Travel Notices

The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published Sep 18, 2021
See other issues

 
The ultimate South African Experience
 
From Johannesburg’s metropolis and a safari in a luxury private game reserve to golden-era charm on board the Rovos Rail luxury train and the mother city of Cape Town, this South African experience is perfect for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime upscale travel adventure. Enjoy the excitement of dawn and dusk game drives in search of the Big Five, and enjoy a break for morning coffee or an afternoon sundowner drink in the bush. Relax as your luxury train journeys through the beautiful countryside heading south, stopping at Kimberly to visit the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. In Cape Town, where majestic Table Mountain overlooks the beautiful city, you'll sample great food and some of the best wine in the world. You'll travel in an intimate group of no more than six passengers, and you'll stay in 5-star hotels and game lodges. If you're looking to experience the absolute best of South Africa in style, this is the adventure for you!
 
13 DAYS | 6 max guests
2022 Departures Available
 
JOIN US
 
 
Itinerary at a Glance
 
Johannesburg
 
 
Days 1-3
 
USA & Johannesburg
 
After an overnight flight from New York, settle into your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure in Johannesburg. The next morning, embark on a tour of Soweto, a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Highlights include the former residence of Nelson Mandela, the Hector Peterson memorial for the victims of the civil unrest in the 1970s, and the Apartheid Museum.
 
 
 
Elephants
 
 
Days 4-6
 
Abelana Game Reserve
 
Board a short flight to the South African bush. After arriving at Abelana Game Reserve, embark on your first game drive in search of the "Big 5". Spend the next day enjoying a morning game drive followed by an optional bush walk before setting out on an afternoon game drive. On the final day, enjoy one last game drive before journeying to Dullstroom, exploring the Panorama Route and the Blyde River Canyon along the way.
 
 
 
Rovos Rail
 
 
Days 7-9
 
Rovos Rail
 
On the 7th day, your Rovos Rail adventure begins. Travel through the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld. The next day, arrive in Kimberley and explore the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation in the world, before visiting the Diamond Mine Museum. Continue on your journey through the Great Karoo, the village of Matjiesfontein, and the scenic winelands of the Cape, before arriving in Cape Town.
 
 
 
Cape Town Mountain
 
 
Days 10-13
 
Cape Town
 
Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Cape Town, the oldest and second largest city in South Africa. Weather permitting, travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Join a South African winelands visit to learn about the process of winemaking paired with tastings at two different estates. Spend your last day at leisure or join an optional Cape Point tour. On the final day, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
 
 
 
SEE THE FULL 13-DAY ITINERARY
 
 
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

© Friendly Planet Travel   Privacy Policy