SOUTH AFRICA GROUP TRIP
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Jan. 2024 - announcement soon!
Feb. 2024 - announcement soon! |
You're invited to join us for 12 days and 11 nights in South Africa. You'll experience rich and diverse cultures as we overland the peaks and valleys of this diverse Nation. We will greet the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and be immersed in all the colors of the Rainbow Nation. We'll support the conservation efforts by going on a couple safari drives and experience South Africa's vibrant and diverse music scene. We'll also invite some of the locals to share their stories and philosophy about Ubuntu while allocating enough time to have a balance between being with the group and doing your own thing.
"You can leave Africa but Africa will never leave you." - African Proverb
"You can leave Africa but Africa will never leave you." - African Proverb
MEET YOUR GUIDES - KATIE & BRIAN ERNST
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In the last 14 years together, we have traveled, toured and volunteered in 37 countries and 49 states. We've spent 2 of these years in Africa. We delivered our baby girl in Cape Town and then a year later spent 10 unplanned months locked down in South Africa during the first wave of the pandemic. We've done five cross country tours of South Africa as well as two sold out group trips in Jan. + Feb. 2023. We are grateful for the honor and privilege of being included into communities/townships/villages all over the Rainbow Nation. South Africa feels like a home to our family and we are grateful to widen the circle of relations with you.
Group trips will be 10 people max, plus the three of us.
Check out the itinerary below and application at the bottom of page.
Check out the itinerary below and application at the bottom of page.
FLEXIBLE PRICING
Prices are per person (pp.) and determined by the rooms you select.
Solo Traveler: TBA
Two People sharing a room: TBA
Family or small private group: TBA
*All but $200 of the deposit is refundable in the event you have to cancel.
Two People sharing a room: TBA
Family or small private group: TBA
*All but $200 of the deposit is refundable in the event you have to cancel.
PRICE INCLUDES
Accommodation, all overland transportation, tolls and fuel, National Park Passes; Boulders Beach (penguin colony), Cape Of Good Hope, Table Mountain, Addo Elephant Park
Red Hill Township Experience, 2 Safari Game Drives, Red Double Decker Bus in Cape Town
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
Personal recommendations and any logistical help for people who extend their trip
A lifetime of memories and a new lens to see this world through
Red Hill Township Experience, 2 Safari Game Drives, Red Double Decker Bus in Cape Town
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
Personal recommendations and any logistical help for people who extend their trip
A lifetime of memories and a new lens to see this world through
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International flights to/from Cape Town, travel insurance (highly recommended), meals at restaurants, personal expenses (like alcohol, laundry and souvenirs). Tips at restaurants. Extra-curricular activities that are not part of the group trip (like kayaking, bungee jump, skydiving, parasailing), South African SIM Card/data for your cell phone (not required). Entry ticket to any of the optional activities in Cape Town Robben Island (prison/museum where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated), Kirstenbosch (botanical gardens), Constantia Valley Wine Tour or any of the activities you choose to see via the double decker bus.
DAY 1
Welcome to South Africa. Brian will greet everybody at the airport. If there isn't another flight coming in Brian will transport you to the hotel. If there is another flight we'll have transport arranged for you. Katie will be at the Aha Simon's Town Quayside Hotel to greet you and give you a brief orientation. Simons Town is safe and a great place to orient yourself with South Africa while you adjust to Africa time. Katie will show you the local things to see and do that's all within a short walk of the hotel. Meals will be on your own as people may be jet lagged and arriving/settling-in different times. Relax and get some rest after your long flight. Remember to lock your windows so a baboon doesn't invade your room!
Welcome to South Africa. Brian will greet everybody at the airport. If there isn't another flight coming in Brian will transport you to the hotel. If there is another flight we'll have transport arranged for you. Katie will be at the Aha Simon's Town Quayside Hotel to greet you and give you a brief orientation. Simons Town is safe and a great place to orient yourself with South Africa while you adjust to Africa time. Katie will show you the local things to see and do that's all within a short walk of the hotel. Meals will be on your own as people may be jet lagged and arriving/settling-in different times. Relax and get some rest after your long flight. Remember to lock your windows so a baboon doesn't invade your room!
