2027 Destination: South Africa
July 18 – 28, 2027
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on this unforgettable journey through South Africa, where breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and meaningful cultural encounters come together. Enjoy sunrise and sunset safari game drives in private reserves and national parks, with opportunities to spot the Big Five and witness wildlife in their natural habitat. The trip also includes behind-the-scenes visits with conservation and anti-poaching organizations, scenic views of canyons and waterfalls, and relaxing evenings at beautiful lodges. More than a trip, this is an immersive experience that brings you face to face with the beauty, wonder, and spirit of South Africa.
Itinerary
Day 1, Sunday July 18: Overnight Flight
Depart from the USA.
Day 2, Monday July 19: Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg, meet your local Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel. Get a taste of this vibrant and multicultural city before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 3, Tuesday July 20: Kruger National Park
An early flight brings you to Nelspruit. Journey the famed Panorama Route, a beautiful drive along the Mpumalanga Escarpment with historic roots that passes several cultural and natural points of interest. Stop at the Blyde River Canyon, then the Three Rondavels. Take an obligatory snapshot at impressive Pinnacle Rock, see Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, God’s Window, and the Graskop Gorge lift, a glass-bottomed elevator with views that will take your breath away. Arrive at your accommodations inside Kruger National Park in the late afternoon and enjoy time to freshen up before dinner at the lodge. (B,D)
Day 4, Wednesday July 21: Kruger National Park
After an early wake-up, a light snack of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and rusks will be available before you depart on this morning’s game drive in Kruger National Park to watch the sunrise over the African bush. This southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve is separated from farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and other thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviors to observe. Return to your lodge for breakfast, followed by time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s pool or other amenities. After lunch, depart for another game drive, including a sundowner refreshment stop en-route. Return to the lodge in time for tonight’s dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 5, Thursday July 22: Kruger National Park
After an early wake-up, a light snack of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and rusks will be available before you depart on this morning’s game drive in Kruger National Park, to watch the sunrise and enjoy more incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah. Return to your lodge for breakfast, followed by time to relax and perhaps spot elephants, zebras or impalas right from the lodge’s pool terrace. After lunch, depart for another game drive, including a sundowner refreshment stop en-route. Return to the lodge with time to freshen up for dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Friday July 23: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
After an early breakfast and check out, journey north towards Hoedspruit, where you will be met by your guide and enjoy a visit to Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. The centre strives to support conservation within a sustainable ecosystem by focusing on the survival of endangered species. Continue to your safari game lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve. After time to freshen up, meet your game ranger and depart on your first thrilling game drive through Karongwe Private Game Reserve. During your safari exploration, keep an eye out for the Big Five. Return to your lodge for dinner tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Saturday July 24: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
After an early wake-up, a light snack of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and rusks will be available before you depart on this morning’s game drive in Karongwe Private Game Reserve to watch the sunrise over the African bush. Located in the Limpopo Province this reserve lies between four different rivers, producing ideal habitats for a diversity of flora, fauna, and prolific birdlife. The primary draw for many visitors is the chance to spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, and rhinoceros), and this is one of the few places where the chances of seeing the elusive leopards are relatively high. Return to your lodge for breakfast, followed by time to relax and enjoy the pool or other amenities. After lunch, depart for another game drive, including a sundowner refreshment stop en-route. Return to the lodge in time for tonight’s dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 8, Sunday July 25: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
After an early wake-up, a light snack of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and rusks will be available before you depart on this morning’s game drive in Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Then depart the reserve for a visit to the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit headquarters. This powerful team is the world’s first all-female anti-poaching force, protecting rhinos and other wildlife in the Balule Nature Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Meet with members of the unit to learn about their innovative efforts, challeges and successes. Lunch boxes will be provided by your lodge. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and head out into the bush for this afternoon’s safari game drive. Return to the lodge for tonight’s dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 9, Monday July 26: Johannesburg
Depart to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to Sandton. You will have time to explore Sandton Square this evening before your Farewell Dinner. (B,D)
Day 10, Tuesday July 27: Departure
Depart to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Pending Flight time, you may spend the morning exploring the Sandton Square, shopping until it’s time to depart. (B)
Day 11, Tuesday July 28: United States
Arrive in the USA.
(Included meals are indicated in parentheses: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
Pricing and Additional Information
Pricing:
$10,500 including flights (must depart from Kansas City)
$8,400 book flights on your own and meet the group in Johannesburg
Payment:
$1,000 refundable deposit is required to hold your spot. Refunds must be requested by December 1, 2026.
All final payments are due by December 1, 2026.
Pricing Includes:
- Double/twin room accommodations at luxurious lodges
- Single rooms are available for a $850 additional fee.
- All activities and meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Full-time bilingual Tour Manager to manage travel logistics and provide educational commentary
- Ultimate Protection Plan for each passenger (Plan Information) 24/7 emergency support with ACIS’ worldwide network
- Tipping
- Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book your flight to arrive in Johannesburg on Monday, July 19. Typically we won’t know the exact flight our tour company is booking until a few months before departure. We will then let you know the hotel we are staying at and you will plan to meet us there. You will be responsible for the transfer from the airport to the hotel.
For departure you will plan your flight to leave from Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 27.
Seats are booked in Economy. Passengers can request upgrades. In order to request an upgrade, the passenger will email: accounts@acis.com with their name, trip id, and will need to be very specific if they want first class, business, premium, or just main cabin extra.
It is not a guarantee that it will be available on the flight, and won’t be confirmed until flights are all locked in and confirmed, but usually they able to be accommodated. The additional charge will be billed to the passenger.
Registration will close on December 1, 2026 or when the trip is full.
Yes, all participants must be at least 21 years old before the date of departure.
This trip is for everyone! Friends and spouses of alumnae, P.E.O. members, and supporters of Cottey are welcome to come with us!
Minimal. Most of the experience is enjoyed from a safari jeep, with short walks at lodges or viewpoints. Extensive walking is not required, making this trip comfortable and accessible for most travelers.