| | Highlights | **SOUTH AFRICA ADVENTURES**
Join us for an unforgettable escorted tour from **Feb 25 – Mar 9, 2025**. Experience the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes of South Africa.
**Included Highlights:**
**Cape Town City Tour:** Pass by the Castle of Good Hope, the Grande Parade, and visit the iconic Table Mountain.
**Robben Island:** Tour this World Heritage Site and view the former prison cell of Nelson Mandela.
**Cape Peninsula Tour:** Visit the Cape of Good Hope reserve and view the adorable penguin colonies at Boulders Beach.
**Wine Country:** Travel through South Africa's picturesque wine country, with its magnificent Cape Dutch architecture, stopping for tastings at major vineyards.
**Pilanesberg National Park:** Enjoy thrilling game drives in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park.
**Cullinan Diamond Mine:** Get an exclusive surface tour of the working Cullinan Diamond Mine.
**Soweto:** Visit Nelson Mandela's former home and the stirring Apartheid Museum. Hear a first-hand account of the turmoil against Apartheid in the 1970s and 1980s in the Townships.
Don't miss out on this incredible journey! Contact us today to secure your spot.
Book Now: Call 212-243-0865 or email support@travelspan.com
Included in your trip:
Round trip flight from New York (JFK)
Intra-flight Jo Burg to Cape Town
12 nights accommodations (with Hotel taxes, fees & service charges)
2 nights Johannesburg
3 nights Pilanesburg National Park
5 nights in Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast Daily, 5 Dinners
Hotel porterage of one piece of luggage per passenger
All transfers included are Group Transfers
Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
3 Game drives in modern safari vehicles
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Entrance fees per itinerary
Not included:
Optional Insurance (recommended)
Visas
Any item of a personal nature.
Any optional tours/excursions
Any meals/beverages that are not mentioned under ‘included services’.
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Itinerary | DAY 1 – Depart New York to South Africa
Check in for your Emirates flight to Johannesburg via Dubai.
DAY 2 - Arrive in South Africa
Arrive in South Africa, a large, diverse and incredibly beautiful country that occupies the southern tip of Africa. Its long coastline stretches more than 2 500km - from the desert border of Namibia on the Atlantic coast, southwards around the tip of Africa and then north to the border of subtropical Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. On clearing Customs & Immigration at Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), transfer to your four-star hotel, the Southern Sun Rosebank. The Southern Sun Rosebank is the epitome of style and chic hotel ambience. You can walk from this upmarket hotel to the Rosebank Mall and a famous African Craft Market.
Recommendations: At your expense The Grill Jichana is a premium steakhouse that boasts serving superior cuts of meat infused and flavored with tastes of African east Coast spices.
The hip and trendy Circle Bar and Lounge is a great place to unwind before or after dinner and enjoy a variety of cocktails and craft beers.
You can indulge in the pampering services of the Caroline Day Spa, relax in the Zen Garden or work up an appetite in the fully equipped gym.
Overnight: Johannesburg
DAY 3 - Soweto Tour
Depart on a half-day tour of Soweto, ground zero to so much societal and cultural change in South Africa's turbulent times in the late 20th century. Drive by Tutu House (the former residence of Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Bishop Desmond Tutu) and visit Nelson Mandela's former home. Continue to the Apartheid Museum, where you will journey through the racial segregation experienced by millions of South Africans.
Then, experience a truly unique talk with Antoinette Sithole, the sister of one of the victims of the 1976 Student Uprisings in Soweto. Antoinette's brother, Hector Pieterson. Hector was a South African schoolboy who was shot and killed at the age of twelve during the Soweto uprising, when the police opened fire on black students protesting the enforcement of teaching in Afrikaans, mostly spoken by the white and coloured population in South Africa, whereas they wanted to learn their native languages, Xhosa and Zulu. Antoinette and Hector became a symbol of the struggle for liberation and ever since, Antoinette has repeatedly told the story on what happened on that cold Wednesday of 16 June 1976, thus becoming a popular ambassador of the Uprising which eventually led to the lifting of Apartheid Time-permitting, go to the Johannesburg neighborhood of Maboneng for a walking tour of the neighborhood's arts & crafts markets (similar to New York City's Chelsea neighborhood). Maboneng, meaning Place of Light, is a fully-fledged thriving community that has become a center of creative energy for Johannesburg's urban artists. With a mix of art galleries, retail and studio space, the precinct draws the inner-city public, as well as a chic, art-going crowd. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the area, browsing around the arts and craft shops, and sampling artisan food and produce. Dinner that night is on your own, with numerous restaurants in easy access of the hotel.
