Wednesday, March 5 – Johannesburg, South Africa – Tour Begins
Welcome to Southern Africa, where incredible landscapes lead the way to a blend of cultural diversity, an abundance of wildlife, and a remarkable history. Our adventure starts in Johannesburg – a vibrant city that revolves around modernity and a gold-mining history. You will most likely be arriving later in the evening. Upon your arrival, take an airport shuttle to our hotel and enjoy time to get settled before tomorrow’s exploration into the wild. We will be departing for Zimbabwe tomorrow morning.
Thursday, March 6– Johannesburg, South Africa – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
We’ll fly to Victoria Falls this morning – an awe-inspiring Natural Wonder of the World. When we arrive, check into our luxury lodge – an authentic African tent camp with all the amenities of a luxury resort. This afternoon, when rainbows are at their best, we will witness the awesome power of Victoria Falls. (B, D)
Friday, March 7 – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Today we will embark on an experience of a lifetime. Greet African elephants, spend quality time interacting with them in their own habitat and witness some of their unique behaviors. Then, experience an impact moment during our visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn how their programs are having a positive impact on the local communities and animals. After we’ve worked up an appetite, travel to a township where you will join a local family for a simple home-hosted lunch. Later this evening, we’ll have an Amazing Journeys Shabbat Service followed by dinner on the shores of the Zambezi River overlooking Victoria Falls. (B, L, D)
Saturday, March 8 – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Chobe, Botswana
This morning, visit a traditional rural homestead, meet the village chief, and come to understand more about traditional ways of living in this part of the world. Cross the border into Botswana and arrive in Chobe – an untamed national park whose namesake river twists its way throughout the area. During a captivating safari cruise along the Chobe River, spot elephants and hippos that linger along the shores and crocodiles basking in the sun. (B, L, D)
Sunday, March 9 – Chobe National Park, Botswana
On a game drive through Chobe National Park, take in diverse ecosystems and unparalleled biodiversity. After lunch, it’s your choice – either continue the wildlife search by land on an afternoon game drive or venture down the river again for a different perspective on a safari cruise. Tonight, gather by the river for an unforgettable dinner. Learn the secret to cooking a traditional braai, complete with some local favorites and delicacies. (B, L, D)
Monday, March 10 – Chobe, Botswana – Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
Today, transfer to Victoria Falls Airport where we will fly to Johannesburg then transfer to Pilanesberg National Park, a game reserve set within an ancient crater, where the lions reign as kings. This is the wild Africa you’ve always dreamt of – now laid out before you just waiting to be discovered. This evening, we’ll take part in a great safari tradition of enjoying sundowners – having a drink and watching as the sun disappears behind the mountain, before enjoying a delicious dinner together. (B, D)
Tuesday, March 11 – Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
Before sunrise, in the open expanse of Pilanesberg, we will drive out in our 4×4 on a search for the elusive “Big 5.” Later on, an afternoon game drive could take us past dazzling zebras, graceful giraffes, or the big cats preparing for the hunt. Back at the lodge tonight, indulge in a bush dinner. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, March 12 – Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Discover the wildlife all around with another full day in Pilanesberg. On morning and afternoon game drives, continue your search for the “Big 5” and other local animals such as impalas, giraffes, rhinos or cheetahs. (B, L, D)
Thursday, March 13 – Pilanesberg National Park – Cape Winelands, South Africa
This morning, venture out in a 4×4 in search of the “Big 5” across vast marshlands and craggy landscapes. We’ll head to Johannesburg Airport and board our flight to Cape Town, South Africa where the winelands of the Western Cape await. We’ll see for ourselves why this area boasts a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful wine countries. A short drive takes us to the town of Somerset West – located in South Africa’s most famous wine region and overlooking the majestic False Bay. Settle in for a two-night stay among rolling vineyards and historic Cape Dutch architecture. (B)
Friday, March 14 – Cape Winelands, South Africa
Sip the South African specialties with a full day exploring the country’s winelands. Start in the Stellenbosch Valley and enjoy a tasting at our first winery of the day. Perhaps you’ll try the local favorite, crossed between a Pinot Noir and a Cinsaut, the Pinotage is a specialty of South Africa. Travel to the charming village of Franschhoek for lunch. Take advantage of time at leisure before visiting a second winery in the afternoon. Later this evening, we’ll come together as a community for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat. Cap the evening off with a dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients and of course, amazing regional wines. (B, L, D)
Saturday, March 15 – Cape Winelands – Cape Town, South Africa
Say hello to Cape Town, South Africa’s electric cultural mecca that captivates you at every turn. Explore Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a Cape Town hotspot. From heritage sites to historic landmarks, markets, shops, and restaurants, the waterfront is one of South Africa’s most compelling destinations. On arrival, rise gently over the South African landscape in a cable car to Table Mountain (subject to weather conditions), taking in views of Cape Town, Lions Head, and historic Robben Island. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Moorish Malay Quarter. (B)
Sunday, March 16 – Cape Town, South Africa
This morning we’ll travel to Cape Point, the southwestern tip of Africa. Marvel at the vibrant green foliage blanketing the rocky outcrops, set as a contrast to the bright blue waves below. Set out on an easy hike down the mountain, wandering by diverse patches of native flowers. Stop at Boulders Beach for the rarest of black-tie events – a rendezvous with endangered African penguins! Tonight, we will be guests in a Capetonian family’s home. Over dinner, exchange stories and get to know what everyday life is like here in Cape Town. (B, D)
Monday, March 17 – Cape Town, South Africa
This morning, we’ll visit the South African Jewish Museum set on a campus that includes South Africa’s first, oldest and grandest synagogue. The South African Jewish Museum is a marvel of modern architecture and one whose contents mirror this fusion of the old world and the new. This campus includes the synagogue, a museum, Holocaust Center and gift shop. After a brief overview, you will have some free time there to explore on your own. This afternoon, it’s up to you: whether you step into a kingdom of natural wonders where thousands of plant and floral species thrive at Kirstenbosch Gardens, sail to Robben Island to learn about the imprisonment of many political activists including Nelson Mandela, enjoy shopping at V&A Waterfront and the Watershed for locally designed goods, or enjoy time at leisure – spend some time soaking up the wonder of Cape Town. This evening, we’ll gather for an Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and dinner to taste the country’s beloved flavors at dinner, starring a host of South African specialties and delicacies. (B, D)
Tuesday, March 18 – Cape Town, South Africa – Tour Ends
Today, bid farewell to our fellow travelers when you leave beautiful Cape Town. Depending on your departure flight time, you will have access to a day room before heading to the airport. (B)
Your Itinerary at a Glance
Night 1 Southern Sun O.R. Tambo, Johannesburg, South Africa
Night 2-3 The Wallow at Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Night 4-5 Chobe Marina Lodge, Chobe, Botswana
Night 6-8 Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Night 9-10 Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West, South Africa
Night 11-13 Southern Sun the Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Please note:
– Alternate hotels may be used
– The order of the tour may be changed
– Some activities are weather dependent
– Highest elevation is 5,535 feet
– Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
– Air schedules are subject to change
| Rates |
Twin* |
Single |
|
$6999
Waitlist |
$8499
Waitlist |
|
|
|
A deposit of $850 is due with your reservation.
Full payment is due on December 2, 2024. Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3.5% credit card fee.
*Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves. Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand that the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.
Pre & Post Tour Stay: For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour or stay after the end of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotels. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days. Rates listed are per day and include taxes and breakfast daily. No deposit is required at time of registration.
Johannesburg (March 4) – Our Johannesburg hotel is an airport property as we will be staying there for one night before our morning flight to Victoria Falls. It is not recommended to explore Johannesburg without a vetted, licensed guide and transportation. If you do plan on arriving in Johannesburg one day early, we recommend arranging any touring through the hotel concierge.
Twin* – $110 per person
Single – $198
Cape Town (March 18)
Twin* – $160 per person
Single – $310
Rates are subject to change based on availability.
These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until September 4, 2024, there is a $150 penalty for cancellation. From September 5 – December 2, 2024, the cancellation penalty is $850 for the tour and pre/post nights. From December 3, 2024 – January 2, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the tour and pre/post nights. From January 3 – February 3, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 75% of the cost of the tour for the tour and pre/post nights. From February 4, 2025 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour and pre/post nights. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase travel protection. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
This trip is for you if: You’re an on-the-go traveler – you don’t want to miss a thing, walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal and you’re able to walk on a 2.5 hour walking tour at a moderate pace, covering several miles, hills and uneven surfaces. Walking 4 miles throughout the day is very doable and you can easily climb stairs. You can navigate hills and uneven/wet ground independently, climb up and into various modes of transportation including boats and raised safari vehicles and could handle changes in elevation as high as 6,000 feet. You can expect several early mornings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. When traveling in Africa you will encounter warm temperatures. You will be climbing in and out of custom-built safari vehicles on a small ladder several times a day and traveling on bumpy roads. You must be in good health and prepare properly. This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel on mobility devices.
Flights and Transfers: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters. This tour begins in Johannesburg (JNB) with arrivals anytime on March 5 and ends in Cape Town (CPT) with departures anytime after 10am on March 18. Transfers are included. In Johannesburg the hotel provides shuttle services from the airport to the hotel. In Cape Town, Amazing Journeys will provide transfers from our hotel to the airport from our group hotel.
Twin Accommodations: Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves. Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand that the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.
Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. Visas will be required on this itinerary. You must have at least 4 blank pages including two full pages facing each other (not the endorsement pages in the back) in your passport to allow for the entry stamps issued for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements. More specific information regarding visas will be sent as the trip approaches.
Credit Card Payments: Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3.5% credit card fee.
Baggage: Regardless of what your international air carrier permits, each traveler will be limited to one checked suitcase (maximum 44 lbs) for flights within Africa. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for tours in Africa and so we recommend you use a soft-sided backpack or shoulder bag as your carry-on bag (maximum 17 lbs).
Fuel Surcharges: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the tours cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tours effectively.
Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the tour manager, local guides, safari guides, game lodges, drivers, luggage porters and servers at included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.
Vaccines & Precautions: Malaria prevention is required when visiting Zimbabwe and Botswana. Consult your physician prior to departure. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web sites: www.cdc.gov/travel or www.travelersvaccines.com.
This tour is operated by Collette. This group is limited to no more than 18 guests where a smaller group provides a more personal travel experience. We must have a minimum of 15 participants in order to operate this tour.
