Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Departure Day

Board your overnight flight bound for South Africa and begin an unforgettable journey exploring history, wildlife, landscapes, and cuisine across this remarkable country.

Day 2 – Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and meet your local Travel Director before transferring to your hotel. After time to settle in, gather this evening for a welcome dinner, marking the start of your South African experience.

Day 3 – Johannesburg: History, Culture & Soweto

Today offers a powerful introduction to South Africa’s past and present. Begin with an immersive tour of Constitution Hill, including the Old Fort, Women’s Jail, Number Four, and the Constitutional Court. Learn how this site reflects the country’s journey from injustice to democracy and why the court’s location here is so meaningful.

Later, explore Soweto Township on a guided walking or cycling tour. Visit key historical landmarks, hear stories of the student uprisings, and see the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, gaining deeper insight into the individuals and communities that shaped modern South Africa.

Day 4 – Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Depart Johannesburg and travel to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, where your safari adventure begins. After arriving at the lodge and enjoying lunch, head out on your first game drive in search of the Big Five. As the sun sets, experience the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day 5 – Karongwe Private Game Reserve & Panorama Route

Rise early for a morning game drive, when wildlife is most active and big cats may be returning from their nighttime hunts. Later in the day, explore the breathtaking Panorama Route, located along the dramatic Drakensberg escarpment. Highlights include Blyde River Canyon—one of the largest canyons in the world—along with God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels. Return to the reserve in the evening.

Day 6 – Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Begin the day with another early-morning game drive, continuing your search for the Big Five. Later, enjoy time at the lodge to relax and take in the surrounding wilderness. In the afternoon and evening, head out on a final game drive, offering a different perspective as nocturnal animals begin to emerge.

Day 7 – Cape Town

Transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, where sweeping panoramic views showcase the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. This evening, enjoy dinner at the vibrant V&A Waterfront, with time to explore its shops and harbor views.

Day 8 – Cape Peninsula

Travel along one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes today. Visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, home to a colony of African penguins, before continuing along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point, the southwestern tip of the African continent. Explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve and ride the funicular to the historic lighthouse, taking in dramatic ocean views along the way.

Day 9 – Whale Watching, Bo-Kaap & Cape Malay Cuisine

This morning, enjoy a land-based whale watching experience along the Cape coastline, where southern right whales are often seen breaching and gliding just offshore (seasonal). Learn about their migration patterns and conservation efforts from your guide.

In the afternoon, explore the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood on foot, known for its rich cultural history and vibrant architecture. Later, participate in a hands-on Cape Malay cooking experience, learning to prepare traditional dishes while hearing the stories behind this unique culinary tradition.

Day 10 – Cape Winelands & Farewell Dinner

Today is devoted to the renowned Cape Winelands. Travel through rolling vineyards to visit select wineries in regions such as Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Enjoy guided wine tastings, learn about South Africa’s wine-making heritage, and savor leisurely lunches paired with local vintages.

This evening, return to Cape Town for a farewell dinner, celebrating your journey through South Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, history, and culture.

Day 11 - Departure Day
Depart Cape Town for your return flight to the US.

Day 12 - Arrival Day
Arrival into the US.