Luxe South Africa - Joburg & Eastern Cape 2025

Airline: Virgin Atlantic Airlines

New York to Cape Town

• Date: March 18, 2025
• Flight #: VS 026
• Depart: New York (JFK) at 09:05 AM
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 7:55 PM

Layover in London

• Date: March 18, 2025
• Flight #: VS 449
• Depart: London (LHR) at 10:30 PM
• Arrive: Johannesburg (JNB) at 11:30 AM+1 (March 18, 2025)

Upon landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to The Peech Hotel. This 1950s Art Deco-style building, located in the upscale suburb of Melrose North, has been transformed into a sixteen-room hotel that retains the charm of a large family home. The hotel is still owned and managed by the Peech family, with James Peech actively involved in daily operations.

This evening, enjoy a "Welcome Dinner" at the hotel’s restaurant, which focuses on local flavours and sustainable practices. During dinner, you will meet your guide, who will provide an overview of the upcoming tour.

Overnight: The Peech Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner

Begin with an early departure for a guided half-day tour of Soweto, including visits to the Hector Pieterson Museum and Vilakazi Street, home to Nobel Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The tour includes a poignant walk from the Hector Pieterson Museum to Vilakazi Street. Experience the vibrant life, the community's spirit, and the rich history that Soweto embodies. Visit Mandela House to learn about Nelson Mandela"s life and the struggle for democracy and equality.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at Sakumzi on Vilakazi Street, offering a taste of traditional South African cuisine.

After lunch, transfer to Rosebank for a shopping experience at Sandton Rosebank Mall and Market, where you can find everything from high-end fashion to local artisans. This cosmopolitan commercial and residential suburb provides a taste of Johannesburg's diverse shopping scene.

Dinner is at Café Bohemia, known for its cosy atmosphere and eclectic menu.

Overnight: The Peech Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer from The Peech to the Apartheid Museum for a guided tour, exploring South Africa's history of apartheid and the journey to democracy. The museum stands as a beacon of hope, showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own. The exhibits provide a powerful and emotional journey through the apartheid era, leading to a reflective understanding of the struggles and triumphs over this system of segregation.

After the museum, head to the Cradle Boutique Hotel for lunch, located within the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel's restaurant offers a menu inspired by African flavors, with dishes made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. In the afternoon, visit the Malapa Museum to see fossils of Australopithecus sediba and learn about human evolution. This museum is home to fossils nearly two million years old, offering insights into our evolutionary history.

Return to The Peech, then transfer to Marble Restaurant for dinner. Marble offers a dining experience that pairs the technique of the open-flame cooking method with the best ingredients South Africa has to offer.

Overnight: The Peech Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your Airlink flight 4Z915 to East London, departing at 9:00 am and arriving at 11:00 am. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour beginning with a visit to the Steve Biko Centre. This poignant stop pays homage to one of South Africa's most revered anti-apartheid activists, offering a deep dive into the country's struggle for freedom and Biko's legacy of black consciousness. The center serves not only as a museum but also as a place of learning and community enrichment.

Enjoy lunch at Aluta Restaurant before visiting AfroChild East London, an initiative that highlights the lives and futures of children in the Eastern Cape. Gain insight into community projects and educational programs designed to uplift and empower the next generation of South Africans.

Transfer to Prana Lodge in Chintsa, a hidden gem on the Eastern Cape’s coast, offering luxurious accommodations and direct beach access. The lodge stands as an oasis of luxury among ancient dunes and wild forest.

Dinner is at Prana Lodge, featuring local produce and fresh seafood.

Overnight: Prana Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning transfer to Kwetyana Cultural Village for an interactive tour of Xhosa life and traditions. This experience isn't just a tour; it's an interactive immersion into the daily lives, arts, and crafts of one of South Africa's most fascinating cultures. You'll have the chance to participate in traditional activities, learn about the Xhosa's rich oral histories, and maybe even pick up a few words in their click-laden language. The village is a living museum, offering insights into traditional Xhosa architecture, dress, and customs in a way that respects and preserves its authenticity.

Enjoy lunch of Xhosa cuisine, prepared using methods passed down through generations, offering a delicious insight into the culture.

Return to Prana Lodge for an afternoon at leisure, with options to visit the spa, explore the private beach, or take a bush walk. Dinner is at Prana Lodge, reflecting local flavors.

Overnight: Prana Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day begins with a scenic transfer from Prana Lodge to the lush wilderness of Sibuya Game Reserve. Enjoy a river cruise on the Kariega River, observing diverse wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. This unique vantage point offers exceptional opportunities to observe a variety of animals. Watch as a herd of elephants takes a refreshing dip and look out for pods of hippos basking in the sun and crocodiles lurking beneath the surface. Knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the local ecology and the behaviours of the wildlife you encounter.

