...

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo courtesy of Groupon Getaways

     

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo courtesy of Groupon Getaways

     

    On to the best part....our package includes six safari game drives in Pilanesberg National Park! It has always been a dream of mine to go on an African Safari, and it's the only thing on Angeline's Bucket List.

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo Courtesy of Groupon Getaways

     

    She wants to be a zoologist when she grows up and her favorite animals are all found in Africa!

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo Courtesy of Groupon Getaways

     

    What We'll Do in Cape Town

    Our itinerary in Cape Town is wide open, with no scheduled activities. Angeline and I found a Groupon under the South Africa region for cage diving with great white sharks, so we are redeeming some Groupon Bucks for that activity! I am SO exited! We are also booking a tour of the peninsula through Africa Answers, the tour company that offered this Groupon Getaway. We'll visit Seal Island and go see the penguin colony too!

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo Courtesy of Groupon Getaways

     

    There are so many things to do in Cape Town!

    • Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is home to rare plant and animal life, including Cape Mountain zebras, eland antelopes, and endangered fynbos plants.
    • Boulders Beach: More than 2,000 penguins dwell amid these giant boulders; the best place to catch a glimpse of them is from atop the Foxy Beach boardwalk.
    • Visit the trendy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for shopping, dining, and people watching in Cape Town’s working harbor, which dates back to 1860.
    • Party like a local: Watch the sun set behind the Indian Ocean while sipping a drink, or sundowner, on a restaurant terrace in Camps Bay.
    • Where you’ll stay: Take in views of Table Mountain and the Dutch East India Company Gardens from many vantage points at the recently renovated Cape Town Hollow Hotel, which has a pool, lounge, and restaurant offering local wines.

    Then We're Off to Pilanesberg National Park

    Our next stop is Pilanesberg National Park, where we will be staying at the Ivory Tree Lodge, which includes 3 meals daily and two game drives daily. We are incredibly excited about this portion of the Groupon Getaway because we will have the opportunity to see the Big Five: African lions, African elephants, Cape buffalo, African leopards, and rhinoceros!

    Explore the World on a Budget with Groupon Getaways #MyGrouponGetaway

    Photo Courtesy of Groupon Getaways

     

    Things to Do in Pilanesberg National Park

    • Two daily game drives will help you get to know the area and give you the chance to spot numerous animals, including wild dogs, sable antelopes, and more than 360 species of birds.
    • Take a hot-air balloon safari to get an aerial view of the park. It includes a full breakfast and sparkling wine.
    • A cradle of civilization: The park’s massive volcanic crater was caused by an eruption 1,300 million years ago, and several Stone Age and Iron Age archaeological sites are scattered around the reserve.
    • Where you’ll stay: Get a massage at the award-winning spa, see a dance show put on by local tribes, and learn the art of African drumming at Ivory Tree Lodge before retiring to your spacious room, which is outfitted with a sophisticated African decor.

    How to Book Your Travel Using Groupon Getaways

    It was really pretty easy to set up our trips using Groupon Getaways. You simply purchase the Groupon then call the telephone number for the hotel or tour company with your Groupon in hand to give them your confirmation number. Once they verify that it was purchased, you'll make travel arrangements with them over the phone for your dates.

    I recommend being very thorough and timely when doing this, and if you do not receive your confirmation for your package over the phone, or receive it immediately via email, CALL BACK. As my tour company only sold a limited number of Groupon Getaways for this trip, the original dates I wanted were sold out by the time I had my Groupon Getaways confirmation in hand. It took a few days for them to confirm dates for me, which was frustrating, but the key was to keep calling them and make sure that everything was progressing smoothly.

    If your Groupon Getaways includes airfare, I recommend requesting your booking confirmation number and e-ticket number as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the seats booked on your behalf may not be the seats you would book for yourself. Once you have your booking number and e-ticket numbers, visit the airline's website and check out your seat assignments. I was fortunate in that my seats were perfectly fine, but it's better to be safe than sorry! You may also be able to add a frequent flier account number to your tickets if it's an airline you use often.

    Adding Additional Tours

    We will be adding tours in Cape Town, but booking them using Groupon Bucks to save even more money. I recommend looking into that option before purchasing additional tours from the tour operator. Remember the more money you save on each activity, the more activities you can do!

    Have you ever taken a trip using Groupon Getaways? With spring break for the kids and summertime coming up soon, it's time to start planning our next adventure, and Groupon Getaways makes every corner of the earth a little more affordable to travel to!

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    About Jenn

    Jenn, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a single woman who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible. Whether it be through sharing new recipes, sharing her dating stories, or encouraging people to embrace adventure and travel, she aims to inspire people to live full, happy and authentic lives.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Robin (Masshole Mommy)

      March 06, 2015 at 3:32 pm

      My sister spent a month in South Africa and loved it.

      Reply
    2. MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn)

      March 06, 2015 at 4:32 pm

      Wow! That certainly looks like some amazing adventures you will be having this year!

