South Africa: Cultural Cities & Wildlife Safaris
17 days | 20 days with Johannesburg & Victoria Falls extension |
Answer the call of South Africa—from the Cape to Kruger and beyond.
This land of contrasts swirls breathtaking scenery, dynamic cities, and incredible wildlife into a tour of a lifetime. Begin in vibrant Cape Town, riding a cable car up Table Mountain and tracing the curves of the Cape Peninsula past penguin colonies and rugged ocean cliffs. Savor crisp chenin blanc in the Cape Winelands before traveling the legendary Garden Route to Knysna’s emerald forests and the dramatic coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park. Try to spot rare white lions and see elephants on game drives through the Pumba Private Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, then hear stories of resilience and hope in Soweto’s historic streets. Each day brings a deeper connection to South Africa’s people and landscapes—and for those who choose to forge ahead, the journey ends with the thunder and mist of magnificent Victoria Falls.
Your tour package includes
- 14 nights in handpicked hotels
- 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners served with beer or wine—including a bush dinner under the stars in Kruger National Park
- 15 guided sightseeing tours through South Africa’s cities, coasts, and national parks
- 4 game drives in world-renowned wildlife reserves, led by expert rangers
- 1 artisanal gin tasting
- 1 expert Tour Director—your guide to South Africa’s many cultures
- 10 local guides throughout the journey, from township musicians to conservation specialists
- Pre-booked transportation, including 1 private deluxe motor coach, 1 on-tour flight, and 4x4 safari vehicles
Included highlights
- Riding a cable car to the top of Table Mountain and looking out over all of Cape Town and the ocean beyond
- Setting out on safari through the Pumba Private Game Reserve in search of its rare white lions
- Rumbling through Addo Elephant National Park, where massive herds roam freely across the plains
- Visiting Chimp Eden, the Jane Goodall Institute sanctuary rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned chimpanzees
- Rolling out on game drives in Kruger National Park, the crown jewel of South Africa’s wilderness
- Feeling the mist swirling off Victoria Falls settle on your (smiling) face on this tour’s extension
Itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to Cape Town today.
Cape Town4 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa! Meet your Tour Director with a “howzit”—a casual greeting used throughout the country—and transfer to your hotel. You’ll touch down later in the evening, so take it easy and get some well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of the Cape Peninsula & choir performance
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch
The rocky Cape Peninsula dangles off the African continent, its cluster of mountains rising out of the sea. Today, spend some time cruising its scenic roads, hopping on and off your bus as you go.
- Drive along the Atlantic seaboard, passing through the suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay and admiring the sugary sands of their beaches.
- Visit the Cape of Good Hope—an instantly recognizable headland long used as a landmark by mariners—and the Cape Point Lighthouse, soaking up beautiful views all the while.
- Head to Simon’s Town, home to South Africa’s navy, and get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome lunch served with beer or wine.
- Stroll along the boardwalk at Boulders Beach, a protected marine habitat and home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Your visit helps support the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, a local nongovernmental organization.
As you travel back to Cape Town, stop to enjoy a performance by the Major Voices choir.
- Experience the harmonies of this male a cappella group as they perform in the Isicathamiya style—a traditional Zulu singing form known for its soft vocals and choreographed footwork—along with Afro-gospel and jazz.
- Learn about the choir’s mission to use music as a tool to empower and motivate their community.
Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Cape Town
Included meal: Breakfast
Founded in 1652, Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, and has the cultural heritage to match. Get to know it today by joining your Tour Director for some guided sightseeing.
- Ride a cable car up Table Mountain—one of Cape Town’s defining features—and revel in the panorama unfolding below you.
- See the flat-topped peak of Signal Hill and the Castle of Good Hope, a 17th-century bastion fort erected by the Dutch East India Company.
- Drive on through the city, catching glimpses of City Hall—distinguishable by its Edwardian style—and the neoclassical Houses of Parliament as you go.