Overnight: Johannesburg | Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 - Cullinan Diamond Mine & Into The Bush
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way into The Bush. Along the way, visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine, one of the biggest and most productive diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes in the world. It has produced some of the largest diamonds ever found. The largest diamond, the Cullinan, was chiseled into 98 individual diamonds including the Great and Lesser Stars of Africa, w hich are now set in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. The tour starts with a 15- minute video before you are led into the high security premises of the mine where we are shown the workings and machinery of the mine. You then visit the enormous open cast mine, that are four times larger than the famous Kimberley ‘Big Hole’. After visiting the mine, we will have the opportunity to visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine market for an unforgettable diamond and jewelry shopping experience.
After lunch, journey about three hours to the northwest of Johannesburg to the four-star Bakubung Bush Lodge. The lodge is found within the Pilanesberg National Park. Pilanesberg National Park is a short distance from the famous Sun City resort and is within the 57,000-hectare Big Five game reserve that is also malaria-free, making it an ideal family holiday destination. Bakubung Bush Lodge has a swimming pool, kids playground, tennis courts, a wildlife center as well as a volleyball court and gym. There are a number of bars and restaurants to revel in authentic South African cuisine and enjoy sundowners from the Marula Grill Restaurant and the Bush Boma to the Thutiwa Pool Bar and Motswedi Ladies Bar.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the Lodge's facilities before going on your evening game drive and then dinner at the lodge. Overnight: Pilanesberg National Park Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Game Drives: Evening
DAY 5 - Game Drives
Get up before the “locals” and venture out into the bush on your morning game drive to be in position for the animals to awaken as the sun comes up in the East. In addition to the Big Five, Pilanesberg also has a high concentration of brown hyena, as well as all the usual game suspects such as hippos and the endangered African wild dogs. Compared to the likes of Kruger or Kgalagadi, Pilanesberg is a small park (550km2 compared to Kruger’s 22,000km2), so you can easily scope out most of the best viewing spots or hides within a single day of game driving. Nonetheless, some parts of the park remain largely inaccessible to general visitors, so remember to pack the binoculars and some big lenses for your camera.
On returning to the lodge, enjoy a late breakfast and the remainder of the day at leisure. You’ll have access to the property’s facilities or you can arrange for a transfer to the extravagant Sun City with a myriad of entertainment options, concerts, cinemas, water parks and luscious golf course (not included in package). That evening, venture back out on an optional evening game drive.
Optional: Evening Game Drive Overnight: Pilanesberg National Park Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Game Drives: Morning
Optional Evening Game $59USD PP Discover the exquisite Pilanesberg National Park, located in an extinct volcanic crater, two hours from Johannesburg. This game drive is a unique opportunity to experience the pristine flora and wildlife, spread over 55 000 hectares, offering some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. This game drive is a gripping one, on which you come face to face with the unspoilt beauty of the bushveld. From a 25-seater open vehicle you could encounter Africa's Big Five and many other natural inhabitants at close range.. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
DAY 6 –Evening Game Drive with morning leisure with optionals $$
You have another day in South Africa's gorgeous veldt. You can go out on an optional $$ morning game drive or relax in the lodge’s gorgeous setting. Or take to the skies to spend the morning on an optional $$ Balloon Safari. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching for wild game below. A glass of sparkling wine awaits you at the end of the journey. That afternoon, head out on the final game drive as the sun sets in the West.
