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Overview

Never Lost Travel: South Africa!
April 30-May 12, 2023
Apr 30 - May 12, 2023
Bucket List Travel image
Bucket List Travel
$3,899
Deposit: $1

About your trip

Never Lost Travel is excited to offer this amazing 13-day, 12-night adventure in South Africa! 

Is South Africa on YOUR Bucket List?

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

It also includes a 4-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.

This trip is operated by Bucket List Travel, which has been offering extraordinary tours in Africa and Egypt since 2016. 

www.bucketlist-travel.com  

Read our reviews here:

www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294202-d10187980-Reviews-Bucket_List_Travel_Egypt-Giza_Giza_Governorate.html


The Best Time for Safaris!

South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons there are opposite of ours here in the US. When it’s summer here, it’s winter there!  For most of Southern Africa, winter typically lasts from April to September. 

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, increasing your chances of a successful safari. Traveling in the dry season also means avoiding rainy season inconveniences and discomforts like flooding, high humidity and an abundance of insects.

Weather

In Johannesburg, it starts to get cool in May as the high-altitude city settles into winter. Daytime highs average 68°F and the nights get down to 46°F. 

In Cape Town, you can expect an average high temperature of 70°F, and the overnight low temperatures average 50°F. The average ocean temperature near Cape Town is a chilly 64°F.

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

Cape Town averages 12 rainy days during this month, with light precipitation. It is not uncommon to have cloudy days throughout May.

What to Expect

Remember: Africa is a third world country! You are not in Kansas anymore!

Roads are bumpy and dusty, WiFi can be spotty, electricity may go off at odd times, and everything happens on Africa time (really S-L-O-W)!  

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

On game drives, we will spend much of our time driving over rough dirt roads in open air safari vehicles, which have high ground clearance and require some agility to embark and disembark. 

Many days we leave early in the morning. 

There will be limited bathroom stops. 

During game drives, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion.

Meals may be delayed for unforeseen reasons. We'll try to have snacks available, but if you have blood sugar issues, please bring any snacks you know you may need. 

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!


Cost and Payment

Limited time offer!

For a limited time, you can reserve your space on this trip with a deposit of just $1!!!


This 13-day, 12-night adventure is priced $3,899 per person double occupancy (not including airfare to and from South Africa). Single supplement is $395.


We have a payment plan which allows the entire cost of the trip to be paid in 12 equal monthly installments. (You are welcome to make larger payments at less frequent intervals if you choose.) 

The entire balance must be paid in full by three months before your departure.

Cancellation and Refunds

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

• Between 150-101 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.

Arrival Flights

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

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

You need to be in Johannesburg on Sunday, April 30, which means you will need to depart the USA on Saturday, April 29. (You might even need to leave as early as Friday, April 28. if your flight has multiple stops.) 

Please plan to arrive in Johannesburg before NOON on SUNDAY, April 30. 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 $135.)

Plan to depart from Johannesburg in the evening on Friday, May 12.

If you are adding on an extension to Victoria Falls, your arrival or departure dates will be different. Please ask us for specifics. 

Suggested Packing List

Here is a suggested packing list: 

1-2 pair chinos or other light pants 

1 pair jeans 

1 pair shorts or capris 

4-5 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 sandals, like Tevas or Chacos

Underwear and socks-6 to 8 of each

Sunglasses

Optional: bathing suit and sturdy water shoes if going in Devil's Pool, Victoria Falls

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

 • Bright colors can attract insects.

Spending Money

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

All 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 July 2022, $1 USD equaled 15.85 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.

Optional: Hot Air Balloon

You have the option of taking a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the savannah.  Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. 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 the flight, we'll have champagne on landing and 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 $245 per person.

*Please note that agility is required to embark and disembark the balloon basket. Wildlife viewing, quantity and species of animals seen is dependent upon local conditions including weather, wind and seasonal migration patterns. The take-off time and the duration of the flight and tour may vary due to weather conditions. Balloon rides vary but are usually 45 minutes to an hour.  

Optional Farewell Dinner

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 $55.

http://goldrestaurant.co.za/ 

Immunizations

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.


PLEASE NOTE: We ask all of our guests to be fully vacinated against Covid-19. Please let us know if you are not.


Most travelers get these 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. See more detailed information about malaria in South Africa.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO MALARIA PRESENT IN THE AREAS OF SOUTH AFRICA 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.

• Yellow Fever: Not required in South Africa. 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. 

Passport Requirements

Every traveler entering South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia is required to show a passport valid for at least 6 months. 

South Africa requires travelers to have two completely blank visa pages in their passports upon every arrival in South Africa. You will be denied entry and forced to return to your point of origin if you do not have two blank visa pages.

The US State Department advises making at least one photocopy of the information and photo page of your passport. You should carry this in a separate place from the original. In this way you can make it easier to replace your passport if you lose it during your time in South Africa.

Covid 19

The requirements for traveling in the era of Covid is rapidly changing. At present, the only thing visitors currently must have to enter South Africa or Zimbabwe is proof of full vaccination .

There are currently no requirements for reentering the United States form South Africa.

We will monitor the situation, and share any information we can.

If you book this tour and find that you need or want to postpone it for reasons due to the pandemic situation, we will gladly change your tour date to a later one with no change fees.

