Spectacular South Africa with Victoria Falls- Hosted by WHP580’s RJ Harris

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to/from a Washington D.C. inernational airport
• Roundtrip airfare between Washington D.C. and Johannesburg, South Africa
• Internal flights within South Africa & Zimbabwe
• Roundtrip transfers – airport/hotel
• 15 night hotel accommodations
• Meals: 15 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach 
• Services of a Professional AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Manager and Driver
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person 
• Hosted by WHP580's RJ Harris

Desired pick up location is not guaranteed until passenger minimums are met. 

Highlights

• Johannesburg
• Soweto
• Kruger National Park
• Knysna
• Featherbed Nature Reserve
• Stellenbosch
• Cape Town
• Table Mountain
• Zambezi River Cruise
• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Itinerary

Thursday, October 10, 2024: Depart for Johannesburg, South Africa

Motorcoach from Central PA to a Washington D.C. International airport for an overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Friday, October 11, 2024: Welcome to South Africa

Begin your journey in Sandton, established in 1969, famous for its rich veins of gold and minerals. The city is now the bustling cosmopolitan center of greater Johannesburg. Hotel: Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg 

Saturday, October 12, 2024: Sandton – Soweto 

Today, have some time to explore history at Liliesleaf, former center of the liberation movement and the site of the police raid that led to Nelson Mandela’s prison sentence. Following this, a guided tour of Soweto-South West Township-showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum commemorating the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, October 13, 2024: Sandton - Kruger National Park

Today we will travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensburg Mountain Range en-route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Enjoy the scenery as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, which is made of mostly red sandstone, and is one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. Along the magnificent route, stop at God’s Window and stand at what seems like the edge of creation. On clear days, you can see as far as Mozambique. This evening, enjoy a traditional Boma Dinner where you may sample some local game meat! Hotel: Kruger Gate Hotel, Kruger National Park (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, October 14, 2024: Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive

Have your camera ready for an unforgettable day! Enjoy a full day, open-air-vehicle safari, game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the “Big 5” – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino, and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. You may also see impala, zebra, or giraffe. Relax with a South African braai lunch in the natural beauty of Kruger National Park. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive

Embrace the rare opportunity to head back into the wild on another full day safari game drive in Kruger National Park. It's the chance to see any elusive animals you may have missed yesterday. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wednesday, October 16, 2024: Kruger National Park – Johannesburg – George - Knysna

Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to George. Upon Arrival, travel to the resort town of Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route. Located on the coast, Knysna is your gateway to the natural beauty of South Africa. Hotel: The Rex Hotel, Knysna (Breakfast)

Thursday, October 17, 2024: Knysna

Today visit the nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve, looking out over the Indian Ocean. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads, which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely-paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees-so called because of their white latex sap – before your return cruise. This afternoon, It’s your choice!  Visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as “Bahia Formosa” (Beautiful Bay) and witness views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons- OR - Enjoy your afternoon at leisure in Knysna with time to independently explore the charming waterfront. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Friday, October 18, 2024: Knysna - Stellenbosch

Say goodbye to Knysna as you begin your journey to Stellenbosch. Get a taste of the culture when you join your fellow travelers for dinner and a wine tasting. Hotel: De Zalze Lodge, Stellenbosch (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, October 19, 2024: Stellenbosch - Franschhoek

Start your day with a walking tour of Stellenbosch, a university town known for its vineyards and mountainous nature reserves. Get a chance to taste some wine before continuing to nearby Franschhoek. Experience the town’s renowned wine culture with a cellar tour and tasting, followed by lunch before returning to Stellenbosch. With the remainder of your day at leisure, discover the town on your own. Maybe you’ll taste some of the legendary wine, wander along the oak-lined avenues, or explore the surrounding nature.(Breakfast, Lunch)

Sunday, October 20, 2024: Stellenbosch - Cape Town

Travel to the beautiful harbor side city of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa. Enjoy a traditional Cape Malay lunch in the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Settle in for your 3-night stay in the “Mother City”, nestled in the valley between towering mountains and the glistening sea. Hotel: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town (Breakfast, Lunch)

Monday, October 21, 2024: Cape Town

See the highlights of the city on a panoramic tour. Take in the celebrated architecture that fuses the tradition of the French, German, and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car that whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named- and flat-topped- Table Mountain*. The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you Breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the massive Milnerton Lighthouse. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own exploring Cape Town. (Breakfast)

*Table Mountain Cableway is subject to change and availability due to weather conditions. 

Tuesday, October 22, 2024: Cape Town

Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. This evening, experience a unique African custom as you enjoy a lesson on the djembe drums before a communal African dining experience with dishes from all over the continent! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024: Cape Town - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Fly this morning to one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi River, taking in the majestic African sunset. Hotel: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls (Breakfast)

Thursday, October 24, 2024: Victoria Falls

After breakfast you will have an opportunity to mingle with residents of a local village. Next, interact with African elephants, up-close and in their natural environment. Following lunch with a local family, take a walking tour of Victoria Falls, truly one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Shop at a local curio market before returning to your hotel where you’ll enjoy a tour to learn more about its history.(Breakfast, Lunch)

Friday, October 25, 2024: Victoria Falls

Enjoy a free day to explore independently. Or perhaps, you will decide to take an optional full day excursion to Chobe National Park in Botswana.(not included in the price of the trip). (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, October 26, 2024: Depart Africa for Central, PA

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg and then connecting international flight with transportation back to Central, PA (Breakfast)

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and or compensation.

Tour Activity Level: 3
This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

General Information

Travel Documents 

U.S. citizens must travel with an original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with multiple blank visa pages for visa stamp(s). 

South Africa requires two blank visa pages facing each other. Failure to have two consecutive blank pages will result in being denied boarding of your international flight. 

Zimbabwe requires an additional two blank visa pages. A Zimbabwe tourist visa is required and must be purchased at the port of entry. Currently, a single entry visa costs $30 USD (subject to change). 

If you choose to purchase the Chobe Day Trip optional excursion to Botswana, you must purchase a multiple entry Zimbabwe visa upon your arrival in Zimbabwe. Currently, a multiple entry visa costs $45 USD (subject to change). You will also need an additional blank visa page in your passport for entry to Botswana. 

Please note: Malaria pills are recommend with visiting Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Consult your physician 2-3 weeks prior to departure. 

Additional vaccinations and travel requirements may be required. As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your travel advisor for additional information. 

Payment

A deposit of $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by  July 25, 2024.

Cancellation/Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus...
From April 12 - August 10, 2024 - $698.00 per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From August 11 - September 24, 2024 - 40% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From September 25 - October 9, 2024 - 75% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
After October 9, 2024 - 100% NON-REFUNDABLE
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures in South Africa in October average between the low 60s and upper 70s with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. In Zimbabwe expect average highs in the mid 90s and lows in the mid 60s. Casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommend. Good sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended. 

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP7924

Consumer Disclosure Notice - Part of Contract of Service.

Please read this notice, it constitutes part of your contract for travel-related services. 
AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler’s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.