Sherrie Thomas

Global Gifts Travel

Grace of the Motherland

Nov 2, 2021 to Nov 11, 2021
South Africa

If you'll be the only one submitting the deposit and/or payments on behalf of everyone staying in your room please provide everyone's name, date of birth and gender, otherwise only their names are required.  If submitting the name and date of birth for others please verify the information before submitting your registration.
All roommates paying their own deposit must register so we're able to secure your reservation. 

What's Included:

  • Onsite Host
  • 2 Night Luxury Accommodations in Johannesburg
  • 3 Night Accommodations at Hazyview Kruger National Park
  • 4 Night Luxury Accommodations in Cape Town 
  • Daily Breakfast (with additional meals included throughout the stay)
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Private Airport Transfers in Johannesburg and Cape Town
  • Welcome Cocktail Mixer
  • All Tours Included





What's NOT Included:

  1. Travel insurance (please accept or decline below)
  2. International Airfare 
  3. Gratuities
  4. Items of personal effect





Itinerary:

Day 1 (Johannesburg): Welcome to South Africa! Upon our arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, we will be met by our English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel.  Depending on our flight schedule, during the transfer to the hotel, we will stop en-route to visit Constitution Hill (entrance to Court and Old Fort Prison included).  Upon arrival to the hotel, we will engage in a Welcome Cocktail Mixer.  Get some rest, tomorrow the true adventure begins!  WELCOME TO THE MOTHERLAND!

Day 2 (Johannesburg & Soweto):  After Breakfast, we will departure to Soweto. You know the name. It is a legend. SOWETO, acronym for South Western Township, and is home to over 2 million people, who, despite living in crowded and chaotic conditions, have a tangible sense of community!  On our way to Soweto, we'll stop at the Nelson Mandela Statue in Sandton.  Inside Soweto, we'll visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and discover the cause of the tragic riots that led to his death.  Our journey continues to Regina Mundi Church, the site of many secret underground meetings of the banned political parties, and the Mandela House.  We'll drive pass by Vilakazi Street and have Lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto.  We will continue our tour with the visit of the Apartheid Museum. Soweto is unique and unlike any other suburb, due to its importance in the history of South African struggle.  Finally, we will return to our hotel and enjoy the evening at our leisure.

Day 3 (Johannesburg):  After Breakfast, we will explore the Panoramic Route, known for its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, see the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window viewpoint, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, and Bourkes Luck Potholes then enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant.  We will arrive at our accommodations overlooking the Sabie River. Here we will have some free time before Dinner to relax in the extensive gardens in a hammock by the pool or watching hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife congregate at the river. Hippo Hollow has one of the most spectacular settings in Mpumalanga, situated on the banks of the Sabie River, just 2km outside Hazyview, and within easy reach of the Kruger National Park. It has a timeless “out of Africa” feel. 

Day 4 (Hazyview - Kruger National Park): It's GAME DAY!! After Breakfast, we will depart for a Full-Day, open-vehicle Game Drive in Kruger Park which includes a Picnic/BBQ Lunch in the park.  Encompassing nearly two million hectares and fourteen different ecosystems, Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle safari through Kruger National Park. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, 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.  Tonight we will return to the lodge and enjoy dinner and an evening at our leisure.

Day 5 (Hazyview - Kruger National Park, Continued):  After Breakfast, it's another Full-Day open-vehicle Game Drive in Kruger Park, including Lunch at a rest camp restaurant.  This evening, get ready, get ready, get ready!!  We will immerse ourselves in a feast of culture with a night of Shangaan dance and an unforgettable African Dinner!

Day  6 (Cape Town):  After Breakfast and according to our flight schedule, we will take a private transfer to the airport for our flight to Cape Town.  Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, we will be met by our English-speaking representative and transferred to our hotel. We will have lunch and dinner on our own while enjoying an evening at our leisure.

Day 7 (Cape Town/Robben Island):  After Breakfast, we will depart for a Half-Day guided Tour to Robben Island.  Then we'll have a Private transfer to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and ferry terminal. We will board the ferry to visit Robben Island (weather permitting).  Formerly a political prison and a leper colony.  The historic landmark of Robben Island was recently established as a museum, national monument and world heritage site. We will experience the conditions of incarceration - view Nelson Mandela's maximum security prison cell (Cell 5) and see the lime quarries. In the one, hard labor was served, in the other prisoners discussed strategy, freedom and the future. During the tour, we will have the opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbor precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.  We will return to the waterfront and enjoy some free time for lunch (not included).  The remainder of day is free at our leisure.  This evening, (if you chose this option as an add-on), we will enjoy Dinner & Kaapse Stories at Rockwell Theatre.  The one and only Cape show, Kaapse Stories from the Mother City, is played at this vibrant Cape themed dinner theatre venue in Greenpoint, transporting the audience into the colorful and exciting world of the Cape, paired with a great spectrum of the wonderful culinary delights that Cape Town has to offer.  Local theatre legend, Basil Apollis directs the show. With the unique humor, intoxicating rhythms and soulful songs that celebrate the challenges and triumphs of the people of Cape Town, this quality entertainment experience gives you an inspiring insight into the Rainbow Nation of Cape Town told through the stories of the Kleintjies family. 

