This tour includes nine game drives to see the wild African animals; visits at sanctuaries for lions, elephants and monkeys, including a chance to touch lion cubs and walk with elephants; and tours of the Cradle of Humankind, Soweto, and the Apartheid Museum.

It also includes a 3-night visit to Cape Town, including round trip airfare there and back, and tours of Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, the Boulders penquin colony, and a full-day tour of the winelands.

There is a limit of 10 guests on this tour to give each guest a chance to best see the wildlife from the safari vehicles. We are only traveling in malaria-free areas!

Stop dreaming; start packing!!

South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so when it’s summer in the USA, it’s winter there! For most of Southern Africa, winter typically lasts from April to October. Traveling there in hate August means being there in winter, going into spring. During this time, the weather is typically sunny and cool, with cold mornings and nights.

This is the best time to go on safari. Water is scarce and animals are forced to congregate around the few remaining water sources, making them easier to spot. The grass is lower, affording better visibility; and dirt roads are easily navigable. Traveling in May also means avoiding rainy season inconveniences and discomforts like flooding, high humidity and an abundance of insects.

In Johannesburg, it starts to warm up in late August as the high-altitude city moves from winter to spring. Daytime highs average 68°F and the nights get down to 46°F.

In Cape Town, you can expect an average high temperature of 64°F, and the overnight low temperatures average 46°F. The average ocean temperature near Cape Town is a chilly 61°F.

August is one of the driest months in Johannesburg, and it only rains an average of two days.

Cape Town averages 14 rainy days during this month, with light precipitation. It is not uncommon to have cloudy days throughout August.

The length of the day is 11 hours by the end of August.

You'll get an average of 7 hours of sunshine every day in Johannesburg, and 6.25 hours of daily sunlight in Cape Town.

This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness.

Remember: Africa is a third world country! Roads are bumpy and dusty, WiFi can be spotty, and everything happens on Africa time (really S-L-O-W)!

We find our guests are happiest when they can roll with delays and last-minute changes that may happen in the unpredictable world of African travel.

The best things you can bring with you are flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor!

This 12-day, 11-night adventure is priced $3,099 per person double occupancy (not including airfare to and from South Africa).

Your space will be reserved when we receive a nonrefundable deposit of $775.

The full amount is due by two months before your departure (June 23, 2020).

We have a payment plan which allows the entire cost of the trip to be paid in equal installments.

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, these fees will be applied:

• Between 200-101 days before your arrival date, $375.

• Between 100-61 days before your arrival date, $775 (25% of the entire tour price.).

• Between 60 and 46 days before your arrival date, $1,550 (50% of the entire tour price.)

• Between 45 and 31 days before your arrival date, $2,325 (75% of the entire tour price.)

• Between 30 and 1 days before your arrival date, 100% of the entire tour price.

Please plan to fly into and out of O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

You need to be in Johannesburg on Sunday, Aug 23, which means you will need to depart the USA on Saturday, Aug 22. (You might even need to leave as early as Friday, Aug 21 if your flight has multiple stops.)

Please ASK US if you have any questions before you purchase your airfare!

Please plan to arrive in Johannesburg before NOON on SUNDAY, Aug. 23. This will give us time to take you to Lesedi African Cultural center, where we will enjoy a tour, show and dinner starting at 4 pm. (If your flight doesn't arrive before noon, you might consider flying in the previous day and spending an optional night at Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport-available as an option for $120.)

Plan to depart from Johannesburg in the evening on Thursday, Sept 3.

Here is a suggested packing list:

1-2 pair chinos or other light pants

1 pair jeans

1 pair shorts or capris

4 tee shirts

1-2 long sleeve tee shirt

1 fleece jacket

1 light puffer jacket or down vest

1 warm hat

1 pair heavy sneakers/hiking shoes

1 pair regular running shoes/sneakers

1 pair Teva sandals

Underwear and socks-6 to 8 of each

Sunglasses

Optional: bathing suit

Sunscreen (SPF 30-50), mosquito repellant, small flashlight

Keep it light, because there is a restrictive weight limit on the domestic flight to Cape Town.

Remember, there is laundry service at all the places we are staying, and they are inexpensive, quick, and convenient.

Packing for an African safari

Navigating dirt roads in an open-top jeep means that you'll get covered in dust, so you'll need clothes that hide dirt well. Because temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day, the key to a comfortable safari outfit is layers. You should pack and wear layers to adjust to the wide range of temperatures you can experience on a typical day. While the morning can be freezing, by midday it can be hot. Layers will save you.

