South Africa
The Best of South Africa: Exploring the Rainbow Nation
Program No. 22444RJ
Discover the history and natural diversity of South Africa from important urban centers to scenic coastlines. Join experts to search for iconic wildlife in the South African bush.
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800-454-5768
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16 days
15 nights
36 meals
13B 3BR 9L 11D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Constitution Hill, Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg
6
Knysna Forest Walk, To Klein Karoo
Oudtshoorn
7
Free Time, Ostrich Farm
Oudtshoorn
8
To Hermanus, Fynbos Class
Hermanus
12
To Hoedspruit, Lion Class, Game Drive
Karongwe Private Game Reserve
13
Game Drive, Termites Class, Game Drive
Karongwe Private Game Reserve
14
Game Drives, Rhinoceros
Karongwe Private Game Reserve
16
In Transit From Program
In Flight
At a Glance
It’s town and country — South Africa-style. Discover the vibrant cityscapes of Johannesburg and Cape Town to learn about the turbulent past and promising future of South Africa, then journey to the wild side of the country and search for the “Big Five” — elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. From the sparkling waters and emerald forests of the Garden Route to the vast plains and dramatic plateaus of the South African countryside, witness a stunning array of flora and fauna.
Extend Your Adventure
This program includes an optional program extension.
Extension: Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park
Discover the magnificent, mile-long Victoria Falls. Explore Chobe National Park with a local expert to witness herds of elephant, lions, leopard and more.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on varied terrain. Bumpy, dusty game drives in open-air safari vehicles. Elevations up to 5,575 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Walk in the footsteps of South Africa's freedom fighters and stand in Freedom Square where South Africans united in the name of democracy.
- Explore the beautiful Garden Route and venture into the bush on game drives in Karongwe Game Reserve.
- Ascend Table Mountain and enjoy the spectacular view it affords, and stand at the southwestern-most point of the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope.
General Notes
Please refer to the “Travel Information” section on the Road Scholar website, the start/end time listed in your first informational packet or contact the provider if you plan on booking your own flights for correct arrival and departure dates. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Helen Malisan
Helen Malisan’s passion for exploration began in high school when she visited Italy, her ancestral country. After completing her final year at school, she immediately joined South African Airways where she worked for 10 years. In 1993, her love for nature and South Africa inspired her to complete the necessary courses to become a wilderness excursion leader, spurring her career as a safari leader in Namibia and Zambia. Helen says her interest in people, nature and animals inspires her work.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Helen Malisan
View biography
Helen Malisan’s passion for exploration began in high school when she visited Italy, her ancestral country. After completing her final year at school, she immediately joined South African Airways where she worked for 10 years. In 1993, her love for nature and South Africa inspired her to complete the necessary courses to become a wilderness excursion leader, spurring her career as a safari leader in Namibia and Zambia. Helen says her interest in people, nature and animals inspires her work.
Johann Roscher
View biography
Johann Röscher was born in South Africa and grew up on State Forestry stations along the coastal belt of the Cape Province. He joined the military and studied at the North West University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. After traveling through the Middle East and Eastern Europe, he returned to South Africa to work as a socio-political researcher. Disillusioned with city life, Johann decided to change careers and lead safaris. He’s been taking groups on safaris in Kalahari and Okavango Delta for 17 years, and he’s never been more content with his choice to move to that beautiful and remote region.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of South Africa: Exploring the Rainbow Nation
Program Number: 22444
Long Walk to Freedom
An unpretentious tale of an extraordinary life. Mandela recounts the circumstances of his imprisonment and ultimately his successful drive to end Apartheid.
Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa
This classic field guide features hundreds of color plates, a comprehensive checklist – and information on habitat and distribution.
Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent
So often, Africa has been depicted simplistically as a uniform land of famines and safaris, poverty and strife, stripped of all nuance. This book offers stories that bring to life Africa’s rich diversity, communities, and histories.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
A harrowing look at life in South Africa under apartheid and country's lurching entry into a post-apartheid reality told through the prism of Trevor Noah and his family. Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa and is the current host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central.
The Safari Companion
An encyclopedic guide to the behavior of Africa’s mammals by a noted scientist.
The Big Conservation Lie
This book takes the reader through Kenya’s conservation ‘industry’ and the players therein with all their prejudices, weaknesses and commitment to causes. It is a call to indigenous Africans to claim their place at the table where the management of their natural resources is being discussed, and invites well-meaning donors to look beyond the romantic images and detect the possible role of their money in the disenfranchisement of a people.
Southern Africa Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
A popular, photographic guide to the mammals, birds, reptiles and habitats south of the Zambezi. With 300 color photographs and illuminating text.
Lonely Planet South Africa
Lonely Planet will get you to the heart of South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland, with amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice.
Cape Town, A Lonely Planet City Guide
A practical guide to the city and surroundings, featuring suggested walks, excursions and attractions. This surprisingly complete book also includes color photographs and a map.
Mandela's Way: Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage
A firsthand account of Nelson Mandela's wisdom from Richard Stengel, a close friend of Mandela and the editor of Time magazine.
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