Best of South Africa

Johannesburg, Karongwe Reserve, Kruger, Cape Town & Elephant Whispers plus Victoria Falls & Garden Route optional extensions

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, airline taxes and fees, hotels, transfers, many meals, touring & more. *

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance Best of South Africa
Day	Destination
1	Depart USA
2	Johannesburg
3	Johannesburg
4	Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon & Karongwe Private Game Reserve
5	Karongwe Private Game Reserve
6	Karongwe Private Game Reserve & Hazyview
7	Hazyview & Kruger National Park
8	Hazyview & Cape Town
9	Cape Town
10	Cape Point & Cape Town
11	Cape Town
12	Depart South Africa
13	Arrive USA
Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Extension Mar-Aug 2013
1	Depart USA
2	Johannesburg
3	Johannesburg & Victoria Falls
4	Victoria Falls
5	Victoria Falls
6	Victoria Falls & Johannesburg
Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Extension Sep-Dec 2013
1	Depart USA
2	Johannesburg & Victoria Falls
3	Victoria Falls
4	Victoria Falls
5	Victoria Falls & Johannesburg
Garden Route Post-Tour Extension
11	Cape Town, Port Elizabeth & Knysna
12	Knysna
13	Knysna & Oudtshoorn
14	Oudtshoorn & Cape Town
15	Depart South Africa
16	Arrive USA

Departures	July – December 2013
Departs	New York Kennedy (JFK)
Highlights	Johannesburg, Karongwe, Capetown, Hazyview & Kruger National Park. Optional Victoria Falls & Garden Route extensions.
Included Features	Round-trip flights from New York via South African Airways wide-bodied jet service, including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees Flights, ground transportation and transfers within South Africa 10 nights in superior first class and deluxe hotels 16 Meals: 10 American-style breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 3 dinners Professional English-speaking tour directors Comprehensive touring program and safaris, including entrance fees Special opportunity to spend time with the elephants at the Elephant Whispers
Travel Style	This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops.

Enjoy an Africa game safari at an exceptional value in one of the world's most magnificent natural settings as you explore exciting South Africa. Begin your South African travel package in cosmopolitan Johannesburg, South Africa's largest metropolis, also known as "Egoli" or City of Gold. Then, head north and enjoy an in-depth wild-life experience in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces where you'll stay at a private reserve in of the country's lush game reserves in search of the "Big Five". Contine your wildlife explorations at Kruger National Park, one of the world's oldest and most famous game reserves. A highlight of your tour is a visit to "Elephant Whispers" for an amazing and up-close encounter with elephants. End your tour in vibrant Cape Town, a truly hot destination for style, night life and gorgeous scenery. Everywhere, you'll be treated to warm, welcoming South African hospitality. Join Friendly Planet, one of the top tour operators in South Africa, and see why this destination has become one of the most popular in the world. Want even more? Extend your stay with a pre-tour to the majestic Victoria Falls or a post-tour to the Garden route, or both. It's a vacation of a lifetime, at a price you won't believe, but don't wait too long to reserve your spot, because space is limited and will go very quickly.

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Dates, Prices & Options

All prices, fees and deposits are per person, subject to change at any time, and not guaranteed until we receive your final payment.

Want to stay longer? We may be able to arrange for you to extend your stay later than the scheduled dates, subject to availability. Contact us about dates, prices and restrictions.

As of October 1, 2011, South Africa will require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry for passengers arriving from Zambia, Tanzania and some other countries. Passengers travelling to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe should note that if they choose to visit Zambia during their stay, they may be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon return to South Africa.

Extension pricing is based upon certain air class service. Final price may vary based on availability at the time of booking.

Coming from somewhere else? Unfortunately, we don't offer departures from cities that are not listed, but you can book your own connecting flights separately.

To make a reservation, we only require a per-person deposit payment, which you can pay with your credit card. This non-refundable deposit will be applied towards the cost of your package. You can pay the balance due later by credit card, check or money order. Your final payment is due 75 days prior to departure, or within 72 hours of booking, whichever is later.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to South Africa begins as you depart New York on your overnight flight for Johannesburg.

Day 2: Johannesburg. Arrive this morning in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest and most populous city. Enjoy a panoramic tour of this cosmopolitan city, affectionately referred to as "Jo'Burg" by the locals. Check-in at your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Accommodations: Holiday Inn Rosebank.