Best colors to wear on safari

Unless you are seriously tracking wildlife on foot, which we are not, the color of your clothing is really not that important. The basic rule on safari is to go neutral. When trying to spot wildlife you’ll have the best chance if you blend in as much as possible with your surroundings. Ideal colors to wear on safari are greens, browns, olives and khakis. Any other neutral colors are fine too, but there are some you should avoid wearing on safari:

· White and very pale clothes show the dust and dirt you will inevitably be covered with, and it is hard to get out!

· Camouflage clothing is best avoided. In some African countries is for army personnel only, and you could theoretically be arrested for wearing it.

• Bright colors can attract insects.

The price you have paid for your tour includes: 11 nights accommodation; most meals; all tours escorted by a private guide; entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary; all transportation, with free water and Wi-Fi provided on board; domestic flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town; and all airport transfers .

Your tour does not include the cost of 5 meals, beverages, and gratuities.

All meals are included except 3 lunches and 2 dinners. You can budget $10 per lunch and $20 per dinner. You will also need money for drinks and souvenirs. Alcoholic beverages are less expensive in South Africa than they are in the USA.

Tipping is customary in South Africa. It is not compulsory; tipping is given entirely at your discretion. Ten percent is customary in restaurants. When you register, we'll provide suggestions for appropriate tips throughout the tour.

As a guideline, most guests use $400-$600 during the 12-day tour.

All of our accommodations provide shampoo and body wash, but not conditioner. They also provide hair dryers.

Currency

The rand (ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa.

As of September 2019, $1 USD equaled 15.16 South African Rand.

You can either buy South African Rand at home from your bank or AAA office and bring it with you, or get South African Rand from an ATM when you arrive in Johannesburg. It is difficult to convert US dollars to Rand when you are in South Africa, so we don’t recommend this option.

Adapters

In South Africa the power plugs and sockets are of type D, M and N, so you will need an adapter for electrical appliances from the United States. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

WiFi

Free WiFi service is available in the rooms and common areas at all of our accommodations.

If you need to be sure to have WiFi at all times, you can rent a mobile hot spot at the airport upon arrival in Johannesburg starting at about $30.

Laundry

Laundry service is available at Mziki Lodge, Cradle Moon Lodge, and Villa Rosa. It is very inexpensive. Average costs are:

T shirts, blouses, or shorts: $1

Jeans, trousers or dresses: $1.75

Socks and underwear: 75 cents

Domestic Flight Baggage Limits

Your domestic flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town flight entitles you to one free checked bag weighing up to 44 pounds and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 15.5 pounds, plus a laptop bag or small handbag. Any bag weighing between 44-70 pounds will incur a heavy bag fee of about $25 at the airport.

You have the option of taking a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the savannah. On most tours, we have seen animals on the ground below us, including rhinos, antelopes and baboons! Pickup will be at around 5 a.m. and take off around 6 a.m. to see the sunrise. After a one hour flight, we'll have champagne on landing then a full breakfast. We will be back at our lodge by 10 a.m. to leave for the rest of the day's tour. Price of the balloon flight is $225 per person.

On our final evening of the trip in Cape Town, you may choose to join us for a festive farewell dinner at GOLD Restaurant.

Guests at GOLD Restaurant cannot help but be swept up in the excitement of archetypal African stories told through our live entertainment. To start, you'll feel the heartbeat of Africa with our pre-dinner interactive djembe drumming session. Then we'll enjoy praise singing to welcome you, Mali puppetry, and dancing to the rhythms of the marimba percussion and djembe drums.

Then dinner-an edible map of Africa! African food is traditionally shared and enjoyed with family and friends. Similarly, our 14-dish tasting menu is served in generous individual and shared portions. Each dish is brought to your table with country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing explained.

Price of this optional farewell dinner is $50.

http://goldrestaurant.co.za/

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Witness the magnificent "smoke that thunders" during this optional 3-day, 2-night package.

Friday, Aug 21: Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to your hotel (Explorers Village deluxe chalets or similar). This afternoon you will be collected for your deluxe sunset cruise, where you can sip drinks and watch the sunset as the wildlife come out on the river banks - a most amazing experience.

Saturday, Aug 22: Today you have a guided tour of Victoria Falls, where your guide will point of the best vantage points from which to get that perfect shot. Enjoy the views of this incredible wonder of nature.

Sunday, Aug 23: This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport to return to Joburg and start the tour!!

Lodging, transfers, sightseeing cruise, tours, and breakfast are included in the price of $390. Airfare between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls is extra.

All travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting:

Hepatits A: CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in South Africa, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Typhoid: You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in South Africa. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Some Travelers: Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis B: You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

Malaria: When traveling in South Africa, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling.

Areas of South Africa with risk of malaria: Present along the border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Specifically in Mopani, Vhembe, and Waterberg district municipalities of Limpopo Province; Ehlanzeni district municipality in Mpumalanga Province; and Umknanyakude in Kwazulu-Natal Province. Present in Kruger National Park (see Map 2-25). See more detailed information about malaria in South Africa.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO MALARIA PRESENT IN THE AREAS WE VISIT ON THIS TOUR!

Rabies: Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in South Africa, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to South Africa
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.

Yellow Fever: Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.

Note: Yellow fever vaccine availability in the United States is currently limited. If you need to be vaccinated before your trip, you may need to travel some distance and schedule your appointment well in advance.

1 night stay
Lesedi Cultural Village - https://www.aha.co.za/lesedi
4 nights stay
Mziki Safari Lodge - https://www.mziki.co.za
3 nights stay
Cradle Moon Lodge - https://www.cradlemoon.co.za
3 nights stay
Villa Rosa - https://www.villa-rosa.com
Tours
All safaris and tours escorted by a private driver and a private guide
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
Domestic Flight
Domestic flights between Johannesburg to Cape Town
All airport transfers
Meals
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners

Single supplement

$385

Hot Air Balloon

$225

Farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant

$50

Pre-tour night

$120

Victoria Falls Extension

$390

Single at Victoria Falls

$64

Day 1
Day 1
Welcome to South Africa!
Arrive in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo International Airport. A Bucket List Travel agent will meet you and help you claim your luggage. Transfer to your accommodations at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village.

Cultural show: Lesedi reflects the diversity of South Africa’s original inhabitants, and contains elements of Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, Nguni and Ndebele cultures.

Traditional song and dance and a feast fit for a king top off an unforgettable day and night.

Buffet dinner: variety of meats (crocodile, ostrich, beef, lamb), assorted vegetables, pap (grits), salads and desserts.

Overnight at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village in a traditional hut that offers the comforts of home. Wake to the sounds of the maskanda Zulu guitar and African melodies before being treated to a full English breakfast.
Read more
Day 2
Day 2
Lions and Elephants!
Breakfast at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village.

•Lion and Safari Park:

Open game drive, lion feed, and interaction with lion cubs and cheetah. NOTE: This is a humane, ethical and compassionate facility. None of the cubs will ever end up hunted, and all of the lions are micro-chipped. The lions are never sold, and safely live out their lives in big park enclosures. The park works with the Captive Carnivore Working Group, Campaign Against Canned Hunting and other organizations to provide an effective and ethical captive lion fraternity. http://www.lionandsafaripark.com

•Elephant walking safari.

Come and meet Three, Marty and Hannah, the trio of semi-habituated elephants that were orphaned at a young age. You will get to observe and interact with the elephants in their natural environment as you walk side by side with these gentle giants of Africa.

http://www.southafricaadventures.com/adventures/elephant-walking-safari

• Lunch.

Ala-carte menu at Glen Afric Country Lodge Monarch of the Glen restaurant with scenic views of the wildlife and bushveld. Featuring renowned lamb shank slow-cooked in red wine, prime cuts of beef, seafood and pasta.

• Travel to Mziki Safari Lodge

After lunch we travel to the Mziki Safari Lodge, home to three of the “Big 5" - elephants, buffalo and rhinos - as well as 47 more species of mammals and 372 species of birds. We will have an evening game drive and a wonderful dinner.

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Day 3
Day 3
Mziki Safari Lodge and Nature Reserve!
Full day to enjoy Mziki Safari Lodge and Nature Reserve.

After a sunrise morning game drive at Mziki, we'll return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast.

We'll then have about six hours to enjoy some leisure time at this beautiful lodge. Massages and other spa services are available, or you can nap or enjoy the beautiful grounds of our lodge. Lunch will be served around 2, and then we'll have an evening game drive around 4:30.

• Boma dinner at Mziki Safari Lodge.

