South Africa Photo Safari
Cape Town to Johannesburg
South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the world while at the same time offering a wide choice of travel experiences. We will start our tour in Cape Town, a cosmopolitan city at the tip of the continent. See striking landscapes, beautiful beaches, and enjoy great foods. After Cape Town we travel by air to a private game reserve plus spend time in Kruger National Park. Enjoy numerous game drives at different times of the day and evening to maximize animal encounters and increase your chances of spotting the "Big 5". Consider extending your stay with an optional 5-night post tour extension to Madagascar. What a way to cap off your African Photo Safari!
South Africa Photo Safari
August 29 - September 7, 2019Highlights
- Opportunities to see Africa's "Big 5" game
- Ride the funicular to Cape Point
- See penguins on Boulders Beach
- Stop at God's Window for a stellar view
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- Small group no larger than 18
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Thursday, 29 August 2019: Arrive Cape Town; Flights Arrive Late Evening
Welcome to Capetown, South Africa! Schedule your arrival at your convenience. Most flights arrive late in the evening. Your transfer to the hotel is provided. No activities are scheduled for this day. Should you arrive earlier in the day, your WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions if you want to go exploring. Overnight Cape Town - 3 nights
Friday, 30 August 2019: Cape Town Walking Tour; Afternoon Free; Group Dinner (B,D)
After a brief Welcome Meeting, we'll begin this morning with a walking tour of Cape Town, the Mother City of Africa, to gain better insight into the extraordinary magic of the city. Cape Town is a rare cultural gem resulting from the amalgamation of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Bushman, Hottentot and the Bantu tribes. Enjoy free time to further explore this lovely city. A hop on/hop off ticket is provided to facilitate transportation. Your Tour Leader will have plenty of suggestions. We will regroup tonight with our Welcome Dinner.
Saturday, 31 August 2019: Peninsula Tour; Cape of Good Hope; African Penguin Colony (B)
This morning we set out for a full day of sightseeing around Cape Point and the Peninsula. Sit back and relax as we drive the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise. We'll pass Camps Bay and Clifton and then cross over to Hout Bay, where, weather permitting, we can glimpse the breeding colony of cape fur seals on Seal Island. We'll wind along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive on the way to the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Here we board the funicular for a magnificent view over False Bay, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. We continue on to the historic naval port of Simon’s Town, where there will be time for a lunch stop, then visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach.
Sunday, 01 September 2019: Fly to Kruger; Afternoon Game Viewing (B,D)
We transfer to the airport for the flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport and then make our way to the lodge, our home for the next three nights. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we travel to the game lodge. There will be time to relax, unpack and enjoy afternoon tea before departing on our first game drive. This grassland area is the preferred home to wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, impala and black rhinoceros. Overnight Shiduli Lodge - 3 nights
Monday, 02 September 2019: Game Drives; Endangered Species Centre (B,L,D)
A typical day on safari begins at sunrise with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot animals searching for their first meal of the day. We'll return to our lodge and enjoy a leisurely respite until we head out at mid-afternoon on another game drive. We have also included a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center, which focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable and endangered animals, particularly cheetah conservation.
Tuesday, 03 September 2019: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives (B,L,D)
The flow of today is similar to yesterday. Enjoy the backdrop of the grandiose Drakensberg Mountain Range during our game drives today. Traversing over 9000 hectares of supreme and diverse vegetation, with its three perennial rivers and huge Jackelberry and Leadwood trees, our reserve is home to Africa's famed "Big 5" - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Not only are the large animals spectacular, the bird life will enthrall you.
Wednesday, 04 September 2019: Travel to White River via Panoramic Route (B,D)
This morning we travel to White River via the Panorama Route as we make our way closer to the southern entrance of Kruger National Park. Our day will be filled with beautiful scenery, visiting Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window. There will be time for a light lunch stop before arriving at our destination in Casterbridge Hollow. Overnight Casterbridge Hollow - 3 nights
Thursday, 05 September 2019: Elephant Whispers Tour; Jane Goodall Chimp Eden (B,L,D)
We change it up a bit today and spend a leisurely hour at Elephant Whispers, a wonderful opportunity to interact with Africa's enormous elephants in an unforgettable way. Afterward, we'll head to Chimp Eden to visit this rustic sanctuary and view chimpanzees in semi-wild surroundings.
Friday, 06 September 2019: Kruger National Park Safari - Full Day Game Drive (B,D)
Today we spend our safari time in Kruger National Park, maximizing our opportunities to see more African animals in their natural habitat. We never tire of game drives! At the conclusion of the day we return to our hotel and have dinner.
Saturday, 07 September 2019: Return to Johannesburg and Tour Ends (B)
This morning you may want to sleep in a bit or perhaps take an early morning walk. Around 10:00am, we will depart for Johannesburg, where upon arrival we'll proceed straight to the airport. We anticpate arriving around 4:00pm. Schedule your return departure time no earlier than 6:30pm. Most international flights depart Johannesburg in the evening. Take care to book the correct date if your flight departs after midnight.
