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South African Explorer

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South Africa Safari in Kruger National Park

Enjoy this exceptional value vacation in one of the world's most magnificent natural settings, including visits to the beautiful and modern cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg plus an unforgettable South Africa safari through the stunning Kruger National Park.

Our South Africa Tours Program

South African Explorer - 14 Day Tour Itinerary Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating sojourn to South Africa begins as you depart New York today.

Day 2: Arrive Cape Town. Upon arrival in Cape Town, South Africa's oldest and most spectacular city, you'll be met and escorted to your hotel, ideally located near the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Protea President Hotel

Aerial View, Capetown, South Africa Day 3: Cape Town. Sheltered beneath the dramatic shape of Table Mountain, Cape Town is indeed one of the world's most unique cities. This morning, a local expert leads you on a sightseeing tour to explore the charms of the city. Ride by cable car to the top of Table Mountain for glorious city and bay views.

FP traveler Merrill Petterson in Cape Town
FP traveler Merrill Petterson in Cape Town
Descend and travel through the Malay Quarter and the city center towards the Milnerton Lighthouse for a chance to view and photograph impressive Table Mountain from a distance. Your tour ends at the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront where the balance of the day is at leisure. You may relax at one of the many cafes, stroll around and browse the craft and art shops or sample South Africa's renowned wines. This evening your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing.(B,D)

Capetown by Robert Johnson Just a short note to tell you I enjoyed an excellent trip to South Africa. The scenery, food, accommodations, bus transportation, guide service and schedule were all outstanding. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone.

— Robert Johnson, Seattle, WA

Fish Hoek Day 4: Cape Town. A full day excursion to the Cape Peninsula begins with a scenic drive along the magnificent Marine Drive via Fish Hoek, a quaint fishing village on the Atlantic ocean, to the Cape of Good Hope Natural Reserve. The breathtaking views from the Cape Point are stunning! As you back track to Simon's Town, a naval port, enjoy a lovely lunch at a famous seafood restaurant. Return to Cape Town via Chapman's Peak Drive, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. (B,L)

Capetown Waterfront Day 5: Cape Town. Today is at leisure for independent exploration, shopping or relaxing! An optional excursion to the charming winelands region just outside Cape Town is available. (B)

The Golden Mile
The Golden Mile
Today, board a short flight to Durban, a bustling port city. Upon arrival embark on an orientation tour. View the Vasco Da Gama Clock and City Hall, visit the colorful Indian market filled with exotic smells and scents and drive along the oceanfront road, the "Golden Mile". Your elegant hotel overlooks the spectacular promenade. Protea Edward Hotel (B)

Zulu Village Day 7: Durban, Zululand & Hluhluwe. A fascinating day begins as you depart Durban for Zululand, featured in the Shaka Zulu TV series. Experience the everyday life of the Zulu tribe, renowned for its warrior culture. Witness such traditional customs as tribal dancing, spear making and a beer drinking ceremony. A special Zulu lunch will be served. Proceed to Hluhluwe area for an afternoon game drive in open safari vehicles to explore the magnificent animals and species in the fascinating Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Hluhluwe Inn (B,L,D)

Swazi, Girls Day 8: Hluhluwe & Swaziland. Today, continue your scenic drive north and cross the border into the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. Shop for unique African souvenirs at the colorful markets and see basket weavers at work. Piggs Peak Hotel (B)

Excellent tour, excellent value, excellent hotels and safari in Kruger was a highlight. The trip was well organized, well paced and I am a very satisfied traveler.

Flamingos at the Waterhole Day 9: Swaziland & Kruger National Park. Drive through the beautiful countryside of the province of Transvaal to the world famous Kruger National Park. Encompassing some of the most stunning and diverse terrain, the park is South Africa's premier game sanctuary. An unforgettable game drive this afternoon takes you in search of the wild. Your deluxe hotel is located at the main gate. Protea Kruger Gate Lodge (B,D)

Lions at the Waterhole
Lions at the Waterhole
Day 10: Kruger National Park. Your safari today includes a morning game drive, in open vehicles, in search of the parks many residents including the"Big Five": Lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. You may also spot hippopotamus and crocodiles as well as zebras and giraffes. Plains game and bird life also abound. Have your camera ready! After a lunch break, return to the park for an afternoon optional safari game drive. (B,D)

Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon
Day 11: Kruger Park, Mpumalanga & Sandton (Johannesburg). Drive through Mpumalanga (formerly Eastern Transvaal) panoramic wild countryside and enjoy unparalleled views of thickly forested mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls. Arrive in the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, one of the greatest spectacles of Africa. Proceed to Bourke's Luck Pot Holes, a place of African legend containing bizarre holes cut into rock by powerful river erosion.

Baby elephant at Kruger Park
Baby elephant at Kruger Park
Later relish sweeping views from God's Window before arriving in Pilgrim's Rest, an old gold mining post. Free time to explore on your own this charming town and see the beautifully restored old corrugated iron houses. Proceed to Sandton, a flourishing suburb of Johannesburg, the commerce and diamond mining center. Balalaika Sandton Hotel (B)

Dusk Over Johannesburg
Dusk Over Johannesburg
Day 12: Johannesburg & Soweto Excursion. This morning learn more about South Africa's turbulent past and its hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto, a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Peek into the past – hostels, Freedom Square and the struggle for liberty. Tread the paths to greatness by Nelson Mandela and visit his former house. The afternoon is at leisure back in thriving Sandton. You may join an optional visit to Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers at a famous restaurant feasting on a traditional South African buffet. (B,D)

Schoolgirls with Painted Faces
Schoolgirls with Painted Faces
Day 13: Depart South Africa. Today is at leisure for last minute shopping or independent pursuits before transferring to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Day 14: Arrive New York. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you touch down at JFK International Airport in New York this morning.

South Africa Tours - Victoria Falls 3-Night Extension

Extend your trip to the magnificent Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. The 300 feet tall falls are often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Your extension includes airfare, three nights at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, buffet breakfast daily, a Sundowner Cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, a tour of the falls and all transfers. Extension starts on Day 13.

Day 13: Johannesburg/Victoria Falls. After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. You'll be met by a local guide and escorted to your deluxe hotel. Late this afternoon join a Sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. As you sail along, marvel at the lush vegetation on the river's banks and witness the spectacular sunset. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. (B)

Decorative House Day 14: Victoria Falls. Begin your day with a visit to the craft village where you can observe the traditional way of life. Proceed to see the Victoria Falls, often described as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Afternoon at leisure. You may return to the Falls on your own for a second view. (B)

Elephants in Chobe National Park Day 15: Victoria Falls. Enjoy a day at leisure. You may join a fascinating optional excursion across the border to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in the world along with lions, hippos and zebras. (B)

Day 16: Victoria Falls/Johannesburg. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg, connecting to your return flight to the USA. (B)

Day 17: Arrive New York. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you touch down at JFK International Airport in New York this morning. This extension is locally hosted.


Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to South Africa, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Swaziland, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Zimbabwe, click here.

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South African Safari and Explorer
Included Features

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via scheduled South African Airways wide-body jet (flight schedule)

• Intra-South Africa flight and ground transportation

• Accommodations at Superior First Class hotels with private bath

• 18 meals: 11 full buffet breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)

• Comprehensive touring and safaris including admission fees

• All transfers

• Professional English-speaking tour director

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ADDITIONAL COSTS
Service Price
Single Room Supplement $350

NOTE: Please call about availability on Extensions.

Important Note: If you are reserving these South Africa Safari tours less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Waitlisting on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Important Information About Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided.

Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Departure Airport: Included flights are from JFK International Airport in New York.

Additional Fees: U.S. and South Africa taxes departure taxes are not included. Please add $295 per person.

(Taxes now include new fuel surcharges. Please see "FUEL SURCHARGES" below.)

FUEL SURCHARGES We are all aware of the escalating cost of fuel, and while we had hoped we would not be adversely effected, we are now receiving fuel surcharge notices from many airlines. Most likely, all airlines will soon follow suit. At present, such surcharges amount to $75 per person for this tour. We regret having to pass along these additional charges to our passengers; however, we cannot be responsible for these charges when they are levied except to do our best to notify our passengers of the charges and then collect them on behalf of the carriers.

Victoria Falls extension: Add $799 per person double occupancy or $899 per person single occupancy.

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