After lunch, you'll be ferried back to the Sibuya Reception. From here, you'll be whisked away to Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve, a luxurious haven set against the dramatic backdrop of the Indian Ocean. The hour-long drive will offer glimpses of the region’s stunning coastline, with its pristine beaches and rugged cliffs. Arriving at Oceana, you'll check in for the next three nights. This exclusive reserve offers a blend of opulent accommodations and untouched wilderness.

Dinner is at Oceana, offering gourmet cuisine with local ingredients and stunning views.

Overnight: Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the morning at leisure at Oceana, with options to stroll along the beach, relax by the pool, or enjoy the reserve’s many amenities. Take in the serene surroundings and perhaps visit the spa for some relaxation.

In the evening, embark on an exciting game drive within the reserve to see giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species in their natural habitat. After the game drive, enjoy a wine tasting session featuring a selection of local South African wines, learning about the unique flavors and winemaking processes.

Dinner is at Oceana, where you will savour a delicious meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Overnight: Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with a morning game drive, offering another opportunity to encounter the reserve's diverse wildlife. The early hours provide a different perspective and the best chance to see animals as they begin their day.

After the game drive, indulge in a beach picnic prepared by Oceana's chefs, enjoying a delightful meal with breathtaking ocean views.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, either relaxing at the lodge or exploring the surrounding area. You might choose to take a walk along the beach, engage in bird watching, or simply unwind with a good book.

Dinner is at Oceana, offering another night of exceptional dining.

Overnight: Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early breakfast at Oceana. Transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your Airlink flight 4Z798 back to Johannesburg, departing at 12:00 pm and arriving at 2:15 pm.

Catch your connecting flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of your South African
adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Johannesburg to New York

• Date: March 27, 2025
• Flight #: VS 450
• Depart: Johannesburg (JNB) at 7:40 PM 
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 5:00 AM+1

Layover in London

• Date: March 28, 2025
• Flight #: VS 003
• Depart: London (LHR) at 8:55 AM 
• Arrive: New York City (JFK) at 1:15 PM

Full Package Price

• $6,999 per person (double occupancy)
• $7,749 per person  (single occupancy)
   

Land Only Package 
(flights and transfers NOT included)

• $5,899 per person (double occupancy)
• $6,649 per person  (single occupancy)

Note: In the Land Only package you will make your own flight arrangements and transportation to/from the hotel upon arrival and departure. Overton Travel can assist you with these arrangements upon request.
 

Payment Schedule

• Deposit: Due at time of booking: $500 (non-refundable)
• Installment #1: December 15, 2024
• Installment #2: January 15, 2025
• Installment #2: Final Payment: February 15, 2025 Remaining Balance 

CANCELLATION POLICY

• All payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

All group seats on the flights included in the Full Package are in Economy Class.

Please contact Overton Travel at the time of booking if you would like to upgrade your seat.

Upgrades to Business Class seats can be done, based on availability at the time of booking.

Specific seats on the flight cannot be guaranteed.

Seats are assigned by the airlines for group bookings. If you would like a specific seat, you can:

1. Book your flights individually with the airline. Do not book the group flights as part of the Full Package.  OR
2. Contact the airline directly after you receive your travel document to request a specific seat. Also note, that some airlines do not assign seats in advance for group bookings, and seats will be assigned at the airport upon check-in.

Airline: Virgin Atlantic Airlines

New York to Johannesburg

• Date: March 18, 2025
• Flight #: VS 026
• Depart: New York (JFK) at 09:05 AM
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 7:55 PM

Layover in London

• Date: March 18, 2025
• Flight #: VS 449
• Depart: London (LHR) at 10:30 PM
• Arrive: Johannesburg (JNB) at 11:30 AM+1 (March 18, 2025)

Johannesburg to New York

• Date: March 27, 2025
• Flight #: VS 450
• Depart: Johannesburg (JNB) at 7:40 PM 
• Arrive: London (LHR) at 5:00 AM+1

Layover in London

• Date: March 28, 2025
• Flight #: VS 003
• Depart: London (LHR) at 8:55 AM 
• Arrive: New York City (JFK) at 1:15 PM

All seats are in Economy Class.

Please contact Overton Travel at the time of booking if you would like to upgrade your seat.

Upgrades to Business Class seats can be done, based on availability at the time of booking.

Specific seats on the flight cannot be guaranteed.

Seats are assigned by the airlines for group bookings. If you would like a specific seat, you can:

1. Book your flights individually with the airline. Do not book the group flights as part of the Full Package.  OR
2. Contact the airline directly after you receive your travel document to request a specific seat. Also note, that some airlines do not assign seats in advance for group bookings, and seats will be assigned at the airport upon check-in.

We encourage all travelers to purchase a travel protection plan at the time of initial trip deposit. 

Overton Travel uses Travel Safe. Click here to review and purchase a travel protection plan from them: Travel Protection

You can purchase travel protection through the supplier used by Overton Travel or any other supplier you choose.