Saturday, 7 September: Arrive Johannesburg & Overnight Near Airport
The main tour concludes this day at the Johannesburg airport. Those going on to Madagascar will spend the night near the airport.
Sunday, 8 September: Fly to Antananarivo, Madagascar; City Tour (B)
This morning we take the hotel shuttle to the airport and fly together on South Africa Flight #8252 (not included - travelers must make their own reservation on this flight), departing Johannesburg (JNB) at 10:00AM and arriving Antananarivo (TNR) at 2:10pm. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a brief tour of the city on our way to our hotel. Overnight Antananarivo - 1 night
Monday 9 September: Travel to Andasibe; Lemur Park; Night Walk (B)
Today we travel by coach to Andasibe, a journey of several hours that brings us to the humid part of the country with a landscape of rice fields, waterfalls, and scarce forest stations. Along the way we will see Merina villages in the rocky mountains and visit the Lemur Park. This evening, after checking in to our hotel, we will depart on a night walk within the Andasibe area to observe lemurs and other nocturnal animals under cover of darkness. Overnight Andasibe - 2 nights
Tuesday, 10 September: Walk Through Analamazaotra Special Reserve; Lemur Island (B)
This morning we enjoy a rather lengthy guided walk in Analamazaotra Special Reserve to hopefully spot a variety of animals dwelling in the forest. In particular, our guide will search for the Indri Indri, the largest lemurs on the island. This reserve is unique with its endemic fauna and flora. It contains a wide variety of orchids, canopy, and endemic animals like chameleons and tenrecs. This afternoon, we will visit Lemur Island at Vakona Forest Lodge to meet the resident lemurs up close.
Wednesday, 11 September: Return to Antananarivo; Reptile Reserve(B)
Today we return to Antananarivo. En route, we'll stop at the Reptile Reserve, then continue on, arriving back in Antananarivo late afternoon. Overnight Antananarivo - 1 night
Thursday, 12 September: Return Home (B)
Schedule your flight home from Antananarivo (TNR) at your convenience.
South Africa Photo Safari
August 29 - September 7, 2019Pricing
Room Share
$5,348.00Single Room
$6,276.00Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- Tipping of guides escorting the group (not safari game drivers)
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Airport transfers
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise provided
- Tipping of safari game drivers (budget $20 per game drive)
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Passport fees, if any
- Any gratuities for the WTT tour leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
At Space Reservation: Initial Deposit is due.
Saturday, 2 Mar 2019: Initial deposit cannot be parked and is forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Tuesday, 21 May 2019: Payment in full. 50% cancellation penalty after this date.
Sunday, 30 Jun 2019: 100% forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Please review our travel and cancellation policies before making your reservation. You will be asked to confirm you have read and understood WTT's travel polices before we will accept your reservation.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you in the event you need to cancel your tour. WTT will mail you information from 2 reliable travel insurance providers at the time we confirm your reservation.
You can review the insurance information from TravelGuard to get an idea of rates.
South Africa Photo Safari
August 29 - September 7, 2019Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" (on Kayak) or "Multiple Destinations" (on Expedia). For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: CPT - Cape Town, South Africa (Cape Town Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Thursday, August 29th. Arrive at your convenience.
Arrival Transfer: Group transfers based on arrival times provided. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: JNB - Johannesburg, South Africa (O.R. Tambo Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Saturday, September 7th. Depart no earlier than 6:30PM.
Departure Transfer: One group transfer included. See itinerary for flight info if you have added the Madagascar post-tour.
Doing the Madagascar Post-Tour?
Make Air Arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: CPT - Cape Town, South Africa (Cape Town Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Thursday, August 29th. Arrive at your convenience.
Arrival Transfer: Group transfers based on arrival times provided. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Sunday, 8 September 2019
Book this fight: South African Airways (SA) Flight SA8252
Departs From: JNB - Johannesburg, South Africa (O.R. Tambo Int'l Airport)
Arrives In: TNR - Antananarivo, Madagascar (Ivato Int'l Airport)
Departure Airport: TNR - Antananarivo, Madagascar (Ivato Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Thursday, 12 September 2019. Schedule your departure from TNR at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Not included. Your Tour Leader will assist with ride-sharing based on flight times.
Lodging / Hotels
Cape Town: Cape Milner Hotel
Tzaneen: Shiduli Lodge
Casterbridge Hollow: Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Transfer from airport to hotel
- Hop On / Hop Off Bus Ticket
$234.00 Roomshare $334.00 Single
Additional Reminders About This Tour
- Travelers are required to have a valid passport.
- Passport cannot expire less than 6 months after your tour concludes.
- Passport must contain minimum of 2 consecutive blank visa pages for entry/departure stamps.
- No visa is required for US and Canadian citizens.
- No special shots required. Routine shots should be up to date.
- Malaria protection: this is a personal choice; consult your healthcare professional. This tour visits during the dry season.
- The Madagascar post-tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to operate. See Reservation Form for pricing.
South Africa Photo Safari
August 29 - September 7, 2019Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
- If you wish to share with another solo traveler, select this option on the Reservation Form and your tour price will automatically be based on the room share price.
- Or, you may select a single room, when available, on the Reservation Form and your tour price will be automatically based on the single room price.
