Tour Code: 28SAF
Tour Manager: Darren Frazier
Tour Leader: Alex Simmons
Group Size: 14
Activity level: Moderate

Embark on a captivating journey through South Africa with a series of unforgettable experiences. Begin by scaling the heights of Table Mountain, where sweeping views of the city and ocean unfold before you. Dive into the complex history of Cape Town with a private guided walking tour, exploring its diverse heritage. Indulge your senses in the Winelands region, savoring award-winning wines at picturesque estates and taking a stroll through the historic town of Stellenbosch. Find tranquility on the golden sands of Plettenberg Bay, where leisurely strolls are complemented by the thrill of spotting whales and dolphins. Finally, venture into the heart of nature at Kruger National Park, encountering the iconic Big Five and a myriad of other wildlife species on an exhilarating safari. This South African expedition promises a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural wonders.

Tuesday, March 28
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to relax and adjust to the time difference. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting followed by a welcome dinner featuring delicious South African cuisine. Stay in Cape Town for 5 nights.

Wednesday, March 29
Explore Cape Town’s historic downtown area and admire architecture influenced by Dutch, French, German, and Cape Malay cultures. Stroll through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and visit the historic Castle of Good Hope. Browse a local market, enjoy lunch in the city, and stop for coffee or tea at a Deaf-owned café. Later, visit a museum to learn about the profound changes experienced by local communities during South Africa’s transition to democracy.

Thursday, March 30
Take a morning ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. Return to the city and enjoy free time at the vibrant V&A Waterfront. This afternoon, ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town and its surroundings.

Friday, March 31
Enjoy a full-day excursion around the scenic Cape Peninsula. Take a boat ride to view a colony of Cape fur seals, travel along breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive, and visit Cape Point and its iconic lighthouse. Meet the charming African penguins at Boulders Beach and keep an eye out for the mischievous baboons that inhabit the area. Dinner will be in the historic seaside town of Simon’s Town.

Saturday, April 1
Today we head into the beautiful Cape Winelands. Visit charming wine estates, enjoy tastings of South Africa’s renowned wines, and soak in the scenery of rolling vineyards and mountain backdrops. Celebrate your final evening in Cape Town with a memorable sunset dinner.

Sunday, April 2
Travel east along the gorgeous Garden Route, including coastal views and brief interesting stops before arriving at the historic town of Swellendam. Enjoy a relaxed late afternoon exploring one of South Africa’s oldest towns. Overnight in Swellendam.

Monday, April 3
Travel through the scenic countryside to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Visit a working ostrich farm and learn about these fascinating birds. Watch an ostrich race and, if conditions permit, see a demonstration of ostrich riding. Visit a museum that tells the story of the region’s famous ostrich feather boom before checking into your hotel. Stay in Oudtshoorn for 2 nights.

Tuesday, April 4
Rise before dawn for a truly unique experience as you watch a colony of wild meerkats emerge from their burrows at sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast before spending the afternoon exploring the magnificent Cango Caves, one of Africa’s largest and most impressive cave systems.

Wednesday, April 5
Continue along the Garden Route toward Plettenberg Bay. Stop briefly in George before visiting the famous Knysna Heads for stunning coastal views. Enjoy a walk through a beautiful national park garden and visit an elephant sanctuary where you’ll have the opportunity to walk alongside elephants on a guided trail. End the day with spectacular ocean views before arriving in Plettenberg Bay. Overnight in Plettenberg.

Thursday, April 6
Visit the world’s largest free-flight bird sanctuary, home to more than 3,500 birds. Stop at Bloukrans Bridge, site of one of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumps at 216 meters. Continue into Tsitsikamma National Park and enjoy a scenic walk to the famous suspension bridge spanning the Storms River Mouth. Overnight in Tsitsikamma.

Friday, April 7
Travel to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and board a domestic flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, check in a hotel nearby. Overnight in Johannesburg.

Saturday, April 8
Travel to the world-famous Kruger National Park and settle into your safari lodge. Stay in Kruger National Park for 3 nights.

Sunday, April 9
Spend the day exploring Kruger National Park in search of Africa’s incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, and countless other species.

Monday, April 10
Another full day of game viewing and wildlife experiences in one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Tuesday, April 11
Depart Kruger and travel along the spectacular Panorama Route. Visit God’s Window and enjoy sweeping views across the escarpment and surrounding landscapes. See a couple of waterfalls. Continue to Graskop and relax at your scenic hotel. Stay in Graskop for 2 nights.

Wednesday, April 12
Spend the day exploring some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery, including waterfalls, dramatic viewpoints, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels overlooking Blyde River Canyon.

Thursday, April 13
Travel toward Johannesburg with a stop in the charming town of Dullstroom. A long afternoon drive to our hotel in Sandton near Johannesburg in the evening. Stay in Johannesburg for 5 nights.

Friday, April 14
Visit a Deaf community center to meet local Deaf South Africans and learn basic South African Sign Language (SASL). This afternoon, tour Constitution Hill, a former prison complex that now serves as a powerful museum and symbol of South Africa’s democracy. Check out Maboneng Precinct.

Saturday, April 15
Spend the day exploring the acclaimed Apartheid Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of South Africa’s struggle for equality and the country’s remarkable journey toward freedom. Spend the afternoon inside the National Botanical Garden or learn the history inside Hector Pieterson Museum.

Sunday, April 16
Visit Soweto, one of South Africa’s most historic communities. See Nelson Mandela’s former home and learn about the people and events that helped transform the nation. Check out Vilakazi Street.

Monday, April 17
Tour a local Deaf school and meet students and educators. Visit the Cradle of Humankind Museum. This evening, celebrate your South African adventure with a special farewell dinner.

Tuesday, April 18
Transfer and depart from Johannesburg International Airport.

Note: Laundry service is available during the tour in Oudtshoorn, Graskop and/or Johannesburg.

Updated as of 06/24/2026

Alex, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Alex has called Maryland home since immigrating to the USA in 1989. A Gallaudet University graduate with a BA in Business, he now works as an IT specialist at the Maryland School for the Deaf.

Alex’s passion for exploration, European football (Go Manchester United!), and music complements his role as a tour leader, where he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to every journey. Happily married to Juliet and a proud father of four, Alex is ready to make your next adventure unforgettable. 

• 21 nights in mostly 4-star accommodations.

• 23 meals: Breakfast (21), Dinner (2)

• Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.

• Services of local deaf guides.

• All transportation expenses.

• All city and/or tourist taxes. 

• Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.

• All admission fees for attractions and museums mentioned in the itinerary.

• Informative travel preparation packet.

• $100 Repeat Customer Discount per person on your next regular tour.

• Domestic and/or international airfares.

  • One-way flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban (Approximately $150)

• Border fees (Lethoso & Swaziland), if applied.

• All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.

• Travel Insurance.

• All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETA, ETIAS, etc.

• Tips for your Tour Leader, Tour Assistant(s) and/or Local Guides.

• Tour begins in Cape Town, South Africa and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa.

• Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants.

• When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits/payments may be required.

• Significant walking expected during the tour. Moderate physical fitness is required. All participants will be expected to be able to carry their own luggage.

• Hands on Travel recommends that you purchase a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

Email: darren@handson.travel

With this tour confirmation, your $500 deposit is now non-refundable in any event you need to back out. However, it may be transferable to a future tour.