Exploring South Africa,9 Days

Day 1: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

On arrival in Johannesburg the group will be met and transferred to Protea Hotel Balalaika a prestigious 5-star property.  Relax and unwind before the evening orientation.

Overnight at Protea Hotel Balalaika

Day 2: RISE TO FREEDOM TOUR/SOWETO/APARTHEID MUSEUM

  Full day “Rise to Freedom” tour to get an intimate understanding of South Africa’s turbulent past. Visit important monuments of South Africa as you learn about the history which once tore this country apart.  The tour includes a visit to Constitution Hill, a former prison where anti-Apartheid prisoners were held    but is now a museum. In Soweto you will visit:

• The Hector Petersen Memorial
• Regina Mundi Church
• Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
• Mandela’s House
• Freedom Square
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Protea Hotel Balalaika

Day 3: LESEDI CULTURAL VILLAGE/JOHANNESBURG

After breakfast finish city tour of Johannesburg, continue to Lesedi Cultural Village, a multicultural village set amongst rocky hills where the cultures, customs and traditions of four of South Africa’s tribes are brought to life.  Attend a presentation on the history and origin of the different ethnic groups and take a guided tour of the four replica homesteads in the village– Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho and Pedi. In the afternoon all the villages will perform their traditional songs and dances. Guests are invited to join in and display their artistic skills. A Pan African Feast is served in the Nyama Choma restaurant with delicacies from North, East and Southern Africa. Early evening return to your hotel in Johannesburg.  

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Protea Hotel Balalaika

Day 4: JOHANNESBURG /KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Early morning depart from Johannesburg for a scenic drive to Kruger National Park. On the way enjoy a short tour of Pretoria as you journey towards Mpumalanga. You will travel through historic towns before reaching Pilgrim’s Rest, where gold was first discovered. Arrive in Kruger late afternoon. Kruger National Park is situated in the heart of Mpumalanga. The park was established in 1889 and is bigger than the countries Wales or Israel. More than 146 mammal species, 507 bird species and 400 different tree types call this spectacular park home. Upon arrival check into your Lodge. We have time to explore the lodge before your first evening Game Drive. Late evening dinner after which you will have time to enjoy the magical sounds of the African night before retiring to your rooms.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Protea Hotel Kruger

Day 5: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Kruger National Park, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. Return to your lodge for breakfast and relaxation. We embark on an afternoon Game Drive to see if we can spot some more of the magnificent creatures that roam this area. Our Game Drive vehicles are radio linked to other vehicles in the Park so we can track the elusive “Big 5.”

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Protea Hotel Kruger

Day 6: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK/ CAPE TOWN

Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a morning safari in Kruger National Park—home to an extraordinary array of large mammals. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and perhaps elusive leopards as we explore this breathtaking wilderness. Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town.

Arrive in Cape Town where you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Southern Sun Waterfront

Day 7: TABLE MOUNTAIN/ROBBEN ISLAND

Early morning travel to the top of Table Mountain by cable car. The state‐of‐the‐art car rotates 360 degrees on its way to the top, offering a panoramic view of The City. At the summit take short walks enjoy the magnificent view of Cape Town. After Table Mountain return to Cape Town and take the ferry to Robben Island, the former prison where the late President Mandela spent many years – now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  This evening you can spend time visiting the V & A Waterfront, Africa’s largest shopping Mall.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Southern Sun Waterfront

Day 8: FULL DAY CAPE HIGHLIGHTS & TOWNSHIP

  Full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. You will drive along the scenic Atlantic Coast to Chapman’s Peak and Cape Point Nature Reserve where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden then admire the penguins on Boulders Beach and drive through the naval village of Simon’s Town on the way back to Cape Town. Arrive in Cape Town early evening. This evening go on a Cultural Tour of Cape Townships where you will have the opportunity to interact with residents of Langa, Cape Town’s oldest formal township. Here you will gain insights into the legacy of apartheid and the country’s struggle for democracy.  This evening a special dinner will be in arranged in a home.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at  Southern Sun Waterfront

Day 9: SHOPPING IN CAPE TOWN/ DEPART

After breakfast the rest of the morning is at leisure for shopping and individual activities.  Late afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home with a connection in Johannesburg.  

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast