Follow the footsteps of Mandela with a tour in South Africa

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport and transfer to the hotel, situated within the upmarket suburb of Sandton in Johannesburg. Close to the hotel there is the Nelson Mandela Square, attached to Sandton City Shopping Mall. This colourful square is rich in upmarket shops and restuarant, and the central area is a popular venue for outdoor dining. The iconic Nelson Mandela statue is a symbol of this square and is well worth a visit during your leisure time. Rest of the day free at leisure without guide. Overnight in Johannesburg at Protea Hotel Balalaika or similar.

The whole day is devoted to the visit of Soweto and surrounds, where Mr. Mandela worked as a human-rights lawyer and became instrumental in South Africa’s political struggle. The tour starts visiting the the prestigious Apartheid Museum, located in Johannesburg’s Ormondo suburb. Here it is possible to understand the epoch of Apartheid era in South Africa. The exhibition spans the beginnings of segregation in the country, the implementation of the Apartheid system and all of the factors that have shaped its 20th century history including the discovery of gold that led the migration of many and many foreigners to the country, the rise of black consciousness and the first democratic elections.

Then, you'll continue to  Soweto for lunch followed by a tour through this lively township. Visit the Hector Peterson Memorial and Mandela House, located in the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel laureates, the other being Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Mandela House is a national monument and offers insights into Mandela family’s life during the oppressive years of Apartheid. During the visit, you'll be exposed to Mandela’s personal life.

During the afternoon, visit the Liliesleaf Heritage Site, known as Liliesleaf Farm. It is an heritage site linked to the Rivonia Treason Trial that led to Nelson Mandela’s incarceration. In the early 1960’s Liliesleaf was a sanctuary where the most prominent leaders of South Africa’s struggled against Apartheid sought shelter, attended secret meetings and engaged in key debates on political and military policy and strategy. Many of these individuals, including Nelson Mandela, were discovered in the 1963 police raid on Liliesleaf Farm, and tried in the subsequent treason trail. You will learn in great detail what happened during those days and the ultimate arrest of Nelson Mandela. Overnight in Johannesburg at Protea Hotel Balalaika or similar.

Ealry breakfast and departure to Pilanesberg National Park, located in an ancient volcanic crater that today comprises one of South Africa’s most exciting Big Five eco-tourism destinations. Here, accompanied by your skilled game ranger in an open safari vehicle, you will explore a 58,000 ha malaria-free wildlife wonderland and discover the beauty of the African bush. Overnight in the Pilanesberg National Park at Ivory Tree Lodge or similar.

The morning is devoted to an amazing open vehicle safari in the Pilanesberg National Park. This park hosts healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo. Here it is possible to observe a wide variety of rare and common endemic species, like the nocturnal brown hyena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, and much more.

Return to the lodge for lunch and time to rest before taking part in a new open vehicle safari in search of the Big Five as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight in the Pilanesberg National Park at Ivory Tree Lodge or similar.

After breakfast, the travel back to Johannesburg starts. Arrive in Johannesburg, at O.R. Tambo International Airport and take your onward flight to Cape Town (aprox at 2.30 pm). Upon arrival, meeting with a representative and trasfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to explore the oldest city of South Africa and its stunning set at the foot of Table Mountain without guide. Overnight in Cape Town at Southern Sun Cape Sun or similar.

Enjoy a full day tour of Cape Peninsula. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay and then to Cape Point where the tradition says that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Return to Cape Town through the historic naval base of Simon’s Town and Muizenberg to visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a centre for the preservation of the region’s unique flora. Overnight in Cape Town at Southern Sun Cape Sun or similar.

The day starts with a ferry ride to Robben Island (weather permitting). Here it is possible to have a unique insight into the immense sacrifice made by former president Nelson Mandela and his comrades. Upon arrival on the island, famous to be the place where Nelson Mandela and many other famous anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned, you'll visit the maximum security prison and the cell in which Mandela spent 18 years of his 27-year incarceration. Furthermore, there is the possibility to interact with an ex-political prisoner and also explore the island on a 45-minute bus tour accompanied by an experienced guide.

The rest of the day is spent interacting with several communities as a way to exchange cultural values and learn about the South Africa of today. You will visit the Malay Quarter, also known as the Bo-Kaap which means "Above Cape" due to its location up against the slopes of Table Mountain, drive past the District Six Museum which was opened at the end of 1994 to remember and document the struggle residents had to endure with forced removals in the 1960’s, the Philani Empowerment Centre in Khayelitsha, where locals are taught basic life skills such as weaving and arts and crafts. You'll never forget the walking tour through “shanty town Khayelitsha” with a local guide, to his shack and to experience local living conditions. This suggestive visit is followed by a drive through the middle-class Khayelitsha, to share some of the achievements, such as new housing developments, shopping malls, hospitals and magistrate’s court, under the leadership of Mr. Nelson Mandela. Overnight in Cape Town at Southern Sun Cape Sun or similar.

Enjoy some last minute shopping or sightseeing, both unescorted. Wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets at the V&A Waterfront. Later you will be transferred to the airport, harbour or railway station: end of services.