Afternoon: Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Afternoon: Arrive Johannesburg where you clear Customs and are met and transferred 20 minutes to the Courtyard Hotel. Enjoy the complimentary beverages and snacks during happy hour in the main lounge of the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Orientation session.

Lodging: Courtyard Hotel Eastgate

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning, you have a tour of Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnship), the largest black residential area in South Africa. This “city within a city” consists of 50 suburbs, or sections, and essentially acts as a labor reservoir for the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand. In many ways, the story of Soweto is the story of South Africa. The tour route takes you to all the major points of interest, such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, and Hector Peterson Memorial. Overview of South Africa and Apartheid.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto.

Afternoon: After lunch, transfer to the award winning and internationally acclaimed Apartheid Museum, where you walk through the museum with a local guide. This beautiful museum gives a balanced account of 20th century South Africa. It recounts the political upheavals beginning in the last century and moves on to the transition from a racist state into the new era of hope and freedom as a democracy.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Lodging: Courtyard Hotel Eastgate

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the Johannesburg airport where you board a commercial flight to Port Elizabeth, along the southern coast. In Port Elizabeth, board your coach and head west along the coast to Plettenberg Bay.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en-route.

Afternoon: In Plettenberg Bay, you embark on an eco-marine cruise to observe and learn about dolphins, sharks, whales (whales normally seen on August to November departures only), seals and pelagic birds. The waters outside of Plettenberg Bay are rich in marine life, including: Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Southern Right dolphins, the rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Brydes whales, Humpback whales (in season), Cape Fur seals, several species of shark and seabirds. You also observe and discuss the unique geology of the area. Lecture on marine biology. After the cruise, continue heading west to Knysna.

Dinner: At a local restaurant in Knysna.

Evening: Stroll through the streets of Knysna or take a walk down to the Knysna Quays.

Lodging: Knysna Log Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: The Featherbed Nature Reserve, a unique 370 acre private reserve which encompasses the Western Head of Knysna, is also one of South Africa's premier Natural Heritage Sites. The reserve is accessed by a ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon. Once there, you are driven up to the overlook as your guide discusses the unique ecology of the reserve (20 minute drive); magnificent views over the coastline and estuary are seen from here. From the overlook, an optional 1.5 mile guided walk through the forest, onto the cliffs, and into the caves and along the spectacular coastline is available (note: this hike is strenuous and on uneven terrain with no handholds; you must be agile and wear shoes with good gripping soles). As another option, you can be driven back down to the jetty and walk along the last part of the trail where it is flat and not strenuous.

Lunch: Buffet picnic lunch under the milkwood trees.

Afternoon: This afternoon you visit the Knysna Elephant Park, which provides a safe home for elephants in need of one. The park provides a controlled, free-range environment, meaning the elephants are free to graze and wander as they would in the wild, but there are trained handlers around since the elephants live, and interact, with humans on a daily basis. After a briefing by one of the local guides, you are driven through the fields to the elephants. Here you have the opportunity to touch, feed, and photograph the elephants without the hindrances of barriers or fences. A local specialist discusses elephant behavior, anatomy and social structure as you interact with the gentle giants. You also have the chance to discuss the plight of the nearby Knysna Forest Elephants, and how they relate to elephants in other parts of Africa.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare. Many restaurants are within an easy and safe walking distance from the hotel.

Evening: Time at leisure to relax or explore the streets of Knysna on your own.

Lodging: Knysna Log Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart Knysna early in the morning and continue west through the scenic natural environment of the Wilderness Lakes area to historic Mossel Bay. Here you visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, named for the Portuguese man who was the first explorer to set foot on South African soil on February 3, 1488 in what is now Mossel Bay. The museum holds a wealth of information, and provides interesting insight into the Portuguese contribution to the early development of South Africa. You have the opportunity to board its central exhibit, a replica of an original Caravel sailing ship. On these same grounds are historic sites such as the famous “Post Office Tree,” which has been declared a national monument since it is South Africa’s first post office and first site of Christian worship, as well as early slave graves. Your group leader discusses Significant Colonial Influences in the Early Development of South Africa.