      Reply
    3. Mama to 5 BLessings

      March 06, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      I had no idea that Groupon offered so many amazing travel options! They all look amazing, I bet South Africa is beautiful!

      Reply
    4. Cassie

      March 06, 2015 at 6:05 pm

      I've used Groupon for a lot of stuff but never travel. I will have to look there I want to take a vacation!

      Reply
    5. Theresa

      March 06, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      I love that you can get travel deals through Groupon! When we start planning for an Ireland trip, I am definitely going to see what they have to offer!

      Reply
    6. Pam

      March 06, 2015 at 8:22 pm

      I've heard so many people using Groupon Getaways. They all had great times.

      Reply
    7. Jodi Flaherty

      March 06, 2015 at 10:11 pm

      Holy Moly I am SO ecstatic for you! South Africa is my dream location to visit! I will have to live vicariously through your blog! Congrats!

      Reply
    8. Debbie Denny

      March 06, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      They have some amazing deals. Have an awesome time.

      Reply
    9. Saidah Washington

      March 06, 2015 at 10:33 pm

      We are saving up for a vacation in Africa. All of the pictures you shared are amazing.

      Reply
    10. Rosey

      March 06, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      Oh my goodness, you're going to have such an amazing experience to tell us all about. I cannot wait, I fully intend on living vicariously through your posts. 🙂

      Reply
    11. Mommy2jam

      March 07, 2015 at 2:44 am

      this looks like an amazing trip to south africa. I hope you have an amazing time and take lots of pictures

      Reply
    12. Jennifer B

      March 07, 2015 at 6:30 am

      This sounds amazing and what a great price for everything that you are going to be doing! I have always wanted to go on a real Safari!

      Reply
    13. Julie Wood

      March 07, 2015 at 8:40 am

      WOW! This would be a blast to go on a Safari and get a discount at Groupon! I see that I can save a lot of money and get great deals. This would be a dream come true to see the animals in the wild!

      Reply
    14. Crystal

      March 07, 2015 at 8:48 am

      That African safari is like a dream vacation You are going to have such a great time and I'll have to live through you and your pictures of it for now.

      Reply
    15. Crystal

      March 07, 2015 at 10:23 am

      Now that is a seriously cool vacation! I"ve never been to South Africa, but i would love to.

      Reply
    16. Jeanine

      March 07, 2015 at 1:02 pm

      Wow. What a journey that would be. It would be amazing to say the least. How fun!

      Reply
    17. Beth@Frugalfroggie

      March 07, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      I would love to take my family on a getaway. I didn't think about Groupon Getaways.

      Reply
    18. Lorane

      March 07, 2015 at 7:41 pm

      The Pictures are beautiful. I'm sure you will have a great time there... I can't believe so much can be save on Groupon

      Reply
    19. Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty

      March 07, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      So very very envious right now!! I have a few aunts and uncles that have lived in South Africa before, and I would love to go!

      Reply
    20. Sara P. (@SensiblySara)

      March 07, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      Oh I'm totally jealous! That's an AMAZING trip!! You guys are going to have a BLAST! I can't wait to see all your photos!

      Reply
    21. Jenny Temcio

      March 07, 2015 at 10:39 pm

      I have always wanted to visit Africa! I would love to see an elephant in person!

      Reply
    22. Stacey- Travel Blogger

      March 07, 2015 at 10:42 pm

      I have always wanted to look into using Groupon! A safari sounds like so much fun!

      Reply
    23. Amanda Love

      March 08, 2015 at 8:59 am

      I've used Groupon quite a few times but never before for Travel. I'm going to see what getaways I can find for myself because I need to take a break.

      Reply
    24. Chrystal @ YUM eating

      March 08, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      Oh how fun! Such a beautiful place. My MIL went there a few years ago with her sister. They had an awesome time. I love sites like Groupon and Living Social. I have tried out a few new things like eats and travel that I otherwise didn't know about. And, saved money doing it.

      Reply
    25. Kira

      March 08, 2015 at 1:59 pm

      Sounds like a wonderful excursions, can't wait to hear all about South Africa. I'm familiar with Groupon but I have never used their vacation package, will check it out though. Thanks 😉

      Reply
    26. Kiwi

      March 08, 2015 at 4:54 pm

      How awesome! I actually want to go to South African for my bday next year!!

      Reply
    27. Lexie Lane

      March 09, 2015 at 1:16 am

      Wow! I had no idea Groupon did this too! Wow! How fantastic! Hope you have a great time! Can't see your pictures when you get back!

      Reply
    28. Christie

      March 09, 2015 at 8:56 am

      I cannot begin to tell you how jealous I am. What a bucket list adventures for you!

      Reply
    29. Tracey

      March 09, 2015 at 3:53 pm

      I am always using Groupon but have yet to use it for travel. I will have to look there for my next discounted vacation!!

      Reply
    30. April Decheine

      March 10, 2015 at 11:11 am

      I took my kids to Sunny Isles on Spring Break around 2005. We loved it! The Aventura Mall is pretty fancy, we went in our beach attire and felt really under dressed!

      Reply

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