South Africa Vacation
THIS TRIP IS NOT FINALIZED
September 3rd - 14th
10-nights - $__________including air from LAX, departure tax, most meals and tours

This is a repeat of our trip from 2017 which was an amazing trip. It will include 1-night in Johannesburg, a 3-night safari in the Pilanesberg National Park where we'll go on 2 safari's each day with a chance to see the big five and then 6-nights in Cape Town, plus all the tours that you see here.

Itinerary:

September 4th

Arrival in Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa! We land at 7:00 am so we will unload our luggage at the hotel and then go right into a half-day tour.

Blessed with blue skies a balmy climate a rich cultural heritage and a magnificent backdrop of ocean and mountain, the Mother City boasts a profusion of museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops, theatres, night spots and landmarks. Fondly known to the world as the Mother City, a word followed instantly by the visual of Table Mountain · this gift from Mother Nature, offers the most awesome view when ascended.

Johannesburg, L
Begin with a tour of Soweto, this city developed as a township for black people under the apartheid system. Soweto is inhabited by 2 million people, a fascinating place to visit. Take in the sights of Baragwaneth Hospital, Nelson Mandela's House, Freedom Square and Vilikazi Street.

Lunch at a festive, local Sheebeen (township pub). Continue to the Apartheid Museum, discover the true history of South Africa, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.

Afternoon at leisure.

 

 

 

 

September 5th

Johannesburg to Kwa Lodge, B,L,D

This morning we will head off in the direction of our safari lodge located in Pilanesberg National Park. In route we will take a tour of the Cradle of Humankind, one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, and the only one in Gauteng, is renowned as the place where humankind originated. It is here that the first hominid, Australopithecus, was found in 1924 at Taung in the North West Province by Professor Raymond Dart of the University of the Witwatersrand. And is one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa.

The Cradle of Humankind area boasts 13 excavation sites that are recognised as national heritage sites, both internationally and by the South African Heritage Resources Agency. For those wanting to experience the birthplace of humankind first-hand, the official visitor centres for the Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves.

See fossils, learn about how humankind was born, view stone tools that are up to one million years old, and much more. This self-guided, interactive tour allows you to take all the time you need to ponder humanity’s fascinating origin story.

We will then arrive at the Kwa Lodge in time for an afternoon safari. Located in the Pilanesberg National Park, on the slopes of a 2-billion-year-old volcano, is home to Africa’s big five. We will get there in time to enjoy a late afternoon game drive and then enjoy dinner in our wonderful restaurant.

September 6th

Kwa Lodge   B,L,D

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge: This 57,200ha sanctuary showcases an impressive number of large animals, well exceeding 10,000 in numbers, including the Big 5. Nestled beneath "the Rock", from whence Kwa Maritane gets its name, this luxurious four star hotel offers excellent service, mouth-watering cuisine and spacious en-suite accommodation that exude elegance in true African style.Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is located in malaria free Pilanesberg National Park, an easy 2 hour's drive from Johannesburg and a mere 10 minutes from Sun City. Famous of it's hike and waterhole linked by a 180m long tunnel, its outstanding cuisine and the hospitality of its staff.

We will enjoy 2 game drives each day. Game drives feature regular encounters with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black and white rhino as well as many other fascinating animals. Guided bush walks give you insights into the subtleties of the bushveld.Kwa Maritane offers ample opportunity to relax. Two swimming pools and a spa are the perfect way to de-stress from city life.

September 7th

Kwa Lodge   B,L,D

Another day of game drives and chances to see the Big Five!

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 8th

Kwa Lodge/ Cape Town

We will enjoy one more morning safari and then depart for the Johannesburg airport and our flight to Cape Town.

 

 

 

 

September 9th

Half Day Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour   B
This morning we will fly to Cape Town. No visit to Cape Town is complete without a half day tour of the mother city itself. After departing the hotel we head for Table Mountain. Enjoy the crisp air and clear visibility as you reach the summit (weather permitting). Our guide will point out the highlights of one of the world's most famous views.

After the descent we enjoy a scenic coastal drive through Clifton and Sea Point to the city centre where we visit Green Market Square. We stretch our legs with a walk through the Company Gardens.

The tour continues with a drive past the Houses of Parliament, the City Hall, The Castle and Slave Lodge, before entering the "Bo Kaap", also known as the Malay quarter. The architecture in this area is typical of what Cape Town was like 200 years ago. We ascend Signal Hill to witness firing of the noon gun (except Sundays and Public Holidays). You will be dazzled by the diamond tour where we learn about the history of these sparkling gems before returning you back to your Hotel.

 

September 10th

Full Day Cape Winelands Tour    B, L

Our first stop this morning is at Anura Wine Estate for a cheese and wine tasting. We make our way to Franschhoek with a photo stop at the Groot Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela was released in Feb 1990. The village of Franschhoek nestled amongst the mountains, can easily be mistaken as being in Switzerland.

After a short tour of the little town, a second wine tasting will take place in Franschhoek, followed by an amazing picnic lunch at Boschendal winery.

After lunch the tour continues over the Hells Hoogte Mountain Pass to Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village amongst the mountains. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak lined streets and lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be forgotten. Time permitting; we will include a third wine tasting.

 

September 11th

Full Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour    B, L

Our journey to Cape Point takes us along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. We pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with their soft white sand and assure blue water. The formidable 12 Apostles Peaks rise above the road on one side, while sheer cliffs and incredible rock formations drop into the icy Atlantic Ocean on the other side.