Lunch: Light lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Following lunch, head to Cape St. Blaize Cave, an important archaeological site that was first excavated in the late 1800s, making it one of South Africa’s earliest archaeological excavations. Early San (also known as Khoi-khoi or Khoisan) people inhabited the cave, and findings within the cave have helped archaeologists piece together early human life in the region. The cave also provides great views over the ocean, and is a popular viewpoint for whale (in season) and dolphin watching. Depart Mossel Bay in the mid-afternoon and head over the nearby Outeniqua Mountains to the contrastingly different Garden Route environment of the Klein (Little) Karoo. You spend the night in Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich capital” of the world, at Mooiplaas Guesthouse, a working ostrich farm with a beautiful view of the nearby Swartberg Mountain range.

Dinner: At the guesthouse's restaurant which serves typical country fare.

Lodging: Mooiplaas Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At the guesthouse.

Morning: Depart Oudtshoorn traveling through the scenic Klein Karoo via the "country route," negotiating the Huis River Pass before taking a rest break at one of the many charming little towns along the way. After traversing the impressive Tradouw Pass over the Langeberg Mountains, spend the remainder of the morning traveling through the rolling farm lands of the Overberg, arriving at Grootbos Reserve in time for lunch.

Lunch: At Grootbos, you enjoy fresh fish, succulent meats, and home-grown vegetables, all enhanced with flavors from the flourishing herb garden. Prepared with innovative flair, presented with brilliance and color, and served in a restaurant with unbeatable views, a Grootbos meal is an unbeatable experience.

Afternoon: You take a walk through Grootbos’ ancient milkwood forest, where thousand-year old trees send exploratory branches in search of sunlight, before continuing on to visit the Green Futures Horticulture and Life Skills College. The Green Futures College was founded by Grootbos in order to conserve the unique biodiversity of the area. The college trains unemployed and unskilled people from the surrounding villages in the science of horticulture, specifically in the preservation of fynbos vegetation. You meet some of these students and plant a tree with the group before departing. Lecture on the unique fynbos given by your group leader. Afterward, you transfer a short distance to Hermanus for your overnight stay.

Dinner: On your own account to explore local fare. There are numerous restaurant choices within a short and safe walking distance from the hotel.

Lodging: Harbour House

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Head through the scenic Winelands countryside to Stellenbosch. A short city tour orients you to Stellenbosch and its history, after which you have time to explore this small town on your own. Many of the town's historical landmarks are within easy walking distance of the town center. An interesting stop is the Village Museum, where four restored historical houses trace the history of Stellenbosch and its famous architecture. Discover some of the region’s tasty products during a wine tasting at a local winery. Hear a lecture on the area’s architecture, history and viniculture.

Lunch: At a local winery.

Afternoon: Depart towards Cape Town. En-route to the hotel, you have a city orientation tour which takes you to the historic Company Gardens, the colorful Bo Kaap community, and the District 6 area which remains a poignant example of the forced-removal era of apartheid. Continue on to your hotel in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Lodging: Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge, Waterfront

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: At the Cape of Good Hope, you have the option of walking up steep steps to get to the lighthouse at the very top; however, great views can be enjoyed without climbing the steps. At Boulders Beach, the coach must park in a parking lot that requires about a 15-20 minute walk to get to the entrance to Boulders; the walk is on flat, paved surfaces.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, head straight to Table Mountain. Take a cable car ride up the steep granite slopes of Table Mountain (weather permitting) to see the splendid views of the city and peninsula; it is perhaps one of the most magnificent views in the southern hemisphere. After descending the mountain, depart toward Cape Point via the coastal route passing through Camps Bay (South Africa’s world famous beach resort), past the Twelve Apostle Range, through Hout Bay and along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal roads to be found in Africa. Arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Cape Point, the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, is one of the world’s most beautiful places – a stretch of rocky mountain jutting southward into the sea. Here you find a myriad of pristine beaches, sheltered bays and coves, as well as a rich array of indigenous flora. The fynbos reserve (a unique vegetation type of the Cape Floral Kingdom) is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Whales (dependant on season), penguins and seals may be spotted from this point.

Lunch: A picnic lunch is taken at a scenic spot.

Afternoon: Stop off at Boulders Beach to view the resident African penguin colony. Nestled in a sheltered cove between Simon's Town and Cape Point, Boulders has become world famous for its thriving colony of African penguins and magnificent wind-sheltered beaches. Boulders is one of the few sites where this vulnerable bird (Spheniscus demersus) can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a protected environment. Lecture: African (Jackass) Penguins. Head back to the hotel for the late afternoon at leisure.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Lodging: Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge, Waterfront

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Visit several grassroots, community-based projects through Uthando South Africa, a non-profit organization that gives back to the community. Visits to these projects are done on a non-commercialized, authentic and interactive basis with a view to a genuine and meaningful interaction. Projects visited may include (but are not limited to): Volcano Arts Project, founded by Mandlesizwe Lufele and other concerned community youths who are committed to community development and empowerment through arts, culture and life skills training; Hout Bay Music Project or Jikeleza Dance Project, both of which aim to develop self-confidence, life skills and performance skills in the children within the projects; Abalimi Bezekhaya (the Planters of the Home), a non-profit organization working to improve sustainable food production and environmental greening amongst the poor in Cape Town; Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH), where you spend some time with a vibrant group of “oldies” during one of their social gatherings; Home from Home, which provides foster care for orphans, abandoned and vulnerable children; or Mandela Park Mosaics, T-Bag Designs, and Iziko Lo Lwazi, community-based initiatives where beauty is created out of every day objects. Exact projects visited to be determined.

Lunch: On your own account to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Free time with many optional activities to choose from.

Dinner: At a local restaurant specializing in Cape Malay cuisine.

Lodging: Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge, Waterfront

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the Cape Town airport where you board your commercial flight to Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport in the greater Kruger National Park area.

Lunch: Packed lunch provided.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in the early afternoon, you are met and transferred by minivan approximately two hours to Honeyguide Mantobeni Camp in Manyeleti Game Reserve. Manyeleti Game Reserve occupies a prime position on the western border of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Manyeleti may be explored in open game viewing vehicles, or on foot under the guidance of armed and experienced guides. The reserve boasts a large number of lion, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, zebra, giraffe, a healthy elephant and hippo population, and a variety of antelope species as well as prolific bird life. Arrive Mantobeni Camp where you have time to settle in before tea and snacks are served. During tea time, your group leader gives a lecture on lion social structure and behavior. Afterwards, embark on your first game drive within Manyeleti in search of the "Big Five" and other wildlife resident in the reserve. Sundowner drinks and snacks are served at a scenic spot as you watch the sunset.

Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the resident chef.

Evening: Spend the evening stargazing in Manyeleti, which means "place of the stars" in Shangaan.

Lodging: Honeyguide Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Wake to the sound of beating drums followed by early morning coffee/tea served in the tents.

Morning: Morning game drive in search of the Big Five.

Brunch: A delicious and filling brunch is served following the morning game drive. Afterwards, you can relax at the pool, participate in a short foot safari with one of the guides or view passing game at the waterhole next to the camp. On the foot safari you learn to identify tracks, spoor, and other signs to discern the small things of the bush.

Afternoon: Afternoon tea and snacks are served, during which time your group leader gives a lecture on termites and their importance to the ecology of the area. Following tea, the evening safari departs; explore the area with in-depth interpretation from your guides. Sundowners at a scenic spot.

Dinner: Dinner taken in the open-air dining area at the lodge.

Evening: Spend the evening in the boma around the fire, in discussion with your fellow participants.

Lodging: Honeyguide Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Wake to the sound of beating drums followed by early morning coffee/tea served in the tents.

Morning: Morning game drive in search of animals that may have eluded you so far.

Brunch: Following the morning game drive, a filling brunch is served back at camp. After brunch, you have time at leisure during the heat of the day. A short foot safari with one of the local guides is offered today, too, where you can learn to identify the smaller things of the bush.

Afternoon: Over afternoon tea, your group leader gives a lecture on rhinoceros. Following tea time, you embark on the last evening safari of the program. Cherish your last sundowners at a scenic spot.

Dinner: Dinner at camp.

Evening: Spend the evening recounting tales from the program with your fellow participants.

Lodging: Honeyguide Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Game Drive/ Departure/ Start of optional #19499 "Victoria Falls and Chobe" extension

Breakfast: Wake to the sound of beating drums followed by early morning coffee/tea served in the tents.

Morning: One last game drive within the reserve in search of animals you may not have seen thus far.

Brunch: A filling brunch is served, after which you have time to pack.

Afternoon: You are transferred approximately one hour to Hoedspruit airport, where you board your commercial flight to Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, you connect to your international, overnight flight home or the start of optional extension program #19499, "Extension: Victoria Falls and Chobe."

Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch

Morning: Early morning arrivals back in the USA and Canada.