Optional Excursion: This afternoon embark on a cultural journey of exploration through Pretoria, the Jacaranda City, so called for its breathtaking purple-lined streets when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom. The tour begins at the legendary Voortrekker Monument, a memorial to the early settlers. Travel on to the Kruger Museum, the private residence of President Paul Kruger of the old Transvaal Republic, and visit Church Square, surrounded by vintage buildings dating back to the turn of the century. The tour concludes with the Union Buildings, the site of Nelson Mandela’s joyful inauguration in 1994. (Jan-Oct 2013: 725 ZAR approx. $88 per person / Nov-Dec 2013: 800 ZAR approx. $98 per person. Mar-Aug 2013 departures with Victoria Falls pre-tour extension will have this optional excursion on the day of arrival in Johannesburg. This excursion is not avilable for Sep-Dec 2013 departures with Victoria Falls extension.)

Day 3: Johannesburg. This morning learn more about South Africa's turbulent past and its unwavering hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto (short for Southwestern Township), a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Your tour will give you a close-up look at daily life in this bustling neighborhood, the largest black urban settlement in Africa and center of political campaigns aimed at the overthrow of the apartheid state.

Highlights of the Soweto tour include the former residence of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, the Hector Peterson memorial for the victims of the civil unrest in the 1970s, and a drive by the ultramodern Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Visit the Apartheid Museum for an in-depth historical look at the system of extreme racial segregation that plagued South Africa from 1948 until 1994, when it was finally dismantled. Breakfast provided.

Day 4: Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon & Karongwe Private Game Reserve. After an early breakfast, relax on the scenic drive from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga Province. Pass through Lydenberg; Pilgrims Rest, a quaint historical mining town from centuries ago; and Graskop, near the Blyde River Canyon. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest, stopping for breathtaking views of rolling mountains, verdant valleys, the Three Rondavels, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes.

Continue to your lodge, located in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve in the heart of Limpopo Province. The Reserve teems with an abundance of game, wildlife and diverse vegetation. After check in, enjoy the surroundings and dinner at the lodge. Accommodations: Shiduli Lodge. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 5: Karongwe Private Game Reserve. After a very early morning wake-up call and fresh cup of coffee or tea, head out in open safari vehicles for your game drive into the African bush in search of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo—as well as some of the smaller and fascinating creatures such as chameleons, scrub hares and more. Stop in the bush for a hot drink with rusks, a typical South African biscuit. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast.

Relax at the lodge and perhaps take an afternoon nap. In the late afternoon, set off on foot for a bush walk with your experienced ranger, who will teach you some bush skills such as animal tracking as well as bird and plant identification. Return to your lodge for dinner. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.

Day 6: Karongwe Private Game Reserve & Hazyview. Depart for an early morning game drive. After breakfast, continue to Hazyview in Mpulamlanga province, locally just a few miles outside the Kruger National Park. Enjoy lunch at the ever-popular Harries Pancakes then check in at your hotel, and take some time to relax in the beautiful surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, depart for your Elephant Whispers, an elephant interaction experience. Elephant Whispers are dedicated to securing the future of the African Elephant. There are five tamed and trained rescued elephants, varying in ages from 9 to 29 years. Experience the thrill of being close to these magnificent creatures, and witness their intelligence and compassionate nature. Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Accommodations: Perry's Bridge Hollow. Breakfast & lunch provided.

Optional Excursion: Enhance your interaction experience at Elephant Whispers with an elephant ride. Saddle-up and set off into the African bush on the back of the elephant. Enjoy a different perspective while embarking on a journey that was once a privilege reserved only for kings (535 ZAR approx. $70 per person).

Day 7: Hazyview & Kruger National Park. After an early morning wake-up call, depart for a morning safari in open safari vehicles into the Kruger National Park, one of the world's most famous game reserves. You'll see the ever-present impala, and be on the lookout for wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and many other types of antelopes. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

This evening, The Shangaan River Club will welcome you to festivities under the thatched boma where song dance, verse and magnificent food all come together. The Shangaan River Club is named after the local people of the area, the Shangaan. As the sun sets over the Sabie River, the drums begin to sound as the torches guiding the way are lit. After a traditional handwashing ritual, you can have your face painted or your hair braided. Entertainment is provided by the Ronaldsi Youth Cultural Traditional Dancers. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 8: Hazyview & Cape Town. This morning, drive to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport for your late afternoon flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your hotel, located near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Accommodations: Cape Royale Hotel. Breakfast provided.

Day 9: Cape Town. Your tour of Cape Town begins with a half day panoramic city tour showcasing the scenic and historic highlights of this vibrant city. Weather permitting, you'll travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark. Stop at Milnerton Lighthouse for spectacular views of the mountain and the city below. Proceed to the country's oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope, an imposing 17th century Dutch fort set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.

Continue to the Malay Quarter (Bo-Kaap). Lined with brightly colored houses and decorative mosques, this historic neighborhood was founded by former slaves from Malaysia whose Islamic culture gives the neighborhood a distinct character and contributes to Cape Town's rich cultural diversity. The final stop is the lively Cape Town Waterfront, where restaurants and entertainment options abound. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure to get better acquainted with Cape Town. Breakfast provided.

Optional Excursion: Enjoy an optional half day excursion to glorious Stellenbosch, the heart of the Cape Winelands. Explore fine art galleries, architecture, history, and curious and quaint shops. But first, take a leisurely drive to get acquainted with beauty of this world-renowned region, before venturing into the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour with wine tasting. (Jan-Oct 2013: 520 ZAR approx. $63 per person / Nov-Dec 2013: 575 ZAR approx. $70 per person.)

July departures will visit Signal Hill instead of Table Mountain, while the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance.

Day 10: Cape Point & Cape Town. A full day excursion to Cape Point begins this morning with a cruise along Hout Bay View where you'll see the seals of Duiker Island. Enter the nature reserve that covers the southern part of the Peninsula, and drive through the unique scenery towards Cape Point. Travel by funicular railway to Cape Point where you can take in stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope. After lunch, make a brief stop to visit the African jackass penguins at Boulders Beach, and then continue to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you'll enjoy a magnificent display of indigenous South African flora. Return to your hotel late this afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Breakfast & lunch provided.

Day 11: Cape Town. Enjoy a last day of leisure in the beautiful city of Cape Town. You can also choose a full day optional tour available for purchase locally. Breakfast provided.

Optional Excursion: Experience the wonderful energy of the townships in one unforgettable tour. An opening history visiting District Six, leads to the oldest township, Langa, and its people. What a vibe, what positivity, a ‘Rainbow Nation’ indeed. Strolling through Langa Township, pop in to a “shebeen” (pub), observing the difference in housing quality and witnessing real progress being made in providing decent housing, new developments as well as the restoration of the old single quarters. Then from Langa to Khayelitsha the new kid on the block, the largest in Western Cape. Large scale developments abound, housing, schools, shopping malls, clinics and many private organizations providing social and other skills to the people at large. In the afternoon, visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. This optional excursion can only be purchased locally and operates with a minimum of 2 passengers (Jan-Oct 2013: 750 ZAR approx. $92 per person / Nov-Dec 2013: 825 ZAR approx. $100 per person).

Optional Excursion: Tonight, take advantage of an optional farewell dinner at the lively Gold of Africa Restaurant including roundtrip transfers from the hotel. Be entertained by rhythmic drumming and dancing while you enjoy a delicious 14 course meal. (305 ZAR approx. $37 per person, excludes drinks. Passengers taking the Garden Route post-tour extension will have this optional dinner on the Day 14 of the 2013 Garden Route Extension Itinerary.)

Day 12: Depart South Africa. This morning is your last opportunity for last minute shopping. In the early afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight home, via Johannesburg. Breakfast provided.

Day 13: Arrive USA. Your memorable South African adventure ends as you touch down this morning in New York.

 

Want more? Extend your stay with our Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Optional Extension and/or Garden Route Post-Tour Optional Extension.

Optionals & Extensions

Discount Optional Excursions Package

To take full advantage of your visit to South Africa, we offer a special discount package of optional excursions to other "must-see" sites.

Optional Excursions Package Includes:

• Half Day Pretoria Excursion (Day 2)
  • Half Day Pretoria is not available for Sep-Dec 2013 departures with Victoria Falls extension.
• Half Day Stellenbosch Winelands Excursion (Day 9)
• Dinner & entertainment at Gold of Africa Restaurant (Day 11 or Day 14)

Package Price: Jan-Oct 2013: $170 per person / Nov-Dec 2013: $180 per person if booked and prepaid before final payment. For passengers with the Victoria Falls extension, the package price is $100 per person departing Sep-Oct 2013 or $105 per person departing Nov-Dec 2013, which excludes the Half Day Pretoria Excursion on Day 2.

If you prefer not to book in advance, the individual optional excursions will be available from your guide once you arrive in South Africa, based on availability, at prices posted in our detailed itinerary (Jan-Oct 2013: 1550 ZAR or about $190 per person / Nov-Dec 2013: 1680 ZAR or about $205 per person for all three excursions). Other optional excursions, mentioned above in our itinerary, will also be available to you in South Africa, based on availability. Payment for optional excursions purchased in South Africa must be made in cash, South African Rands (ZAR).

We regret that we cannot accept bookings for the pre-paid optional excursions package within 75 days from departure or after final payment has been received.

Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Optional Extension: Mar 28 to Aug 29, 2013 Departures

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. You'll depart the U.S. 4 days before the departure dates shown.

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to South Africa begins today as you depart New York on your overnight jet bound for Johannesburg.

Day 2: Johannesburg. This morning, arrive in Johannesburg. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in at your hotel, spend the balance of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Accommodations: Peermont Metcourt or similar.

