Welcome to Johannesburg
— a place where modern Africa meets ancient soul, where gold once lured the world and where the heart of the nation still beats loudest. In this deeply curated Wild Bear experience, you'll dive beneath the surface of the city to connect with the culture, people, food, stories and rhythms that make Jozi unforgettable.
Staying in the tranquil luxury of Africlassic River Lodge, nestled along the lush banks of the Jukskei River, you'll find sanctuary each night after days spent chasing stories, tasting spice-laced heritage dishes, flying over the city skyline and walking in the footsteps of legends.
Day 1: Welcome to Jozi – Arrival & African Feast
From the moment you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, you’re not just a visitor — you’re family. A private Wild Bear concierge will meet you and escort you to your home for the week, Africlassic River Lodge — a serene riverside retreat decorated with vibrant African art, earthy textures, and lush indigenous gardens.
Spend the afternoon settling in, enjoying a handcrafted welcome drink and exploring the intimate property.
As the sun sets, gather for a "Welcome to Africa" Chef’s Dinner — a full sensory celebration of South African cuisine under open skies.
Expect fragrant bobotie, sweet-savoury chakalaka, wood-fired grilled venison, and traditional melktert, all paired with regional wines and soulful stories around the fire.
Feel the drumbeat of Africa from the very first night.
✔ Overnight: Africlassic River Lodge
✔ Meals: Chef’s Welcome Dinner, Drinks
Day 2: Soweto, Vilakazi Street & Apartheid Memory
Fuel up with a hearty South African breakfast before heading out on a full-day immersion into the history and spirit of Soweto — the township that birthed freedom fighters and shaped the soul of the nation.
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Visit Vilakazi Street, where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived — the only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
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Tour Mandela House, walk past murals, and talk with local guides who share the untold stories of everyday heroism.
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Enjoy lunch at Sakhumzi — a buzzing street-side restaurant dishing up tender oxtail, pap, chakalaka and live marimba music.
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In the afternoon, journey into the past with a powerful visit to the Apartheid Museum, exploring the triumphs and tragedies that shaped South Africa’s road to democracy.
Return to the lodge for a traditional Potjie Kos Dinner — rustic stew prepared over open flames in cast iron pots, served with local wines and side dishes by candlelight.
✔ Overnight: Africlassic River Lodge
✔ Meals: Breakfast, Local Lunch, Potjie Dinner
Day 3: Sky High & Streetwise – Ballooning, Markets & Moroccan Nights
Today is a choose-your-own-adventure experience:
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Option 1: Hot Air Balloon Ride over the rolling Highveld hills at dawn, sipping champagne as the sun bathes Johannesburg in gold.
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Option 2: Skydiving for the brave — jump into the sky for an exhilarating view of the highveld like never before.
Later, explore Local Art & Craft Market, an emporium of African textiles, beadwork, masks and music. Talk with local artisans, haggle for treasures and grab a street-food snack or two.
Lunch is casual and local — think flame-grilled chicken or bunny chow, with a refreshing craft gin or ginger beer.
That evening, your lodge transforms into a Moroccan lounge: low seating, lanterns, tagines, mint tea and slow-roasted lamb. Let oud music and soft lights transport you to North Africa.
✔ Overnight: Africlassic River Lodge
✔ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Moroccan Themed Dinner
Day 4: Walk with Giants – Glen Afric Elephant Experience
After breakfast, journey out to Glen Afric Country Lodge, a private reserve where wildlife roams freely and cinematic moments come to life.
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Walk with the elephants in a guided, up-close experience. Feel their energy. Look into their eyes.
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Enjoy a guided game drive to spot zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and more.
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Sit down to a bush-style lunch with a view over the African plains.
Return to the lodge by late afternoon and relax beside the river.
Evening is yours to enjoy — optional fireside drinks or a light dinner.
✔ Overnight: Africlassic River Lodge
✔ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Jozi’s Creative Pulse – Maboneng & Braai/BBQ Under the Stars
Wake up to rich coffee and a sunrise view over the river. Then head to Maboneng, Johannesburg’s thriving creative and cultural district.
This half-day walking tour includes:
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Pop-up art galleries & street murals
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Rooftop cafés and vintage shops
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Optional drumming class or graffiti workshop
Lunch on your own — maybe fresh African sushi, a rooftop falafel bowl, or a cheeky street-side burger.
Back at the lodge, enjoy some downtime or a massage before the evening brings a safari-style bush braai:
A long table under fairy lights, the smell of grilled meats in the air, and the call of night birds in the distance.
✔ Overnight: Africlassic River Lodge
✔ Meals: Breakfast, Bush Braai Dinner
Day 6: Cradle of Humankind & Fine Wine Farewell
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site:
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Guided walk through the Sterkfontein Caves, home to ancient hominid fossils.
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Visit Maropeng Centre to explore humanity’s origin story in immersive exhibits.
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Enjoy a rustic farm-style lunch en route back.
Final evening: Chef’s Signature Dinner with Wine Pairing — multiple courses paired with award-winning South African wines, celebrating your journey with flair.
✔ Overnight: Africlassic River Lodge
✔ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Dinner
Day 7: Goodbye Jozi – Departure Day
After a late breakfast and coffee on the deck, your private driver will escort you to OR Tambo International Airport for your journey home.
Take with you not just memories, but a story only Jozi could have written.
✔ Meals: Breakfast
✔ Airport Transfer
Why Go Local With WILD BEAR
Because local is lekker – a South African word meaning “tasty, good, real, full of heart.” This isn’t a surface-level tour — it’s a soul-deep connection. From dining with your fingers to walking beside elephants, you’ll taste, touch, hear and live the wild, wonderful story of South Africa.
"The best memories aren’t found in brochures. They’re made in the streets, the soil, and the sky. Go Local with Wild Bear."
Some basic info to be aware of...
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Itinerary is subject to change for unforeseen circumstances that may be out of our control like the weather, for skydiving or hot air ballooning.
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Minimum booking group number of four (4) people.
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Maximum Group booking of sixteen (16) people
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6 nights at Africlassic River Lodge
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Private airport transfers and local ground transport
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All guided excursions and entrance fees
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All meals as listed (with themed dinners)
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Walk with Elephants at Glen Afric
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Skydiving or Hot Air Balloon (your choice)
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Cultural & historical tours
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Local market and Maboneng guided experiences
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Cradle of Humankind full day
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Daily bottled water, Wild Bear Welcome Pack
What's NOT included:
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International or local flights to the collection point/port
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Travel insurance (Wild Bear Adventures are full insured as a tour operator and our activity partners are insured too. * see terms and conditions)
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Meals and Drinks that outside of board basis
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Tips and Gratuities:These are not included and are at the traveler's discretion