South Africa 2021

DAY 1: DEPART IAD OR JFK  

Depart IAD or JFK for your flight to Cape Town.

Note that this may not be a direct flight and you may need to change planes at least once.

DAY 2: ARRIVE CAPE TOWN 

Welcome to Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, strategically situated at the southwestern tip of Africa. The city lies about 60km north of Cape Point, in a natural bowl with the magnificent Table Mountain to the rear and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the front. It has the reputation as being the most laid-back city in the Southern Hemisphere with Capetonians adhering to Africa time, which is somewhat slower than most other major cities. This relaxed atmosphere is attributed to Table Mountain, known to be amongst the most spiritual places on earth. People are drawn towards the mountain and every visitor feels the need to climb up or take the revolving Cable Car to the top. At 1086 metres above sea level, you will see the most dramatic views of the whole of the Cape Peninsula. The city is safer than most on any continent with a bustling street life of shops, cafes and market stalls, as well as street artists.

Upon arrival, your group will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Check-In and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Check in time: 2pm and after.

Early check in will be subject to availability and at the discretion of the hotel.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Premier Hotel Cape Town or similar

DAY 3: CAPE TOWN (B)

 After breakfast transfer to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. 

Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the city’s most visited destination, offering a range of exciting activities, diverse cuisine and shopping for the discerning traveler.

This morning, take a tour to Robben Island. Board your boat cruise from the Waterfront to the famous Robben Island – a cruel home of our Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged an emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realize how far South Africa has come from those days. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, about 12 kilometers from Cape Town, was a place of exile and imprisonment where rulers sent those they regarded as outcasts and troublemakers. Since 1997 Robben Island has been a museum acting as a focal point of South African heritage.

Return to the V & A Waterfront where you will have some free time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense).

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a half day orientation tour of Cape Town. You will see iconic buildings, snatches of history, and experiences the uniqueness of this city. Drive past the country’s oldest building, the Castle, and a short distance away, the Company Gardens, both historically fascinating and well conserved. Our drive continues past the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge; you’ll sense the depth of history via their distinctive architecture. Colonial then changes to colourful, as you move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes.

Take the cable car up to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain from where you’ll be able to see to the end of the world, including the city and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa.

Return to the hotel after the tour.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Premier Hotel Cape Town or similar

 DAY 4: CAPE TOWN (B)

After breakfast, you will take a full day Peninsula Tour.

 The Fairest Cape….and it surely is! You’ll soon see for yourself where and why it earned its name. Sit back and relax, we’re going to drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as the Millionaire’s Paradise – from Camps Bay and Clifton to the exclusive beach of Llandundno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay. A seal island cruise is included. Back on terra ferma, we wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views, before arriving at the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve an integral part of the world renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. Once at the Cape Point, you will have time to explore. Take a ride up on the funicular for magnificent views (funicular ticket is included).

We meander back along the coast towards the city, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town where you will enjoy some free time.

Continue on to visit the enduring penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

The Fairest Cape of All, that was Sir Francis Drake’s opinion…and we’re sure you’ll echo it!

Return to the hotel after the tour.

 Overnight in Cape Town at the Premier Hotel Cape Town or similar

 DAY 5: CAPE TOWN – MPUMALANGA – KRUGER (B)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Cape Town airport for your flight to Kruger - Mpumalanga.

(This Flight is included in your package)

On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at the Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar

 DAY 6: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (B)

Today you will enjoy a full day of game viewing in the park.

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. There are approximately 147 mammal species here, including the `Big 5': lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino (black & white). 

A safari in an open vehicle at Kruger National Park isn’t to be taken lightly. It’s a privilege beyond imagination, for this, one of the world’s most famous game reserves, is not only vast with a glorious diversity of wildlife and birdlife, it’s also renowned for its ever-changing African landscapes. For photographers, it’s a dream destination, with no fewer than 147 mammals and over 500 species of bird waiting for the click of your camera. Our qualified, experienced field guides know the terrain and the protocol intimately, and their skills, combined with the superb visibility afforded by our specially modified safari vehicles, guarantee a wonderfully wild experience. Kruger is teaming with game, big and small. You may be lucky and spot Africa’s ‘Big Five’ - the exhilaration of seeing wildlife at close range is a truly unforgettable experience!  

Return to the hotel after the game drive.

Overnight at the Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar

DAY 7: KRUGER – JOHANNESBURG VIA THE PANORAMA ROUTE (B)

Enjoy breakfast and then check out. Transfer to Johannesburg and traverse the glorious Panorama route taking in the spectacular scenery. Gasp at the glory of the never-ending Lowveld landscape from the ledge of God's Window, a boundless view of forested mountains and fertile plains, explore the extraordinary rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, one of nature’s most intriguing creations and 3 Rondavels at the legendary Blyde River Canyon, third largest in the world.

Later this afternoon, arrive in Johannesburg. Transfer to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo'burg, is South Africa's largest city, the centre of South African commerce and industry as well as the financial capital of Gauteng. Renowned as the City of Gold, Johannesburg is a vibrant city with a vast web of suburbs and townships, with a wealth of things to see and do.

Overnight in Johannesburg at the Southern Sun Rosebank or similar

Day 8: Johannesburg

 After breakfast take a tour to Soweto with a township lunch at Sakhumzi’s Restaurant.

SOWETO an acronym for South Western Township, is the largest Black residential area in South Africa that has a population of more than 3.5 Million, who despite living in crowded and chaotic conditions, have a tangible sense of community. 

This tour gives you an opportunity to interact with the local residents of the township and ask questions that have been on your mind - such as how life was under apartheid, how life is now, questions on the economy, and on current events.

Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, Regina Mundi Church and have a photo stop outside Mandela House.

Township food, although simple, is delicious.  There’s something about its simplicity and communal serving that makes you feel like you are not just experiencing good food, but you are a part of the community too. You will have lunch at Sakhumzi’s Restaurant. Brimming with good cheer, Sakhumzi is popular for its daily lunch buffets. Patrons spill onto the street tables and mingle joyfully with passers-by. Expect African staples such as mutton stew, umleqwa (traditional-style steamed chicken) and mealie pap as well as more conventional burgers and steaks.

You will also visit a local orphanage where you will have an opportunity to interact with the children and make a donation. A little money goes a long way and these types of organizations are typically under-funded and rely heavily on travelers that come to visit. It’s a simple gesture on your part that makes a big difference on theirs. 

Visit the Apartheid Museum. This is a must-see for anyone wanting to really understand and experience apartheid. The exhibits include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artifacts illustrating the events and human experiences that are part of the epic saga known as apartheid.

Return to the hotel after the tour and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Johannesburg at the Southern Sun Rosebank or similar

 DAY 9:  DEPART JOHANNESBURG (B)

 After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back to IAD or JFK.

Note that this may not be a direct flight and you may need to change planes at least once.