- These choices are clearly stated on the Reservation Form.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- Most solo travelers elect to share a room
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
Because of this requirement, WTT tours are not suitable for anyone who is physically challenged, walking impaired, or is a slow walker that cannot keep up with the pace of the group.
Specific activities on this tour require you to ride in open-air vehicles through possible rough terrain are rated as follows:
- 60% Easy (walking involved)
- 30% Moderate (distance traveled in coach)
- 10% Strenuous (remote location)
If you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Read more about Activity Levels
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
- Breakfast daily
- 3 Lunches
- Afternoon Tea at Lodge
- 7 Dinners
Selections for the included lunches and dinners will highlight the local cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requests can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general, temperatures in Cape Town are typically in the mid-60s, dropping to the low 50s at night. It warms up in Johannesburg with daytime temperatures likely in the low 80s.
- Morning temperatures are cool and crisp. Wear long pants and a jacket for comfort.
- At mid-day, the sun is strong and you will want adequate sun protection. You will be most comfortable wearing a light-weight shirt plus shorts.
- Evenings are chilly. You will want to layer and wear a jacket.
For This Trip You Will Need—
For dinner a long-sleeve shirt, jacket, pants and thick socks help protect against insects and cooler temperatures. Always apply insect repellents all over, especially around ankles, ears, knees and knuckles.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat
- Insect repellent — Insects can be a nuisance. Be sure to apply repellent on ankles, ears, knees and knuckles. Packaged wipes are easier to pack and carry.
- Long-sleeved, lightweight shirt(s).
- Swimsuit
- Light-weight, weather-proof jacket
- Clothing in earthy, neutral colors, especially useful on walking safaris
You May Also Want—
- Handkerchief, bandanna or scarf to protect neck and nose from the sun and dust.
- Refillable water bottle
- Slip on shoes or sandals to wear around the lodges or to meals.
- Inexpensive mosquito net — many rooms have patio doors that you may want to leave open, allowing mosquitoes to enter. Mosquitoes are not typically an issue in South Africa. However, if you are concerned, then bring a net.
- Whatever you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
Do Not Bring—
- Light colored or clothing made of delicate or expensive fabrics; the dust will likely ruin them.
- Camouflage
- Red clothing, it attracts animals
Laundry—
- Clothing can be laundered and ironed at most lodges and hotels.
- Due to local customs, undergarments will not be laundered at some sites.
Good Packing Habits—
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind – or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of the vehicles we use, the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance, and the restrictions imposed by other forms of transportation such as small planes.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- We strongly suggest you pack in a durable soft-sided bag due to the nature of transport during this tour.
- The internal flight(s) provided during the course of this tour restricts luggage weight to 44 pounds. You are responsible for any over-weight baggage charges incurred.
- Bring a small daypack/backpack for carrying personal items while on game drives.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach on days we change hotels.
What are the health recommendations for this tour?
There are no vaccinations required to visit South Africa. If you are concerned about illness you should check with your local primary care physician or a local travel clinic.
- The standards for health and hygiene in South Africa are average. You should avoid tap water and drink bottled water.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
Only you can determine your need to stay in contact while traveling. Internet access is available in most hotels, though coverage is sketchy once you depart Cape Town.
- Before departing, ask your cell phone service provider about adding international calling and texting features. Texting internationally is often less expensive than a call.
- Learn how to make an international call BEFORE you leave. Consult your cell phone provider and check out the web site www.HowToCallAbroad.com.
What are the electricity requirements for this tour?
You may need to purchase a universal adapter which supports a wide variety of sockets/plugs. You should also check your electronic devices for voltage compatibility. Many countries operate on 220V or 230V, which differs from most of North America. Most of today's electronics (laptops, phone chargers etc.) are multi-voltage and will work worldwide automatically, without a transformer. Consult your owner's manual for further details.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits.
- Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
- Safari lodges accept credit cards.
- South Africa’s official currency is the Rand (R).
- Be sure to exchange dollars for Rand in Cape Town, as the farther you travel from the city, the more difficult it becomes to find exchange houses.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides during your tour have already been paid on your behalf.
Tipping of Safari Guides and Drivers is not included in the cost of the tour. We suggest you budget $150 as follows: $20 per Lodge game drive; $30 at Kruger National Park. This tip amount should cover both the safari guide & driver.
In addition to tipping the Safari Guides and Drivers:
- You are responsible for tipping wait-staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- Tipping in South Africa can be done in Rand or USD. A typical tip for good service in a restaurant is 10-15% of the bill. A typical tip for a taxi ride is 10% of the fare. At hotels, it is typical to tip housekeeping 10-15 Rand or a few USD for good service.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
- Travelers are required to have a valid passport.
- Passport cannot expire less than 6 months after your tour concludes.
- Passport must contain minimum of 2 consecutive blank visa pages for entry/departure stamps.
- No visa is required for US and Canadian citizens.
- No special shots required. Routine shots should be up to date.
- Malaria protection: this is a personal choice; consult your healthcare professional. This tour visits during the dry season.
- The Madagascar post-tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to operate. See Reservation Form for pricing.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?

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