South Africa

Duration:

9 days / 8 nights

Early Signup: From $2,795

Regular: From $2,995

or $195 Down

THE EXPERIENCE

South Africa is one of the world’s finest Big Five safari destinations and is also known for amazing food and adrenaline-pumping adventure activities. What more can you ask for when crossing a country off your bucket list?

Start your journey in Johannesburg, one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world. Then immerse yourself in traditional South African tribal culture during a 2-night homestay in a rural village. Next up, spend two days cruising around in safari vehicles observing the wildlife of Kruger National Park and the majestic Big Five. After a few days of roughing it out in the bush, unwind and close out your experience in one of the most beautiful cities in the world - - Cape Town!

Start

Trip begins at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at 4:00 p.m.

We recommend booking your flight to arrive a few hours before this time.

Finish

Trip ends in Cape Town, South Africa. Plan to depart at any time.

Travelers are responsible for their own transporation back to the airport.

Physical Activity:

Light

This trip is relaxing and includes light activities with optional moderate activities. Participants can decide how much time they spend being active. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the experience.

Physical Activity:

Moderate

This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities. Participants should expect to be active 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful though not required to enjoy the trip.

Physical Activity:

High

This trip is for those who enjoy being physically challenged and reaping the rewards. It includes moderate to intense physical activities and participants should expect to be active 6-8 hours most days. Participants should have an active lifestyle.

Cancellation Policy:

Very Flexible

This trip has a 30-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

Cancellation Policy:

Flexible

Because this trip has non-refundable tickets we have a 60-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip less $195, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

Cancellation Policy:

Flexible

Because this trip has non-refundable tickets we have a 60-day cancellation policy. Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

Trip Overview

Day 1

Welcome to South Africa

Welcome to Johannesburg! Meet your Trip Leader at Johannesburg Airport and head over to your hotel.

Also known as Jozi, Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and offers vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and renowned cultural institutions.

Join your new friends for your first dinner together as you settle into South Africa.

Day 2

Introduction to South African Village Life

After a short stint in Johannesburg, it’s time to head out to the bush! Though today’s journey is long, the landscapes are beautiful, and your final destination is well worth it.

Arrive at Mashishimale village, where the locals have opened their homes to you to explore the cultures and engross yourself in the rich diversity that South Africa has to offer.

Meet your host mothers, settle into your homestay, and then gather together for a traditional home-cooked South African dinner.

Day 3

Mashishimale Village Experience

Rise and shine to the sounds of South African village life. 

Go for a walk around the village and learn about traditional Venda culture. Throughout the day, you will meet community members, take part in the day-to-day activities, and have the opportunity to live like a local for the duration of your stay.

This evening, enjoy another home-cooked meal while sitting around listening to stories, playing games, and simply feeling like a part of the community.

Day 4

Pridelands Safari Game Drive

Say goodbye to your host families and make your way to a private game reserve on the edges of Kruger National Park. Today will be your first opportunity to view the Big Five…lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalo!

Explore one of the largest areas of biodiversity in Africa on a 4x4 game drive. Enjoy the thrill of spotting an impala, zebra, giraffe, or lion as you stop at watering holes throughout your explorations.

Settle into your safari lodge and satisfy your taste buds with a bush-style barbecue dinner around a campfire.

Day 5

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptiles, and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog.

Navigate your way through the amazing landscapes in 4x4 safari vehicles. Your entire day will be spent game viewing, bird watching, and stopping off at the various watering-holes to spot animals in their natural habitat.

Spend your evening at the lodge relaxing around a campfire and gazing up at a canopy of stars on your African safari.

Day 6

Hello Cape Town

Rise early for a guided bush walk with a local guide to learn about the local flora and fauna surrounding the lodge.

Leaving Kruger National Park, you’ll take an included flight to Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest city, which has been voted one of the best cities in the world.

Enjoy a free evening of leisure and optional activities to explore this city known for its beautiful beaches, stunning biodiversity, and award-winning food and wine.

Day 7

Explore the Cape Peninsula

Make your way to Simon’s Town Harbor via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive. Start your day off with a paddleboarding excursion. Stop for a stroll along the boardwalks of Boulder’s Beach and observe a colony of African penguins.

Spend your afternoon at the Cape Point Nature Reserve with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope, where you can gaze in the respective directions of the mighty Indian and Atlantic Oceans. 

Make your way back to Cape Town and then spend the evening in leisure or head out to explore Cape Town’s nightlife.

Day 8

Food and Wine Tour

Explore the amazing landscapes and vineyards of South Africa’s famous Winelands region on a gourmet wine tour focused on tantalizing your taste buds.

Spend your day pairing numerous foods and treats with quality wines. Expect cheese platters, gourmet slices of pizza, tapas, and fine chocolates, paired with South African wine.

After a full-day tour of the Winelands region, return to your accommodations  and then head out for your final dinner together in South Africa. You will also get to partake in an interactive Djembe drumming session.

Day 9

Relaxation & Departure

On the final day of our adventure, wake-up and soak in the last morning in South Africa together.

Say goodbye to your new friends and depart any time of the day with instructions from your Trip Leader on how to take local transportation to the airport.

Ask your Trip Leader for suggestions if you plan to spend more time in Cape Town or other regions of South Africa.

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South Africa

What's Included:

-9 days & 8 nights shared accommodations in hotel rooms, village homestays, and a safari lodge
-8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 6 dinners
-Authentic village homestay experience
-Guided walk through Mashishimale Village
-Participation in village craftwork
-4x4 Excursion in a private game reserve
-Entrance to Kruger National Park
-Full day game drive in Kruger National Park
-Domestic flight from Hoedspruit Airport to Cape Town International Airport
-Full day Guided Tour in the Winelands Region
-Standup paddleboarding experience
-Visit Boulder’s Beach to view the African penguin
-Experience Africa’s southernmost point—Cape Point
-Private group airport pick-up upon arrival
-Under30Experiences Trip Leader
-Personal recommendations for optional activities
-The chance to meet some kick-ass people
-Access to the Under30Experiences Community
-Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Book with confidence: it's free to switch your trip more than 60 days out.

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from South Africa.
Optional activities and associated transportation are not included.

Duration:

9 days / 8 nights

Early Signup: From $2,795

Regular: From $2,995

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