Optional Morning Game $59USD PP Discover the exquisite Pilanesberg National Park, located in an extinct volcanic crater, two hours from Johannesburg. This game drive is a unique opportunity to experience the pristine flora and wildlife, spread over 55 000 hectares, offering some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. This game drive is a gripping one, on which you come face to face with the unspoilt beauty of the bushveld. From a 25-seater open vehicle you could encounter Africa's Big Five and many other natural inhabitants at close range.. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
Optional Morning Balloon Safari $419USD PP As the only Hot Air Balloon operation in South Africa to launch from within a National Park, we offer a truly unique flying experience. Guests are collected at their hotel and taken through the park to rendezvous with the balloon crew. The flight is approximately an hour duration and on landing, sparkling wine is served along with some Breakfast Canapes. This is followed by a leisurely game drive back to your departure point. Flights are early in the morning. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.
Overnight: Pilanesberg National Park | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 – On To Cape Town
Following breakfast, check out of the lodge and make your way back to Joburg to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your flight to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). On arrival in the Mother City, go to the City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront near the city’s V&A Waterfront to freshen up before dinner on your own.
Overnight: Cape Town | Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 – Cape Town City Tour
After breakfast in the hotel, meet up with your Tour Manager and depart on a half-day Cape Town city and Table Mountain tour. Drive past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, the Grand Parade, and St. George's Cathedral. The route then leads to Kloof Nek (one of South Africa's oldest roads) and Table Mountain. Ascend to the top (weather-permitting) by means of a cable car. (NOTE – cable car is subject to weather conditions).
The afternoon and evening are on your own, taking advantage of your hotel’s setting amidst the Victoria & Albert Waterfront and its plethora of restaurants.
Overnight: Cape Town | Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 – Day at Leisure or take South African Wine Tour $$
Enjoy a relaxing day on your own in Cape Town or join us on an optional day in South Afrcia's wine country.
Optional: Full Day Cape Winelands Tour $79USD PP
 Wind through South Africa's fertile wine valleys, prized for their renowned vintages, and discover the rustic beauty of sprawling estates shaded by giant oaks and rows of vines running as far as the eye can see. Travel the country's principal wine route and enjoy tastings at some of the excellent vineyards along the way. Begin in Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and the historic heart of the country's wine region. First recognized as an ideal location for vineyards in 1679, viticulture has been entwined with the town's history ever since. Also of interest is the town's fascinating variety of architecture, including buildings in Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Then continue northwest to the old, scenic village of Franschhoek, founded near the Drakenstein Mountains in 1688 by French immigrants, whose descendants eventually supplied highly sought-after wine to Napoleon, Bismarck, and even King Edward VII. Stop for lunch on your own, and then enjoy a final tasting before bidding farewell to the wine country and returning to Cape Town.
Overnight: Cape Town | Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - Cape Peninsula Tour
Depart on a full-day Cape Peninsula tour to experience some of the most spectacular views. Drive to Cape Point at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula, passing steep mountains, secluded coves, and sweeping beaches en route. After a stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets, continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous flora and fauna, where you may see baboons by the road-side, rheboks, Cape Mountain zebras, bonteboks and the elusive eland. The native plant life, known as fynbos, forms one of only six floral kingdoms in the world. Following the coastline along False Bay, return to Cape Town after lunch on your own in Simon's Town. While here, visit the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, and continue with a scenic drive over Muizenberg Mountain. Lastly, visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, resting at the foot of Table Mountain, for a short walking tour of the beautiful gardens before finally returning to Cape Town.
Overnight: Cape Town | Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 - Robben Island
 After breakfast, meet up with the group. Boats depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and head to one of the most famous prisons in the world, Robben Island. This is where South Africa’s Father of the Nation spent 18 years, the legend of a man, Nelson Mandela. Guests will disembark at Murrays Harbour on the east coast of the island and take a short walk to buses that will transport them to all of the historically significant sites. The tour guides inside the prison today, are former political prisoners and their knowledge of this island is unparalleled and adds a unique cultural layer to this experience. This tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. The afternoon is at your leisure.
That evening, enjoy a truly African Farewell Dinner at Gold Restaurant, often referred to as a taste safari and that’s exactly what it is. This vibrant restaurant promises an evening of wining and dining in scintillating African style. The dinner begins with the drumbeat of the djembe drum and an interactive drum circle and you will then be led into a courtyard where you will ceremoniously wash your hands before the feast begins. This 14-course set menu is authentically Cape Malay and African cuisine, while you are entertained by live performances near your table. Gold Restaurant inspires and immerses you into the spirit of Africa while you savor delicious cuisine.
