Plane
If Road Scholar is arranging your air travel to and from the program, and you travel on the scheduled start and end dates, you’ll receive free round-trip transfers from the airport to the hotel.
Arrival day is on September 15, 2026
Meet the group at City Lodge Hotel Eastgate in Johannesburg
Start of Trip: 2:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 7:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner followed by Orientation.
Getting to the site: The arrival transfer from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport to the first hotel in Johannesburg is provided by hired coach for all participants, even those who have booked their own international flights ("Program Only Participants"). Transfer time is approximately 20 minutes.
Your trip ends on: Monday, September 28, 2026 in Karongwe Private Game Reserve at Shiduli Private Game Lodge
End of Trip: 3:30 p.m. after arrival of flight from Hoedspruit, South Africa, at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Getting to the airport: Group transfer from the last location to the Hoedspruit airport (Kruger National Park area) is included for everyone. The flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg is also included in the program price for all participants. Upon arrival in Johannesburg you connect to international departures; no further ground transfers are needed unless ongoing travel is planned. EXPLORE can help with ongoing travel arrangements if needed.
Information if you are purchasing your own airfare: Arrival airport transfers are provided for all participants in Johannesburg, regardless of booking status. If you have chosen the Program Only Option (POP option), please be sure to send flight details to the Program Provider (EXPLORE, Inc) so that appropriate airport transfers can be arranged; email flight information to roadscholar.programs@exploreinc.com. Please note the correct start and end dates in Johannesburg when booking your international flights. Contact EXPLORE with any questions.
For departure, independent travelers do not need to arrange any separate transfers from the group. The group is transferred from your final lodge to the Hoedspruit airport. The flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg is also included for everyone in the program price. Once in Johannesburg, you will connect to international flights home; no further ground transfers are needed.