Optional Excursion: This afternoon embark on a cultural journey of exploration through Pretoria, the Jacaranda City, so called for its breathtaking purple-lined streets when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom. The tour begins at the legendary Voortrekker Monument, a memorial to the early settlers. Travel on to the Kruger Museum, the private residence of President Paul Kruger of the old Transvaal Republic, and visit Church Square, surrounded by vintage buildings dating back to the turn of the century. The tour concludes with the Union Buildings, the site of Nelson Mandela’s joyful inauguration in 1994. (Jan-Aug 2013: 725 ZAR approx. $88 per person. This excursion is not avilable for Sep-Oct 2013 departures with Victoria Falls extension.)

Day 3: Johannesburg & Victoria Falls. This morning board your flight to Victoria Falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the largest curtain of falling water in the world! Set at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons per second over the Bakota Gorge, casting multiple rainbows and resulting in an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivalled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."

Check in at your award-winning safari lodge, located high on a plateau bordering the Zambezi National Park, and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure at the hotel swimming pools or game-viewing platforms. Elephants, buffalo and other wild animals often graze on hotel lawns. Accommodations: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Breakfast provided.

Day 4: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Your exploration of the falls begins with a guided tour of the Zimbabwe side. Later today, experience the glorious falls from an up-close vantage point as you set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Be on the look out for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and their surrounding areas. Breakfast provided.

Day 5: Victoria Falls. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this magnificent natural wonder on your own on the well-marked trails through the rainforest that wind up to and around the falls. The trails allow for excellent picture-taking from a variety of vantage points (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). Breakfast provided.

Day 6: Victoria Falls & Johannesburg. After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg. There, you will meet up with the rest of your tour group at your hotel. (Please see Day 2 of the main tour itinerary above.)

Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Optional Extension: Sep 26 to Dec 5, 2013 Departures

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. You'll depart the U.S. 3 days before the departure dates shown.

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to South Africa begins today as you depart New York on your overnight jet bound for Victoria Falls via Johannesburg.

Day 2: Johannesburg & Victoria Falls. This morning, arrive in Johannesburg and connect to your flight to Victoria Falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the largest curtain of falling water in the world! Set at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons per second over the Bakota Gorge, casting multiple rainbows and resulting in an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivalled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."

Check in at your award-winning safari lodge, located high on a plateau bordering the Zambezi National Park, and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure at the hotel swimming pools or game-viewing platforms. Elephants, buffalo and other wild animals often graze on hotel lawns. Accommodations: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Breakfast provided.

Day 3: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Your exploration of the falls begins with a guided tour of the Zimbabwe side. Later today, experience the glorious falls from an up-close vantage point as you set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Be on the look out for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and their surrounding areas. Breakfast provided.

Day 4: Victoria Falls. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this magnificent natural wonder on your own on the well-marked trails through the rainforest that wind up to and around the falls. The trails allow for excellent picture-taking from a variety of vantage points (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). Breakfast provided.

Day 5: Victoria Falls & Johannesburg. After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg. There, you will meet up with the rest of your tour group at your hotel. (Please see Day 2 of the main tour itinerary above.)

Garden Route Post-Tour Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit the Garden Route, a beautiful stretch of the southern coastline of South Africa from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. You'll return to the U.S. 3 days after the return dates shown above.

Day 11: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth & Knysna. Depart Cape Town this morning on your flight bound for Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival, travel through the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest towards the romantic seaside resort of Knysna, in the heart of the famous Garden Route, with scenic stops along the way. Accommodations: Knysna Hollow or similar. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 12: Knysna. Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone “heads” which guard the sea entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond. After lunch the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this lovely and special town. Breakfast & lunch provided.

Day 13: Knysna & Oudtshoorn. This morning we enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the ‘feather capital of the world’, so named, because it’s the center of South Africa’s ostrich industry.

After lunch, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm. We then head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, regarded as one of South Africa's most spectacular natural wonders. The enormous caverns are filled with stalagmites and stalactites, sculptured by nature through the ages. Accommodations: Queen's Hotel or similar. Breakfast & lunch provided.

Day 14: Oudtshoorn & Cape Town. Today is a day of magnificent vistas. After breakfast, enjoy the ever changing passing canvas as you journey from Oudtshoorn back to Cape Town and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Optional Excursion: Tonight, take advantage of an optional farewell dinner at the lively Gold of Africa Restaurant including roundtrip transfers from the hotel. Be entertained by rhythmic drumming and dancing while you enjoy a delicious 14 course meal. (305 ZAR approx. $37 per person, excludes drinks.) Accommodations: Cape Royale Hotel. Breakfast provided.

Day 15: Depart South Africa. This morning is your last opportunity for last minute shopping. In the early afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight home, via Johannesburg. Breakfast provided.

Day 16: Arrive USA. Your memorable South African adventure ends as you touch down this morning in New York.

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