South Africa offers visitors a unique combination of reflective history, wild nature, adventure activities and family-friendly fun. South Africa is big and travel options are very diverse. Johannesburg and Cape Town, offer very different African viewpoints.  Johannesburg has witnessed much change over the past century and visitors can learn about this somewhat turbulent history first hand with a visit to Soweto (South Western Townships) where Nelson Mandela spent his early years. The star of South Africa is, of course, the safari! The most famous park is Kruger National Park with its adjacent private reserves, but each park in South Africa has its own benefits. Madikwe is a malaria-free park and thus great for families! Cruising through the African bush in a safari jeep reminiscent of Indiana Jones looking for animals like lions, rhinos, elephants and more is an experience like no other and will have the whole family telling stories for years to come!

More information on South Africa with Kids:
http://www.travelwithkids.tv/destinations/africa-with- kids/

TWK South Africa: Soweto to Safari and Victoria Falls
Explore amazing Africa on the adventure of a lifetime where wild 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. Afterward, 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. STAY WITH OUR FAMILY AND LOCAL GUIDES AT RHULANI LODGE. 5 STAR INCLUDING ALL MEALS, EXPERT RANGERS AND 5 STAR LODGE STAY.

Optional Excursion to the iconic Cape Town is available with personal guide and driver.

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Day 1:
Arrive Johannesburg by 9am for the group transfer to a wildlife sanctuary where you will learn about the magnificent animals of the African bush and conservation efforts underway to protect them. Get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most famous animals. 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. As part of the Re-Pack Project, a non-profit movement started by kids for kids, we will learn about how these kids go to school and deliver school supplies to these kids in need and enjoy some play time with them as well.

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 a 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 our flight home.

Overnight airport hotel. (B)

Victoria Falls

Day 1:
Take a short flight from Johannesburg 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 2:
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 3:
After breakfast, fly back to Johannesburg for the start of your tour.

Elephant Sanctuary and Monkey Sanctuary (or possibly a different wildlife sanctuary).

Half day experience includes guided tour of monkey habitat: Walk along raised wooden platforms and across rope bridges viewing monkeys and learning about their behavior (sometimes first hand); and Elephant Experience: Learn about elephants and conservation efforts with hands-on activities like touching and feeding the elephants and walking with them (not riding). Tour includes transfer to/from Johannesburg hotel.

Full Day Soweto Tour:

Walk in the footsteps of freedom activists like Nelson Mandela and experience life in an authentic town ship. Start with an overview of Soweto and its history, then visit Regina Mundi Church, where students sheltered during the Soweto Uprising, followed by a visit to Hector Pieterson Museum where you will learn about the Soweto Uprising and the South African children’s role in ending apartheid. Next, take a walk through a temporary settlement where one room, tin-sided sheds shelter large families and learn about program to help these families. After lunch, where you may see some Zulu dancers, head to a local school where kids can interact with local kids and distribute school supplies collected from home. This is one of the most moving days of the trip as kids feel empowered to make a difference. Tour includes transfer to/from Johannesburg hotel.

Safari Game Drives:

Experience one the most epic Africa activities when you hop on a jeep and rumble
through the African bush spotting all sorts of animals like lions, rhinos and elephants and
learning about their behaviors.