DAY 2
If you wake up early enough you'll see penguins walking the streets by the water or you might even see a baboon going rouge and stealing brunch from the local spaza shop. South Africa has some of the best coffee in the world and there are a couple really great breakfast options just outside the door of the hotel. If you like being out and about in the mornings you can walk the fishing pier or swim in False Bay, make your own adventure or just chill and relax. Meet at the hotel at 12pm so we can drive a few minutes down the road to the penguin colony. One of our best friends is a chef and she's going to make us an amazing picnic lunch while we're at Boulders Beach. You can swim with the penguins but the water is (penguin) cold and they're wild animals. Go at your own risk. We'll plan to be back at the hotel no later than 4pm for anyone who wants to shower or relax before dinner.
We'll meet back up at 5pm to head over to Scarborough, which is the village where our daughter Rayah was born and the place where we spent the majority of lockdown. It's a beautiful village surrounded by epic mountains and we'll all enjoy dinner at Camel Rock, which is the mecca of the local scene. We'll invite some friends to join us so you can experience the local culture and weekly community braai with live music.
If you wake up early enough you'll see penguins walking the streets by the water or you might even see a baboon going rouge and stealing brunch from the local spaza shop. South Africa has some of the best coffee in the world and there are a couple really great breakfast options just outside the door of the hotel. If you like being out and about in the mornings you can walk the fishing pier or swim in False Bay, make your own adventure or just chill and relax. Meet at the hotel at 12pm so we can drive a few minutes down the road to the penguin colony. One of our best friends is a chef and she's going to make us an amazing picnic lunch while we're at Boulders Beach. You can swim with the penguins but the water is (penguin) cold and they're wild animals. Go at your own risk. We'll plan to be back at the hotel no later than 4pm for anyone who wants to shower or relax before dinner.
We'll meet back up at 5pm to head over to Scarborough, which is the village where our daughter Rayah was born and the place where we spent the majority of lockdown. It's a beautiful village surrounded by epic mountains and we'll all enjoy dinner at Camel Rock, which is the mecca of the local scene. We'll invite some friends to join us so you can experience the local culture and weekly community braai with live music.
DAY 3
Enjoy breakfast/ coffee/ morning stroll and be ready to go by 10am. We will spend the day at the Cape of Good Hope which is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world. Our friend and incredible Chef Alex will have another amazing picnic lunch for us in the park.
We'll have some time at the hotel to rest before we drive (at 4:30pm) to the Red Hill Culture Experience and dinner. Evi will walk us through the Red Hill and explain to us how this township functions. She'll explain the realities of living in a township and how they survive up on Red Hill. This is "Ubuntu." After the walking tour we'll join her family for a traditional African meal that's cooked over the fire. Red Hill is a safe township and has always been a place we frequent because a lot of our friends from Zimbabwe and Malawi live here. The people are friendly and resilient.
Enjoy breakfast/ coffee/ morning stroll and be ready to go by 10am. We will spend the day at the Cape of Good Hope which is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world. Our friend and incredible Chef Alex will have another amazing picnic lunch for us in the park.
We'll have some time at the hotel to rest before we drive (at 4:30pm) to the Red Hill Culture Experience and dinner. Evi will walk us through the Red Hill and explain to us how this township functions. She'll explain the realities of living in a township and how they survive up on Red Hill. This is "Ubuntu." After the walking tour we'll join her family for a traditional African meal that's cooked over the fire. Red Hill is a safe township and has always been a place we frequent because a lot of our friends from Zimbabwe and Malawi live here. The people are friendly and resilient.
DAY 4
Breakfast/coffee on your own, be packed up and ready to depart for Wilderness by 9:30am.
The first half of the 5-6 hour drive is breathtaking. We'll circumnavigate the coast line of False Bay and drive at the base of 2000-4000' mountains that drop into the ocean. We'll make a few quick stops at our favorite viewpoints and get lunch at a farm stall.
We'll have some time to relax at the lodge in Wilderness before our reservation at Salina's, which is one of our favorite restaurants. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, our friend Watson will be our guest. He is a community leader who has a beautiful philosophy of "Ubuntu." There are also a few options for live music for anyone who still has energy to go out after dinner. Wilderness is one of our favorite places on the Garden Route. The scenery is beautiful and the locals are a good time.
Breakfast/coffee on your own, be packed up and ready to depart for Wilderness by 9:30am.
The first half of the 5-6 hour drive is breathtaking. We'll circumnavigate the coast line of False Bay and drive at the base of 2000-4000' mountains that drop into the ocean. We'll make a few quick stops at our favorite viewpoints and get lunch at a farm stall.
We'll have some time to relax at the lodge in Wilderness before our reservation at Salina's, which is one of our favorite restaurants. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, our friend Watson will be our guest. He is a community leader who has a beautiful philosophy of "Ubuntu." There are also a few options for live music for anyone who still has energy to go out after dinner. Wilderness is one of our favorite places on the Garden Route. The scenery is beautiful and the locals are a good time.
DAY 5
You're going to love Moontide Riverside Lodge. It's on the shores of the Touw River and you can swim and/or float all the way to the Indian Ocean. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace as you wake up.
Make your own adventure. You can enjoy the beach with Katie, where you will also be a few minutes walk into town for shopping, coffee and ice cream or you can go on a hike or kayak trip with Brian. Or, if you just want to stay back at the lodge we can arrange a massage for you while you look for wildlife and relax. We'll arrange an awesome picnic lunch from one of the restaurants for whichever activity you choose.
There is also an option to go skydiving or parasailing and we can help you organize that as well.
Whatever you do, be ready to meet up for dinner at 5pm because we're going to have a sunset reservation at Pili Pili which is another one of our favorite beach restaurants. It sits on the mouth of the Sedgefield Lagoon which also pours into the Indian Ocean. The beach has dramatic mountains that drop straight down into the ocean.
You're going to love Moontide Riverside Lodge. It's on the shores of the Touw River and you can swim and/or float all the way to the Indian Ocean. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace as you wake up.
Make your own adventure. You can enjoy the beach with Katie, where you will also be a few minutes walk into town for shopping, coffee and ice cream or you can go on a hike or kayak trip with Brian. Or, if you just want to stay back at the lodge we can arrange a massage for you while you look for wildlife and relax. We'll arrange an awesome picnic lunch from one of the restaurants for whichever activity you choose.
There is also an option to go skydiving or parasailing and we can help you organize that as well.
Whatever you do, be ready to meet up for dinner at 5pm because we're going to have a sunset reservation at Pili Pili which is another one of our favorite beach restaurants. It sits on the mouth of the Sedgefield Lagoon which also pours into the Indian Ocean. The beach has dramatic mountains that drop straight down into the ocean.
DAY 6
Wake up and enjoy breakfast on your own time. We'll be up and ready to give a ride to anyone who wants to go to the beach or into town. Be packed and ready to go by 11am because we have a 4 hour drive with a farm stall lunch en-route to Hitgeheim Country Lodge. We'll arrive with enough time for everyone to relax before a candle light dinner at the lodge. Make sure your cell phones/camera are charged up for the morning!
Wake up and enjoy breakfast on your own time. We'll be up and ready to give a ride to anyone who wants to go to the beach or into town. Be packed and ready to go by 11am because we have a 4 hour drive with a farm stall lunch en-route to Hitgeheim Country Lodge. We'll arrive with enough time for everyone to relax before a candle light dinner at the lodge. Make sure your cell phones/camera are charged up for the morning!
DAY 7
Wake up at the lodge and enjoy breakfast on your own. Soak in the morning, let yourself recharge and enjoy a light lunch at the lodge before leaving at 1:30pm for a safari at Schotia Private Reserve. We'll get up close and personal with lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and hundreds of other species that are indigenous to the land. We'll be guided through the bush on a 4x4 Range Rover to a circular bush camp where they'll serve up a traditional Afrikaans braai (which is a fantastic dinner cooked over fire). After dinner we'll go back into the bush for a night time safari drive where we'll look for the nocturnal mammals on the hunt.
