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 the hotel. Spend some time acclimatizing to the new time difference. Orientation and welcome dinner where you will sample South African cuisines. Stay in Cape Town for 5 nights.

Wednesday, March 29
Head downtown and learn about its architecture of buildings built under French, German, and Dutch influences in Malay Quarter & Bo Kaap district. Check out the Castle of Good Hope. Stop by a flea market and have lunch. Grab a coffee or tea at a deaf-owned cafe. Visit a museum and learn how a community was affected between the years of 1989 to 1994.

Thursday, March 30
Take the morning ferry to Robben Island to visit the prison where former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years. Around mid-day, enjoy the charming Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. End your day by taking a cable car to the top of Table Mountain and enjoy stunning views of the city and its surrounding area.

Friday, March 31
Enjoy a full day touring the Cape Peninsula area including a morning boat ride to visit a colony of seals. See Chapman’s Peak. Check out Cape Point Lighthouse. View the adorable African penguins at a beach. Watch out for crazy baboons. Dine at Simonstown.

Saturday, April 1
Get ready to drive and ‘chill’ in the beautiful Cape Winelands. Visit a winery or two for some tastings. Have a sunset dinner and bid farewell to Cape Town before heading east tomorrow.

Sunday, April 2
A long early morning drive to Oudtshoorn. Spend the afternoon at an amazing safari ostrich farm. Watch ostriches in a race! If lucky, you might be able to ride on an ostrich for 5 seconds! Swing by a Victorian-style museum displaying the history of the ostrich feather boom. Check into the hotel. Stay in Oudtshoorn for 2 nights.

Monday, April 3
Get up before the sun rises! Go to a meerkat colony and watch them get out of their burrows at sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast. All afternoon, explore the HUGE Cango Caves down under.

Tuesday, April 4
Drive on the Garden Route toward Plettenberg Bay. Stop by the town, George, briefly. Visit the Knysna Head and enjoy the views. Walk the trails inside an amazing garden at a national park. Enter an elephant sanctuary where you can walk with the elephants on a trail for up to 1 hour. Go to the Point for an incredible coastal view. Arrive in Plettenberg. Overnight in Plettenberg.

Wednesday, April 5
Ready to fly like a bird? Visit the world’s largest bird sanctuary with over 3,500 birds. Check out Bloukrans Bridge, home to one of the world’s best bungy jumps of 216 meters! Dare to jump? Finally, arrive inside the Tsitsikamma National Park and walk about 1 mile to a fun hanging bridge that crosses the waters. The view is awesome. Check in at the hotel at Jeffreys Bay. Overnight in Jeffreys Bay.

Thursday, April 6
Head EARLY to Gqeberha, also known as Port Elizabeth, for your 1.5-hour domestic flight to Durban Airport. Arrive in Durban. View the 1000 hills from atop. Ride on the 100-year-old steam train for 1 hour. Overnight in Pietermaritzburg.

Friday, April 7
Again, head EARLY to Underberg and hop on 4x4 trucks to ride to the top of Sani Pass inside the landlocked country, Lesotho. Have snacks and drinks at the world’s highest pub. Ride back down. Overnight in Underberg.

Saturday, April 8
Drive to Cathedral Peak & Giant’s Castle, part of the gorgeous Drakensberg mountain range. Enjoy the views while winding down at a hotel. Overnight in Cathedral Park.

Sunday, April 9
Visit another country, Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, with a long 6-hour drive. Check into a hotel inside a wildlife sanctuary park. Stay in Eswatini for 3 nights.

Monday, April 10
Enjoy a whole day inside the wildlife sanctuary park. See a variety of mammals, aviary, amphibians, etc.

Tuesday, April 11
Visit a rhino reserve park. Check out the glass factory and a Swazi cultural village.

Wednesday, April 12
Drive and enter Kruger National Park. View the wild animals. Sleep at a safari lodge. Stay in Kruger National Park for 2 nights.

Thursday, April 13
Another whole day exploring other regions inside the park and viewing the wild animals.

Friday, April 14
Another morning game drive. Check out of the lodge and drive to view God’s Window from atop. Continue and arrive in Sandton near Johannesburg. Stay in Sandton near Johannesburg for 5 nights.

Saturday, April 15
Head to Pretoria to quickly see the Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument. Then, visit a cheetah center. Watch a cheetah run at full speed. Pose for a photo with a cheetah! After lunch, explore the fascinating museum on the origins of humans as well as a cave where humans dwelled.

Sunday, April 16
Visit a deaf center to meet local Deaf members as well as learn basic SASL with their instructor. After lunch, go inside a former prison, now a museum called Constitution Hill. Learn the history of the power struggles in South Africa.

Sunday, April 17
Visit a deaf center to meet local Deaf members as well as learn basic SASL with their instructor. After lunch, go inside a former prison, now a museum called Constitution Hill. Learn the history of the power struggles in South Africa.

Tuesday, April 18
Tour a deaf school where we will meet Deaf students.   Be moved at the Apartheid Museum.  Enjoy our farewell dinner.

Wednesday, April 19
Depart for Johannesburg International Airport.

Updated as of 01/15/2025

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.