March 13-20, 2023
Trip sign up closes Feb. 27, 2023
I Love Being Black & Traveling.black have teamed up again to curate another international tour centered around an authentic way to Experience South Africa (space very limited).
After you submit your deposit we will assist you in booking a flight. All of our tours have a focus on authentic Black experiences, Black businesses and Black guides whenever possible. We’ve been able to experience South Africa over a dozen times and the itinerary below has been curated to give you the best of the best experiences:
DAY 1. DURBAN PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
For many of you this will be your first time on African soil but we guarantee it will not be your last. We’ll meet you at the airport then take you to check into our condos. At our meet & greet you’ll receive a swag bag and meet the other people who have chosen this extension that starts 2 days before the main tour. We’ll also talk about being responsible global citizens who have a thirst for knowledge & experiences while having a healthy respect for other cultures. Next up we will do some shopping for handmade items such as jewelry, apparel and other cultural items. Also, it’s Saturday so those who have energy will get their first taste of the bustling nightlife on Florida rd. and really experience South Africa.
DAY 2. DURBAN PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
After watching the sunrise we will head straight to a Zulu museum with great history and art on display. Next up we will take you to a cultural show in the Valley of a 1000 Hills where you will see the infamous Indlamu dance. Durban has one of the regions most beautiful coastlines so we’ll go hang out at the beach next. Have you ever seen a flashmob live? You will get to be a part of one with an acapella gospel group (more details to follow). At night you will experience the real treat of this region, a shisa nyama. Picture yourself in VIP at an upscale open air event that merges energetic South African Amapiano DJs, cabanas with bottle service and a butchery that allows you to select fresh meats to be barbecued and brought to your table. Yep.
DAY 3. LET’S EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA
Today we fly to Johannesburg to meet up with the rest of the tour participants who did not book the pre-trip extension. After checking into the hotel we’ll have a meet & greet with everyone present and hand out more swag bags. Afterward we’ll spend some time in the trendy Maboneng district at dinner, and then a lounge. Let the full Experience South Africa tour begin.
DAY 4. SOWETO
We will start this day off by doing a city tour then head to the Apartheid museum to learn about the atrocities committed during that time. Next we will visit the largest township in South Africa, Soweto. Soweto was home to Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and many others. You’ll enjoy the street performers, the artwork and a world famous restaurant. We will also visit a local school to speak to the children there. Afterward you can either go out or get some sleep because tomorrow we safari.
DAY 5. SAFARI
If you’ve never been on an African safari this just may be the highlight of your entire trip. We’ll start our search for the “Big 5” animals (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and all of the other cool plants and wildlife @ the Dinokeng preserve. We will have our own photographer onboard with us to document the surroundings and your interactions. Afterward you will have free time to relax or do something else in Johannesburg that is not on our itinerary.
DAY 6. hello cape town
Today we say goodbye to Johannesburg and hello to beautiful Cape Town. After landing we will head to our stylish condos where we will be staying together. Today we will do a city tour, some shopping and end up watching the sunset in the beautiful Camps Bay beach area. At night we will go to a Black-owned restaurant known for its gamey meats, excellent wine and vibrant marimba band. Afterward there will be a popular cigar lounge option for the party animals in the group.
DAY 7. Beauty of cape town
After breakfast we will take you along the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Next up is Boulder beach where you will get to see a real life penguin colony, on the beach. Then we will go to Muizenberg beach to swim, eat lunch and take photos of the amazingly colorful beach huts. After freshening up we’ll grab dinner then go enjoy a live musical performance with a talented local appeal.
DAY 8. free day
Today is a FREE day, we recommend: Lion’s Head mountain hike, Table Mountain, Robben island, or Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. We’ll meet back up for a special private dinner in the home of some of our good friends. Here we get to have in-depth conversations about South African culture and history, sip (nearly) unlimited wine and dine on an entire lamb that has been roasted for us (vegan options also available). After dinner you will have the choice to go out on the town or stay in and relax.
DAY 9. wine tasting
We’ll start the day off in the Khayelitsha township to see a special performance put on for us by local kids. Afterward we’re off to the Stellenbosch area just outside of Cape Town for a privately hosted event by South Africa’s first Black-owned wine farm. Stellenbosch is known for it’s amazing wines which rival those in Napa, Santa Barbara, etc. We’ll sip wine, laugh and enjoy delectable bites such as South African biltong and local fruit. After the wine is done you will have some time to relax or go buy some last minute gifts.
DAY 10. tour CONCLUSION
Today is the sad day that the Experience South Africa tour has to end. We’ll drop you off at the airport in the morning to make sure you are on time for your flights home. As you head back to the grind you will go forth with memories that will last a lifetime.
AFTER YOU BOOK the tour:
- After you submit your deposit/payment we will schedule a time to call you within 48hrs to answer any remaining questions and to assist you in finding a good flight
- If you are doing the pre-trip extension
- Book your flight to land in Durban (DUR airport) by 2pm on March 11th, 2023
- Book your flight to leave to go home from Cape Town (CPT airport) at any time on March 20th, 2023
- If you are not doing the pre-trip extension
- Book your flight to land in Johannesburg (JNB airport) by 2pm on March 13th, 2023
- Book your flight to leave to go home from Cape Town (CPT airport) at any time on March 20th, 2023
INCLUDED:
- Accommodations Mentioned Below
- Domestic One-Way Flight From Durban -> Johannesburg (Pre-Trip Extension Only)
- Domestic One-Way Flight From Johannesburg -> Cape Town
- Air-Conditioned Ground Transportation (including airport transfers)
- Excursions Listed Above
- Open-Air Safari Experience
- Home Dinner Experience
- Live Musical Performance Tickets
- Guided Shopping Tour
- Professional Photographer
- VIP Nightlife Outing (Pre-Trip Extension Only)
- Acappella Gospel Flashmob Experience (Pre-Trip Extension Only)
- Fly Swag Bag
- Handmade jewelry (Pre-Trip Extension Only)
- Experienced South African Guides
NOT INCLUDED:
- International Flight To/From South Africa
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
OTHER INFO:
- As of today there are no required shots to enter South Africa, but you should read the info on CDC recommendations, and please consult your doctor as well.
- This tour will create a safe space for Black people to enjoy themselves, learn about and experience South Africa
- You must have a valid passport with 2+ blank pages
- The stated itinerary may change at any time due to weather, or any other unforeseen issues.
accommodations:
- Durban (pre-trip extension only): Luxury condos near the water
- Johannesburg: 4 or 5 star hotel accommodations in either the Mapungubwe or Hilton hotels.
- Cape Town: Luxury condos near the water
PRICING:
Early Bird pricing is still available
The following prices are for days 3-10 above:
$2599 $2299: SHARED OCCUPANCY
You will be paired with 1 other person in the room
If you have a friend taking the trip you can choose each other as roommates
**Price is per person
$2999: SINGLE OCCUPANCY
A single occupancy room
$3599: VIP OCCUPANCY
Upgraded room in Johannesburg, VIP condo in Durban/Cape Town with other VIP participants
You can choose from several bottles of wine
Winery photo shoot starring you
Extra swag such as an TB tanktop, sunglasses, etc
$1899: COMPANION
If you are joining as a companion of someone who has an existing single or VIP booking you may join as a companion for a reduced rate. You will share a bed.
+$500: PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
This extension adds days 1 and 2 in the above itinerary in Durban
CONTACT US FOR GROUP RATES
A group is 3 or more friends/family who all book their trips within 24hrs of each other. Each person would receive $200 off current rates (early bird/standard/last minute).
Sign Up Form
You need a valid passport with 2+ consecutive blank pages & 6 months validity left. US citizens do not need a visa to enter South Africa on trips of 90 days or less. Visit this page for more info.
Consequently, we do allow some youth on our trips but we will first need to meet (video call) with the parent/guardian and the proposed youngster to determine if this trip is a good fit.
For shared occupancy in hotels we will place you with someone of the same sex in the room with separate beds. If you have a friend going on the trip you can request to share with them.
Well, yes. If you are a party animal there will be daily options for you to get down. Fun, music and nighttime libations are at the forefront of the entertainment scene.
Yes, we make sure to have different dietary options at every place we go for meals, excursions, etc.
Yes we also accept venmo, cash app, or zelle. If you would like to pay this way please contact us.
Yes. We now require that everyone has travel insurance. After you book the trip an automated email will be sent to you with options or you may opt to find your own.
We plan to take no more than 20 people on this tour. Keeping the numbers low ensures that the quality of the trip is high, everyone can get to know each other and the overall experience is more intimate. We will hit capacity, book now if interested.
SA is doing markedly better than the U.S. As of June 22, 2022 mask wearing is no longer required for most spaces, but we encourage you to be safe in all spaces and use your discretion. Months ago curfews were also lifted for South Africa.
You do not need to be vaccinated
South Africa does not require specific immunizations for visitors coming from the US. In the past 14 trips to South Africa we have never taken any immunizations, pills, etc and have been fine, but please consult your medical professional for advice that pertains to you.