Wake up at the lodge and enjoy breakfast on your own. Soak in the morning, let yourself recharge and enjoy a light lunch at the lodge before leaving at 1:30pm for a safari at Schotia Private Reserve. We'll get up close and personal with lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and hundreds of other species that are indigenous to the land. We'll be guided through the bush on a 4x4 Range Rover to a circular bush camp where they'll serve up a traditional Afrikaans braai (which is a fantastic dinner cooked over fire). After dinner we'll go back into the bush for a night time safari drive where we'll look for the nocturnal mammals on the hunt.
DAY 8
Make sure you get an early breakfast and be ready to go by 7:30am. We'll take another 4x4 Land Rover and go on a guided game drive into Addo Elephant National Park where we'll witness hundreds of Elephants meet and greet each other at the local watering hole. We'll be able to drive right next to them, while also keeping a safe distance. We'll enjoy the National Park all morning with a lap lunch and afterwards we will begin our 3 hour journey westward to Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge in Natures Valley.
Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge is a beautiful, family run business that holds a special place in our hearts. It is one of the jewels that's off the beaten path. After you check into your room Brian will give you a quick tour of the property. Wild Spirit serves an amazing dinner every night and it's also a very popular venue for the South African musicians who are touring the Garden Route. There will be bonfires, music and people from all over the world. Find your space and be free. There are many places on the property to watch the sunset and experience the majesty of the purple mountains towering over the misty valley.
Make sure you get an early breakfast and be ready to go by 7:30am. We'll take another 4x4 Land Rover and go on a guided game drive into Addo Elephant National Park where we'll witness hundreds of Elephants meet and greet each other at the local watering hole. We'll be able to drive right next to them, while also keeping a safe distance. We'll enjoy the National Park all morning with a lap lunch and afterwards we will begin our 3 hour journey westward to Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge in Natures Valley.
Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge is a beautiful, family run business that holds a special place in our hearts. It is one of the jewels that's off the beaten path. After you check into your room Brian will give you a quick tour of the property. Wild Spirit serves an amazing dinner every night and it's also a very popular venue for the South African musicians who are touring the Garden Route. There will be bonfires, music and people from all over the world. Find your space and be free. There are many places on the property to watch the sunset and experience the majesty of the purple mountains towering over the misty valley.
DAY 9
Wake up and enjoy coffee/breakfast on the deck, treehouse or anywhere else you find enticing. There are so many beautiful places on the property to discover. You can read a book, hike, swim in their natural pool, or do yoga. Our friend Ola, one of the stewards of this Land, said we can plant a tree on the property for each person on the trip. It's a small way we can give back to the land. A tree will be planted for everyone and those who want to help are welcome.
We'll meet up at 12pm for lunch at the local farm stall and then drive down the mountain to where the lagoon pours into the Indian Ocean. Natures Valley is beautiful and you can choose between the warm water lagoon or the icy cold Indian Ocean. There is also an optional hike to another secret beach for anyone who enjoys hiking with mountain and beach views.
We'll head back to Wild Spirit at 4:30 for a shower or time to relax before dinner. Brian will perform right after dinner and we'll spend the rest of the night hanging out with folks from all over the world sharing stories and enjoying one of our favorite places.
Wake up and enjoy coffee/breakfast on the deck, treehouse or anywhere else you find enticing. There are so many beautiful places on the property to discover. You can read a book, hike, swim in their natural pool, or do yoga. Our friend Ola, one of the stewards of this Land, said we can plant a tree on the property for each person on the trip. It's a small way we can give back to the land. A tree will be planted for everyone and those who want to help are welcome.
We'll meet up at 12pm for lunch at the local farm stall and then drive down the mountain to where the lagoon pours into the Indian Ocean. Natures Valley is beautiful and you can choose between the warm water lagoon or the icy cold Indian Ocean. There is also an optional hike to another secret beach for anyone who enjoys hiking with mountain and beach views.
We'll head back to Wild Spirit at 4:30 for a shower or time to relax before dinner. Brian will perform right after dinner and we'll spend the rest of the night hanging out with folks from all over the world sharing stories and enjoying one of our favorite places.
DAY 10
Wake up and enjoy the view with coffee/breakfast on the deck at Wild Spirit. Be packed up and ready to leave by 9:30am. We have a 6 hour drive back to Cape Town with a farm stall lunch en route. We'll arrive at the Rosedene Guest House around 5pm so everybody has some time to unwind after the drive. Dinner reservations are at 7pm. Cape Town has an abundance of live music clubs. If anyone has energy to go out afterwards we can organize that. Otherwise, feel free to take it easy at the hotel and/or explore the local neighborhood.
Wake up and enjoy the view with coffee/breakfast on the deck at Wild Spirit. Be packed up and ready to leave by 9:30am. We have a 6 hour drive back to Cape Town with a farm stall lunch en route. We'll arrive at the Rosedene Guest House around 5pm so everybody has some time to unwind after the drive. Dinner reservations are at 7pm. Cape Town has an abundance of live music clubs. If anyone has energy to go out afterwards we can organize that. Otherwise, feel free to take it easy at the hotel and/or explore the local neighborhood.
DAY 11
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town so make your own adventure. We're getting everybody a day pass on the open air hop on hop off double decker bus so people can choose what they want to see and do. With over 30 stops and 3 routes there will be something for everyone. Some of the highlights are the VA Waterfront, the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia Valley Wine Tours. This pass will also include a harbour or canal cruise.
We could also arrange a trip to Robben Island, which is where Nelson Mandela spent 19 of his 27 years incarcerated during the anti-apartheid struggle for Liberation. Brian will accompany anyone who chooses to take the boat out to Robben Island.
One of the last stops on the double decker bus route is Table Mountain National Park. Meet at the base of Table Mountain at 5pm where a cable car will carry us up 3500' in elevation in less than 5 minutes. We'll enjoy our last African sunset together as a group from the summit of Table Mountain. We have dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants in Cape Town. Brian can accompany anyone who wants to go out for dancing or live music afterwards.
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town so make your own adventure. We're getting everybody a day pass on the open air hop on hop off double decker bus so people can choose what they want to see and do. With over 30 stops and 3 routes there will be something for everyone. Some of the highlights are the VA Waterfront, the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia Valley Wine Tours. This pass will also include a harbour or canal cruise.
We could also arrange a trip to Robben Island, which is where Nelson Mandela spent 19 of his 27 years incarcerated during the anti-apartheid struggle for Liberation. Brian will accompany anyone who chooses to take the boat out to Robben Island.
One of the last stops on the double decker bus route is Table Mountain National Park. Meet at the base of Table Mountain at 5pm where a cable car will carry us up 3500' in elevation in less than 5 minutes. We'll enjoy our last African sunset together as a group from the summit of Table Mountain. We have dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants in Cape Town. Brian can accompany anyone who wants to go out for dancing or live music afterwards.
DAY 12
We will do our best to take everyone to the airport. If flight times overlap then we will arrange transport for you. If you are going to stay in Cape Town and/or extend your trip and travel to other parts of the country, please let us know if we can help you with any suggestions or reservations. We can also drive you to the rental car station if you plan on hiring your own vehicle. We are confident that after this trip you will be more then comfortable traveling anywhere in South Africa.
We will do our best to take everyone to the airport. If flight times overlap then we will arrange transport for you. If you are going to stay in Cape Town and/or extend your trip and travel to other parts of the country, please let us know if we can help you with any suggestions or reservations. We can also drive you to the rental car station if you plan on hiring your own vehicle. We are confident that after this trip you will be more then comfortable traveling anywhere in South Africa.
REAL TALK, THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY
First and foremost,
Culture shock is very real and if you haven't spent a lot of time outside the western hemisphere your default might be to expect things to operate how they do "in America." South Africa functions very differently than western civilization so things like going out to eat, for example, take a long time. If we show up 10-15 people deep, right at dinner rush, the service and wait times for food will be very long. It will take a long time for drinks and there's always a possibility of your order not going exactly to plan. If you're someone who can go with the flow and practice mindfulness and patience this will be a great trip. If you're someone who needs your meal to be perfect this might not be the best trip for you, which is okay.
It is very important for travelers to understanding that the peoples of South Africa are in survival mode. Everybody is very hospitable and welcoming but it's not South African culture to joke around and especially disparage other people (even if it's 'just' a joke). Situations can unravel in a moments notice. If you are someone who has an escalatory personality, especially if/when you have some drinks, this might not be the best trip for you. Nothing against having some drinks but we have to always be mindful that we are guests on other peoples land.