- Leave your bus and set out on a walking tour of Bo-Kaap. Painting the slopes of Signal Hill in flashes of color, this neighborhood nurtured the Cape Malay culture created by Muslims who arrived in the country in the 1700s.
- Visit the District Six Museum to learn about those who were forcibly removed under Apartheid—a ruthless system of racial segregation that only ended in 1990. While there, see how its employees are helping to rebuild and strengthen communities in District Six and beyond.
After wrapping up your morning tour, join your group for an optional excursion to Robben Island, site of a notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela captive. Or, enjoy a free afternoon in Cape Town, sunbathing on one of its 10 Blue Flag beaches—strips of shore recognized worldwide for their quality and sustainability.
Please note: The cable car ride up Table Mountain is weather-dependent. Also, on some departures, the optional excursion will be offered in the morning and the sightseeing tour will take place in the afternoon. In the event of inclement weather, the visit to Table Mountain will be moved to day 5. In the unlikely event of poor weather both days, Table Mountain will be replaced with a visit to Signal Hill. For departures during July and August, travelers will visit Signal Hill and enjoy an included lunch due to annual maintenance of the Table Mountain cable car.
Day 5: Free day in Cape Town
Included meal: Breakfast
Use your free day in Cape Town to catch up on rest or ask your Tour Director for a recommendation. Stretch your legs at the Company’s Garden—a historic public park with peaceful, tree-lined walkways—or join us for an optional excursion to the largest winemaking region in South Africa. Indulge in tastings, a light lunch, and gorgeous views before returning to town.
Knysna2 nights
Day 6: Knysna via Pinnacle Point & gin distillery
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Liquor tasting
Journey along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives as the Garden Route unfolds between forested mountains, sparkling bays, and white-sand beaches on your way to the charming town of Knysna.
- Descend into Cave 13B at Pinnacle Point—one of the most significant archaeological sites in human origins research—where excavations have revealed evidence of early human occupation dating back 170,000 years.
- Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant in the historic coastal town of Mossel Bay.
- Visit a local artisanal distillery to sample handcrafted gin while learning about the indigenous fynbos botanicals and coastal herbs that give these spirits their distinc character.
- Create your own personalized bottle of gin to take home as a unique souvenir from your journey.
Please note: You should feel comfortable climbing about 200 steps each way to enjoy the Pinnacle Point caves. Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Featherbed Nature Reserve & Knysna township
Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Featherbed Nature Reserve & Knysna Township
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Board a ferry for a scenic cruise across the glittering Knysna Lagoon to the privately owned Featherbed Nature Reserve, an unspoiled sanctuary accessible only by boat and located at the western end of the iconic Knysna Heads.
- Climb aboard a 4x4 vehicle for an exhilarating ascent up the Western Head, pausing at panoramic viewpoints to take in sweeping vistas of the sapphire lagoon, Outeniqua Mountains, and the town of Knysna below.
- Follow your naturalist guide on a walk through coastal forest and fynbos shrubland, home to an extraordinary diversity of plant species unique to this region of South Africa.
- Savor an alfresco lunch beneath the sprawling canopy of ancient milkwood trees.
Return to Knysna via ferry, then venture into the local township with a community guide for an authentic cultural immersion.
- Walk the roads of this vibrant neighborhood and meet members of the Xhosa community, South Africa’s second-largest ethnic group.
- Visit the township library and stop at a local resident’s home, where you’ll learn more about traditional Xhosa songs and drumming, as well as the language, and customs that define this rich culture.
Port Elizabeth2 nights
Day 8: Port Elizabeth via Tsitsikamma National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey eastward along the legendary Garden Route, where the road curves between towering mountains and the glittering Indian Ocean, towards the sun-drenched shores of Port Elizabeth—a vibrant coastal city sprawling along the azure waters of Algoa Bay.
- Enter Tsitsikamma National Park, where dense forests cascade down steep gorges to meet the wild coastline, and make your way to the dramatic Storms River Mouth.
- Step onto a swaying suspension bridge, suspended high above the Storms River. You’ll be surrounded by jagged cliffs and dense forest rising on either side—a breathtaking vantage point for capturing the raw power and beauty of this untamed coast.
Then, continue to Port Elizabeth and venture out on an orientation tour before sitting down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
Day 9: Pumba Private Game Reserve
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Venture into the vast wilderness of Pumba Private Game Reserve, a sprawling 28,000-acre sanctuary, for a game drive through diverse terrain ranging from open savanna to dense bush.
- Scan the golden grasslands and acacia-dotted plains for the reserve’s legendary white lions—a rare genetic variation found in only a handful of places worldwide—along with elephants moving in family herds, rhinos grazing peacefully, impala, and a wealth of other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Return from your safari adventure to savor an included lunch at the reserve’s restaurant, sharing stories of your wildlife encounters while overlooking the landscape.
Durban1 night
Day 10: Addo Elephant Park game drive & flight to Durban
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the morning learning more about South Africa’s conservation efforts when you set off on a game drive through the Addo Elephant Park, where more than 600 elephants roam across the country’s third-largest national park.
Later, fly to Durban and settle into your hotel. Afterward, enjoy an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
Hluhluwe1 night
Day 11: Transfer to Hluhluwe & Wetland Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey north to the town of Hluhluwe this morning, then venture into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park—a pristine coastal wilderness of interlocking ecosystems spanning lakes, wetlands, beaches, and forests that earned recognition as South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
- Glide through the tranquil waters of the St. Lucia Estuary on a river cruise, passing shorelines thick with reeds and overhanging vegetation, as your guide points out the incredible diversity of plant and animal life thriving in this protected ecosystem.
- Keep your eyes peeled for hippos surfacing in the shallow channels, fish eagles perched in treetops, brilliantly colored kingfishers diving for a snack, and mudskippers skittering across the tidal flats.
Sit down for an included dinner tonight, served with beer or wine.
Eswatini1 night
Day 12: Game drive, Transfer to Eswatini & Swazi Candles
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Settle into the African bush for a catered open-air breakfast, served as the early morning sun rises and wildlife stirs in the distance. Then, set off on a game drive through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of Africa’s oldest protected areas and a crucial stronghold for rhinoceros conservation. Here, the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—roam across rolling hills of savanna and acacia woodland.
Later, cross the border into the Kingdom of Eswatini, a small, landlocked nation and Africa’s last remaining absolute monarchy.
- Wander through the bustling traditional markets of Manzini—the country’s commercial hub—where vendors display colorful textiles, handwoven baskets, carved wooden sculptures, and an array of locally made crafts.
- Visit Swazi Candles, a fair-trade cooperative supporting local artisans, and watch skilled craftspeople hand-pour-and-paint vibrant candles in the shapes of animals, fruits, and traditional African motifs.
- Take home a small, handcrafted candle as a memento of your visit.
Continue your journey through Eswatini’s scenic countryside—passing mist-covered mountains, lush pine forests, and patchwork farmland dotted with traditional homesteads—before arriving at your hotel. This evening, reconvene with your group for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Kruger National Park Region2 nights
Day 13: Kruger National Park Region via Chimp Eden
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sprawling across 2,500 acres of the Umhloti Nature Reserve, Chimp Eden continues the work of esteemed primatologist Jane Goodall. Since 2006, this sanctuary—the only of its kind in South Africa—has cared for chimpanzees displaced from their natural habitats. As you make your way to Kruger National Park, you’ll stop at the haven to learn about its residents.
- Head to a series of viewpoints to spot chimps roaming their semi-wild enclosures, moving freely through lush forest and foraging areas.
- Hear how those designated foraging areas help positively reinforce their natural behaviors while protecting them from human intervention.
Bid your animal friends farewell and head to your safari lodge in the Kruger National Park region. Sit down for an included outdoor bush dinner at your safari lodge, served with beer or wine. Then, listen to local folklore around a roaring campfire.
Day 14: Kruger National Park game drives
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The largest game reserve in South Africa. A key part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Kruger National Park stuns in scale and diversity—and the best way to comprehend both is on a game drive. Set out with a naturalist guide for a full day in the park, where you’ll have a chance to see the Big Five game animals. Halfway through, you’ll pause at a boma—a type of protective enclosure—for an included lunch.
After your safari, return to your hotel to freshen up before an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Johannesburg1 night
Day 15: Johannesburg via Panorama Route
Included meal: Breakfast
Marvel at South Africa’s natural beauty as you journey west through the Mpumalanga region. Here, sweeping mountain passes, deep river gorges, and subtropical forests reveal view after view.
- Gaze out from God’s Window, an aptly named vantage point that, on a clear day, seems to stretch endlessly into the Lowveld below.
- Stroll along the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a fascinating series of cylindrical rock formations carved over centuries by swirling waters at the meeting of the Treur and Blyde Rivers. The result is a natural sculpture garden of smooth red sandstone and rushing falls.
- Pause at the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on Earth and a jewel of the Panorama Route. From its dramatic cliffs, you can even try to spot Mozambique on a clear day.
After a stop for lunch, you’ll arrive in Johannesburg in the early evening and rest up.
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 16: Sightseeing tour of Soweto & departure
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell lunch
This morning, examine South Africa’s more recent history and resilient spirit on a guided tour of Soweto (short for “South Western Townships”). Once at the heart of the anti-Apartheid movement, Soweto today is a community vibrating with art and music.
- See the famous FNB Soccer Stadium, where the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals ignited a wave of national pride.
- Drive along Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates—Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu—and hear how their leadership shaped a new South Africa before stopping to enter Manedela’s home.
- Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, which commemorates the 1976 student uprising and honors the youth who helped spark change.
After your tour, gather with your fellow travelers at a farewell lunch, raising a glass to the unforgettable moments and connections you’ve made across the Rainbow Nation.
Those continuing on the Victoria Falls extension are in for one final thrill—a chance to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Arrive Home
Day 17: Travel day
Arrive home today.
Johannesburg & Victoria Falls extension
Spend a little extra time in Johannesburg (Jo’burg for short), then fly to Zimbabwe. Learn more about life in South Africa with visits to Chinotimba Township and the Community Peace Project. Later, visit Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. You’ll fly back to Johannesburg before saying “so long” to Africa.
Johannesburg1 night
Day 16: Sightseeing tour of Soweto
Included meal: Breakfast
This morning, examine South Africa’s more recent history and resilient spirit on a guided tour of Soweto (short for “South Western Townships”). Once at the heart of the anti-Apartheid movement, Soweto today is a community vibrating with art and music.
- See the famous FNB Soccer Stadium, where the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals ignited a wave of national pride.
- Drive along Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates—Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu—and hear how their leadership shaped a new South Africa.
- Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, which commemorates the 1976 student uprising and honors the youth whose helped spark change.
Be sure to get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow, you’re off to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls2 nights
Day 17: Flight to Victoria Falls
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, located on the southern bank of the Zambezi River.
Then, sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
Day 18: Sightseeing tour of Victoria Falls, Chinotimba Township & Rose of Charity visits
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Close to 33,000 cubic feet of water flows through Victoria Falls each second, as the entirety of the Zambezi River pours over its precipice. The resulting sight is nothing short of astonishing—and on today’s guided tour, you’ll see it from multiple angles.
- Follow a local guide down a trail network and pause at several vantage points for those oohs and ahhs. As you go, you’ll also learn about the area’s history, as well as its flora and fauna.
- Wrap up at Victoria Falls and head to Chinotimba Township, where the Indigenous Nambya and Tonga have long lived. As you walk, you’ll spot traditional homes, active churches, and the local market, hearing about the village’s traditional culture all the while.
Before returning to your hotel, pay a visit to the Rose of Charity—a local NGO dedicated to supporting local children.
- Discover how they work to expand education opportunities and alleviate poverty in the community, and know that your visit includes a donation to help them carry on their vital work.
To end your trip on a high note, add our optional sunset cruise to your itinerary and take to the waters of the Zambezi. Otherwise, spend a restful night in and prepare for your journey home.
Please note: The ground around Victoria Falls gets slippery, so we recommend wearing good, grippy shoes.
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 19: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast
Fly back to Johannesburg, where you’ll board your overnight flight home.
Arrive Home
Day 20: Travel day
Arrive home today.
Start planning today
Have a quick question about tipping or what to pack? Give us a call at 1-800-590-1161, or talk to a Tour Consultant.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Cape Town - Southern Sun Cape Sun
This elegant hotel is located in the city center of Cape Town. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, an indoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you’ll find the Bo-Kaap Museum, Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Koopmans-de Wet...
Knysna - Protea Knysna Quays
This stylish, scenic hotel is located in Knysna. Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a sun deck. Nearby, you'll find Knysna Elephant Park, the Knysna Waterfront, and Bramon Wine Estate.
Port Elizabeth - Southern Sun the Marine
This beachfront hotel is located in Port Elizabeth. Guests enjoy a beachfront location and pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Bayworld Oceanarium and Museum, Walmer Park Shopping Center, and the Donkin...
Hluhluwe - Anew Hotel Hluhluwe
This welcoming hotel offers a true bush experience and is located in Hluhluwe. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, sun deck, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Sodwana Beach, St Lucia Estuary, and the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
Eswatini - Foresters Arms Hotel
This cozy hotel is located in the beautiful Eswatini highlands. Guests enjoy free Wifi, a pool, and a gym. Nearby, you’ll find the village of Mhlambanyatsi and the Usutu Forest Country Club.
Kruger National Park Region - Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens on the banks of the Sabi River in Hazyview, only ten minutes from the world famous Kruger National Park. Hippo Hollow has an “Out of Africa” feel about it, and leaves you feeling totally...
Johannesburg - Protea Hotel Wanderers
This vibrant, elegant hotel is located in Illovo. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, spa, and laundry services. Nearby, you'll find the Wanderers Golf Club and the South African Chamber of Commerce.
Victoria Falls - A'Zambezi River Lodge
This unique hotel is located on the bank of the Zambezi River. Guests enjoy multiple restaurants, a bar, and an outdoor pool. Nearby, you'll find the Zambezi River and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Flights
Make your journey to and from your tour as smooth as possible by letting our travel experts handle your round-trip flights. We’ll select the best itinerary for you at a great rate, thanks to our airline partnerships.
Your Go Ahead flight package includes:
- A round-trip flight for your tour from your preferred home airport
- An EF representative waiting for you on arrival to whisk you to your hotel
- Your lowest price locked in, so you don’t have to track airfare
- 24/7 on-tour support from our dedicated flights team
- Complimentary luggage retrieval services through Blue Ribbon Bags
- Dedicated flight experts to help arrange early arrivals, longer stays, or upgrades, so every detail fits your travel style
- Stress-free rebooking if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights
FAQ
- In order to enter South Africa and Swaziland (plus Zimbabwe on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least three blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- There is no visa required for U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to South Africa and Swaziland.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in order to enter Zimbabwe. U.S. Passport holders may purchase an individual visa for $30USD at the airport upon arrival; this can only be paid in cash, please be sure to have exact change. Canadian passport holders may purchase a single entry visa on arrival or through an e-visa service for $75USD per person.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- If you are or will be accompanied by a minor (under the age of 18), additional documents will be required to travel through South African ports of entry. Visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website for the most-up-to-date requirements for minors traveling to or from South Africa.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SAF.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Cape Town and depart from Johannesburg.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Cape Town, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 1-night stays
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach, some by flights
- Daily drive time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day—this includes city streets, dirt paths, stairs, and hills.
- Travelers should feel comfortable stepping up and down or climbing a small ladder to get in an our of the vehicles.
- On the tour extension, pathways around Victoria Falls can be very slippery.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- Countries visited on this tour are in the Southern hemisphere so their seasons are opposite of those in North America.
- Summer months are considered December- February, while winter is June - August.
- Summer months tend to have a high temperature of 80F, while winter months have a high temperature of 60F.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including planes, boats, safari vehicles and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- A flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg as well as a boat ride to Robben Island are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round trip flight between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls.)
- During game drives, you will be traveling in a specially equipped safari van, which have high step(s) to board the vehicle. The vehicle is open, allowing for panoramic views.
- Game drives can be long and cross bumpy terrain, so we recommend bringing a small pillow to ease the ride and the impact that may have on a body.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions, and you’ll be responsible for any fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights. Please note that the flights included on the tour extension may have baggage restrictions as low as 44lbs for checked bags and 18lbs for carry-on bags. You will be responsible for any costs associated with overweight baggage.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
- Loose-fitting, layered clothing that can accommodate varying temperatures will be most comfortable. Quick-dry material is best for hot days outside and a warmer layer may be needed for chilly evenings and early mornings.
- Comfortable closed-toes shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are best for walking during the day.
- Sun protection is very important. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
- Occasional rain showers are common from April through August, so lightweight rainwear may be necessary depending on the timing of your trip.
- Insect repellent, binoculars, and a flashlight are highly recommended.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the air conditioning in African hotels and buildings is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- South Africa operates on 220–240 volts and uses a Type M plug with two small round pins and one larger round pin.
- South Africa experiences multiple periods of load shedding, or rolling blackouts, due to the demand for electricity exceeding its ability to produce. Travelers should only be impacted for brief moments as all accommodations are equipped with generators and tour activities should not be impacted.
- Zimbabwe (on the tour extension) operates on 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a “yellow card”) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada). Visit cdc.gov/yellowfeverfor more information. Travelers flying with South African Airways with a fuel-stop in Dakar, Senegal will not be exiting the aircraft and therefore will not be required to present proof of vaccination due to this stop.
- Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry on luggage.
- Drink bottled water only. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
- This tour includes six lunches and six dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- You’ll find that most cuisine in South Africa reflects the region’s British, German, and Dutch colonial periods as well as Afrikaner influences. High-quality meats, vegetables, and fruits are sourced from the surrounding area’s farmland.
- On the tour extension in Zimbabwe, cornmeal is an important staple used for making porridge and sadza, which is thicker and resembles Italy’s polenta. Rice, greens, potato, pumpkin, peanuts, black-eyed peas, and local fruits are popular additions to any meal.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend tipping $5USD per person for your local wildlife guides per game excursion and $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- Gratuities for baggage handling are included in the price of your tour.
- The currency you will be using on your tour is the South African rand. (In Zimbabwe on the tour extension, you will use the U.S. dollar.)
- You may be able to purchase South African rand in advance from your local bank or a foreign currency exchange retailer, such as Travelex.
- Please note, travelers cannot import or export more than $25,000 in South African rand and may be required to claim any additional foreign currency at customs.
- ATMs are not readily available in the more rural areas and connection can be poor (especially in Zimbabwe on the tour extension), so plan ahead while in the bigger cities.
- Major North American credit cards are accepted but can be difficult to use in remote locations (Visa is the most widely accepted).
- Having small amounts of US Dollars for tipping (and shopping on the tour extension) is recommended, but you should plan to limit the total amount of cash you carry throughout tour.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey in South Africa.
- You will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Zimbabwe than on your main tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- South Africa and Swaziland (plus Zimbabwe on the tour extension) are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). South Africa and Swaziland (plus Zimbabwe on the tour extension) do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- From November through March, when it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour. From April through October, when it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
