SOUTH AFRICA 2024

 

Itinerary:

MARCH 02, 2024

DAY 01            ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

On arrival at OR Tambo, Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) - your group will be greeted by the local guide and then will transfer to the hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax after the long flight.

 

Overnight in Johannesburg at Sandton Hilton - Deluxe Rooms (2 Nights)

 

MARCH 03, 2024

DAY 02            JOHANNESBURG – FULL DAY JOURNEY TO FREEDOM TOUR          (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel and then set out for a full day tour.

This morning you will start with a tour of Soweto. You know the name. It is a legend. SOWETO, acronym for South Western Township, is home to over 2 million people, who, despite living in crowded and chaotic conditions, have a tangible sense of community, one which ironically, the ordered, walled, elitist northern suburbs lack. Many South Africans gave much, some gave all, to achieve a truly democratic South Africa. Come with us on this full day tour which shares some of the journey, pain and struggle of those heroes. Our day begins at the Kliptown open air Museum then on to Hector Pieterson Museum, where we start to unravel the cause of the devastating riots, before travelling past Mandela House, where you have the option of visiting this small museum. Our next significant stop is the fascinating Regina Mundi Church, site of so many of the underground meetings of the then banned political parties. Standing in here, you can feel the tension; picture the intensity, the strain on the faces of those unthinkably brave souls, committed at any cost to changing the way of life of a nation. After drive by Mandela House. Soweto is unlike a suburb you have ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African Story.

We’ve chosen to lunch in Soweto at a local restaurant, the Sakhumzi’s Restaurant.Sakhumzi Restaurant is located in Soweto – the largest black township in South Africa. Vilakazi Street, the tourist Mecca of Soweto, is where Sakhumzi opens its doors to anyone and everyone – from locals, to tourists and even corporate groups. Sakhumzi is a restaurant with true ‘kasi’ flavour. Kasi, meaning township – a vibrant community welcoming everyone in for lively local tunes and authentic home cooked Soweto food. Afterwards visit the legendary Apartheid Museum. This is an interactive voyage of discovery, one which takes you from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release. The Apartheid Museum is a multimedia experience, with documentary film snippets, texts, sound clips and live accounts, recapturing life in the dark days of South Africa. It’s a fascinating tour, filled with tales of bravery and sadness, but ultimately, it’s a story with the right ending. Soweto is unlike a suburb you have ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African Story.

 

Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

 

 

                              

MARCH 04, 2024

DAY 03            TRAVEL TO PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK - SAFARI GAME DRIVE (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel and then check out. Group will travel overland Pilanesburg National Park

 

The lodge is located in the Pilanesberg National Park, on the slopes of a 2-billion-year-old ancient volcanic crater, and is a sought-after wildlife destination in a malaria-free zone.  The park is home to the big five and only 2 hours from Johannesburg. The unique biosphere of the Pilanesberg National Park is home to one of the country’s most famous wildlife areas. This well-stocked reserve has a dramatic landscape that supports a wide variety of plants, animals and birds.

 

On Arrival, group will check into the lodge and enjoy lunch before setting off for an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge and relax by the pool before enjoying dinner in the wonderful restaurant.

 

Ivory Tree Game Lodge lies in the heart of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The reserve is set within the crater of an ancient volcano – one of the largest of a very rare formation. This ancient configuration comes hand-in-hand with various indicators of the presence of early man in the region. This is showcased through the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the Park. This exquisite Pilanesberg lodge offers you a variety of room options and is the perfect place for private luxury by offering a plunge-pool on the private patio atop all its other fantastic offerings. Looking for a little adventure too? At Ivory Tree Game Lodge – adventurous outdoor activities include quad biking, archery, airguns, and more as optional extras

 

Overnight in Pilanesburg at Ivory Tree Game Lodge, standard room (2 Nights)

 

MARCH 05, 2024

DAY 04            PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK - SAFARI GAME DRIVES                  (B, L, D)

All Meals and two game drives included today.

 

Ivory Tree uses custom built 10 seater open vehicles for game viewers which permit maximum all around visibility. The park is home to a wide variety of general game including the Big 5, in addition both species of rhino occur, namely black and white, and cheetah and wild dog. Each group of guests is assigned a personal guide who is tasked with interpreting the sights and sounds of the African bush. Your guide is always around to ensure that you remain comfortable during your stay with us.

 

 

 

MARCH 06, 2024

DAY 05            FLY TO CAPE TOWN                     (B)

Set out for a morning game drive. Return to the lodge for breakfast at the lodge and then check out and drive back to Johannesburg where you will be dropped off at the airport to connect with your onward flight to Cape Town. 

 

On arrival at Cape Town, your group will be met and transferred to hotel for check in.

 

Cape Town is located in the southwest corner of South Africa near the Cape of Good Hope. With its unrivalled natural beauty, Cape Town is certainly a highlight of Southern Africa. Originally intended as a supply station for Dutch ships en route to Eastern Africa, India and the Far East, by 1652, Cape Town had become the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. As time passed other settlements were created, yet the Cape Colony looked to Cape Town as its economic and cultural hub. With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world; an eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past and the more functional demands of the 20th Century. Cobblestone streets, mosques and the flat roofed pastel homes of the Malay quarter enhance a cosmopolitan ambience and in a recent development, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century. At the end of the day, gourmets and lovers of sophisticated entertainment have a treat in store as the choice for your evening's repast is vast

 

Overnight in Cape Town at Commodore Hotel, standard room (4 Nights)

 

 

 

MARCH 07, 2024

DAY 06            CAPE TOWN – TABLE MOUNTAIN& DUNES QUAD BIKING               (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and then group will be picked up for a tour to Table Mountain and Dunes Quad Biking.

 

Transfer to Table Mountain and arrive at the Cableway. You will be taken to ride on a cable car to the summit of legendary Table Mountain (weather dependant) for a view of the city and the surrounding layout of the southernmost tip of Africa. This is a great place to take photos of the city and ocean below.

 

After transfer to Atlantis Dunes (about 45 minutes) and enjoy a one hour quad biking adventure. The Atlantis dunes located 50km outside of Cape Town, boasts over 20km² of sand based terrain. The guided tour take you through these open dunes that are very reminiscent of those found in the Namibian desert, with beautifully white sand and dunes undulated by the wind.  The one-hour long session shows you all the beauty of the dunes, in a fun and free flowing ride.

Note: You are provided with hairnets, helmets, and semi-automatic quad bikes which are regularly serviced. ​Due to the safety limits they only take 12 people at a time.

 

Return to Cape Town where you will be taken for lunch at a local restaurant at the V & A waterfront.

 

After lunch free time on own and return to hotel at leisure.

 

 

 

MARCH 08, 2024

DAY 07            FULL DAY PENINSULA TOUR                                                                      (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel and then group will be picked up for a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula.

 

Drive along Millionaires Paradise from Clifton to Camps Bay and llandudno, heading towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay for a short cruise (weather dependant). Wind along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath taking ocean views. You end up at the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. Once at Cape Point, you will have time to explore (funicular ticket included).

 

On the return, stop at in Simon’s town for lunch at Bertha’s restaurant. Relaxed, warm and informal with a cosmopolitan appeal it is a favourite place for visitors. Berthas Restaurant fronts the old Town Pier and boasts picturesque views across the yacht harbour and over False Bay, absolute water’s edge position, in the very heart of Simons Town. Here visit the penguins at Boulders Beach.

 

Later return to Cape Town for evening at leisure.

 

 

MARCH 09, 2024

DAY 08            FULL DAY WINELANDS TOUR                                                                    (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel and then group will be taken on a full day winelands tour.

 

Transfer to Franschhoek in the winelands region. Although there are over 70 wine growing regions around Cape Town, the Cape Wineland region usually refers to the three most popular, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional winelands region, and the heavenly scenery. The area’s rich with history, and we can’t help but feel it as we move through the region to experience a walking tour of Franschhoek town, drive by Huguenot Monument and a wine tasting at a Franschhoek wine estate, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. Next transfer to a Stellenbosch wine estate for a cellar tour, wine tasting and lunch ending the day with a Stellenbosch orientation tour before returning back to Cape Town. This evening is at your leisure

 

 

Later group will walk to the jetty at the V & A waterfront with their guide; check in for a 3 hour sunset cruise with a buffet dinner on the Tigger 2 Royale. Depart from the V&A Waterfront and enjoy a scenic bay cruise with stunning views of Table Mountain, Lions Head and Signal Hill as we cruise along the coastline, or out into Table Bay, to admire the spectacular Cape sunset. Then return to the mooring half an hour after sunset and enjoy a buffet dinner (Please note that dinner will be served at the mooring after sunset).

 

MARCH 10, 2024

DAY 09            DEPARTURE                                                                                                (B)

Cancellation policy: