Spirit of South Africa
About the Trip
Beauty and adventure combine beneath a golden sun on this all-encompassing South African extravaganza. Safari adventures, a coastal cruise and city explorations take you from misty mountains to grassy plains. Take a walking tour and experience the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Stay and safari at the Madikwe Private Game Reserve, home to the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) and endangered African wild dogs. Board the luxurious Azamara Journey® for a 12-night cruise around the tip of South Africa, with port stops all the way to Mozambique. Explore artsy markets, traditional homelands, animal sanctuaries and historic architecture—all with alluring Indian Ocean views. Back in Cape Town, indulge in a foodie walking tour and take the Cableway to the top of the iconic Table Mountain.
Member-exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- $25 CAD Beverage card†
- 1 Bottle of champagne‡
- $100 USD Shipboard credit‡
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Dinner at Charlie & Gerald’s Town Treasure. The experience comprises of a private story telling where Charlie tells the riveting history of Joburg in its 7-phases of development, including the future of the city in its 7th phase (done in 3 sessions of 30 minutes before each meal course) combined with a delicious three-course dinner.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Johannesburg and return from Cape Town to Toronto or Winnipeg
- Airfare from Johannesburg to Cape Town
- Pre-cruise tour:
- 2-night stay in deluxe-class accommodation in Johannesburg
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Madikwe Private Game Reserve
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Cape Town
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
- Land transportation via luxury motor coach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Multiple game drives at Madikwe Private Game Reserve
- 12-night South African Intensive cruise on-board the Azamara Journey®
- Onboard meals and entertainment as per cruise itinerary
- Post-cruise tour:
- Day room in first-class accommodation in Cape Town
- 1 lunch
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tourist guide throughout
- Hotel porterage of 1 suitcase per person
- Destination transfers
Spirit of South Africa: Cities, Savannahs and Sea by Safari and Cruise
Activity Level: Active. Embark on a memorable South African adventure complete with a safari, a South Africa Intensive cruise and city highlights from Cape Town to Mozambique.
Day 1
Depart Toronto or Winnipeg for your overnight flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2
Johannesburg – Upon arrival, meet your tour guide at the airport. Transfer to the hotel with the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
Day 3
Johannesburg – After breakfast, depart for a walking tour of Soweto and see various landmarks around the township ending, with a visit to the Apartheid Museum. This evening will be your Extraordinary Experience: a private storytelling experience combined with a delicious three-course dinner. B/L/D
Day 4
Madikwe Game Reserve – Following breakfast, transfer by luxury motor coach to Madikwe Private Game Reserve. Enjoy a delicious welcome lunch upon arrival. The remainder of the day and evening will be as per the lodge program. B/L/D
Day 5
Madikwe Game Reserve – Experience an adventure-filled day at Madikwe Safari. Rise with the sun for an early morning game drive then return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast. Your afternoon game drive ends with a delicious bush dinner before returning to the lodge. B/L/D
Day 6
Cape Town – One more early wakeup call for your final game drive before you head back to Johannesburg and fly to Cape Town. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meet back in the evening for a group dinner. B/D
Day 7
Cape Town – After breakfast, transfer to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal and board the Azamara Journey® for a 12-night South Africa Intensive Cruise. B
Day 8
At sea
Day 9
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Day 10
East London, South Africa
Day 11
At sea
Day 12
Maputo, Mozambique
Day 13
Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 14
Durban, South Africa
Day 15
At sea
Day 16
At sea
Day 17
Cape Town, South Africa
Day 18
Cape Town, South Africa
Day 19
Cape Town – Disembark ship and explore Cape Town on a foodie walking tour, followed by a visit to Table Mountain. Ascend by Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, witnessing spectacular views. Return to the hotel to refresh and relax in your day room before you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight home to Toronto or Winnipeg. L
Day 20
Arrive back in Canada.
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*$12,619 is a club interior cabin Cat. 12, $14,779 is a veranda plus cabin based on Cat. P3.
**$12,819 is a club interior cabin Cat. 12, $14,979 is a veranda plus cabin based on Cat. P3. Ship’s Registry: Malta. All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Beverage card is one per person, in Canadian funds and has no cash value.
‡CAA Member-exclusive benefits are per stateroom and are based on double occupancy.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2023. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to the promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance. Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking. Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Start your journey with an overnight flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2
Johannesburg
Welcome to Johannesburg! Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, meet your guide. Transfer to the hotel with the remainder of the evening at leisure.
The five-star Intercontinental OR Tambo Airport Hotel is within walking distance of Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport. This modern city hotel consists of 140 rooms and suites, including 2 presidential suites and offers luxurious accommodation and guest convenience. The rooms are well appointed and spacious and details such as blackout curtains and sound proofing ensure this is a comfortable location for travellers requiring easy airport access. Sophisticated central areas include a lounge, coffee shop, bar and upmarket restaurant as well as a techno-gym, heated pool and spa. The hotel takes pride in minimizing its impact on the environment, adhering to the Green Engage sustainability programme.
Day 3
Johannesburg
Breakfast is at the hotel followed by a walking tour of Soweto. The tour commences in Soweto with a local guide who points out various landmarks around the township and their history. Visit the community garden project, beer brewing station and Mzimhlophe men’s hostel which is the home of former mine workers during the apartheid era to learn about the history of mining and migrant labour.
Your walk continues to the Hector Peterson Memorial commemorating the Student’s Uprising on June 16, 1976, where Soweto students took to the streets protesting the oppressive education system. Continue to Vilakazi street where we stop at Nelson Mandela’s House to learn more about this great leader, before returning to the outdoor restaurant for an informal lunch.
Return to the hotel but not before a stop enroute at Apartheid Museum for a visit. The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story – a nation’s resistance, courage and fortitude. Back at the hotel, you will have some time at leisure to refresh and relax prior to dinner.
Tonight is your Extraordinary Experience at Charlie & Gerald's Town Treasure. The evening is comprised of a private story telling experience where Charlie tells us the riveting history of Joburg in its 7 phases of development, including the future of the city in its 7th phase (done in three sessions of 30 minutes before each meal course) combined with a delicious three course dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Madikwe Private Game Reserve
Following breakfast, transfer by luxury coach to Madikwe Private Game Reserve. The ride is approximately 5 hours, excluding comfort stops.
Madikwe, one of the country's top game viewing destinations, encompasses vast tracks of land, endless dirt roads and clear views over big game territory. Blazing sunsets close days coated in the greens and browns of Africa and the sounds of the bush fall softly in your ears. It's not uncommon to merge your path with that of the animals traveling in the same direction. Follow along behind the wild dog pack as it trots along the road or move back to give the elephant bull some space as he crosses before you, his ears flapping a slow beat in the heat.
The reserve is particularly renowned for its wild dog reintroduction in the east, as well as the unusual gemsbok, tsessebe and springbok. The lions in Madikwe originate from Etosha in Namibia and are known to hunt very large prey such as giraffe and eland, which requires immense strength and makes for impressive sightings.
On arrival at Lelapa or Kopano lodge, a delicious lunch will be enjoyed followed by check in and the remainder of the afternoon and evening as per the lodge itinerary.
Lelapa, which is Setswana for “family,” has a luxuriously laidback vibe with attentive hospitality to ensure that you feel right at home with all the exciting discoveries of the game reserve right on your doorstep. Tucked away in the savannah wilderness, Kopano which means “small gathering” in Setswana, is just that with only four luxury suites in a cozy, intimate environment, well off the beaten path. Each suite has its own private lounge, viewing deck, open-air shower and plunge pool.
- 4:00 m. Afternoon tea is served at the lodge.
- 4:30 m. Depart on an afternoon game drive experience through Madikwe Private Game Reserve.
- 7:30 m. Game drive returns and a scrumptious dinner is enjoyed at the lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Madikwe Private Game Reserve
Day at leisure at Madikwe Safari: Lelapa or Kopano Lodge as per the lodge itinerary.
- 5:00 m. Early morning wakeup call.
- 5:30 m. Morning tea and coffee before departing on a game drive experience through Madikwe Private Game Reserve.
- 9:00 a.m. On return to the lodge, a delicious breakfast / brunch will be served. Following which, guests will be at leisure to partake in any optional activities at the lodge or simply relax by the poolside or deck for game viewing.
- 1:00 m. A leisurely lunch is enjoyed at the lodge.
- 4:00 m. Afternoon tea is served at the lodge.
- 4:30 m. Depart on an afternoon game drive experience through Madikwe Private Game Reserve.
- 7:30 m. Game drive ends with a scrumptious bush dinner before returning to the lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Cape Town
Early morning wakeup call followed by morning tea and a game drive through Madikwe Private Game Reserve. On return, a tasty breakfast is enjoyed prior to check out procedures.
You will then be transferred by road to OR Tambo International Airport, which is approximately 5 hours away, excluding comfort stops. Lunch will be on your own. Check-in for the flight to Cape Town.
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, transfer to the Queen Victoria Hotel. Check in at the hotel with time to refresh and relax before dinner.
The boutique Queen Victoria Hotel is located on the boundary of Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, with the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop. 35 luxury rooms have been individually designed with an eye for detail and comfort and most enjoy panoramic views of mountain or harbour. Ornate elegance meets contemporary style, as a bold marble and glass entrance welcomes guests to the Queen Victoria. The restaurant, wine bar and terrace are ideal spaces to socialize and enjoy delicious meals, in tasteful surrounds. Take a short walk to the pool at sister hotel, The Dock House, or immerse yourself in pampering relaxation at the spa. Perhaps book a personal training session at the gym, to get the blood flowing.
This evening meet in the hotel foyer for your return transfer to this evening’s dinner at Grand Beach Café. (B/D)
Day 7
Cape Town
After breakfast, transfer to Cape Town Cruise Terminal and board Azamara Journey for your 12-night South Africa Intensive cruise. (B)
Day 8
At sea
Day 9
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Day 10
East London, South Africa
Day 11
At sea
Day 12
Maputo, Mozambique
Day 13
Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 14
Durban, South Africa
Day 15
At sea
Day 16
At sea
Day 17
Cape Town, South Africa
Day 18
Cape Town, South Africa
Day 19
Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town Cruise Terminal, disembark Azamara Journey and meet your local guide prior to departing on a private full-day Day Cape Town Eats Tour with Table Mountain. This tour explores Cape Town from all sides. You will explore the history, the people, their cultures, their cuisines, as well as contemporary Cape Town and its artisanal trends.
Cape Town is a city that has been metamorphosing at a rapid rate over the last ten years. It feels like a butterfly that is emerging from a city that was once a rundown area that was purely a business district into a city where we now live and play.
Today’s walk lets you explore and taste the city. Be sure to eat a very light breakfast and to wear comfortable shoes.
After exploring the city on foot, hop back into the tour vehicle and make your way to Table Mountain Cable Way Station. Here ascend Table Mountain and enjoy the views of the city. (Weather dependent).
On descent, transfer to the Queen Victoria Hotel where day use rooms will be available for you to refresh and relax. Dinner on your own.
Later transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your return flight back to Toronto or Winnipeg. (L)
Day 20
Arrive back home to Canada.
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner