Tues, Aug 24: Depart Indianapolis for your flights to Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Wed, Aug 25: Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Check in for two nights at the Sandton Sun & Towers hotel, located in the heart of Johannesburg’s economic hub, next door to Nelson Mandela Square. Dinner is included tonight at the hotel. (Meals: Dinner)

Thu, Aug 26: This morning, you’ll be introduced to South Africa’s biggest city on a guided highlights tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. Learn about the city’s history as you visit Constitutional Hill, then follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela in Soweto with a tour of the Nelson Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Museum, and Freedom Square. Experience authentic African cuisine at a home-turned restaurant for warm hospitality and a real Soweto vibe. Spend some down time at the hotel or shopping this afternoon. Reconnect with the group for dinner at restaurant in Sandton City. (B,L,D)

Fri, Aug 27: After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Lunch is included at the Lookout Café, boasting the best views of the Batoka Gorge and Victoria Falls Bridge. Dine with a spectacular backdrop perched above the rapids of the Zambezi River! Then, transfer to your home for the next two nights, the Ilala Lodge Hotel, a luxury, family operated boutique-style property nestled in an attractive garden setting and just a short walk to the falls. Because the hotel borders the national park, guests frequently see warthogs, bushbucks, impala, monkeys, and even elephants wandering through the grounds. Gather later for a guided tour of the falls and rainforest, gaining insight into some of the history and background of these grand falls, known locally as “Mosi Oa Tunya,” (or “The Smoke That Thunders”). Take as many photographs as you wish while you learn all about the surrounding flora and fauna. Next, transfer to Victoria Falls Station and board a luxury steam train for a 4-course gourmet dinner onboard. The experience will transport you to a bygone era of train travel on a journey to the Victoria Falls Bridge in the comfort of iconic, stately carriages. (B,L,D)

Sat, Aug 28: Arise early for your next adventure, a day trip to the Chobe National Park in Botswana, just about an hour and a half drive from your hotel. The Chobe area is excellent for game viewing and has the highest concentration of elephants anywhere in the world! The park is also famous for its huge herds of Cape buffalo, Puku antelope, and rich birdlife. Start with a game drive in the park followed by lunch at a park lodge before more game viewing from a different vantage point—cruising along the Chobe River! Return to Zimbabwe and freshen up at the hotel before a barbeque dinner to cap off the day. (B,L,D)

Sun, Aug 29: Fly from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital and oldest city. Transfer to your hotel, the elegant Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, regarded as one of the city’s top five-star hotels. Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Nelson Mandela with a stay at this iconic retreat. Boasting some of the best restaurants and bars in Cape Town, a stay at Belmond Mount Nelson is foodie heaven. Reconvene with the group this evening for an included dinner. (B,D)

Mon, Aug 30: Today’s adventures begin with a cable car ride up Table Mountain for a spectacular view of the city and surrounds.  Next, head to the waterfront for lunch on your own before cruising to Robben Island for a riveting tour. Begin at the waterfront multimedia exhibition and museum shop before hopping onto the ferry for a scenic trip to the island, a World Heritage Site. Once on Robben Island, the tour is guided by a former political prisoner of the island, offering unique and incomparable insights into the island’s history. Freshen up at the hotel before an elegant dinner at Groot Constantia Wine Estate a wine estate with a legacy spanning over three centuries in the heart of the verdant Constantia Valley. (B,D)

Tue, Aug 31: After breakfast, depart for a tour of Langa Township, the oldest suburb designated for Black Africans before the apartheid era which, in the past, was the site of much resistance to segregation. Today, proud shopkeepers sell their wares, and delightful aromas rise from the food stands. You may even encounter local musicians sharing their talents as well! Townships are a significant part of South African culture and history, and touring with a local guide will only heighten this experience. Next, visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, both are a kaleidoscope of Cape Dutch architecture that gives a sense of the country’s Dutch colonial history. Cap off the afternoon with wine tasting and lunch at Grande Provence Wine Estate, which boasts a 325-year history. Tonight, have dinner at one of Cape Town’s best waterfront restaurants. (B,L,D)

Wed, Sep 1: Wander in a southerly direction today, including a drive through “Millionaires Mile,” encompassing the towns of Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay—the famous Atlantic Seaboard. Stop in Hout Bay for a fascinating boat trip to Seal Island to catch a glimpse of these wonderful creatures at play. Back on land, continue south to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve! Ride the funicular to “The Point” to see where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean before lunch at the famous Two Oceans Restaurant. Return to Cape Town via the eastern coastline of the southern tip. See Millers Point and Boulders Beach, famous for its penguin residents. Drive through the fishing village of Fish Hoek and pass the Silver Mine Nature Reserve with a stunning view of Muizeberg Beach before returning to the hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B,L)

Thu, Sep 2: This morning, depart Cape Town on a flight to Hoedspruit, where you’ll transfer to the five-star River Lodge on Kapama Private Game Reserve. Check in at this lavish resort for the last three nights of your tour, get settled, and have lunch. Later, enjoy a game drive in the reserve, home to Africa’s “big five” as well as many other mammal species and birds. Return to the lodge for dinner. (B,L,D)

Fri, Sep 3: Wake up early with the four-legged residents, grab your coffee and a quick bite before heading out on your morning game drive. Upon return, have your full breakfast and the afternoon to relax. The next game drive is set for late afternoon. Dine with fellow group members upon your return. (B,L,D)

Sat, Sep 4: Set off on another first-rate wildlife experience with an early morning game drive. Return to the tranquility of the lodge and perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or partake in the lodge’s amenities during your leisure time. Embark on a late afternoon game drive before a delightful Farewell Dinner. Propose a toast to new friends and lasting memories before spending your last night under the African sky. (B,L,D)

Sun, Sep 5: If you have not seen every animal on your list, don’t worry! There’s another chance today on an early morning game drive before breakfast. Transfer to Hoedspruit airport for the return flights to Johannesburg and overnight flights back home. (B)

Mon, Sep 6: Arrive back to Indianapolis in the early afternoon.