DAY 1, Friday - Depart for South Africa
Depart for South Africa

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. Born a gold mining town, it's often called Gauteng, the "City of Gold." Transfer to your hotel; time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Johannesburg

DAY 3, Sunday - Soweto Tour
Today, explore Soweto, a neighborhood of Johannesburg. Visit Nelson Mandela's former home, with its expansive multimedia exhibits outlining his life. Then, to the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Lunch in Soweto at a popular restaurant, before a visit to the Apartheid Museum. Here, journey through the beginning of segregation in the country, implementation of the system, and factors that shaped its 20th century history. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner
Overnight: Johannesburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Monday - Travel to Kruger National Park Area
Depart after breakfast, on a long drive today. Travel past the small town of Waterval Boven, nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains and admire spectacular views of mountain passes. Proceed to the historic logging town of Sabie, once a gold mining town, it now relies on forestry. Travel via Konwyn Pass, offering spectacular views over the Lowveld and visit the 213 foot Mac Mac Waterfall in the Mac-Mac Forest Nature Reserve. Arrive late afternoon, and check into your hotel
Overnight: Hazyview
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
Rise early for an open vehicle game drive with an experienced ranger in Kruger National Park. Perhaps you'll have a chance to see lion, elephant, giraffe, or zebra in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for the many other smaller creatures that also live in this reserve, including over 500 species of birds and over 100 different reptiles. Lunch inside the park before another game drive in the afternoon. Later, return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Hazyview
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Morning at Leisure, Sunset Safari & Boma Dinner in Kruger National Park
Spend your morning at leisure. Later, an afternoon game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park, which is home to the "Big Five," a multitude of animals, and an array of birdlife. Experience an African sunset before your Boma dinner in the bush. Dine under the African sky and savor a sumptuous meal. Return to the hotel later this evening
Overnight: Hazyview
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Zulu Village & eSwatini
Begin the day with a visit to a Zulu village, where you will have an opportunity to observe their dancing and local culture and experience a traditional lunch. Then, drive to eSwatini,* an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, fine handicrafts, and vibrant indigenous culture. Visit the Ngwenya glass factory where talented glass blowers form enchanting African animals, birds, and fish from 100% recycled glass, collected by the children of eSwatini. Dinner is at the hotel*eSwatini is an independent country from South Africa and therefore has different entry requirements. Non-US passport holders are responsible to check if a visa is required for eSwatini in addition to all other countries on their itinerary.
Overnight: Mbabane (eSwatini)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Swazi Candle Factory, Drive to Hluhluwe
Today, visit the Swazi Candle Factory to see wax artists creating beautiful candles in different shapes and sizes. Then, embark on a long drive to Hluhluwe. Along the way, stop for lunch on your own. Arrive at the lodge late afternoon and spend free time before dinner tonight
Overnight: Hluhluwe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Game Drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, St. Lucia Estuary Cruise
This morning travel to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s, the park became world-renowned for its white rhino conservation. On this morning's game drive, you may have a chance to see Africa's 'Big Five' (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros). Continue to the southernmost point of Lake St. Lucia to embark on a cruise to the tidal St. Lucia Estuary, a uniquely diverse ecosystem. It's home to Nile crocodiles, hippopotami, sea turtles, and even sharks
Overnight: Hluhluwe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Flight to Port Elizabeth
In Durban board a flight to Port Elizabeth, known as the "Friendly City." A scenic orientation tour introduces you to this lovely city with its balmy climate and sandy white beaches. In the evening, perhaps head to the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex known for its eateries and action filled casino
Overnight: Port Elizabeth
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Monday - Garden Route to Knysna
Today, journey along South Africa's Garden Route via Tsitsikamma National Park in the Western Cape Province to Knysna. The park is one of South Africa's most diverse protected natural areas. One of the many highlights in this area is the long suspension bridge offering gorge views. Then, take a guided tour of Birds of Eden, an award-winning bird sanctuary. Later, proceed to Knysna, a protected marine reserve
Overnight: Knysna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Featherbed Nature Reserve
Today, take the ferry to Knysna's Featherbed Nature Reserve with its abundance of plant, bird and small wildlife, including the rare Blue duiker, and a variety of marine life. Upon arrival, embark on a hike along a trail that winds its way through Milkwood Forests up to steep sandstone cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The trail also meanders past ancient Khoi sea caves and through indigenous wilderness. After your walk, return to Knysna for leisure time
Overnight: Knysna
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Wednesday - Cango Caves & Oudtshoorn's Ostrich Farms
This morning, drive along the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo). Tour the Cango Caves, a series of dripstone caverns that open into large areas of towering stalagmite formations. Continue to Oudtshoorn, the "Ostrich Capital of the World," and learn more about the world's biggest bird. On to a working ostrich farm for a guided tour of ostrich farming
Overnight: Oudtshoorn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Thursday - Scenic Drive to Cape Town, Wine Tasting
Today, travel from the Garden Route to Cape Town via Route 62. Visit a vineyard and have the opportunity to taste South African wines. In the late afternoon, arrive in Cape Town where you will be welcomed by the towering symbol of the city, Table Mountain
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Friday - Cape Town City Tour
The discovery of Cape Town begins with a drive past the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, and the Grand Parade. View St. George's Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pass the Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter. The route then leads to Kloof Nek and Table Mountain. Ascend to the top (weather permitting) by means of a cable car.* At the summit, enjoy birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. The afternoon is at leisure before joining a local family in their home for a home hosted dinner*Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will be closed between Jul 15 - Sep 1, 2024.
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Saturday - Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour
Depart on a full day tour of Cape Peninsula. Drive to Cape Point and continue with a scenic drive that meanders along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,000 acres of indigenous flora and fauna. Ascend by funicular to the old lighthouse for panoramic views. After, continue on to Boulders Beach, home of an endangered colony of African penguins. End the day with a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 17, Sunday - Full Day in Cape Town
Spend the day at leisure, or join the optional tour of historic Robben Island* to learn about the poignant struggles, hopes, and dreams of freedom, made famous by Nelson Mandela's imprisonment here. This notorious prison, located on an island off the coast of Cape Town in Table Bay is where South Africa's political prisoners were kept. Tour the island and the infamous prison before returning to Cape Town. This afternoon's optional tour takes you to Stellenbosch, the historic heart of the country's wine region. Tour the vineyard and enjoy a taste of a premier South African wine. Tonight, say goodbye to your Tour Manager at dinner *The operation of the Robben Island ferry is dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Optional: Robben Island Tour
Optional: Half Day South African Wine Tour
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 18, Monday - Depart South Africa
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast