Day 1: Sunday, January 20, 2008

We meet at 3:30 pm to check in together at JFK airport for our South African Airways Flight #204 at 5:20 pm direct to South Africa and Johannesburg.

Day 2: Monday, January 21

After our arrival to Johannesburg International Airport at 5:20 pm, we transfer directly to our gorgeous hotel in Rosebank, in the suburbs of Johannesburg.

We’ll end off this exhausting day of travel with a delicious dinner at On the Square, South Africa’s premier Glatt Kosher steakhouse. A light snack will await us in the hotel while we enjoy a quick orientation session with our tour guide, then off to our rooms for a well-deserved, good night’s sleep.

OVERNIGHT:   Johannesburg

Day 3: Tuesday, January 22

Early rise, followed by a Daf Yomi for the early-birds with Rabbi Rabinowich, Shacharis and our first South African breakfast. Carrying only a light suitcase and our specially-wrapped meals, we will be collected from our hotel for our 9:45 am SA #40 flight to Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean Town of Victoria Falls is in a vibrant "Tourist" destination with numerous shops, activities, casino and nightlife. The recent political troubles in Zimbabwe have not seriously affected life, other than making incidental expenditure remarkably inexpensive!

The next day and following morning will be devoted to an appreciation of one of the seven wonders of the world, the most awesome “falls” on the globe: Victoria Falls.

After transfering to our hotel, the group is on their own to create their program for the day. Some suggestions:

• View the 1800 m wide curtain of falling water that makes up the world's greatest waterfalls.
• Tour the Zimbabwean side of the falls: The Devil's Cataract, The Main Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.
• Cross the border into Zambia and experience the amazing close-ups on the other side, including a walk across the spectacular Knife's Edge Bridge.
• Victoria Falls attract many 'extreme' sports lovers; bungee jumping off the Zambezi Bridge, white water rafting and body boarding are just a few options available!
• Less adventurous visitors will enjoy walking through the National Park, where there are excellent viewing points. The spectacular views that can be obtained by taking a helicopter or light aircraft "Flight of the Angels" are unforgettable!

OVERNIGHT:   Victoria Falls

Day 4: Wednesday, January 23

More exploration of the magnificent Falls; Visit the Big Tree (one of the largest tree’s you’ll ever see!) and the African Crafts Market. Those feeling adventurous can try out the Gorge Swing, bungee jumping or asbeiling.

We take leave of this awesome place on earth for Johannesburg on our 12:30 pm SA flight #41 and take another quick flight SA #8857 to our wonderful lodge in Phalaborwa, the central gate to Kruger National Park, arriving at our resort at about 5:30 pm.

We will be staying at this spectacular lodge the next four nights! Large indigenous trees and beautiful tropical gardens make our lodge a green oasis amidst the bushveld of the province.

In addition, Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa! Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this park of nearly 2 million hectares is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms. It is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. During the month of January, it is very pleasant, with little humidity and very little rainfall.

OVERNIGHT:   Phalaborwa

Day 5: Thursday, January 24

We get up very early in the morning for our first Full-day Safari/Game Drive stopping for a mid-morning snack and a breathtaking view at Nwanedzi Lookout Point — peeking into Mozambique. A relaxing picnic lunch and back to our safari.

We return late afternoon, tired and hungry after a successful day, for a delicious dinner in our cozy kosher dining room. Free time to discover Phalaborwa and all the highlights of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces.

OVERNIGHT:   Phalaborwa

Day 6: Friday, January 25

We embark upon our second Full-day Safari very early in the morning and meet our open vehicles at Orpen Gate, one of Kruger’s main gates, for our game drive to Satara Camp, situated in the central region of the Kruger National Park — lion country!

Time-permitting, we may have a picnic lunch at Timbavati Picnic Area, followed by an early afternoon river safari along the spectacular Timbavati River, taking in the absolutely stunning views, keeping an eye open for game along the way.

We return to our resort for Shabbat preparations; a swim in the hotel’s gorgeous pool would be a great idea for a Mikveh. Candle lighting: 6:45 pm.

Overnight:   Phalaborwa

Day 7: Shabbat Kodesh– Saturday, January 26

We welcome the special Shabbos of Yitro with a Carlebach-style Kabbalat Shabbat in no less than the center of this massive jungle! We will be treated to a special song and dance program with a popular local tribal ensemble after our Shabbat Seudah. Shabbat morning Daf Yomi, Shacharit, and Kiddush on the beautiful lawn next to the pool… be sure to check for the impalas and zebras that come down to drink near the fence!

Lecture from our Rav, “The Purpose of Animals in G-d’s Creation.” Our second Seudat Shabbat will have plenty of Divrei Torah, zemirot and fascinating stories about early South African Jewry. After an enjoyable Shabbos Shluf, we will all join for an Oneg shabbat party, followed by an optional afternoon tour of a local village. And, for Melava Malka, a special treat: a bush-braii, in middle of the “jungle” under the African stars with a menu of exquisite dishes you will love, and an experience you will never forget.

Overnight:   Phalaborwa

Day 8: Sunday, January 27

After a very early delicious breakfast, we head towards the stunning Mpumalanga escarpment, where scenic views and history await us. This area is the northernmost point of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountain range, and is considered one of the most picturesque areas in the world — an area that saw many pioneers try their luck at finding gold. We will visit Pilgrim’s Rest, site of a thrilling Gold Rush in the 1800s, where some of the first Jews in South Africa made their mark. Spot the mezuzah on an old house and visit the small Jewish cemetery in the hills.

Also planned for the day is a world-famous Panoramic Tour, where we’ll visit some of the most beautiful scenery in the world with such evocative names as Strijdom Tunnel, 3 Rondavels Look-Out Point, Burke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Berlin waterfalls, Graskop and Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world!

We arrive rather late at our wonderful hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg, for Ma’ariv and enjoy our last festive dinner in South Africa.

Overnight:  Johannesburg

Day 9: Monday, January 28

Our last day of touring is a busy one, and commences with a very early morning rise. The first part of the day is dedicated to a guided tour of Soweto, the township famous for its anti-Apartheid struggle. We’ll see where the 1976 Soweto Riots occurred, visit Nelson Mandela’s former home and marvel at the vibrant life that characterizes modern-day Soweto.

We then visit Gold Reef City, a theme park built on a real life goldmine, and take a lift down a mineshaft. We will also visit some of the vibrant and Jewish suburbs of Johannesburg. Enjoy a fascinating visit with the warm and diverse Jewish communities of Johannesburg including the huge Glenhazel/Yeshiva College Campus, and the equally impressive Ohr Sameach main campus. Time-permitting, we will take a leisurely-paced panoramic bus tour of some of the nicer suburbs of Johannesburg.

We finally make our way to the airport for our flight to NYC leaving at 5:10 pm on Flight 203, arriving at JFK on Tuesday morning at 6:55 am.

Day 10: Tuesday, January 29

We arrive at JFK on Tuesday morning at 6:55 am, in plenty of time for school or work.

This Tour Includes:

• Return airfare: Johannesburg-Victoria Falls
• Two nights at four-star hotel in Johannesburg
• Four nights at luxury gamelodge in Phalaborwa
• One night at four-star hotel in Victoria Falls
• Three awesome, freshly-prepared kosher meals per day, with soft drinks and wine
• All safari and tour activities, all entrance fees, all land transport and transfers, guides

Extension to Israel before of after tour available for only $850!