SOUTH AFRICA
10 Days and 8 nights: (4 nights Cape Town, 4 nights Johannesburg)
PLUS Optionals – 2 nights Sun City or 2 nights Mini Safari
Follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela as you visit South Africa. Nobody belongs here more than you do!
There is perhaps no other continent as diverse as Africa. As you journey there, you will see why Africa immediately–and permanently–carves a special place in your heart.
This special tour will follow the footsteps of Mandela from Robben’s Island where he was incarcerated for 27 years to his miraculous rise to President of South Africa. Visit the Mandela museum in Soweto, a small township outside of Johannesburg where he lived. The tapestry of images which unfold are almost impossible to describe.
For those with a few more days, take an optional 3 day/2 night stay to Sun City, the “Las Vegas” style fun resort. Or a Mini-Safari at the Pillanesberg Game Reserve
Make the ultimate journey… come to Africa.
Inclusions:
- Round-trip transfers between airport and hotels
- Accommodations in 4 star hotels
- hotel taxes & service charges at the hotel
- Porterage at hotels and airports
- Welcome drink and tour briefing
- Breakfasts every day
- Lunch and 4 Dinners as per itinerary
- Sightseeing tour as per itinerary including entrance fees
- Local guides for sightseeing
- Township Sightseeing tour
Added Features:
- “Welcome to South Africa” dinner
- “Walk to Freedom” Tour
- Visits to Townships
- Certificate to commemorate your visit to Cape Hope
- Optional Tours to Sun City or Pilanesberg Game Reserve Mini-Safari
Featured Hotels or similar on Basic Tour:
- Cape Town: The Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel
- Johannesburg: Holiday Inn Garden Court
Featured Hotels or similar on Optional Tours:
- Sun City: The Cascades Hotel
- Pilanesberg Game Reserve Ivory Tree Lodge
Sample Itinerary
Day 1. To South Africa
Depart for your overnight flight to Cape Town. Note: African American Journeys will be happy to assist you with your flight plans.
Day 2. To Cape Town – Tour Begins (D)
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you will have time to relax followed by a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Day 3. In Cape Town & Robben Island (B)
This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a morning tour of Table Mountain and unforgettable sweeping views of the fairest Cape (weather permitting) as you enjoy visibility over some 40 miles and take a close look at the city below through numerous telescopes. Descend from the upper Cableway station to continue to the heart of Cape Town’s city center where you will have a 4-hour cruise to Robin Island. Robben Island was a place of banishment for slaves, political and religious leaders, leprosy sufferers, the sick and the mentally disturbed. Nelson Mandela former president of South Africa spent many years imprisoned on this island. We visit the maximum security and you have the opportunity to interact with an ex-political prisoner. After your cruise you may wish to stay at the harbor and explore on your own before returning to your hotel on your own. Dinner on your own.
Day 4. In Cape Town- Township “Walk to Freedom” & Cape Winelands (B/L/D)
Depart for your full day Township and the Cape Winesland. The day starts with a morning tour that will offer a wealth of insight into South African history as you look at the legacy of the struggle and the promise of reconstruction. You will have an opportunity to talk to local people, visit their homes and enjoy time in a Shebeen as well as see the Bo Kaap, District Six Museum (if open that day), a local market plus a traditional local healer. After lunch at at Lord Neetlingshof you continue South Africa’s wine country including tastings at local wine farms with Cape Dutch buildings, green vineyards and cozy cellars. Continue to the spectacular vineyard covered valleys and along scenic country roads to Stellenbosch, the second oldest European settlement in South Africa which has some of the best preserved historical buildings in South Africa. The scenery is combined with a wine tasting and cellar tour plus the opportunity to purchase the local wines. Reeturn to our hotel for dinner
Day 5. In Cape Town – Cape Point Excursion (B/L/D)
Depart for a full day tour of Cape Point and the Wine region. Depart for Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve along one of South Africa’s most scenic and popular routes, passing Hout Bay and enjoying the dramatic views from Chapman’s Peak Drive. Cape Point, where (by tradition) the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, is the highlight where you will receive a certificate to commemorate your visit. There will also be a half-hour cruise to “Seal Island” or for the not so adventurous the fish market “Mariners Wharf” is a must. Stop for a seafood lunch at a local restaurant called the Black Marlin.Return to Cape Town with the last stop of the day at the Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, home of some 3 500 species of Southern African fauna and flora. Dinner today is at Hildebrand Restaurant.
Day 6. To Johannesburg (B/D)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town Airport to connect on your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your Sandton hotel, situated in the affluent northern suburbs of Johannesburg. After checking in, you will have time to freshen up before you depart on a city tour of Johannesburg as you drive through the northern suburbs of Saxonwold, Houghton and Parktown, to the hustle and bustle of Hillbrow, home to African immigrants from all over the continent. Stop to visit Constitution Hill (closed on Saturday afternoons & Sundays), the new home of the Constitutional Court of South Africa which is built on the site of the “Old Fort” that later became a notorious prison. At the Carlton Centre in the heart of downtown Johannesburg, take the elevator to the enclosed viewing deck on the 50th floor. Time permitting, your next stop is the Museum Africa (closed on Mondays) in the Newtown Cultural Precinct. Here a variety of exhibits tell the fascinating story of Johannesburg, from the Iron Age, through the discovery of gold in 1886, right up to the first democratic elections of 1994. From here continue across the Nelson Mandela Bridge into the business district of Braamfontein, then past the University of the Witwatersrand to Fordsburg with its Oriental Plaza and Mosque. Along the elevated M1 or M2 motorways which provide spectacular views of the Johannesburg skyline. Return to your hotel for dinner.
