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The
SOUTH AFRICA
trip
For the love of
THE WILD
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SUNSETS
BUSH WALKS
ADVENTURE
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ELEPHANTS + LIONS
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NATURAL BEAUTY
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THE BIG FIVE
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CAPE TOWN
GOING OFFLINE
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SOUTH AFRICA
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our South Africa trip caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for wildlife in Kruger National Park, incredible scenery and nightlife in Cape Town, and fantastic wines in Stellenbosch.
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Spend 11 days discovering South Africa on one of our most adventurous trips. You’ll wind your way from untouched national parks in the nation’s interior down to the exhilarating coastal city of Cape Town.
In the bush, you’ll find a mix of early morning animal treks as we head out in search of the big five and laid-back afternoons as you get to know your travel crew. As you head south, you’ll explore beaches, vineyards, and even more parks on route to lively Cape Town. You’ll have a local guide with you throughout the trip to help you understand this complex and beautiful place.
Included
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​All accommodation in bush camps or centrally-located hotels (boutique when possible, shared twin/double room)
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In-country ground transportation
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Domestic flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town
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All entrance fees to private Game Reserves and the Kruger National Park
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10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
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2 game drives
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Guided bush walk
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Full day Kruger National Park tour
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Elephant rehab experience with Jabulani herd
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Endangered species center visit
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Blyde River Canyon sightseeing tour
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Tour of the Cape Malay Quarter
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Full day Cape Peninsula tour
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Visit to Africa’s penguin colony
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Full day winelands tour including wine tasting
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Lion's Head hike
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Cultural city tour with a Cape Malay native
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Insider knowledge
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FTLO Trip Leader
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*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights in and out of South Africa (for cheaper flights, fly round trip to Johannesburg and get a domestic flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg)
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Airport transportation
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Alcohol (except for the wine tastings)
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $150)
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Tips for guides, hotel staff, and waiters
day by day
*Itinerary is indicative and is subject to change
Day 1 - Johannesburg
Hello jo
After you arrive in Johannesburg, we'll all meet up at our cozy guest house in the early evening. Grab a drink, sit down for a welcome dinner with your new travel crew, and prepare for one amazing African adventure.
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We'll plan to call it early tonight in preparation for an early am wake-up call to begin our excursion across this sprawling, spectacular, biodiverse country.
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South Africa's got an awful lot to see, and your adventure is just getting started!
arrive
Day 2 - Greater Kruger
PArks & REC
Wake up early; we've got a long journey to Greater Kruger National Park ahead. Take in those wild, rugged views and get to know your new travel buddies.
On the way, we’ll stop to check out some of the most amazing viewpoints you can imagine and enjoy a traditional South African lunch (ostrich steak!) in an old gold mining town.
That evening, we'll arrive at our first camp in a quiet nature reserve, deep in South Africa’s bushlands. We'll have an African dinner under the stars, followed by some much needed R&R.
GLAMP
Day 3 - Kapama Game Reserve
Giant Encounter
Today, we're getting up early, taking breakfast for the road, and riding over to the extraordinary Kapama Game Reserve for some personal time with Africa's friendliest giants.
We'll spend the morning learning about a group of elephants who were orphaned, rescued, and then taken in by the fascinating Jabulani herd. It's a remarkable experience and by far the most ethical way to get up close with the continent's biggest animals. From there, we're hopping over to a nearby endangered animal rehab center to check in on some of the bush's most beautiful species.
In the afternoon, we'll get back to camp, where you can spend the rest of the day unwinding by the pool or practicing yoga with a view before we sit down to a group dinner.
TRACK
Day 4 - Greater Kruger
game TIME
We'll get up bright and early and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a rusk (a South African cookie) before heading out on our morning game drive. If you'd like, you're welcome to sleep in and listen to the hyenas cackle from the comfort of your warm bed.
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When we get back to camp, grab a full breakfast and then lounge it up. You can swim in the pool, bask in the sun, or keep an eye out for new visitors at the watering hole right out front of our lodge.
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After a late lunch, we'll head out on another afternoon game drive. Then it's one more breathtaking African sunset and sundowner session before you return to camp for dinner with friends and late-night laughs around the campfire.
ASCEND
Day 5 - Greater Kruger
YEah BRAA
Today, we'll head into Kruger National Park and begin scouting the more secluded roads of the endless savannah. You'll explore a variety of habitats and come face to face with some absolutely mind-blowing local wildlife along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for giraffe, zebra, warthog, and buffalo!
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While this is certainly one of the most exciting and action-packed national parks in the entire world, your odds of seeing the most wildlife are best if you trek quietly. We'll stop for lunch at one of the park's largest rest camps before continuing on deeper into the Kruger.
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By mid-afternoon, we will check into our final camp, and then, after sunset, we'll gather together in the boma for some braai (mouthwatering South African BBQ).
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rest
Day 6 - Kruger, Cape Town
TO CAPE TOWN
We'll kick off our final day in the bush with a walk through the savannah and a rendezvous with a few zebras or giraffes. While we're at it, learn more about the region's plants and lesser-known critters before we head to camp for breakfast.
From there, we're heading to the airport to catch our flight to the big city. South Africa boasts more than just national parks, and it's about time to mix in a bit of Cape Town magic.
Your cozy little neighborhood hotel is walking distance from the center of all the excitement, so settle in, then hit the rooftop for a drink and a breathtaking view of the city as it twinkles beneath Table Mountain. The night is free for you to explore Cape Town with the crew.
DISCOVER
Day 7 - Cape Town
Past & present
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a history tour. After breakfast, you'll explore the city's most iconic sights with a Cape Malay guide who knows them intimately.
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You'll dive into a past that's both fascinating and tragic. It's an important story and one that covers the first inhabitants (San or "bushmen"), the arrival of the Dutch and then the British, slavery, apartheid, Nelson Mandela, and Robben Island. After the tour, we'll even visit the house of a Bo Kaap resident for a homemade lunch of traditional Malay cuisine.
In the afternoon, if you're up for it, you'll have the chance to hike Lion's Head for some of the best views of Cape Town (we'll even hike the secret, less crowded path for the ultimate adventure).
PLAY
Day 8 - Stellenbosch
Vineyard Views
Today, we'll take a day trip out of the city to visit South Africa's stunning wine country. We'll avoid the tourist hotspots and visit smaller, more intimate vineyards that are all about producing the best wines around.
Start your morning off with some South African sparkling wines paired with macaroons in one of the most scenic locations you could imagine before moving on to a 6-wine experience beneath towering mountains. We'll soak up some of that vino on a picnic lunch and then get back to it with one final stop on this epic vineyard tour.
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Grab some dinner with friends back in Cape Town and check out the nightlife if you're up for it.
REFRESH
Day 9 - Cape Town
Cruising the cape
After breakfast, we'll leave for a full-day Cape Peninsula tour. The scenic drive will wind through coastal mountains, cliffsides, and historic fishing villages. We'll explore untouched, rugged expanses and even visit Africa's only penguin colony.
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In the afternoon, we'll stop to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch overlooking the water in the trendy and beautiful Cape Town suburb of Kalk Bay.
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Our excursion will end back at the hotel. You can head out to explore Cape Town's restaurants and nightlife if you're in the mood or grab an early night's sleep.
SIP
Day 10 - Cape Town
TOP OF THE TOWN
The morning's free to roam the town with friends. If you missed the hike to Lion's Head a few days back, make sure to check it out—we can't stress enough how mind-blowing these views are.
You'll have the rest of the afternoon to wander the streets of Cape Town. Consider strolling the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront for some dockland drinking, eating, and shopping.
In the evening, we'll meet up at one of the prettiest beaches in Cape Town for our last sundowner session together. Then, we'll head to a vibey restaurant for a farewell dinner and see where our night in town takes us.
Day 11 - Cape Town
So long south africa
Today's the last day of one epic South Africa vacation, and we'll have one final group breakfast before we say our goodbyes.
If you've got more time to spend in this amazing city, there are plenty of art galleries, bars, and restaurants to keep you busy. Alternatively, you could pop back out to Stellenbosch for a day and soar over the mountains on a hot-air balloon ride. Or, if you want to dive even deeper into the heart of the Mother Continent, check out our epic Kenya adventure!
We hope you had one amazing adventure through this spectacular country!
"It always seems impossible until it's done."
-NELSON MANDELA
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
There are eleven official languages of South Africa.
The Kruger National Park is home to over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African Buffalo, 1,000 leopards, and lots of other beautiful wildlife.
Drivers use the left-hand side of the road in South Africa.
Trip notes
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Going on safari means early mornings. Animals are most active in the hours after sunrise and before sunset, and the game drives follow this schedule. You do not have to take part in any drives you do not wish to do, but we highly recommend them. Exploring the African bush and getting so close to real, wild animals in their natural habitat is an incredible experience!
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Going on safari and staying in a lodge or bush camp also means you are in the wild, far away from civilization. This means you are confined to an area (the camp) and cannot go wandering on your own. Any free time will be spent in the confines of the camp, but it is incredibly relaxing!
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Please note that our bush camps are less like traditional tented camps and more like modern rooms with beds, ensuite showers, and wash facilities. Though they’re located amidst incredible nature, they include the amenities you’d expect in a hotel.
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Please take in consideration that domestic airlines in South Africa have a luggage allowance of 6kg for hand luggage, and 21kg for checked luggage. Overweight baggage can be paid for at around R50/kg. When excess baggage or an additional baggage allocation is purchased, no single bag weighing over 32kg will be accepted and must be shipped separately as cargo.
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For more information on vaccines required for South Africa, see CDC website HERE.
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Information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found HERE.
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The South Africa Trip follows a 91-Day Cancellation Policy, different from other FTLO Trips
About south africa
As the southernmost country in Africa, the Republic of South Africa is a multiethnic society filled with a variety of languages, cultures, and religions. The country is known for its natural scenic wonders, from the mountains and forests, to the coasts and deserts, making it a perfect destination for endless adventures.
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GOOD TO KNOW
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The most common national languages are English and Afrikaans
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The national currency is South African Rand (ZAR)
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In restaurants and hotels you may add a 10-20% tip in ZAR if there is no service charge
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The closest airport for arrival is O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
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Double check your passport is valid for 6-months after your return date
flights
Fly into OR Tambo (JNB)
You'll need to be in Johannesburg by 2pm on Day 1. We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own. You can spend the day relaxing or explore!
Fly out of Cape Town (CPT)
We recommend flying out of Cape Town on day 11 or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in South Africa.
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*Please note that you will fly into Cape Town and out of OR Tambo for trips running in reverse.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to South Africa so you can grab the best deal!
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*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the South Africa trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about our South Africa trip?
We're here to answer any and all questions you might have! Leave us your information below and we'll be in touch with you as soon as possible.