July 24 or 25 (Wednesday or Thursday) – Depart From Home

Your adventure begins with a flight across the Atlantic (typically, switching planes in Europe) then flying to Johannesburg, South Africa. (International flight not included in program cost.)

July 26 (Fri) - Arrival

You will be met at the airport by your tour leaders and in-country guides, then transfer to the hotel to catch up with jet lag and/or relax. You’ll settle in with a dinner of local South African foods and participate in the group orientation. Overnight in Johannesburg.

Meals Included: Dinner at a Johannesburg restaurant.

July 27-30 (Sat-Tues) – Safari in Kruger National Park

In the morning, the group will transfer to Kruger National Park for a 4-day safari. Kruger is one of the largest game reserves in Africa covering an area of 19,633 square kilometers in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926. Rest and relax to the sounds of the African wildlife. Overnight in Kruger.

Meals included: Safari dinners on July 27th, July 28th, & July 29th

July 30 (Tues) – Flight to Port Elizabeth – Travel Day

Take your final Kruger safari in the early morning with a mid-morning picnic breakfast. Departing Kruger in late morning. Fly to Port Elizabeth arriving at Addo Elephant Park.

Meals included: Safari breakfast.

July 31 (Wed) – Addo Elephant Park Safaris

Addo Elephant Park was proclaimed a national park in 1931 when only 11 elephants remained, protecting the remnants of the huge herds that once roamed Eastern Cape. Today there are over 600 Elephants in the park. In addition to elephants, you can view Zebras, Eland, Kudus, Warthogs, and a myriad of birds. There is even a chance to see Lions and Hyenas. The group will have free time to tramp on some hiking trails, visit the lookout over a watering hole, or visit the gift shop. Overnight in Addo EP.

Meals included: Group dinner in Addo EP.

Aug. 1 (Thurs) – Travel through Storms River to Wilderness

Enjoy an optional Addo game drive around sunrise. Then, we’ll travel from Eastern Cape into Western Cape along the “Garden Route,” one of the most scenic drives in Africa. Check into a local guesthouse and the rest of the afternoon/evening will be yours to relax or enjoy a walk along the beach. 

Meals included: None 

Aug. 2 (Fri) – Adventure in Wilderness

This day will be yours to explore and/or relax. This beautiful seaside community offers fun adventures and relaxing beaches. Adventure seekers may go Kloofing, the South Africa version of “canyoneering” or go or Abseiling (repelling) along waterfalls. For those seeking a more relaxed pace but still wanting some outdoor fun, hire canoes/kayaks and paddle up the Touws River to a scenic waterfall. Another option will be a 3-4 hour hike along Half Collared Kingfisher Trail. If looking for adventure on this day, participants can seek optional tours/rentals with Eden Adventures.

Meals included: Breakfast provided at hotel.

Aug. 3 (Sat) – Travel to De Hoop Nature Reserve

The De Hoop Nature Reserve covers 36,000 ha (89,000 acres) with over 1,500 plant species,

86 mammal species (including the rare Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra), approximately 260 bird species (including the Cape Vulture and the Blue Crane) and nearly 50 reptile species. The adjacent De Hoop Marine Protected Area is one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world. We will stay directly inside the Nature Reserve in the Opstal Area for two nights. Upon arrival, you will have free time to settle in, relax, and then enjoy a group dinner to start off the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast provided at hotel in Wilderness. Dinner provided at De Hoop.

Aug. 4 (Sun) – Hiking the Whale Trail

Just after breakfast, we will transfer to Koppie Alleen and start a hike along the famous Whale Trail. Between June and December, this coastline is transformed into one of the world’s most important nursery areas for southern right whales. Whale watchers regularly stand in awe at the sight of more than 50 of these sea giants lying a mere kilometer from the coast. We will pack a lunch and take our time to enjoy the hike. We will be hiking only a portion of this 55km long trail returning mid-afternoon. The evening will be yours to relax and enjoy the African scenery. Overnight in De Hoop.

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner provided at De Hoop.

Aug. 5 (Mon) – Travel Through Cape Agulhas to Hermanus

Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point in Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We will stop here for a short visit to explore the Cape Algulhas Lighthouse and shoreline before continuing our journey to Hermanus. We will arrive in Hermanus in the afternoon, check into our lodging, and you are free to explore the town or relax for the night.

Meals included: Breakfast provided in De Hoop.

Aug. 6 (Tues) – Hermanus to Cape Town

Take a nice easy morning, go down to the bay to watch the whales, or stroll along the coast. Then we will pack up after breakfast to drive to Cape Town.

Meals included: Breakfast provided at hotel in Hermanus & dinner provided in Cape Town.

Aug. 7 (Wed) - Robben Island and Township Tour

We’ll make our way to Robben Island by boat and take the tour of this famed prison which housed many political prisoners during South Africa’s period of Apartheid. Learn about the island, the prison, and visit the cell where Nelson Mandela stayed for 18 of 27

years. Following the Robben Island tour, we will be guided into one of the many townships in Cape Town to experience the realities of township life and the lasting legacy of apartheid for many citizens. Overnight in Cape Town.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel.

Aug. 8 (Thurs) – Free Day in Cape Town

This is your day to do as you please. Some of our suggestions include: touring Cape Peninsula, hiking Table Mt., explore Cape Town, swim with the sharks (no cage required) at Two Oceans Aquarium, take surfing lessons at Muizenberg Bay, horseback ride on the beach, tour wine farms in Stellenbosch, shop, hike Table Mountain, or just hang. The day is yours. Overnight in Cape Town.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel & farewell group dinner.

Aug. 9 (Fri) – Departure

Our tour leaders will help you with arrangements to the airport as you need.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel.