Embark on a thrilling 12-day adventure to Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 7-18, 2026, tailored for four adults. This moderate-budget journey blends exciting hunting expeditions with immersive cultural site visits, nature walks, photography, and vibrant local market explorations. Enjoy comfortable business class travel with brief sightseeing stopovers in Doha and Paris.
Begin your journey to Johannesburg with a business class flight from Omaha.
Enjoy the premium services and comfort for your long-haul travel.
Arrive at the airport early to enjoy the business class lounge facilities.
Private car service or taxi to the airport is recommended for convenience with luggage.
Land in Hamad International Airport (DOH) for your planned stopover.
After clearing customs, you'll have approximately 6-8 hours for sightseeing.
Most nationalities can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. Confirm requirements prior to travel.
Utilize the airport's taxi services or Uber for efficient travel into the city.
Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Waqif, a traditional market.
Wander through labyrinthine alleyways, browse spices, textiles, and traditional crafts. Grab lunch at one of the many authentic Qatari restaurants.
Bargaining is expected. Try some local Karak tea. It's best to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.
Visit the iconic Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.
M. Pei. Explore its stunning collection of Islamic art spanning 1,400 years and enjoy panoramic views of the Doha skyline.
Check opening hours in advance. Dress modestly out of respect for local culture.
Return to Hamad International Airport for your connecting business class flight to Johannesburg.
Enjoy the business class lounge before your next flight segment.
After your flights and stopover, arrive at O.
R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Clear customs and immigration, then transfer to your upscale hotel.
Private airport transfer is recommended for ease and safety, especially with luggage. This can be pre-booked with your hotel or a reputable local service.
Check into The Residence Boutique Hotel, a highly-rated upscale property.
Take time to settle in, refresh, and relax after your long journey.
Enjoy the amenities of your boutique hotel, perhaps a light snack or coffee.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel in the upscale Houghton Estate area.
Explore local fine dining options offering a taste of South African cuisine.
Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations on nearby restaurants. Consider booking in advance.
Gain profound insight into South Africa's history at the Apartheid Museum.
This powerful museum chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid through a series of thought-provoking exhibits, artifacts, and personal accounts.
Allow ample time for reflection. The museum can be emotionally impactful. Photography may be restricted in some areas. Book tickets online in advance.
Enjoy a casual lunch at a local restaurant or cafe, perhaps near Soweto, before your afternoon activities.
Your tour guide for the afternoon can suggest a good spot for authentic local cuisine.
Visit Constitution Hill, a former prison complex that once held Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
Today, it's home to South Africa's Constitutional Court and a museum dedicated to human rights.
Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking.
Dine in the vibrant Melrose Arch precinct, known for its stylish restaurants and shops.
It's a safe and lively area for an evening out.
Many restaurant choices available, from casual to upscale. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.
Embark on a comprehensive tour of Soweto (South Western Townships).
Visit key historical sites like Vilakazi Street (where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived), the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and learn about the local community and its resilience. This can be done via a local tour company like MoAfrika Tours.
Choose a reputable tour operator for a safe and informative experience. Many tours include lunch at a local 'shisa nyama' (braai/BBQ) or restaurant.
Discover the lives of migrant workers during the industrial revolution and apartheid eras at The Workers' Museum.
This museum offers a glimpse into the challenging living and working conditions of the time.
A poignant experience that complements the Apartheid Museum and Soweto tour.
Enjoy dinner in the lively Newtown cultural precinct, home to theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.
It's a great spot to experience Johannesburg's artistic side.
Newtown comes alive in the evening. Check for any live music or performances happening.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Johannesburg accommodation before departing for the hunting grounds.
Ensure all personal items are packed and ready for transfer.
Travel by private vehicle from Johannesburg to your hunting lodge.
This journey will take you through scenic South African landscapes.
Private transfer arranged by hunting outfitter.
Arrive at your hunting lodge, settle into your accommodation, and enjoy a welcoming lunch.
Take some time to relax after the drive and familiarize yourself with the lodge.
Meet with your professional hunters for a detailed briefing on safety, hunting protocols, and species. Conduct rifle checks and ensure all equipment is in order.
This is a crucial session for understanding the ethics and practicalities of the hunt.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, discussing the upcoming days and planning the hunt strategy with your guides.
Embark on your first full hunting session, tracking and spotting game with your professional hunters.
Weather conditions will influence the specific hunting approach. Dress in layers.
Enjoy a packed lunch or a light meal prepared in the bush, taking a break from the hunt.
A chance to rest and refuel amidst nature.
Continue your hunting expedition, focusing on specific game or exploring different areas of the concession.
Celebrate the day's successes with sundowners (drinks at sunset) followed by a delicious dinner and conversations at the lodge.
Enjoy one last hunting session or a morning game drive for observation, depending on your hunting goals and success.
Indulge in a final brunch at the lodge, followed by packing and preparing for your transfer back to Johannesburg.
Travel back to Johannesburg by private vehicle.
You'll check into your hotel upon arrival.
Private transfer arranged by hunting outfitter or tour company.
Check into The Leonardo, a highly-rated hotel in Johannesburg, and settle into your rooms.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the upscale restaurants in the vibrant Melrose Arch precinct, close to your hotel.
Explore the Apartheid Museum, an architecturally interesting museum packed with thoughtful and often brutal reminders of South Africa’s history.
Allocate ample time for this immersive and educational experience. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312578-d313843-Reviews-Apartheid_Museum-Johannesburg_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html
Enjoy a traditional South African lunch at a local restaurant within Soweto, experiencing the local flavors.
Take a guided tour of the historic South Western Townships (Soweto), visiting iconic sites like Vilakazi Street, Nelson Mandela's House, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
You will be guided by MoAfrika Tours.
This tour offers deep insights into South Africa's struggle for freedom and its vibrant contemporary culture. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312578-d7181912-Reviews-MoAfrika_Tours-Johannesburg_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html
Dine in the cultural precinct of Newtown, known for its arts and entertainment, offering a variety of dining options.
Visit the Standard Bank Gallery, a prominent art gallery showcasing contemporary and historical South African art exhibitions.
Check current exhibition schedules as they change regularly.
Explore the Wits Art Museum (WAM), home to a significant collection of African art, including traditional and contemporary works.
The museum is part of the University of the Witwatersrand.
Enjoy lunch in the trendy Braamfontein neighborhood, known for its cafes and creative vibe.
Gain insight into Johannesburg's industrial past and the lives of migrant laborers at The Workers' Museum, housed in a former municipal compound.
Take a stroll through Mary Fitzgerald Square, a historic public space in Newtown dedicated to notable figures in the anti-apartheid struggle.
Enjoy a final dinner in Johannesburg in Sandton, offering a wide array of fine dining experiences.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take time to complete any final packing and preparations for your departure.
Check out of your hunting lodge (if applicable) and head into central Johannesburg.
Ensure all hunting gear and trophies are properly packed and documentation is ready for international transport.
Embark on a customized city tour with MoAfrika Tours, exploring the vibrant history and culture of Johannesburg. Options include historical sites, bustling markets, or a deeper dive into local life.
Discuss your interests with the tour guide to tailor the experience. Book in advance. You can specify a focus on history, culture, or city highlights.
Enjoy a final, celebratory dinner in the upscale Sandton area, known for its excellent restaurants.
Savor South African cuisine and reflect on your incredible journey.
Consider dining at a restaurant offering traditional South African dishes or international cuisine. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.
Arrange for a private transfer from your accommodation to O.
R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your business class flight.
Allow ample time for check-in and security for your international business class flight. Most international flights require arriving 3 hours prior to departure.
Enjoy your business class flight from Johannesburg to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
Relax and prepare for your Parisian stopover.
Make the most of your 10-hour stopover with a whirlwind tour of Paris's illuminated landmarks. See the iconic Eiffel Tower sparkling, drive past the Arc de Triomphe, and stroll along the Champs-Élysées. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the 'City of Lights' by night.
Utilize express airport transfer services (RER train to city, or taxi/ride-share) to maximize your time. Focus on exterior views given the late arrival and limited time. Grab a quick Parisian snack before heading back to the airport.
Continue your journey with a business class flight from Paris (CDG) to Detroit (DTW), followed by your final connecting flight to Omaha (OMA).
You will arrive back in Omaha on the morning of July 19th, 2026.
Clear US customs and immigration upon arrival in Detroit before your final domestic connection. Remember to adjust to Central Time.
This 12-day itinerary for Johannesburg can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.