Itinerary:

 

Day 1:

Overnight flight JFK to Johannesburg (airfare not included)

 

Day 2:

After arrival, transfer to wildlife conservation park which offers an up close look at some of Africa’s most famous animals. .  The park is home to over 80 lions including the rare white lions and many other carnivores such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, striped hyena, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal, and a wide variety of antelope which roam freely in the antelope area. A “safari” through the lion’s cages let’s kids get really close to these majestic cats and gives information on the conservation efforts the park is undergoing to keep wild cats wild. And no one in the family will be able to resist playing and holding cute baby lions! Also, be sure to watch for the giraffe who is known to wander onto the playground and into the restaurant here.After a day of frolicking with lions, transfer to Garden Court in the heart of Sandton City, the financial and business center of Johannesburg.

 

Overnight at Garden Court Sandton City.

 

Day 3:

Stay in the cosmopolitan Sandton City area of Johannesburg. In the afternoon, take a full day tour of Soweto, once home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. During the 1980’s, Soweto was famous as the center of resistance to apartheid and was the site of the 1976 Student Uprising. Now, a peaceful place, Soweto is a center of culture and packed with museums. We will visit the Nelson Mandela House and the Apartheid Museum, which will give valuable insight into the history of South Africa. A tour through the temporary settlement is eye opening to the very real poverty that exists in Africa and show kids what is being done to help combat that poverty. Kids will enjoy meeting local kids in the school and Kliptown Youth Project. Deliver school supplies collected through the RePack Project to kids in need in Soweto.

 

Overnight at Garden Court Sandton City. Breakfast and lunch  included.

 

Day 4:

After breakfast, transfer by road to Madikwe Game Reserve

.

Overnight and all meals and activities included at Madikwe River Lodge.

 

Day 5:

After breakfast, head out by van through rural areas where real Africa life is going on all around to Madikwe Game Reserve. On the way, take a break at a colorful craft market overflowing with masks, carvings, weavings, jewelry and more. Located along the Botswana border in the north, Madikwe Game Reserve was opened in 1991 and encompasses grasslands punctuated by rocky outcroppings (think Lion King). This malaria-free reserve is a haven of amazing diversities and offers Big Five game viewing as well as a variety of lesser known animals. There is a good chance of seeing the Magnificent Seven which comprises the Big Five as well as the rare and endangered wild dog and cheetah. After checking in, enjoy tea and an afternoon safari.

Overnight at the luxurious Three Cities Madikwe River Lodge, which is settled on the banks of Groot Marico River inside the Madikwe Game Reserve. Sixteen comfortable and secluded split-level thatched chalets surround the main lodge, each individually decorated to create a rich African feel, with en-suite bathroom and outside shower, full range of guest amenities, separate lounge and private wooden decks overlooking the tranquil forest and river. Overnight at Madikwe River Lodge, dinner, two game drives daily and activities included.

 

Day 6 & 7:

Spend all day enjoying the African bush with morning and afternoon safaris and plenty of time for lounging end enjoying the surroundings in between.

The Madikwe Game Park is home to the largest elephant population outside the Kruger National Park, black and white rhino, and the biggest disease free herd of buffalo in the country.  Everyone in the family will be amazed at the up close views of animals like lion, rhino, elephant and more.

 

Overnight at the luxurious Three Cities Madikwe River Lodge. All meals and two game drives and activities included.

 

Day 8:

After a morning game drive and breakfast at Three Cities Madikwe River Lodge, we will be met by a guide for a transfer back to airport for return flight home or to hotel to await flight to Victoria Falls if you choose the add-on.

 

Day 9:

Arrive in New York JFK airport.