Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa
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Arrival Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Welcome to South Africa! With its endless coastline, mountains, rivers, and cities, South Africa is a magical place where no traveler can go wrong.

Upon arrival, you may proceed to the hotel and check in. You'll spend the evening relaxing or, if you're ready to begin exploring, finding your way around Cape Town.

Accommodation: Observatory Backpackers or similar

Day 2: Cape Town, South Africa
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After eating breakfast at the hostel, you will visit Robben Island, the Castle of Good Hope, and Table Mountain. The tour commences with a ferry trip across the bay to Robben Island. From the 17th to the 20th centuries, Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and museum, a poignant reminder of the price paid for freedom. Upon return to the mainland, we’ll enjoy a drive through Bo-Kaap to discover how the Malay slaves influenced the culture, food, and aesthetics of this beautiful city and its people.

After lunch, you’ll enjoy an afternoon on your own (or, if you desire, you can add on a guided tour). Check the itinerary for recommended activities and sightseeing!

Accommodation: Observatory Backpackers or similar

Day 3: Johannesburg, South Africa
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After breakfast, you'll head to the airport to catch your flight to Johannesburg. Enjoy a tasty dinner at a local restaurant or at your hotel as you get settled in at your new destination. Upon landing, your driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

You'll spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful and historical city of Johannesburg.

Accommodation: Villa Schreiner Guest House or similar

Day 4: Hazyview, South Africa
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After breakfast, you will pack your bags and begin your drive to your next destination: Hazyview. It's the ideal location to experience Kruger National Park and its stunning scenery and magnificent wildlife. Along the way, we will stop for a lunch break, trying mouth-watering dishes at a local restaurant.

Once you have arrived, you will enjoy a free afternoon to explore your new accommodation — a safari camp — and its surroundings, since the camp is situated on the banks of the iconic Sabie River.

You'll enjoy a tasty dinner before getting to bed early! You have a long, but absolutely incredible, day ahead of you tomorrow.

Accommodation: Campsite

Day 5: Kruger National Park, South Africa
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This morning, you will start our first day of safari! You will be picked up from your camp and head to the Phabeni Gate for entrance to the park.

You will then embark on a drive through Kruger National Park, which is a hive of activity at sunrise. This enormous and magnificent park is one of the most popular game parks in the world. Its density of permanent game is unrivaled with hundreds of different species: 507 birds, 336 trees, 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 49 fish, and 34 amphibians!

After heading to camp for the evening, you'll eat a delicious dinner, relax, and enjoy an evening under the stars.

Accommodation: Campsite

Day 6: Kruger National Park, South Africa
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We'll get another early start, eating breakfast at camp and then departing for another morning game drive. After a few hours of spotting wildlife, we'll stop at a rest camp for lunch.

After lunch, we will continue exploring in the park, which is home to the magnificent “Big Five” animals of the world, as well as a host of others. Our qualified guides will undoubtedly enhance the experience with their deep understanding of the bush and the animals’ movement and identification. You’ll not only relish the experience of being in the Kruger environment, but you’ll leave with gems of info you’d never have known before.

We'll enjoy dinner at camp and then sleep soundly after our exhilarating adventure!

Accommodation: Campsite

Day 7: Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
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After breakfast, it is time to embark on your day trip to Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrim’s Rest. Today will be a full day of discovery, allowing you to take in the beauty of the Mpumalanga region in South Africa. You will depart from Hazyview and travel northward through the little town of Graskop. Your first stop is at either at the Lisbon Falls or the Berlin Falls. The Berlin Falls, likened to the shape of a giant candle, cascade from the center of a sheer cliff that stands roughly 260 feet (80 meters) tall. The Lisbon Falls lie in the Lisbon Creek just north of Graskop, sending water churning downward from a height of 310 feet (94 meters).

Later, you'll continue to the Three Rondavels for a spectacular view over the Blyde River Canyon. Shaped like traditional African beehive huts, the Three Rondavels form three pinnacles of rock rising above the canyon. After enjoying the spectacular and humbling views at God’s Window, you’ll continue back to Graskop, where the tour will stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants.

The day ends with a visit to the historical mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest. You will have the opportunity to visit the Printing Museum, the House Museum, the Dredzen Shop Museum, Alanglade House Museum, and the Diggings Site Museum. There is also an opportunity to try your hand at gold panning (additional charge).

In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner at your campsite.

Accommodation: Campsite

Day 8: Johannesburg, South Africa
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It's time to return to Johannesburg, where you'll enjoy your final full day in South Africa! Upon arriving to the city, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. Take time to immerse yourself in your breath-taking surroundings, and remember to capture some unforgettable moments on camera.

You'll enjoy dinner at the hotel, then have the rest of the evening to do as you please.

Accommodation: Villa Schreiner Guest House or similar

Day 9: Johannesburg, South Africa / USA
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After breakfast, you'll pack your bags, check out, and depart to catch your flight back home at the Johannesburg International Airport. It's time to say good-bye to South Africa — but we hope you'll make it back to this beautiful country later on!

Departure Airport: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

+ What vaccinations should I get before my trip?

It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information before departing for Africa. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. We can provide some general guidance on what websites to check, but these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.

+ Can you help arrange my travel visas?

If you are an American traveler joining this trip, you will not need a visa to visit South Africa. If you are a citizen of another country, please use VisaHQ to verify the visa requirements for your travel plans.

In any case, please verify that your passport will have at least six months' remaining validity throughout your entire stay in South Africa.

+ Do your tours include international airfare?

Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours, and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.

+ When is the best time to see animals in South Africa?

The winter dry season in South Africa occurs between May and October. This is when game viewing is at its best, especially in the hotter, drier months at the end of the season. Thirsty animals congregate at waterholes, trees are often bare, and vegetation is sparse, combining to make it much easier to spot wildlife.

+ I'm a solo traveler — will I be charged a single supplement?

We are happy to accommodate single travelers! Please note that we will add a single supplement charge to your trip cost. We look forward to putting together your dream trip!