SOUTH AFRICA AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT
There are a million ways to see a country as magical as South Africa, but we happen to think our new Explorateur Exclusive Culture Noir itinerary is certainly the most fabulous. Begin your journey in Cape Town, one of the world’s most gorgeous cities framed by majestic mountains and vibrant with color, culture and a wealth of activities. You’ll not soon forget your days in this city as you’ll be taken on some incredible adventures beginning with a full day tour of Cape Point, where you’ll ride a funicular up to an incredible vantage point to see the tumultuous meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, all the while en route being witness to some of the region’s most amazing panoramic views and a return via famous Boulders Beach, home to penguins, not people. Rest up, for in the evening you’re being escorted to the homes of 2 Cape Town cultural characters, who have fascinating stories to regale you with while you dine and retire for coffee or a nightcap during this tremendous evening of local hospitality. Feeling hungry? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered, for the next day you’ll be taken on a fabulous Cape Malay cooking safari where you’ll get hands-on training in a Bo-Kaap family home where they’ll teach you how to mix Masala, fold Samosas and balance the delicate flavors of Cape Malay curry. And yes, you get to partake in all of the deliciousness capped by mug of faloodah while your hosts tell you more about the rich history of the Bo-Kaap culture. To work off your gorgeous meal, you’ll head to famed Table Mountain for some awe-inspiring views and some brisk walks. All the while spending your evenings at African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel, an absolutely unique icon of style that begins with an elegant engineered stone red carpet reception and ends with you feeling as though you’ve spent 3 nights being pampered in eclectic fashion. Oh, did we mention, breakfast is included and the 3rd night is FREE?

And then, it’s time for safari….you’ll head to Kruger National Park for three days of overwhelming sightings and experiences on your included game drives, where you’ll be accompanied by professional rangers that will show you the wonders of the wild where you’ll likely encounter everything from elephants to lions, giraffes to zebras and with a little luck, the elusive leopard. Your 3rd night is free here as well at Shumbalala Game Lodge and you’ll even be treated to an exquisite private dining experience in their lovely wine cellar with a view of the waterhole where animals often return to take a drink.

From the bush to a bustling city, you’ll head to Johannesburg next which is a city full of wonders. Begin with an interesting visit to the insightful and interactive Liliesleaf Museum which honors South Africa’s remarkable heritage. Once the headquarters of the military wing of one of South Africa’s primary political parties, it holds a position of esteem among struggle landmarks in the country. The next day will be one of wonder and emotion, where you’ll spend time in some of Johannesburg’s most significant and fascinating places that will help you gain a much more detailed perspective of this complex land. You’ll be taken to the famed township of Soweto, bustling with life and rife with history, and birthplace of two Nobel Prize winners (and yes, you’ll even get to see one of Nelson Mandela’s previous homes). First stop, a guided tour of the Hector Pieterson museum where you’ll embark on a journey of discovery of the racial segregation experienced by millions of South Africans not too far in the past. After lunch the emotional history lessons continue with a visit to the Apartheid Museum, an overwhelming story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Your host in Johannesburg? The luxurious African Pride Melrose Arch, an opulent blend of modern décor and sleek design. They’ll treat you breakfast, a room upgrade, early check-in and check-out and 25% off of meals.

Want to go? Click HERE to find out how…