Spectacular South Africa

One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience.

Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan center of greater Johannesburg.

Today, have some time to ponder history at Liliesleaf, the former center of the liberation movement and the site of the police raid that led to Nelson Mandela's lifetime prison sentence. Following this, a guided tour of Soweto – South West Township – showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum commemorating the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone, and known as one of Africa's greatest natural wonders. Along this magnificent route, stop at God's Window and stand at what seems like the edge of creation. On clear days, you can see as far as Mozambique. This evening, enjoy a traditional Boma dinner where you may sample some local game meat! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Have your camera ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full day open-air-vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the "Big 5" – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully – you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a South African braai lunch in the natural beauty of Kruger National Park. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Embrace the rare opportunity to head back into the wild on another full day safari game drive in Kruger National Park. Enjoy this second attempt to see any elusive animals you may have missed yesterday or get another look at your favorites. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the resort town of Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route. Located on the coast, Knysna is your gateway to the natural beauty of South Africa. Today breakfast will be included.

Today visit the nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve, looking out over the Indian Ocean. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads, which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely-paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees – so called because of their white latex sap – before your return cruise. This afternoon, it's your choice! Visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as "Bahia Formosa" (Beautiful Bay) and witness views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons -OR- enjoy your afternoon at leisure in Knysna with time to independently explore the charming waterfront. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Say goodbye to Knysna as you begin your journey to Stellenbosch. Get a taste of the culture when you join your fellow travelers for dinner and a wine tasting. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Start your day with a walking tour of Stellenbosch, a university town known for its vineyards and mountainous nature reserves. Get a chance to taste some wine before continuing on to nearby Franschhoek. Experience the town's renowned wine culture with a cellar tour and tasting followed by lunch before returning to Stellenbosch. With the remainder of your day at leisure, discover the town on your own. Maybe you'll taste some more of the legendary wine, wander along the oak-lined avenues, or explore the surrounding nature. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Travel to the beautiful harbor side city of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa. Enjoy a traditional Cape Malay lunch in the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Settle in for your 3-night stay in the "Mother City," nestled in the valley between towering mountains and the glistening sea. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

See the highlights of the city on a panoramic tour. Take in the celebrated architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car that whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named – and flat-topped – Table Mountain. The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion's Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the massive Milnerton Lighthouse. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own to explore Cape Town from your strategically located hotel. Today breakfast will be included.

Table Mountain Cableway is subject to change and availability due to weather conditions.

Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the djembe drums before a communal African dining experience with dishes from all over the continent! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Your tour ends today in Cape Town. For travelers with late flight departures, enjoy the use of a day room prior to your departure to the airport. Today breakfast will be included.