Before you go.
A little preparation.
More room to enjoy the journey.
Personal by design.
What is South Africa, Personally™?
An 11-day, 10-night journey with three nights in Johannesburg, two nights at a lodge inside Pilanesberg and five nights in Cape Town. Culture, safari, food, art and personal introductions come together in one thoughtfully hosted experience.
When will the journey take place?
Dates: TBD. We are coordinating the departure with our local partners. Register your interest to receive confirmed dates and journey details when available. Please wait for written journey confirmation before purchasing flights.
Why a maximum of 12 guests?
The best introductions need time and attention. A smaller group creates room for real conversations, personal hosting and a place for everyone at the table. We may travel with fewer guests. Twelve is our maximum.
Can I travel on my own?
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome. The proposed US$9,595 per-person price assumes two guests sharing a room. Single occupancy is available on request, subject to availability and an additional supplement. Your full price will be confirmed before booking.
Can you accommodate dietary or accessibility needs?
Please tell us about your requirements when you inquire. We will discuss them with our partners before confirming what can be accommodated. Some experiences involve steps, uneven ground, walking, safari vehicles or boats.
Arrive. We’ll take it from here.
What is included in the proposed price?
The proposed US$9,595 per-person price, based on double occupancy, includes:
- Ten nights of accommodation across Johannesburg, Pilanesberg and Cape Town.
- Scheduled airport and journey transfers, plus the Johannesburg to Cape Town flight.
- Scheduled guided outings, safari drives, entrance fees and activities specified in the final itinerary.
- Planned executive-chef-led Tables in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and a private yacht farewell dinner.
- Meals and beverages specified as included in the final itinerary.
- Personal journey coordination and gratuities for included services.
The price and arrangements remain subject to final confirmation. A complete inclusion list will be supplied before reservations open.
What expenses are separate?
International flights, travel insurance, passport and visa costs, any single-occupancy supplement, personal purchases and independently arranged meals, drinks, transport, spa treatments or optional activities during free time are at your own expense.
Do I arrange my own international flights?
Yes. Guests arrange and pay for their flights into Johannesburg and home from Cape Town. Please wait for written journey confirmation and arrival instructions before purchasing flights. We will share the recommended airports and arrival and departure windows once confirmed.
Will someone meet me when I arrive?
A private airport transfer is included for your scheduled arrival. Meeting instructions and contact details will be provided before travel. If you plan to arrive outside the coordinated window, please discuss arrangements with us in advance.
What happens during free time?
You have room to enjoy the destination at your own pace. If you choose to leave the accommodation for independent dining, outings or activities, those arrangements and costs are your responsibility. We can offer suggestions.
Can I book, and what are the payment and cancellation terms?
Inquiries are open. Reservations are not yet available. Confirmed dates, final pricing, payment schedules and cancellation terms will be provided before you book. Registering interest does not create a booking or a reservation.
Ready for your introduction.
How much passport validity do I need?
Current U.S. State Department guidance specifies validity for at least 30 days after leaving South Africa and two consecutive blank visa pages per entry, excluding endorsement pages. Transit and onward destinations may have stricter requirements. Confirm your full route with the relevant authorities and airline.
Will I need a visa?
Requirements depend on your passport and visit. Current U.S. guidance says U.S. passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days. Other nationalities should check with the South African embassy or consulate. Recheck requirements for every transit and destination country before travel.
Travel thoughtfully.
Do I need vaccinations before traveling?
Consult your clinician or a travel clinic well before departure, ideally at least a month ahead. Advice depends on your health, vaccination history and full route. Recommended vaccinations and certificates required for entry are different considerations.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate?
Direct travel from the United States does not currently require it. Travelers aged one year or older arriving from a yellow fever risk country may need a certificate, including airport transits longer than 12 hours in such countries. Where required, vaccination generally needs to be at least 10 days before arrival. Discuss your route and any medical exemption with a travel clinician and confirm entry requirements.
Will I need malaria medication?
Malaria risk varies by location. Ask a travel clinician to assess your final Johannesburg, Pilanesberg and Cape Town itinerary, including any extensions or onward travel. Do not assume that every safari destination has the same requirements.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
We strongly recommend insurance covering trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation. Review coverage for your activities, existing medical conditions and the full cost of your trip. Insurance is purchased separately and is not included in our journey price.
Does my credit card provide travel insurance?
Some cards include travel protections. Check directly with your card issuer to understand the benefits, limits, exclusions and any requirement to pay for the trip with that card. Arrange additional coverage where needed.
A little preparation goes a long way.
What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers, sun protection and a hat. Safari mornings and evenings can be cool. Include clothing you enjoy wearing for hosted dinners. We will share a more specific packing guide when dates and arrangements are confirmed.
What are the luggage allowances?
Allowances vary between international airlines, the domestic flight and ground transport. Confirm the domestic allowance before packing. We will provide the applicable journey guidance when transport arrangements are finalized.
Can I bring prescription medication?
Check your medication before travel. SARS permits up to three months of personal treatment with a physician’s letter or certified prescription; controlled medicines may need additional authorization. Keep medicines in original labeled packaging, carry supporting documents and check transit-country requirements.
What items are prohibited or restricted?
Illegal drugs, explosives and counterfeit goods are prohibited. Weapons, medicines, plants, animals and their products may be restricted or require permits. Check food and herbal products before packing. Declare restricted goods and anything exceeding allowances. If unsure, use the red customs channel.
We’re here to help.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, flight schedules, availability and local conditions can affect timing or sequence. Table Mountain and the yacht outing are weather dependent. The itinerary remains preliminary; confirmed arrangements and booking terms will be supplied before reservations open.
Who can answer another question?
Email journeys@smoafrica.com or register your interest. We look forward to helping you prepare for your introduction to South Africa.
Still curious?
Let’s talk.
Ask about the journey ↗Travel guidance reviewed November 3, 2026. Entry and health requirements can change. Confirm requirements for your passport, personal circumstances and complete route with the relevant authorities, airline and a qualified travel clinician before departure.