The format of this trip is different than what we've done in the past. There will be time to relax and do your own thing but your body will no doubt feel the effects of 20-40 hours of travel - just to get to Cape Town. There's also a 6-9 hour time difference (depending where you fly from). If you have chronic pain or you struggle with long periods of travel, this trip could amplify your condition, which would take away from your experience - and possibly the experience of others.
Some of the roads we will travel on will be very bumpy, especially on safari.
South Africa also has "load shedding" which is when the gov't turns off all the power. Most of the time the gov't gives you notice but sometimes they don't. Sometimes it can last for an hour and sometime it can last 6-8 hrs/day. If you need power for health purposes (like at night to sleep or to keep medication cold) then this will be problematic.
In order to scratch the surface of this country we're going to be moving every couple days so if packing/unpacking all your stuff every couple days is something that stresses you out then this trip won't be the most ideal.
There are several nights where air conditioning will not be available in the rooms. Nights should be in the 60s-low 70s but if you need climate control at night this might not be the best trip for you.
If you have any serious medical conditions this might not be the trip for you. Consult with you doctor and family. Cape Town has excellent hospitals and facilities, as do other parts of South Africa but if there is a serious emergency, there will be a couple days on this trip where an adequate hospital could be a couple hours drive away.
T.I.A. means "This is Africa."
You will encounter bugs and spiders. If you like to hike, and walk off the trail you might see snakes. This is Africa.
You have the freedom to go at your own pace but being able to walk is very helpful. Some of the experiences we do (Cape of Good Hope and Red Hill Culture Experience) will require hiking shoes.
You will be in close proximity to wild animals that could seriously hurt and/or kill you.
This includes baboons, seals and sea lions. These animals are cute but they are dangerous and unpredictable. If you are acting like a fool, trying to get a selfie with one of these animals, we will ask you to back up and give space. Even though the animals would make a great selfie - if they bite you - then it is a death sentence for this animal. It is essential that we maintain a safe distance from these animals.
First World Problems.
There is not a lot of tolerance for first world problems in Africa.
People are surviving and some struggling to do so. It is important to always remember this while also treating people with the dignity and respect the peoples of this nation show us. If you are speaking or acting in a way that is culturally insensitive or in a way that could cause you or someone else to be vulnerable, we will step in and defuse the situation and give you a warning. If it becomes a problem we may ask you to leave out of safety for you and the group.
We're not in Kansas anymore.
Culture shock is very real and if you haven't spent a lot of time outside the western hemisphere your default might be to expect things to operate how they do "in America." South Africa functions very differently than western civilization so things like going out to eat, for example, take a long time. If we show up 10-15 people deep, right at dinner rush, the service and wait times for food will be very long. It will take a long time for drinks and there's always a possibility of your order not going exactly to plan. If you're someone who can go with the flow and practice mindfulness and patience this will be a great trip. If you're someone who needs your meal to be perfect this might not be the best trip for you, which is okay.
It is very important for travelers to understanding that the peoples of South Africa are in survival mode. Everybody is very hospitable and welcoming but it's not South African culture to joke around and especially disparage other people (even if it's 'just' a joke). Situations can unravel in a moments notice. If you are someone who has an escalatory personality, especially if/when you have some drinks, this might not be the best trip for you. Nothing against having some drinks but we have to always be mindful that we are guests on other peoples land.
The format of this trip is different than what we've done in the past. There will be time to relax and do your own thing but your body will no doubt feel the effects of 20-40 hours of travel - just to get to Cape Town. There's also a 6-9 hour time difference (depending where you fly from). If you have chronic pain or you struggle with long periods of travel, this trip could amplify your condition, which would take away from your experience - and possibly the experience of others.
Some of the roads we will travel on will be very bumpy, especially on safari.
South Africa also has "load shedding" which is when the gov't turns off all the power. Most of the time the gov't gives you notice but sometimes they don't. Sometimes it can last for an hour and sometime it can last 6-8 hrs/day. If you need power for health purposes (like at night to sleep or to keep medication cold) then this will be problematic.