When we return to the lodge after our game drive, your chef will prepare your meal on an open flame giving you the true African braai (BBQ) experience. On these evenings dinner is served outdoors.
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Day 4
Day 4
Safari!!
• Morning game drive in Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest park in South Africa. Among Southern Africa’s fascinating game reserves, Pilanesberg National Park is possibly the most accessible. Situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, this vast area promises thrilling big game viewing in a malaria-free environment.

This rich transitional zone attracts an incredible variety of game animals, flora and fauna that are not often found living side by side. Virtually all of the animal species native to southern Africa can be found here, including the Big 5, wild dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope and more than 360 species of bird. https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org

After our 4-5 hour game drive, we'll return to Mziki Safari Lodge for an evening game drive and Boma Dinner.
Read more
Day 5
Day 5
Pilanesberg National Park
• Morning game drive in Pilanesberg.

The relatively small size of the park, and its unusual ecological richness, dramatically increase your chance of encountering the Big 5 in their natural environment.

After the game drive, we'll return to Mziki Safari Lodge for an afternoon game drive and Boma Dinner .

The African boma (also known as a kraal) has a long history dating back to pre-colonial Africa when native groups such as the isiZulu and isiXhosa used wooden fences to enclose livestock and fortify family homesteads. The closely-knit branches were more akin to walls than fences and also served as a wind shield.

Today, while many farmers still use this method to fence in livestock or enclose a homestead, safari game lodges around the continent have also adopted and celebrate in the architectural history of the African boma, using the stylized wooden structures to enclose outdoor dining areas and create a warm, inviting space where guests can enjoy dining under the African night sky after a day out on a big game safari.
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Day 6
Day 6
Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary
• Morning game drive in Mziki Safari Lodge.

• Bush babies Monkey Sanctuary

Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary is one of only eight free-release primate sanctuaries globally. Primates are given a new lease on life here. Our squirrel, spider and capuchin monkeys, lemurs and bush babies, which were previously raised as household pets or bred for the pet trade, are introduced to a wild world laden with waterfalls, lush vegetation, natural mountain streams, and the chance to reside in as natural an environment as possible. The mission here is to provide the opportunity for primates to live as they would in the wild, and to create awareness of the benefit of releasing primates into sanctuaries such as this one.

https://www.monkeysanctuary.co.za/index.php/about-us

After visiting the Monkey Sanctuary, we'll visit Chameleon Village for lunch and shopping. Then we'll travel to Cradle Moon Lodge, where we will spend the next three nights.

• Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant.

Enjoy a selection of succulent, charcoal grilled game and domestic meats, skewered on Masaai swords and cooked to perfection over an open fire (vegetarian and fish dishes are also available). Best of all, eat as much as you like - we only stop serving when you lower your flag in surrender!

http://carnivore.co.za
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Day 7
Day 7
Cradle of HumanKind
• Optional hot air balloon ride.

• Cradle of HumanKind World Heritage Site

Home to around 40% of the world's human ancestor fossils. All of humanity shares an African heritage. South Africa has yielded fossils of some of the earliest known life forms on Earth. Hominids, the ancestors of modern humans, first emerged here about 7 million years ago. Many significant fossil finds have been made here in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, including the famous Australopithecus Africanus fossil called Mrs. Ples (2.1 million years old!) and a full skeleton about the same age called Little Foot.

The first stone tools were made and used here by our ancestors, at least 2.6 million years ago. We have evidence that our ancestors were able to use and control fire here at least one million years ago. Some of the oldest rock art in the world has been discovered here in southern Africa. Homo sapiens – modern humans – emerged only about 200,000 years ago! We are one diverse species spread across the globe, all with roots here in Africa.

https://www.maropeng.co.za/content/page/maropeng-exhibition-highlight

• Sterkfontein Caves.

A visit to Sterkfontein Caves starts with a fascinating museum display of cave formations and geology, early life forms, mammals and hominid fossils. Then head underground to explore the caves, were scientists have discovered many hominid and other animal fossils dating back more than 4 million years to the birth of humanity.

• Afternoon bush walk or game drive at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge.
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Day 8
Day 8
Soweto!
• Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Foundation was born in 1999 when Mr Mandela stepped down as the President of South Africa.. As Mr Mandela’s post-presidential office, it provided the base for his charitable work, covering a wide range of endeavours: from building schools to HIV/AIDS work, from research into education in rural areas to peace and reconciliation interventions.

Five years later, the Foundation began its transition into an organization focused on memory, dialogue and legacy work. A comprehensive refurbishment of the Foundation’s building provided it with an appropriate physical home, the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. The Centre was opened on 18 November 2013, three years to the day after Mr Mandela last used the building as his office.

• Apartheid Museum.

The Apartheid Museum details the injustice, cruelty, and absurdities of white minority rule in South Africa. Apartheid, meaning “separateness” in Afrikaans, was officially in effect from 1948 to 1994, though segregation had been a cornerstone of South African politics since the country’s inception. The museum is dedicated to helping South Africa overcome its oppressive past and look toward the future.

• Soweto!

Tour Soweto, one of the most energetic and fascinating townships in the City of Johannesburg. Soweto came to the world's attention in 1976 when 23 people died during violent anti-apartheid rioting when a student protest led to clashes with police. The impact of the Soweto protests reverberated through the country and across the world. On the vibrant Vilekazi Street, we can take in sights like the Mandela House Museum, where the South African president once lived, and the residence of Nobel peace prize winner Desmond Tutu.

• Sunset boat cruise

Enjoy the sunset cruising on the dam at the Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge.

• Braai Dinner

Braai at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge.
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Day 9
Day 9
Cape Town Here We Come!
• Early breakfast and transfer to Lanseria Airport for flight to Cape Town.

• Table Mountain

Ascend Table Mountain, the most iconic landmark in South Africa. The five-minute cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain offers a 360-degree view of Cape Town, the ocean, and the neighboring mountains.

http://tablemountainnationalpark.org

• Lunch at the Table Mountain cafe

• Visit to Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, We'll spend several hours at the beautiful Waterfront. https://www.waterfront.co.za/

There are a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy on the property. From cultural landmarks such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) to more leisurely pursuits such as a sunset cruise on one of the chartered boats berthed here. You'll have opportunity to shop, walk around, and enjoy the atmosphere at this wonderful location. With over 450 retail outlets selling everything from fashion, homeware and curios, to jewelry, leather goods and African curios the V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most popular shopping destination.

We'll have dinner at a fun pub on the Waterfront.
Read more
Day 10
Day 10
Cape of Good Hope and African Penguins
Full-day Cape Peninsula Tour:

• Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, offering stunning view of the sea, flora and fauna.

• Lunch at Seaforth Simon’s Town

Set on the white sands of Seaforth Beach in Simon’s Town, with stunning views of mountains and sea and penguins to entertain you, Seaforth Restaurant is a spectacular venue on the water’s edge. Seaforth offers you the opportunity to delight in the fruits of the sea and other items fit for the most discerning palate. (set menu). https://www.seaforthrestaurant.co.za/aboutus.htm

• Chapman’s Peak

One of the world’s most spectacular marine drives!

https://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/the-drive.html

• Boulders Penguin Colony

Penguins in South Africa?!? Yes! A colony of African Penguins, also widely known as the 'Jackass Penguins’ for their donkey-like bray, settled here in Boulders Bay in 1982 on the magnificent wind sheltered, safe beaches.

https://www.capetownmagazine.com/boulders
Read more
Day 11
Day 11
Winelands!
Full-day Winelands Tour:

• Chocolate and wine pairing at Spier Wine Farm.

Spier is one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms with a fascinating history and legacy. Today, the farm has a modern conscious energy focused on art and good farming. In this chocolate and wine pairing, the chocolatier has carefully crafted chocolates that complement and unlock nuanced flavors in each of our liquid treasures.

http://www.spier.co.za

• Lunch at Monte Rochelle

Mont Rochelle is a stunning resort and vineyard in the town of Franschhoek, owned by Sir Richard Branson. We will have fantastic gourmet meal here in what is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa.

https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/mont-rochelle#

• Wine and "champagne" tasting at Haute Cabriere.

The Haute Cabrière tasting room is the perfect platform to indulge in our wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The tasting room offers guests a historic view into the past with the daily cellar tour. This unique underground experience shares the Haute Cabrière winemaking philosophy and explores the wines, while getting insight into the winemaking process.

https://www.cabriere.co.za

Optional farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant

Guests at GOLD Restaurant cannot help but be swept up in the excitement of archetypal African stories told through our live entertainment. To start, you'll feel the heartbeat of Africa with our pre-dinner interactive djembe drumming session. Then we'll enjoy praise singing to welcome you, Mali puppetry, and dancing to the rhythms of the marimba percussion and djembe drums.

