11-Day Journey to South Africa
with Dr. J. Lawrence Turner
$6,495
Start Date: June 7, 2026
End Date: June 17, 2026
Location: South Africa
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa, where history, wildlife, and natural beauty converge for a life-changing adventure. From the streets of Johannesburg to the stunning Cape Peninsula, this tour will immerse you in the rich culture and heritage of a country that fought for freedom and equality. Join us for an experience that promises unforgettable moments, profound stories, and breathtaking landscapes—sign up today to be part of this extraordinary journey!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday, June 7
USA - SOUTH AFRICA
Depart Memphis for a life-changing adventure to South Africa.
Day 2
Monday, June 8
JOHANNESBURG
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport to begin your tour of South Africa. Transfer to the DaVinci Hotel, located near Nelson Mandela Square. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight in Johannesburg.
Day 3
Tuesday, June 9
SOWETO
After breakfast, explore the enduring impact of apartheid at the Apartheid Museum. Next, embark on tour of Soweto—a name etched in the minds of every person desiring liberty and equality. The blood of men, women, and children fighting for the cause of freedom soaks the ground of this township. Soweto holds political significance as the hub of resistance against apartheid and is home to two Nobel Prize winners: former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Visit Mandela House, where bullet holes, scorch marks, and citations powerfully communicate the severity of Mandela’s plight in his struggle against injustice. Step inside the Hector Pietersen Museum, paying poignant homage to the events of the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Enjoy a traditional South African lunch at Sakhumzi Restaurant. After lunch, continue to Othandweni Family Care Centre, a place of refuge and love for some of the country’s most vulnerable children. Dinner and overnight in Johannesburg.
Day 4
Wednesday, June 10
PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK
Set out on an adventure to Pilanesberg National Park, a wildlife reserve formed from the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater. Step into the safari trucks and search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, Cape buffalo) on an afternoon game drive. Prepare to be amazed by close encounters with some of the most exotic animals on earth set against the stunning beauty of Africa’s natural landscape. Dinner and overnight at Bakubung Bush Lodge.
Day 5
Thursday, June 11
SUN CITY
Watch the African sunrise and take in an early morning game drive. Witness the majestic animals begin their day with a flurry of activity. Enjoy breakfast upon your return to Bakubung Bush Lodge. Later, transfer to Sun City Resort for an afternoon of leisure and entertainment. Dinner and overnight at Bakubung Bush Lodge.
Day 6
Friday, June 12
CAPE TOWN
After breakfast, transfer to Johannesburg for your flight to the enchanting city of Cape Town. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 7
Saturday, June 13
ROBBEN ISLAND
In the morning, visit the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the V&A waterfront. Step aboard a ferry boat for a cruise to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela served a gruesome, 18-year prison sentence. This UNESCO World Heritage Centre is a somber reminder of the past while also symbolizing freedom and the triumph of the human spirit. Next, explore Cape Town on a City Tour, relishing in the views of the serene ocean waters meeting majestic mountains. Visit District Six Museum, which pays tribute to the community known for its peaceful diversity before it was forcibly separated by the apartheid government in the 1970s. See the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving building in South Africa, and center of civilian, political, and military life in Cape Town. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 8
Sunday, June 14
CAPE PENINSULA
Embark on a full day tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula. Experience one of the world’s most scenic adventures as you wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive toward Cape Pointe Nature Reserve. Stand at southwestern tip of the continent, taking in the dramatic scenery at the Cape of Good Hope. Continue along the cape, skirting the rocky coastline, marveling at the breathtaking views all around. Ramble along Boulders Beach, visiting the penguin colony that makes it home between massive granite boulders on the white sandy shores of False Bay. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 9
Monday, June 15
WINELANDS
Begin the day with a tour of the pristine Cape Winelands. Travel to Franschhoek for a visit to the Huguenot Museum and Memorial. Enjoy a wine tasting and cellar tour at a world-renowned wine estate. Travel to Stellenbosch along the banks of the Eerste River, known for the vast number of oak trees lining the streets and homesteads. Return to the hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 10
Tuesday, June 16
TABLE MOUNTAIN
After breakfast at the hotel, ascend Table Mountain. Ride the famous aerial cableway to the top of the mountain and savor the breathtaking views of the city below. From the summit, look for Robben Island. Enjoy a free afternoon basking in the unparalleled splendor of Cape Town. Savor the delights of a farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 11
Wednesday, June 17
JOURNEY HOME
Transfer to the airport with your suitcase full of beautiful African mementos and a heart overflowing with memories from your life-changing adventure.
- $6,495 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,495 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,695
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before December 5, 2025
- Balance due on or before March 7, 2026
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Participants are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Participants are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the participant.
NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Participants with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to ninety days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours. There will be a 3% credit card processing fee. To avoid fees, payments can be mailed to Signature Tours, PO Box 956817, Duluth, GA 30095.