Day 7. In Johannesburg with an excursion to Soweto (B/D)
Depart for your half day tour to Soweto, the South Western Township. Soweto is a sprawling metropolis ofmore than 3.5 million people, a city synonymous with South Africa’s turbulent past and its hope for the future. Soweto is a multi-cultural composite of South Africa today. Peek into the past, the hostels, Freedom Square, the struggle for liberty. Tread the paths to greatness taken by Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. Stand on the only road in the world which carries the honor of the two recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Tour includes a full view of Soweto from the vicinity of the Chris Hani Hospital, visits to African merchants of traditional medicines, a typical four roomed dwelling, an informal settlement, a pre-school, a senior citizen center, affluent neighborhoods and a typical Shebeen (African drinking house). Lunch on your own before driving back to the hotel. Enjoy remainder of afternoon at leisure for independent activities. Dinner at your hotel
Day 8. In Johannesburg with excursion to the Apartheid Museum & Gold Reef City (B)
Depart this morning for the Apartheids Museum that provides you with an opportunity to take an in-depth look at South Africa’s turbulent past (closed on Mondays). The Apartheids Museum opened its doors in 2002. Here visitors embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines the story of apartheid right up to the first democratic elections held in 1994. Then continue to Gold Reef City. The name Johannesburg is synonymous with South Africa’s gold-mining industry; after all, this is the city that was founded way back in 1886 as a miner’s village on the Witwatersrand goldfields. Today, the Gold Reef City theme park and museum – built around the original No.14 shaft of Crown Mines – recreates the city of Johannesburg as it was during the early days of the gold rush. On arrival you will meet your guide, who will conduct your tour through the complex. You’ll delight in the myths and magic of gold, the glimpse into the lifestyle of those early pioneers, the excitement of travelling 600 feet below the surface to see first-hand how precious gold is extracted from the earth and then watching the liquid yellow metal being poured into ingots. Enjoy the remarkable recreation of Victorian Johannesburg and the legendary characters that featured in the world’s greatest gold discovery. The afternoon is free for shopping or exploring on your own before returning to your hotel. Dinner on your own.
Day 9. In Johannesburg with excursion to Pretoria (B/D)
Depart on a half day tour of The City of Tshwane, formerly known as Pretoria, which is north of Johannesburg and provides a complete contrast to the City of Gold. South Africa’s administrative capital was founded in 1855 and named after the Voortrekker leader, Andries Pretorius. Often referred to as the “Jacaranda City”, this nickname refers to the thousands of trees lining the streets, their purple blossoms heralding the approach of summer each October. Your tour begins with a visit to the Voortrekker Monument, a striking memorial built to honour the early pioneers. Then continue to the central part of the city which has retained the name of Pretoria, visiting Kruger House Museum and Church Square, where the statue of Paul Kruger looks down on the passers-by. Melrose House is a classic example of a Victorian suburban townhouse and a visit can also be included, subject to time permitting (closed on Mondays). You then continue to the imposing Union Building, which houses the offices of the State President, Deputy President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Your stop here provides an impressive view over the city and completes the tour. The afternoon is free for shopping or exploring on your own. Your farewell dinner tonight is at the The Butchers Shop & Grill.
Day 10. Tour Ends (B)
Breakfast at your hotel. The morning is free to relax or do some last minute shopping before transferring to Johannesburg International Airport where you will depart for your return flight home.
OPTIONAL 3 Day/2 night Tours
TOUR # 1 – SUN CITY
Day 10, To Sun City (B)
Depart by coach to Sun City. Drive through the countryside to Sun City Resort. Away from the routine hustle and bustle of life, the North-West Province is an escape route to the real Africa. Nature has blessed this Province with breathtaking scenic beauty, rolling fields of maize, golden sunflowers and vast plains of African bushveld. The long hours of daylight in the sun-kissed Province provides the ideal backdrop for enjoyment of outdoor attractions – superb game reserves, magnificent golf courses, water-sports and sporting facilities. Sun City is a spectacular recreational, entertainment and gambling resort. Take in a show. Try your luck at the casino or dance the night away at one of the supper clubs. Dinner on your own.
Day 11. In Sun City (B)
Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Sun City. Late afternoon meet for a game drive in open 4×4 safari vehicles in the Pilansberg National Park, South Africa’s third largest national park which is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino & buffalo) as well as a variety of other wildlife. After a game drive you will transfer to the hotel for another fun-filled evening in Sun City.
Day 12. In Sun City, To Johannesburg and Home – Tour Ends (B)
Breakfast at your hotel. The morning is free to relax by the pool or do some last minute shopping before transferring to Johannesburg International Airport where you will depart for your return flight home.
TOUR # 2- PILANESBURG NATIONAL PARK – Mini Safari
Day 10, To Pilanesburg National Park (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer to Pilansberg National Park, a transfer of approximately 2 hours. Pilanesberg Game Reserve is in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province, adjacent to Sun City. The park is home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s “Big Five”. A wide variety of rare and common species exist like the nocturnal brown hyaena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention but a few. Following lunch at the lodge, you’ll set out for an afternoon game drive, followed by dinner at the Ivory Tree Lodge
Day 11, In Pilanesburg National Park (B/L/D)
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. Lunch at the lodge.
Afternoon game drive.
Dinner at the lodge.
Day 12, In Pilanesburg National Park. Afternoon transfer to Airport – Tour Ends (B)
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge.
Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport where you will depart for your return flight home.
This is a sample itinerary we could use to help plan a tour for your group.
For more information, please go to: http://africanamericanjourneys.com/form-your-own-group-travel-free