In order to scratch the surface of this country we're going to be moving every couple days so if packing/unpacking all your stuff every couple days is something that stresses you out then this trip won't be the most ideal.
There are several nights where air conditioning will not be available in the rooms. Nights should be in the 60s-low 70s but if you need climate control at night this might not be the best trip for you.
If you have any serious medical conditions this might not be the trip for you. Consult with you doctor and family. Cape Town has excellent hospitals and facilities, as do other parts of South Africa but if there is a serious emergency, there will be a couple days on this trip where an adequate hospital could be a couple hours drive away.
T.I.A. means "This is Africa."
You will encounter bugs and spiders. If you like to hike, and walk off the trail you might see snakes. This is Africa.
You have the freedom to go at your own pace but being able to walk is very helpful. Some of the experiences we do (Cape of Good Hope and Red Hill Culture Experience) will require hiking shoes.
You will be in close proximity to wild animals that could seriously hurt and/or kill you.
This includes baboons, seals and sea lions. These animals are cute but they are dangerous and unpredictable. If you are acting like a fool, trying to get a selfie with one of these animals, we will ask you to back up and give space. Even though the animals would make a great selfie - if they bite you - then it is a death sentence for this animal. It is essential that we maintain a safe distance from these animals.
First World Problems.
There is not a lot of tolerance for first world problems in Africa.
People are surviving and some struggling to do so. It is important to always remember this while also treating people with the dignity and respect the peoples of this nation show us. If you are speaking or acting in a way that is culturally insensitive or in a way that could cause you or someone else to be vulnerable, we will step in and defuse the situation and give you a warning. If it becomes a problem we may ask you to leave out of safety for you and the group.
We're not in Kansas anymore.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
PASSPORTS
Make sure your passport does not expire before July 2023. American foreign nationals have to have a passport that does not expire within 30 days after your departure date. Some immigration agents require six months after date of departure. Your passport also needs to have at least two blank pages in it. You can add more pages, renew your passport or apply for a new one by clicking here.
American foreign nationals get a 90 day visa on arrival.
It is free and you don't have to do anything prior to arrival except give the address of our first hotel.
THE KOMBI (VAN)
We rented a large passenger van, if you can pack light that will make overlanding Africa easier. You don't have to pack crazy light or anything, just make sure you're not packing too much. Leave some space to bring some things back with you.
Katie and our daughter Rayah will be driving in a separate vehicle.
CLIMATE
It'll be summer time in South Africa and the avg. temperatures for the month of January are a high of 83 and a low of 63. Bring layers and a hat because when we're standing on top of Table Mountain when the sun goes down it'll drop another ten degrees and get cold and windy.
WHATS APP
WhatsApp is a double encrypted phone/messaging service that is free to download on your cell phone and easy to use. It is what all South Africans use to send/receive text/video messages. WhatsApp is the app you will use to communicate with us while we're in South Africa. Facebook Messenger works as well but WhatsApp is the most effective. When you meet other South Africans, they'll also want to communicate with you via WhatsApp.
AFRICA TIME
"Africa time" is very real. We do our best to stay on schedule but when you're traveling in South Africa, unexpected things sometimes come up. The best way to not let "Africa time" be something that takes away from your trip is to be patient and go with the flow.
TOWNSHIP TOUR
The South African Townships do not have sidewalks or paved roads. The terrain on Red Hill, where we'll tour and have dinner, is rough. Make sure you have proper shoes and a headlight is highly advised.
MONEY
Visa/Mastercard are the only credit/debit cards that work in South Africa. Discover and American Express are not accepted anywhere. Debit cards (like from a Credit Union or smaller bank) do not work at restaurants/shops or ATM's. The debit card has to have a Visa/Mastercard logo on it. Your debit card will work at ATM's only if it has a Visa/Mastercard logo on it (and cash is king). Make sure you call and inform your bank/credit card companies the dates you will be in South Africa (and the country you layover in if you plan on using your card in the airport). That way your bank and credit card companies will know not to put a fraud warning on your account when they notice your transactions in another country. You'll need to have some cash on you to pay for certain things. ATM's are everywhere.
CURRENCY
The currency of South Africa is called the Rand and it's been fluctuating 18:1 (to the US Dollar).
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
Your reservation is not complete until you have paid the deposit. TBA for a solo traveler and TBA for two or more travelers sharing a room.
$200 of the deposit is refundable up until 90 days prior to the start of the trip, in the event you have to cancel.
Unfortunately we cannot refund deposits once we're les than 90 days to the trip.
The availability of certain rooms go on a first come, first serve basis. We are mostly staying at smaller, independent and locally owned BNB's or hotels. A lot of the rooms are different and therefor have different prices.
The remaining balance is due no later than 45 days prior to the trip.
CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event you have to cancel your reservation before December 1, 2022, all but $200 of your initial deposit will be refunded. If you cancel after December 1, 2022, only $800 of the total trip will be able to be refundable, unless we can find someone else to take your place.
Make sure your passport does not expire before July 2023. American foreign nationals have to have a passport that does not expire within 30 days after your departure date. Some immigration agents require six months after date of departure. Your passport also needs to have at least two blank pages in it. You can add more pages, renew your passport or apply for a new one by clicking here.
American foreign nationals get a 90 day visa on arrival.
It is free and you don't have to do anything prior to arrival except give the address of our first hotel.
THE KOMBI (VAN)
We rented a large passenger van, if you can pack light that will make overlanding Africa easier. You don't have to pack crazy light or anything, just make sure you're not packing too much. Leave some space to bring some things back with you.
Katie and our daughter Rayah will be driving in a separate vehicle.
CLIMATE
It'll be summer time in South Africa and the avg. temperatures for the month of January are a high of 83 and a low of 63. Bring layers and a hat because when we're standing on top of Table Mountain when the sun goes down it'll drop another ten degrees and get cold and windy.
WHATS APP
WhatsApp is a double encrypted phone/messaging service that is free to download on your cell phone and easy to use. It is what all South Africans use to send/receive text/video messages. WhatsApp is the app you will use to communicate with us while we're in South Africa. Facebook Messenger works as well but WhatsApp is the most effective. When you meet other South Africans, they'll also want to communicate with you via WhatsApp.
AFRICA TIME
"Africa time" is very real. We do our best to stay on schedule but when you're traveling in South Africa, unexpected things sometimes come up. The best way to not let "Africa time" be something that takes away from your trip is to be patient and go with the flow.
TOWNSHIP TOUR
The South African Townships do not have sidewalks or paved roads. The terrain on Red Hill, where we'll tour and have dinner, is rough. Make sure you have proper shoes and a headlight is highly advised.
MONEY
Visa/Mastercard are the only credit/debit cards that work in South Africa. Discover and American Express are not accepted anywhere. Debit cards (like from a Credit Union or smaller bank) do not work at restaurants/shops or ATM's. The debit card has to have a Visa/Mastercard logo on it. Your debit card will work at ATM's only if it has a Visa/Mastercard logo on it (and cash is king). Make sure you call and inform your bank/credit card companies the dates you will be in South Africa (and the country you layover in if you plan on using your card in the airport). That way your bank and credit card companies will know not to put a fraud warning on your account when they notice your transactions in another country. You'll need to have some cash on you to pay for certain things. ATM's are everywhere.
CURRENCY
The currency of South Africa is called the Rand and it's been fluctuating 18:1 (to the US Dollar).
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
Your reservation is not complete until you have paid the deposit. TBA for a solo traveler and TBA for two or more travelers sharing a room.
$200 of the deposit is refundable up until 90 days prior to the start of the trip, in the event you have to cancel.
Unfortunately we cannot refund deposits once we're les than 90 days to the trip.
The availability of certain rooms go on a first come, first serve basis. We are mostly staying at smaller, independent and locally owned BNB's or hotels. A lot of the rooms are different and therefor have different prices.
The remaining balance is due no later than 45 days prior to the trip.
CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event you have to cancel your reservation before December 1, 2022, all but $200 of your initial deposit will be refunded. If you cancel after December 1, 2022, only $800 of the total trip will be able to be refundable, unless we can find someone else to take your place.