South Africa family safari vacation by TWK Tours - Escorted group family trips

Explore amazing Africa on the adventure of a lifetime where world-class animals and fireside myths beckon you to the African bush! Begin your tour in the city of Johannesburg where we will immerse in the history of the anti-apartheid movement and walk in the steps of Nelson Mandela visiting the township of Soweto. While there, we will visit a local school and deliver school supplies to kids in need. Afterwards, head northwest to the border near Botswana for a four-night safari in Madikwe Game Reserve. Spend morning and afternoons exploring the African Bush looking for the Big Five: elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards, as well as smaller animals like zebra and giraffe. Finally, fly to the iconic Victoria Falls where we will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and a tour of the famous falls.

This tour is escorted by the experts in family travel, the host family of the Travel With Kids television series, who has traveled extensively throughout South Africa as a family since 2012. In addition, local South African guides will be used to provide expert insight.

Day 1:

Arrive Johannesburg by 9am for group transfer to Elephant Sanctuary (or another wildlife sanctuary) where you will learn about the magnificent giants of the African bush: African elephant. After a short tour of the Monkey Sanctuary, where guests walk through the monkey habitat having close encounters with these wily creatures, spend the rest of the day learning about elephants including hands-on activities where you will have the opportunity to touch and feed the elephants. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Johannesburg.

Overnight at Sandton Sun or similar.

Day 2:

Full-day tour of Soweto with a school visit. Depart in the morning for a tour of the township that was home to freedom fighters Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu where you will learn about the anti-apartheid movement, events that led to the overthrow of the apartheid government and the release and election to president of Nelson Mandela. Walk through the dirt streets of the temporary settlement in Soweto for an eye-opening look into the poorest of the South Africans and find out what some programs are doing to help. After lunch, one of the most moving parts of the trip, visit a school where kids will interact with local kids and deliver school supplies to these kids in need.

Overnight at Sandton sun or similar. (B)

Day 3:

Depart for Madikwe Game Reserve. This malaria-free reserve is located on the Botswana border and is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, as well as lots of other animals like cheetah, giraffe and zebra! Enjoy afternoon tea before heading out on an afternoon game drive where you will coast through the savannah looking for all sorts of animals and learning about African wildlife.

Overnight at 4 – 5-star game lodge. (T, D)

Days 4 - 6

Wake before the sun and head out for a morning game drive. Watch the sunrise in the African bush while watching for animals of all kinds. Return to the lodge for full brunch and some relaxation time or perhaps a walking safari. In the afternoon, enjoy afternoon tea followed by an evening game drive. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Overnight at 4 – 5-star game lodge. (B, L, T, D)

Day 7

Head out on your morning safari for your last look at South African wildlife before returning for brunch and then departing to Johannesburg where we will stay for one night awaiting your flight home or on to Victoria Falls.

Overnight airport hotel. (B)

Day 8:

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or a short flight to the world-famous Victoria Falls where you will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River keeping an eye out for hippos and crocodiles.

Overnight 4 – 5-star hotel. (B)

Day 9:

Spend the day at leisure. You can choose to optionally tour the falls, go zip lining, peruse craft markets and more.

Overnight 4 – 5-star hotel. (B)

Day 10:

After breakfast, fly back to Johannesburg for your return flight home. (Optional overnight in Johannsburg)

Pricing:

$3790 per adult

$3590 per child (11 and under)

Includes:

-          9-nights accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels and lodges

-          All breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners

-          English speaking guide on all days

-          All ground transfers with group

o       Tour of Soweto with volunteer time at school. Optional entries: Regina Mundi Church (approx $3), Hector Pieterson Museum (approx. $3), Mandela House (approx. $5)

o       Elephant Interaction at Elephant Sanctuary

o       Guided tour Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary

o       Morning and evening game drives (8)

Does Not Include:

Airfare, taxes, items of a personal nature (gratuities, passport/vaccination fees, beverages, etc), park fees (approx. $14/adult and $6/child per day), conservation fees ($12/adult and $6/child per day), meals/activities not listed as included, travel insurance (required)

PRICING AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TRAVEL INSURANCE IS MANDATORY FOR TRAVEL. COVID MAY CHANGE, CANCEL OR ALTER TRAVEL PLANS AND PRICING AT ANY TIME. 

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: $500 per person due to hold space

Second Payment: 50% of balance due 60 days after deposit

Final Payment: 50% of balance due 120 days after deposit

Cancellation Policy:

Deposit: Non-Refundable

Remainder of payments:

Up to 200 days prior to tour departure: 50% refundable

199 to 120 days prior to tour departure: 25% refundable

119 days to date of departure: 0% refundable

Pricing and itinerary are subject to change based on participation, availability, currency fluctuation and more