Day 8 (Cape Town)After Breakfast, we will meet our guide and depart for a Cape Malay Cooking Safari (4 hours).  Our walk through the historic Malay quarter of Cape Town will take us through its nooks and crannies, its legends and secrets, as we hunt for the sources of those wonderful aromas and discover the distinctive cuisine of the Cape Malay community. Then, enjoy a “Hands-On” cooking session in a Bo-Kaap family home. We will learn how to mix Masala, fold Samoosas, and how to balance the delicate flavors of a Cape Malay Curry while enjoying a glass of faloodah (a traditional, lightly rose-scented milk drink). Then, it is time to sit back, relax, and appreciate our handwork as we dig into a full course Cape Malay meal.  After lunch, we will transfer to the Table Mountain aerial cableway and enjoy dramatic views of the Cape Peninsula (weather permitting).  We will return to Cape Town and take in a tour of the City.  Upon arrival back to our hotel, we will enjoy the evening at our leisure. 

Day 9 (Cape Town & Peninsula)After Breakfast, our private guide will take us on a Full-Day Peninsula Tour.  We will drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbor of Hout Bay. Embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise. Wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath-taking ocean views, before visiting 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. (Cape Point Funicular included).  After lunch (not included), we'll meander back along the historical naval port of Simon’s Town, and the endearing penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach.  

As a tribute to the end of an AMAZING, CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY OF THE MOTHERLAND, we will be graced with a Farewell Dinner with Drumming at Gold Restaurant.  

Day 10 (Cape Town): After Breakfast, this is where our journey winds down!  Check-out is usually between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, but we can still leave our luggage at the hotel and continue enjoying the city at our leisure until our transfer to the airport in the evening.  According to our flight schedule, we will have a private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for our journey back home!





Payment Details & Deadlines:


Deposit $250 per person (Solo Travelers $500)

Final payment due on or before July 15, 2021.

Cancellation Policy:

Global Gifts Travel will waive all cancellation fees for this event as all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.


Travel Document Requirement:

All participants must have a valid United States passport.

Visa will be issued upon arrival in Johannesburg


Hazardous Material Disclosure:

Federal law forbids the carriage of certain hazardous materials, such as aerosols, fireworks, and flammable liquids, aboard the aircraft. If you do not understand these restrictions, contact your airline or go to http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/hazmat_safety.


Travel Protection:

Travel protection is not mandatory however this trip is NON-REFUNDABLE.  Travel Protection is highly recommended to help protect your investment and can be added at the time you secure your deposit or at any point PRIOR to the date of final payment.  

Travel protection is NOT included in the rate and is an additional cost that will become due at the time it is added to our total cost.  Insurance should ideally include ALL upfront expenses for your trip i.e. airfare, hotel stay etc. However, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions you should consider obtaining travel insurance within 14 days of securing your trip. To get an immediate quote, please 
click here.


Global Gifts Travel Terms and Conditions:

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.



Available Packages

Single Occupancy (I am a solo traveler)
Unavailable as of July 15, 2020

$3,490.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Double Occupancy (I will have one (1) roommate)
Unavailable as of July 15, 2020

$2,990.00
Deposit: $250.00 per person

Extra Options

Dinner & Kaapse Stories at Rockwell Theatre
Unavailable as of July 15, 2020

$95.00
Deposit: $50.00

The one and only Cape show, Kaapse Stories from the Mother City, is played at this vibrant Cape themed dinner theatre venue in Greenpoint, transporting the audience into the colourful and exciting world of the Cape, paired with a great spectrum of the wonderful culinary delights that Cape Town has to offer.

Local theatre legend, Basil Apollis directs the show. With the unique humour, intoxicating rhythms and soulful songs that celebrate the challenges and triumphs of the people of Cape Town, this quality entertainment experience gives you an inspiring insight into the Rainbow Nation of Cape Town told through the stories of the Kleintjies family.