Basic South Africa Tour - 11 Days

(Printable Version with Application)

Thu., March 10:  Our group flight departs from San Francisco on United Airlines to Washington DC to connect with a South Africa Airways flight to Johannesburg.  

Fri., March 11 – Johannesburg:  We arrive in the early evening and transfer to our accommodations at the Holiday Inn Sandton Hotel, which includes daily breakfast.

Sat., March 12 – Soweto/Johannesburg: Our first stop is the famous Soweto township, the epicenter of the Apartheid movement - It is now South Africa’s cultural leader setting trends in politics, fashion, music, and dance. Lunch is provided as a tour service.  This afternoon, we explore Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city.  Sightseeing the city historical building and sights.  This evening is free for rest and individual enjoyment.

Sun., March 13 - Johannesburg/Sun City/Pilanesberg: This morning, we leave South Africa’s urban center to drive into the bush. Our first stop will be lunch at the opulent Sun City – a distinctive resort in the middle of the wilderness.  We continue to our accommodations at the Bakubung Bush Lodge, which includes daily breakfast and dinner.  After our arrival, we drive into Pilanesberg Game Reserve in search of Africa’s “Big Five.”

Mon., Mar. 14 - Pilanesberg/Brits:  This morning, even before the sun rises, we leave the Lodge for an early morning game drive to witness the awakening of wildlife. Following breakfast, we will travel to Brits, to meet with the local Rotarians for a day of activities that will include wheelchair distribution, visit to matching grant projects and fellowship.  Following a Rotary meeting, we will return to Bakubung Bush Lodge for dinner.

Tue., March 15 - Pilanesberg/Nelspruit: This morning, you will have the ability to purchase an optional game drive before we depart for Nelspruit.  Today’s travel will take us overland to Mpumalanga Province via the Panorama Route.  See the magnificent Blyde River Canyons, Gods Window and Bourkes Luck Potholes.  Lunch will be provided. Protea Nelspruit Hotel accommodations which include daily breakfast.

Wed., March 16 - Nelspruit:  Today is a full day of exploration and humanitarian activities with members from the Rotary club of Nelspruit, including a tour of their township, lunch, wheelchair distribution, visits to humanitarian sites, and a dinner event before returning to our hotel. 

Thu., March 17 - Nelspruit:  We continue our engagement with the local Rotarians today, including visits to a matching grant water project funded by the Rotary club of Foster City, a local feeding program, and the
distribution of clothing, shoes, etc. Following a Rotary Club of Nelspruit meeting, we will be treated to a “brai” (barbecue) at a local Rotarian’s home.

Fri., March 18 - Nelspruit/Kruger Park: This morning, we leave the urban setting bound for the Berg-en-Dal camp of Kruger National Park to explore more of Africa’s wildlife.  Our accommodations will be in private homes that were used by the South African government officials when they visited the park. Each home has two to four bedrooms, with separate baths, and daily maid service. The Rotary Club of Foster City, “The Rotary Club that Cooks,” with assistance from the Nelspruit Rotarians, will provide our meals during our stay in the park. This evening, we will travel via small vehicles into the reserve to enjoy a sunset game drive.

Sat., March 19 - Kruger Park:  Today you have plenty of time to witness the beauty of the African plains and the wildlife that call it home. We leave for a morning game drive to see the animals awake before returning home for breakfast.  After a brief rest, we will then take a guided game walk in the Berg-en-Dal area.  Finally, this evening, you will can purchase an optional night game drive.

Sun., March 20 - Kruger/Johannesburg/Depart for Home: Early this morning, we will depart Kruger and drive directly to the Johannesburg airport.  Lunch will be provided en route.  This evening we depart on a South African Airways flight  to Washington DC.

Mon., March 21– Washington DC/SFO:  Upon arrival we connect with our final flight to San Francisco.

Cape Town Extension - 4 Days

Sun., March 20 - Kruger/Johannesburg/Cape Town: This evening, we depart from the Johannesburg airport to fly to Cape Town.  Upon arrival, we are transferred to the deluxe Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel, where our accommodations include daily breakfasts. 

Mon., March 21 - Cape Town:  This morning we explore Cape Town, with its famous landmarks including the  Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kloof Nek and the magnificent Table Mountain.  We'll ascend to the top by revolving cable car.  This afternoon is free for individual enjoyment.   

Tue., March 22 - Cape Town:  Today we head to Cape Town’s fertile wine country.  This area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees.  We include the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschoek, including two wine tasting stops and lunch.

Wed., March 23 - Cape Town:  This morning is we take a ferry to Robben Island, a former political prison that held Nelson Mandela and others. This historic landmark was recently established as a museum and national monument. We will experience the conditions of incarceration – view Nelson Mandela’s maximum security prison cell, etc. Your afternoon is free for your personal enjoyment and last minute shopping.

Thu., March 24 - Cape Town/Johannesburg/Depart for Home:  Depart for a flight back to Johannesburg to connect with your flight to Washington DC. 

Fri., Mar 25– Washington DC/SFO:  Upon arrival we connect with our final flight to San Francisco.