Then dinner-an edible map of Africa! African food is traditionally shared and enjoyed with family and friends. Similarly, our 14-dish tasting menu is served in generous individual and shared portions. Each dish is brought to your table with country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing explained.

http://goldrestaurant.co.za/
Read more
Day 12
Day 12
Farewell to enchanting, amazing South Africa
Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to Cape Town airport.

Bid farewell to enchanting, amazing South Africa, and depart for the United States.
Read more

Day 1

Welcome to South Africa!

Arrive in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo International Airport. A Bucket List Travel agent will meet you and help you claim your luggage. Transfer to your accommodations at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village.

Cultural show: Lesedi reflects the diversity of South Africa’s original inhabitants, and contains elements of Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, Nguni and Ndebele cultures.

Traditional song and dance and a feast fit for a king top off an unforgettable day and night.

Buffet dinner: variety of meats (crocodile, ostrich, beef, lamb), assorted vegetables, pap (grits), salads and desserts.

Overnight at Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village in a traditional hut that offers the comforts of home. Wake to the sounds of the maskanda Zulu guitar and African melodies before being treated to a full English breakfast.

We had a great time! Annie and her team took care of everything once we arrived. The communication was excellent with reminders and tips ahead of the trip and Annie answered every e-mail very quickly. The tours were top-notch, as were the accommodations and the staff. Thank you for making our vacation one to remember!

By Stephanie W for Northern Lights in Utsjoki, Finnish Lapland! on Oct 10, 2024

One week after the trip and I am still dreaming of elephants. This trip was everything I hoped for and so much more! Comfortable accommodations, excellent food and fabulous itinerary. The pacing of the itinerary was excellent; mixing days in the bush with visits to rescue centers, historical areas and landmarks. Lots of wildlife including 12 game drives. Don’t miss Zimbabwe. It was a highlight. Definitely walk with the lions. PS I am a celiac and ate incredibly well.

By Catherine C for Sept. 1-12, 2024: South Africa on Sep 25, 2024

I had a fantastic time. Trip of a lifetime. Just super nice people, and wonderful food. I also love traveling in a small group. I would love to go back to Africa.

By Regina L for Sept. 1-12, 2024: South Africa on Sep 22, 2024

It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive or better organized tour of the fascinating and friendly country of South Africa than the one presented by Annie and her team of friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated guides. They know the right places to visit and stay, and the trip was a perfect mix of activity and downtime. The accommodations were always clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The meals were interesting, delicious, and presented by friendly, attentive professionals. The activities were varied and offered with the option of participating or not participating according to one's interests. It's hard to imagine the time and energy that Annie devoted in preparation, and her presence throughout the tour added to the fun while, at the same time, provided a sense that I was in very good hands. This trip fulfilled my cousin's ambition to visit Africa, and he, too, has wonderful things to say from the experience. Kudos to everyone involved!

By Bill M for Sept. 1-12, 2024: South Africa on Sep 22, 2024

My husband and I were nervous when we booked this trip; uncertain of what to expect including accomodations and food. Wow! The food and lodging was top-notch. The people were wonderful and the guides were second-to-none. What a trip of a lifetime! Lots of animal sightings including a lion pride with their cubs. Everyday was just as incredible as the day before. So many mouth dropping experiences. We cannot wait to go back again! Thank you, Annie, for making our trip magical!

By Carole D for July 14-25, 2024: South Africa on Aug 06, 2024

Carole and Dan - Thank you so much! It makes me so happy that you had such a great trip - that's why I do this work!! My guides and partners in Africa loved hosting you, and I am thanking the safari gods for giving you such great wildlife sightings! It was a privilege to introduce you to the wonders of Africa - and we would be delighted to take you back there any time. Annie

By Bucket List Travel on Aug 09, 2024

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I just returned from a once in a lifetime trip to Cairo organized by Bucket List Travel. Annie took care of every detail of planning, and it really showed when I got off the plane and was taken care of from start to finish with the greatest care. Our guide Yasser was kind, professional, knowledgeable, and funny! He went above and beyond to ensure every need was met and we got the most out of each day in Egypt. I always felt safe and loved experiencing local life and culture. I plan to grab my friends and book again with Bucket List Travel!

By Noel G on 05 Feb, 2020

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AUG 23-SEPT 3, 2020: Bucket List Travel!

AUG 23-SEPT 3, 2020: Bucket List Travel!

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The Best Time for Safaris!

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Optional: Hot Air Balloon

Optional Farewell Dinner at Gold

Optional Extension to Victoria Falls

Immunizations

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