Day 1: Thursday, August 19, 2010
Overnight Flight
One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience.
Day 2: Friday, August 20, 2010
Sandton, South Africa - Tour Begins
Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan center of greater Johannesburg. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 3: Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sandton - Soweto - Sandton
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A guided tour of Soweto - South West Township - showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historic significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen or house tavern. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum for a look into the dynamic history of racial segregation in South Africa.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
is included.
Day 4: Sunday, August 22, 2010
Panoramic Route - Kruger National Park
Travel through the spectacular Drakensburg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa's greatest natural wonders. Set against the triplet mountain formation of the Three Rondovals, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast flowing sand-filled waters.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 5: Monday, August 23, 2010
Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive
Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Start your day with an open air vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the Big 5 - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino - and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully - you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Return mid-morning for time to relax before a late afternoon game drive searching for the Big 5!
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 6: Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Kruger National Park - Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth
Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to Port Elizabeth, today one of South Africa's major ports. Founded in 1820 as a place to house British settlers, this coastal town is the gateway to the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline set between mountain ranges and the Indian Ocean.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 7: Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Port Elizabeth - Knysna
Journey through the Tsitsikamma Forest, a natural gem along the Garden Route. Known for its gorges and steep cliffs, the indigenous forest is home to hundreds of species of birdlife. Continue along the southern coast where a jagged shoreline meets quaint villages. Arrive in the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route. This afternoon, your township tour will highlight the diversity of this community followed by a touching experience as you visit a school. Learn about the efforts of the Collette Foundation and the local community to conquer the challenges of educating the children of the region. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of Knysna's waterfront restaurants.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 8: Thursday, August 26, 2010
Knysna
Today you visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely-paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees - so called because of their white latex sap - before your return cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore Knysna’s charming waterfront.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
is included.
Day 9: Friday, August 27, 2010
Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area and, if you wish, go for a ride on one of these great birds! An outdoor barbecue lunch caps off an amazing day. Next, you journey to captivating Cape Town.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
is included.
Day 10: Saturday, August 28, 2010
Cape Town
A panoramic tour of the beautiful harbourside city of Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture which fuses the traditions of French, German and Dutch influences. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named and flat-topped Table Mountain. The views below of Cape Town, Robben Island, and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets, and stopping at the Milnerton Lighthouse. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to discover charming Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, known for its shopping and entertainment venues.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 11: Sunday, August 29, 2010
Cape Town
Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulder Beach. On your return, explore the fascinating and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 12: Monday, August 30, 2010
Cape Town
Discover the enchanting beauty of the famous Cape Winelands region with its colorful mountainous landscape and endless vineyards. Visit local wine farms and learn about the history of wine making in this region while you enjoy sampling some of the local wines. Return to Cape Town this afternoon. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy an after-hours guided tour of the fascinating African Gold Museum, followed by a traditional African dining experience!
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 13: Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Cape Town - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Cape Town.
Today Breakfast is included.
EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH...
optional 3-Night Victoria Falls Post Tour Extension
Rate: $1599 USD per person, double, land and air included
5 Meals 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 1 Dinners
Day 13 Cape Town - Johannesburg - Zimbabwe
Fly this morning to one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel, known as the “grand old lady of the falls.” This evening, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi River, taking in the majestic African sunset.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 14 Victoria Falls
Early this morning you will enjoy an elephant back safari and a chance to meet African elephants up close. After breakfast, you have an opportunity to interact with the residents of a local village. Following lunch with a local family, take a walking tour of Victoria Falls, truly one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Shop at a local curio market before returning to your hotel.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
is included.
Day 15 Victoria Falls
Enjoy the day at leisure or choose an optional full day excursion* to Chobe National Park in Botswana, home to an abundance of wildlife and game.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 16 Victoria Falls - Johannesburg - Tour Ends
Later this afternoon, board your international flight home.
Today Breakfast is included.
Please Note:
• A valid Visa is required for Zimbabwe. The Visa may be purchased upon arrival; approximate visa cost is $65 USD for US and Canadian citizens. *A multiple entry visa must be purchased if you wish to purchase the optional Chobe day tour. Multiple entry visa cost is $130 USD for US and Canadian citizens. The Chobe day tour must be purchased a minimum of 7 days prior to ensure availability.
• A valid Visa is required for Zimbabwe. The Visa may be purchased upon arrival; approximate visa cost is $30 USD for US citizens. *A multiple entry visa must be purchased if you wish to purchase the optional Chobe day tour. Multiple entry visa cost is $45 USD for US citizens. The Chobe day tour must be purchased a minimum of 7 days prior to ensure availability.
• This extension is fully escorted by a local representative who provides all included services.
Malaria pills are recommended when visiting Zimbabwe and Botswana. Consult your physician 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.