There is no doubt the coast of the Cape peninsula offers magnificent scenery with its great biodiversity. We arrive at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel. Visit Seal Island or shop for souvenirs at the craft market at the harbour.

Our tour continues over Chapman's Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities, and onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This area is home to magnificent ·fynbos·, many different species of buck and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and mischievous baboons. We'll stop for lunch at Two Oceans Restaurant - (excludes beverages and gratuity).

Drive through Simons Town and see False Bay and the Indian Ocean. Take the funicular to the lighthouse to see the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the Cape Point. We visit Boulders Beach to see the African penguins before arriving at the naval base of Simons town, and then we venture inland and return to the hotel.

September 12th


Visit of Robben Island  B

Today we will walk over to the marina and take the boat and tour of Robben Island. Robben Island is famous, or rather infamous, as the holding place for the imprisoned Nelson Mandela. Mandela served 18 of his 27 years in prison incarcerated on the island's prison, but Robben Island has also housed a hospital, mental institution, leper colony and military base during its rich history. Now, Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and museum, offering daily tours.

The tour begins at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront with a multimedia exhibition, museum shop and restaurant, after which, guests hop onto the ferry for a scenic trip to the island. Once on Robben Island itself, the tour is guided by a former political prisoner of the island, for unique and incomparable insights into the island's history.

THIS TOUR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE. We will sign up directly on the Robben Island website.

 

 

September 13th


Free Day Cape Town   B

Today is a free day. We purposely did not want to include every tour on this trip to give you a variety of choices. We will have more information on our suggested options as we get closer to the trip.Our last group even went on a shark cage trip!

September 14th

We have most of the day today for any other tour you might have in mind. Our flight is at 7:30 pm so we will be leaving about 4:30 pm.

SoWeTo / Home  B

A fond farewell… We wish you a fond farewell as you are collected from your hotel and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your homeward flight…

So there it is. A wonderful itinerary without any long layovers!  Plus there are no visa's required!  Cost on this trip of $4,250 is about $100 less than our 2017 trip and this trip is in high season! This will be an amazing trip.  I hope you are able to join us.

$200 DEPOSIT TO SIGN UP

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (your own room only if you prefer): $850

GROUP AIR: We will have our group air sometime around November

INCLUDED:

  • International air with all departure taxes
  • Domestic air from to Johannesburg to Cape Town (only with our group air)
  • All tours as listed above
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Game drives as stated in itinerary
  • Accommodation as stated above
  • Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Services of a professional driver
  • Services of a registered and experienced tour guide
  • Entrance fees and excursions where stated in the above itinerary
  • Welcome pack (e.g itinerary, welcome letter, general information, maps, flags, brochures)
  • Porterage
  • Mineral Water onboard the vehicle
  • No Visa is required for US citizens

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Tips for guides and drivers

 

OUR HOTELS

Johannesburg

Southern Sun Hotel - 4-star

Website - Tripadvisor review

The stylish, comfortable Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport hotel is conveniently located directly adjacent to Johannesburg’s International Airport. A number of Johannesburg’s most important business facilities, commercial hubs, shopping centres and restaurants are found nearby.

The hotel’s 366 en-suite rooms are tastefully furnished, with a wide range of amenities, including free WiFi, flat screen with DStv, air conditioning and other in-room comforts and amenities. In addition, guests enjoy the convenience of a porter service and a wake-up call facility. For relaxation guests can make use of the outdoor pool, while Caroline’s Day Spa offers a range of exclusive beauty and health treatments.

Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport hotel offers guests a complimentary return shuttle service from the airport to the hotel, as well as a bus service to the nearby Rhodesfield station - part of the Gautrain high-speed rapid rail transit system.

Bernoulli’s Restaurant offers a choice of Mediterranean-themed dishes that are centered around grills, pastas, line fish, and fresh produce.

Our Johannesburg airport hotel ensures convenience and comfort whether you are just passing through to your next destination or Johannesburg is your final stop. We look forward to welcoming you to Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport.

 

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge ****

Website     Tripadvisor

Nestled beneath “the Rock”, from whence Kwa Maritane gets its name, this luxurious four star hotel offers excellent service, mouth-watering cuisine and spacious en-suite accommodation that exude elegance in true African style.Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is located in malaria free Pilanesberg National Park, an easy 2 hour’s drive from Johannesburg and a mere 10 minutes from Sun City. This is the perfect setting for a relaxing family weekend away or for a corporate conference.Kwa Maritane Spa Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in our magnificent Spa. Indulge yourself with treatments such as Thabayadiotso, our signature treatment, or be pampered with a pedicure while watching the game feeding on the plains in front of the Spa. Whether it is a full body massages, in which the masseur uses Mountain Aloe oil, or a soothing, deep cleansing facial using warm volcanic milk, the professional therapists will simply spoil you.There are four treatment rooms, including one suite suitable for couples looking to share the experience. There is also a manicure and pedicure lounge, a rasul chamber, relaxation area and hydro pool.

Cape Town

Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel ****

Website     Tripadvisor review 

Wonderful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean assist in making the Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town a preferred business and holiday destination. A mere 15 minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport, and within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, this hotel is superbly located to offer every guest easy access to the sights and sounds of Cape Town.

Breathtaking views of Table Mountain can be enjoyed from rooms that offer all the quality and comfort you would expect from a full service hotel. Offering guests a fitness centre, a pool and convenient meeting rooms and a business centre, the Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town caters for all possible business or leisure traveler needs.

 

 


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