A Safari Journey in South Africa

Arrive at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg. After clearing customs, security and baggage collection, we make our way to the International arrivals collection point. Transfer by private coach to Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa, check in to our guest house and have the afternoon at leisure. Lunch on our own at the guest house, or at restaurants that are in walking distance from the hotel. Enjoy the sunset and a light Welcome dinner in the beautiful gardens of the famous Union Buildings, the offices of the State President and his Ministers and designed by Sir Herbert Baker. This is where the Union of South Africa was formalized as well as the place where the first Democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated in 1994. Return to our guesthouse and overnight (D)

Breakfast at our guest house. Full day tour of Pretoria which includes a walking tour of Church Square, the center of the city and where 7 different architectural designs of the French Huguenots, the Dutch, British and French influences of South African history. This was the meeting place for all the farmers and business men around the city in the early 1900’s.

Enjoy a cup of coffee in the oldest bar in South Africa, before we leave for a tour of Freedom Park, an area that represents all 11 different cultures of South Africa and depicts all the names of all the citizens of South Africa who have fought in wars around the World. We travel to the Voortrekker Monument, a huge building which was built 65 years ago in honor of the Afrikaans Voortrekker Nation that traveled on ox wagons and through the most horrendous terrain from the Cape Province to the Transvaal Province, now known as Gauteng. Enjoy a typical Afrikaans cultural meal in this most visited museum in South Africa, which boasts the largest marble frieze in the world. Drive back to the guesthouse via Klapperkop Fort and Johan Rissik Drive where we have wonderful views of Pretoria.  Dinner at the guest house and overnight. (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast we travel to Alexandra Township, a few kilometres from Johannesburg. This is the oldest township in South Africa, where many influential South Africans and Africans were residents. This township is full of culture and history.  We have a very well respected community leader to guide us through this township. Some of the topics we learn about: the Rastafarian community, townships snacks as and drink, the largest African initiated church, the 1976 student uprising, Mandela’s first home, and more. Lunch in a typical Jazz tavern, as this is where South African rich Jazz culture originated. Depart from Alexandra after a full day back to Pretoria. Dinner can either be enjoyed at the guest house for those who are tired or we can head to Lynnwood or Brooklyn, where you can decide where you would like to eat at one of seven different restaurants. Overnight at the guest house. (B, L)

Early breakfast at the guest house as we leave for our game safari experience in the Waterberg area (A malarial fee area) (3hr 30 minutes traveling time) Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy a little leisure time before until we depart on our late afternoon/early evening game drive. We enjoy drinks and snacks while watching a typical African sunset in the bush. Arrive back at camp at 8pm just in time for dinner. Overnight at Game Park. (B, L, D)

Wake up call for our early morning game drive where we experience a beautiful sunrise in the bush as we look for the Big Five. Arrive back at camp for a hearty breakfast. Day at leisure. Afternoon game drive. Overnight at Game Park. (B, L, D)

Full day at Game Park, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight at Game Park (B, L, D)

Early morning game drive and breakfast at game park before we leave for Lanseria Airport for our flight to Cape Town. Transfer from the airport to our Bed and Breakfast with time to relax before heading to Kirstenbosch where we have our own specially packed picnic basket ready for us to enjoy during a musical evening in these beautiful surroundings. Late night return back to our bed and breakfast and overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast we depart for the V&A Waterfront where we board the ferry to Robben Island. Full day tour to the Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life. Lunch at Robben Island. Late afternoon return to our Guest House where we can relax for a short while before we leave for a cultural dinner in the District Six area. Overnight at bed and breakfast. (B, L, D)

After enjoying breakfast at the guest house, we will leave for a full day tour which includes a ride in the most technically advanced cable car in the world which will take you up to the top of Table Mountain, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world (weather permitting). Lunch in Simons Town, which is the home to the Penquin community. We travel back to Cape Town where you can either have dinner at the guest house or at one of the restaurants in this vibrant city. Overnight Guest House. (B, L, D (a)

Check out of the guest house and depart for the famous Biscuit Mill Market, one of the most famous markets in Cape Town, where we can enjoy breakfast at one of the many eateries. Then travel to the Cape Winelands where time permitting we will do some or all of the following: wine and cupcake tasting, brandy and chocolate tasting, champagne and nougat tasting or, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting……The choice is ours. Lunch in the winelands area. Return to Stellenbosch where we will overnight in one of the historic guest houses in South Africa. Dinner can be at leisure in one of the quaint eating places in the oldest street in South Africa.
Dorp Street. (B, L, D)

After breakfast we have a walking tour of Stellenbosch town and then a mixed cultural experience as we travel to the wine farms and learn about how the local farming community and their workers are working hand in hand to improve their futures. Overnight Guest House (B, L, D)

Following breakfast we depart for Franschoek, the gourmet capital of Africa. Spend our last day browsing through the streets and the markets. Lunch in Franschoek. Travel back to our guest house in Stellenbosch to finish packing so that we can leave for the airport in the afternoon. Fly from Cape Town via Johannesburg to the US or to other locations. (B, L)