South Africa Full Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to South Africa

We recommend booking pre-trip accommodations if you'd like to arrive early and fully immerse yourself in Johannesburg’s vibrant atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • Begin your trip at Johannesburg Airport (JNB) at 4:00 p.m.
  • Your Trip Leader will meet you at the airport, and you will take included transportation to your hotel located in Johannesburg.
  • Settle into your accommodations as your Trip Leader shares the plan for the next nine days. Then, head out with our new friends into the city of Joburg.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious South African meal at our opening dinner.
  • Get to know your other like-minded travelers and begin to settle into South Africa together.

Day 2

South African Village Life

Morning

  • Wake up on your first morning in South Africa and enjoy a hearty breakfast in Johannesburg before you begin your journey to the northeast region of the country. (~6.5-hour drive)

Afternoon

  • Stop for lunch in the mining boom town of Lydenburg. Stretch your legs, breathe fresh air, and fill up on grub in a local cafe. (~lunch not included)
  • Continue driving and taking in the landscapes of the Steenkampsberg and Mauchsberg mountain ranges as you make your way to Mashishimale village.
  • Arrive at Mashishimale village, your home for the night, and be welcomed by your local village guide and the host community.

Evening

  • Meet your host mothers, who will welcome you into your family homes. You will be given a homestay kit, which includes clean linen, a roll of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent, tea, coffee, a cup, sugar, and milk.
  • Tonight’s dinner will be a traditional home-cooked South African meal with your host family.
  • Settle into your homestay, swap stories with your host families, and share these unique experiences.

Day 3

Mashishimale Village Experience

Morning

  • Rise and shine to the sounds of village life and meet up with your other group mates for breakfast.
  • After breakfast, walk through the village with your local guide. No two days in the village are the same, but you can expect to participate in traditional activities like floor-making where you weave mats, beading, cooking, and even dancing.

Afternoon

  • Join together for another traditional meal cooked by your host mothers. You may even have the opportunity to taste some local Marula beer.
  • After lunch, say goodbye to your host families, your village guide, and the community members. Then begin your journey to the greater Kruger area. (~2-hour drive)
  • Arrive at your safari lodge, have time to freshen up with a shower, and then gear up for your first game drive!
  • Venture out to Pridelands private reserve, which is home to the Big Five game animals, (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo), plus cheetahs and wild dogs. Explore one of the largest areas of biodiversity in Africa on a 4x4 Game Drive. (3-hour activity)

Evening

  • Return to the lodge, enjoy a shower, and then join the group for an included dinner.
  • Relax under the stars while listening to the sounds of nature and get to know more about your newfound friends.

Day 4

Kruger National Park

Morning

  • Rise early (approximately 5:00 a.m.) and prepare for a full-day 4x4 Game Drive through Kruger National Park!
  • On this day, you will be provided with a packed breakfast, which you can enjoy at one of the park’s picnic spots.
  • Spend the morning navigating the incredible landscape of one of the world’s most impressive national parks.

Afternoon

  • Stop off at one of the rest camp restaurants for lunch. Options will range from burgers, wraps, toasted sandwiches, and salads. (lunch is not included)
  • Similar to this morning, this afternoon will consist of game viewing, bird watching, and stopping off at the various watering holes.

Evening

  • Return to the lodge after a full day of exploring and observing the wildlife in their natural habitats.
  • Wash up, relax, unwind, and enjoy another included dinner at the lodge.

Day 5

Safari Game Drive

Morning

  • Rise early (approximately 5:00 a.m.) and get ready for another full-day 4x4 Game Drive through Kruger National Park!
  • On this day, you will be provided with a packed breakfast, which you can enjoy at one of the park’s picnic spots.
  • Today, you will visit another section of Kruger National Park. Continue taking in the spectacular landscapes and keep your eyes peeled to spot a variety of wildlife.

Afternoon

  • Stop off at one of the rest camp restaurants for lunch. Options will range from burgers, wraps, toasted sandwiches, and salads. (lunch is not included)
  • Similar to this morning, this afternoon will consist of game viewing, bird watching, and stopping off at the various watering holes.

Evening

  • Return to the lodge, clean up, and then join the group for an included dinner.
  • Tonight’s included dinner will be a bush-style setup. Expect fresh meat, stew, traditional South African sides, salads, and dessert, with a campfire burning nearby.
  • Get some sleep because tomorrow you’ll be heading to Cape Town!

Day 6

Hello Cape Town

Morning

  • Rise early again and make the most of your time by joining a local guide on a bush walk on the surrounding reserve. Learn about the native flora and fauna and potentially spot some wildlife.
  • Return to the lodge for breakfast and then check out of your hotel because today, you will be flying to Cape Town!

Afternoon

  • Take an included domestic flight from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) to the magical city of Cape Town, located on South Africa’s southwest coast.
  • Transfer in private vans from the airport to your hotel. After checking in and getting settled, join your Trip Leader for a quick orientation walk around the posh Mouille Point neighborhood.
  • The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for your leisure. Travelers can walk to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, colloquially known as “V&A Waterfront,” home to vibrant retail, dining, and entertainment hub featuring gift and design shops, a variety of museums, and a restaurant scene ranging from casual burger spots to upscale bistros. 
  • Select from a few optional activities, including sunset cruises, walking along the Sea Point Promenade, or checking out some street art in the hip neighborhood of Woodstock.

Evening

  • You are responsible for dinner tonight, though your Trip Leader will share some local recommendations for the best restaurants and neighborhoods to explore.
  • For a change of scenery after spending the first part of your trip in South Africa’s rural areas, head out to explore some city nightlife. Long Street is a popular area full of bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Day 7

Explore the Cape Peninsula

Morning

  • Have breakfast at your Cape Town hotel, and then get ready for a day of adventure.
  • Drive along Champman’s Peak over to Simon’s Town, a picturesque coastal village on the waters of False Bay.
  • Meet your local guides, who will share instructions on how to paddleboard. This morning, you will paddle for approximately two hours. While paddling, you may have the opportunity to see African penguins swimming in the bay and perhaps even spot a few seals.
  • You can also  walk the boardwalks of Boulders Beach to view the penguins.

Afternoon

  • Head out for lunch in Simon’s Town (not included). We recommend trying the fish and chips famous in this area. Then, make your way to the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
  • Drive the Cape Peninsula route, passing through Fish Hoek and making your way to Cape Point. Stand at the top of the point and gaze out to see where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.
  • Go for a moderate hike along the Lighthouse Trail to take in the views of the surrounding area. This is a 15-20 minute walk up a paved walkway with steps to the lighthouse point.
  • If time permits, the group can walk along a trail from the lighthouse to the Cape of Good Hope. The hike is approximately 30 minutes but can be driven in just 5-10 minutes.

Evening

  • Return to your accommodations in Cape Town and enjoy a free evening of leisure. (dinner not included)

Day 8

Cape Winelands Food and Wine Tour

Morning

  • Wake up to your first morning in Cape Town and eat a hearty breakfast right at the hotel.
  • Today, you will head out for a full-day tour of the Cape Winelands area, known for producing some of the world’s finest wines. (1 hour drive)
  • Visit hand-selected wine estates in Stellenbosch led by a Wine Lord who will guide you and explain the different styles of wines and how to best pair them with delicious snacks and treats.

Afternoon

  • Your Winelands tour does not include a proper lunch, but you will snack on treats at each wine-tasting session. Each winery offers different foods to snack and can include gourmet cupcakes, cheeses, or bite sized sandwiches.
  • In the afternoon, you will continue to visit vineyards and explore more of South Africa’s wine culture.
  • Return to your hotel in Cape Town by mid-afternoon to freshen up or take a power nap.

Evening

  • After a short rest, get ready for your final dinner together in South Africa.
  • Enjoy one more dinner in Cape Town, including local Cape Malay dishes, at a local restaurant and participate part in an interactive Djembe drumming session.

Day 9

Relax & Depart South Africa

Morning

  • Wake up to one last South African sunrise, enjoy breakfast, and reflect on your experiences over the past week.
  • Say goodbye to your new friends and depart any time of the day with instructions from your Trip Leader on how to take transportation to the Cape Town International Airport. Transportation is not included, but it is an easy 35 minute Uber ride to the airport.
  • Ask your Trip Leader for suggestions if you plan to spend more time in South Africa.
  • Welcome to the Under30Experiences community!

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