* The operation of the Robben Island ferry depends on weather and sea conditions. If the ferry is canceled, the visit to Robben Island will be replaced with alternate sightseeing. Guests must produce a form of identification when they purchase a ticket and board a ferry when visiting the island. All visitors are required to provide either an identification document, passport, birth certificate or driver’s license. Copies of these documents will be accepted.
Overnight: Cape Town | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 - South African Flavors And Farewell
It’s your last day in South Africa! Check out of your room, but leave your bags with the concierge. In the morning, experience a typical Market Day at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, where small local farmers and artisanal food producers link urban farming with Cape Town’s history & heritage, using seasonal produce. The Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) is an educational non-profit project in Cape Town, South Africa, celebrating local food, culture, and community through urban agriculture. Mingle with locals whilst they do their weekly food shopping (vegetables, fruit, bread, honey) and try out some delicious cooked and raw foods (not included in package). Continue to the Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill (a real biscuit mill from around the 19th Century converted into a quaint little village showcasing great food and décor, in the heart of Woodstock). Enjoy delicious eats & treats and the opportunity to browse through local arts and crafts. Your expert guide will be on hand to assist with insider tips on the local farmers and the produce that they sell. After lunch on your own, return to the hotel to pick up your bags and then transfer to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for your departure to London
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15 Arrival Home
After your overnight flight up from the Southern Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean, arrive back in North America.
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Optionals | Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. |
 | | Evening Game Drive |
Day #5
|
| Discover the exquisite Pilanesberg National Park, located in an extinct
volcanic crater, two hours from Johannesburg. This game drive is a unique opportunity to experience the pristine flora and wildlife,
spread over 55 000 hectares, offering some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. This game drive is a gripping one, on
which you come face to face with the unspoilt beauty of the bushveld. From a 25-seater open vehicle you could encounter Africa's
Big Five and many other natural inhabitants at close range.. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours |
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 | | Morning Balloon Safari |
Day #6
|
| As the only Hot Air Balloon operation in South Africa to launch from
within a National Park, we offer a truly unique flying experience. Guests are collected at their hotel and taken through the park to
rendezvous with the balloon crew. The flight is approximately an hour duration and on landing, sparkling wine is served along with
some Breakfast Canapes. This is followed by a leisurely game drive back to your departure point. Flights are early in the morning.
Approximate tour duration is 5 hours. |
|
 | | Morning Game Drive |
Day #6
|
| Discover the exquisite Pilanesberg National Park, located in an extinct
volcanic crater, two hours from Johannesburg. This game drive is a unique opportunity to experience the pristine flora and wildlife,
spread over 55 000 hectares, offering some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. This game drive is a gripping one, on
which you come face to face with the unspoilt beauty of the bushveld. From a 25-seater open vehicle you could encounter Africa's
Big Five and many other natural inhabitants at close range.. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. |
|
 | | Full Day Cape Winelands Tour |
Day #9
|
| Wind through South Africa's fertile wine valleys, prized for their renowned vintages, and discover the rustic beauty of sprawling estates shaded by giant oaks and rows of vines running as far as the eye can see. Travel the country's principal wine route and enjoy tastings at some of the excellent vineyards
along the way.
Begin in Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and the historic heart of the country's wine region. First recognized as an ideal location for vineyards in 1679, viticulture has been entwined with the town's history ever since. Also of interest is the town's fascinating variety of architecture, including buildings in Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Then continue northwest to the old, scenic village of Franschhoek, founded near the Drakenstein Mountains in 1688 by French immigrants, whose descendants eventually supplied highly sought-after wine to Napoleon, Bismarck, and even King Edward VII. Stop for lunch on your own, and then enjoy a final tasting before bidding farewell to the wine country and returning to Cape Town. |
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| Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. |
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| | Rates & Hotels |
| 2025 Departures | Air & Land |
| Feb 25 | $4796* |
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