Experience South Africa
Program Dates: June 27 - July 7, 2025
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure Day
Board your flight bound for South Africa!
Day 2 - Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg. Meet your local Travel Director and transfer to your hotel for check-in. This evening, enjoy your group welcome dinner.
Day 3 - Johannesburg
This morning, set off on an immersive tour and discover the cultural and political history of Johannesburg. Explore Constitution Hill – the Old Fort, the Women's Jail, Number Four and the Constitutional Court. You’ll learn about the precinct’s complex history, its mutations through time, the humiliations and injustices to which its inmates were subjected, and why the court’s presence in this place is so meaningful. Later, set out on a bicycle tour of Soweto Township. Your guide will highlight many of Soweto’s historical landmarks and share anecdotes of the student uprisings and visit the former home of Nelson Mandela, and home of Bishop Desmond Tutu.
Days 4 - Karongwe Private Game Reserve
This morning, you’ll depart Johannesburg for the Karongwe Private Game Reserve to start your 3-day safari adventure. After you arrive at the lodge, you’ll have lunch and then set out on your first game drive in search of the Big 5!
Days 5 - Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Wake up early to join your first morning game drive, when the temperatures are still cool and the animals are active. Keep your eyes open for big cats returning from their hunts! Later today, you’ll go on a tour of the Panorama Route, which is set high on the towering Drakesberg Mountain range, you’ll see the Blyde River Canyon, one of the biggest canyons in the world and other breathtaking sites such as Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the three Rondawels.
Days 6 - Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Start your day with another morning game drive, and try to check all the Big 5 off your list! Later today, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with an anti-poaching organization who’s mission it is to protect the wildlife in South Africa, or visit a local school to meet with students and their teachers to learn more about their education system. Later today, go out on an another afternoon/evening game drive to see what animals you see at night, that you can’t spot in the morning.
Did You Know?
You will have the opportunity to see all kinds of wildlife in South Africa…elephants, giraffes, lions…but did you know that in the early 1980’s two pairs of African penguins showed up at Boulders Beach, along the Cape Town peninsula, and made it their home. Today, there are thousands of penguins at Boulders Beach!
Day 7 - Cape Town
This morning, transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Cape Town. This afternoon, take a cable car to the top of the Table Mountain. Enjoy a 360° panoramic views of the city of Cape Town and its surrounding natural wonders. This evening, have dinner at the V&A Waterfront.
Day 8 - Cape Town
This morning drive out to Boulders Beach in Simons Town, a striking sheltered coastline, home to the region’s famous penguin colony. Later, continue on a scenic drive around Chapmans Peak and on to Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of the African continent. This afternoon, explore Cape Point Reserve and the take the Funicular to visit the lighthouse on the summit, and take in the breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 9 - Cape Town
This morning, visit Robben Island to uncover the truth about the notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held for over twenty years. Gain a fascinating, firsthand glimpse into the realities of what went on here on a tour conducted by former inmates. This afternoon do a walking tour of the Bo Kaap, a neighborhood of Cape Town with rich and multicultural history. Later, be fully immersive in a social and cultural experience combining a walking tour, hands-on cooking workshop which will introduce you to the food, culture and traditions of the Cape Malay's of Bo-Kaap.
Day 10 - Cape Town
Today is a day of giving back to the people of Cape Town. You will take part in a philanthropic tour and visit local community projects where you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to a variety of community projects. This rare opportunity allows you to interact with local people and nonprofit organizations fighting for worthy and valuable causes in South Africa. Help out at a women’s skills workshop, animal protection center, refugee training center, or youth development center—there are so many great ways to make a difference. Tonight, enjoy your Farewell Dinner with an authentic Djembe Drumming Experience.
Day 11 - Departure Day
Depart Cape Town for your return flight to the US, or extend your stay to Zimbabwe (see details here!)
Day 12 - Arrival Day
Arrival into the US.
What’s Included:
Roundtrip Airfare from Detroit
Accommodations
Teacher-Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Daily Breakfast and Dinner, Select Lunches
All Attractions and Activities
Guided Sightseeing by Local Expert Guides
All Tips and Gratuities
24-Hour Support
All Taxes and Fees
