Daily Itinerary

Day 1 – December 22

Our adventure to South Africa begins. An optional group flight is available from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg and from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.

Day 2 – December 23

We arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit) where we’ll be greeted and transferred by private air-conditioned transport to our hotel in Hazyview, the beautiful Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resort located mere kilometers from the Kruger National Park entrance. No matter how you choose to relax on our first day in South Africa, you will want to take a few moments to take in the beauty of the impala that frequent the lawns of our resort or the hippos wading in the hippo pool. (D)

Day 3 – December 24

The day begins with an unforgettable Elephant Experience. This once in a lifetime encounter allows us to get up close and personal with the largest animal that lives on land. We learn about these magnificent mammals as we get to touch, feel, feed, walk trunk-in-hand (a privilege historically reserved for kings) and even ride them. This evening, the residents of the traditional villages of Shangana invite us to share in the way of life of the Shangaan people. Explore the lively African market village before we’re guided through the bush to the Chief’s Kraal where the dances of warriors will impress and the evening feast will delight. (B,D)

Day 4 – December 25

We will embark on a morning safari in Kruger National Park. Sit back and relax as our guide shares his knowledge of this region’s abundant animal and bird life, while in search of the Big Five: lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. This afternoon we’ll spend some time with rescued chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall Institute. We will learn about these mammals who are facing extinction and have a unique opportunity to observe their social interaction and behavioral patterns in semi-wild surrounding. (B,D)

Day 5 – December 26

This morning we will travel to Blyde Dam Canyon to enjoy the splendor of the third largest canyon in the world. Our guided boat cruise will take us to the Kadishi Tufa waterfall and the Three Rondawels. Get distracted by the abundant wildlife while learning more about the natural history of the canyon. We will take an easy hike through the virgin forest to a beautiful waterfall. A swim in this exotic place followed by a picnic lunch is the perfect end to the morning. This afternoon have the chance to meet Jessica, a hippo with a touching story and unique personality – be sure to lean in to give her a kiss! We will then travel to the small town of Acornhoek to spend time with the children of this community. Our teen summer programs have established a connection with the children and return each summer to continue to enrich the lives of the kids in the community. The children will welcome us with open arms and we will play and read with them before heading back to our hotel for the evening. (B,D)

Day 6 – December 27

Feel the wind in your hair as we explore the scenic Sabie River Valley on our morning ATV experience. The scenery will impress as we wind along the Sabana River over hills and by streams and a waterfall. We will depart mid afternoon for our evening safari in Kruger National Park accompanied by a game ranger and tracker. Become fascinated spectators as the spotlight unveils the natural wonders previously hidden by darkness. We are hopeful that our stop atop a valley overlook will let us catch a glimpse of a pride of lions warming themselves on distant rocks or Cape buffalo grazing below. Our game drive continues well into the evening followed by dinner enjoyed under African skies. (B,D)

Day 7 – December 28

Today, we fly to Cape Town and check into the Southern Sun Cape Town Waterfront Hotel located near the effervescent Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This evening we will enjoy free time along the V&A Waterfront; choose from over 50 restaurants for dinner. (B)

Day 8 – December 29

Take a guided sightseeing tour this morning to explore the unique city of Cape Town located at the foot of Table Mountain. Ride a cable car to the top of the stunning and powerful mountain where we will be blessed by enchanting and breathtaking views of the city and its bays – don’t forget your camera! Descend and travel through the Bo’Kaap villages before stopping for lunch at the V&A Waterfront. This afternoon we will learn about Apartheid as we visit Robben Island. This is the island prison where the apartheid government kept most of its most famous prisoners, including Nelson Mandela for most of the 27 years he spent incarcerated. The tour involves a ferry ride to the island with a guided tour to the actual prison given by former inmates of the prison. We will have a chance to see what the living conditions were like and hear how life was on the island and how inmates were treated. Later in the evening, we will explore beach-front Camps Bay for dinner. (B)

Day 9 – December 30

We will embark on a full day excursion to the east coast of the Cape Peninsula to visit the small village of Simon’s Town. We will stop along the way to ride some waves and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. Visit the Penguin colony where sunbathers and some 2,500 African penguins share the beach before taking a boat out to Seal Island, home to 75,000 Cape fur seals. A short hike will be enjoyed by all at the Cape of Good Hope, the southern most point in Africa. Main breeding season for the seals is in November and December when almost 20,000 pups are born – how many will you spot? (B)

Day 10 – December 31

Soak in some rays this morning before ringing in the New Year ahead of your family and friends back home. We’ll head back to Camps Bay to enjoy the white sandy beach lined with palm trees and views of Lion's Head, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight we will join in on Cape Town’s celebrations of their New Year’s Eve Carnival: the spectacular parade of Malay choirs and minstrel troupes and parties last well into the wee hours of the morning. (B, D)

Day 11 – January 1

Depart South Africa. Sleep in this morning or enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for our return flight. (B)

Day 12 – January 2

Arrive home. Our amazing adventure comes to an end; we arrive back home today. Those on our group flight will arrive at New York (JFK) this morning.

*Some activities have age, height, and weight restrictions.

**The itinerary above is tentative and may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Join us with an open mind to experience new cultures and meet new people.

B = breakfast included. D = dinner included.