Itinerary Changes

Traveling in Third World countries is often challenging, and sometimes changes in the itinerary are unavoidable. 

If changes are needed, Bucket List Travel will always make our best efforts to provide alternatives that are equal to or better than what was originally planned.

Victoria Falls 3 Day Add-On Excursion

Spanning more than a mile across the cliffs between Zimbabwe and Zambia—Victoria Falls is known as the largest sheet of falling water in the world. A little over a mile wide and 351 feet high, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one-and-a-half times as wide and twice as high as Niagara Falls! The spray from the falls typically rises to a height of over 1,300 feet, and on a clear day, you can see the mist from the falls from up to 30 miles away.

With a flight time from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls of only 1 hour and 40 minutes, it’s easy to add a short side trip to see this natural wonder of the world before or after your South Africa tour. We’ve put together an exciting 3-day, 2-night excursion for our guests.

After pickup from the airport and a transfer to your hotel, we’ll see the sun dip below the horizon during a River Song sunset cruise and watch the wildlife come out to the banks of the Zambezi – Africa’s fourth largest river. Relax onboard with a drink as you look for hippos, elephants, and buffalo that come to the water’s edge to drink at the end of the day. We'll have dinner at a Shearwater Cafe

The next morning, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls and discover the best spots for photo opportunities. Well have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, and then visit a cultural and craft market. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the village and shops, relax by the falls, or take advantage of one of the many available activities – from bungee jumping and helicopter rides over the falls, to swimming in Devil's Pool at certain times of the year. Tonight we'll share dinner at the hotel. 

The next morning after breakfast, we’ll head back to the airport for the flight back to Johannesburg.

The price for this tour is $495 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement is $90.

This does not include the price of the round-trip flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, which is currently around $470; and the Zimbabwe/Zambia visa, which is purchased on arrival at the airport for $50.


This excursion includes: 

·  2 nights Explorers Village Deluxe Chalet, with breakfast

·  Sunset cocktail cruise on the Zambezi River

·  Guided tour of the falls

·  Day 1 dinner at a Shearwater Cafe

·  Lunch at Rainforest Cafe

·  Visit to cultural and craft market

·  Day 2 dinner at the hotel

·  Airport transfers

Optional Activities at Victoria Falls

After our tour of the falls, you'll have the afternoon free and there are several optional activities you may choose. (There will also be free time the next morning before we fly back to Johannesburg.) If you are interested in more than one activity, let me know, and I will work with the activities director at the lodge to work out a schedule for you.

These are the optional activities you may choose:

• Helicopter flight over the falls - 12 minutes: $150

• Helicopter flight over the falls - 25 minutes: $284

• Bungee Jump: $160

• Zipline - solo: $45

• Zipline - tandem: $65

• Bridge Swing - solo: $160

• Bridge Swing - tandem: $250

• BigAir Combo - bungee jump, zipline and bridge swing: $220

• Bridge Tour: $65

• Jetboat ride on the Zambezi River: $100

• Devil's Pool: $160

Optional Bush Walk with Lions!

Lions are Africa’s apex predator: fierce, wild, majestic, mighty. It is a thrill to have a lion sighting on safari, but it is mind-blowing to walk through the African bush a few feet behind these 500-pound beasts. Come with us as we spend an hour walking with the male lions of a famous Conservation Center. Observe their behavior and interaction with each other in their natural environment under controlled and ethical conditions, with no touching of the lions allowed. These guided Bush Walks with Lions are focused on providing visitors with a unique wildlife experience, and on providing sensory enrichment for the lions. This adventure also includes an interaction with a cheetah, which you may touch.

The  Conservation Center is a world-class research and conservation facility, specializing in Wildlife Research and Predator Conservation. 

The cost of this option is $160 per person, with a minimum of two visitors. (Cost for a single visitor would be $235.)

What's included

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

4 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

What's not included

International Airfare

Airfare between the United States and South Africa is NOT included

Meals

Meals not listed in itinerary

Beverages with meals

Tips

Customary tips to tour guide, driver, etc.

Hot air balloon ride

Farewell dinner at Gold

Victoria Falls excursion

Optional Activities

Day 1

Day 1  image

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.

Day 2

Day 2  image

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.


Day 3

Day 3 image

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.

Day 4

Day 4  image

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.

Day 5

Day 5  image

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.

Day 6

Day 6  image

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 

Day 7

Day 7  image

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.

Day 8

Day 8  image

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.

Day 9

Day 9 image

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. 

Day 10

Day 10  image

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 

Day 11

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Full Day Free in Cape Town

 Full-day free in Cape Town to relax or choose from several optional activities.

Day 12

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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/ 

Day 13

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Farewell to enchanting South Africa!

Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to Cape Town airport. Fly to Johannesburg.

Depart for home from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg.

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

Location

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1. April 30-May 12, 2023

April 30-May 12, 2023

About your organizer

Hi - I'm Annie, the founder of Bucket List Travel! Travel is my life! I left a 30+ year career as a corporate marketing exec to start my own travel business, taking people to Bucket List locations! I'd like to take you somewhere you've always dreamed of going. Stop dreaming, start packing!

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