PROGRAM
SCHEDULE
PROGRAM SCHEDULE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
*Subject to changes
Travel Day
Your Departure
Please note that for a recommended arrival of May 26th into Johannesburg, most flight itineraries depart Canada on either May 24th or May 25th, and plan your travel accordingly.
Day 1
Group Arrivals
Arrivals from Canada can vary starting at 8:30 a.m., however most flight paths arrive between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Travel times, including layovers, will range from about 18 to 30+ hours. Check our travel tips for information on planning for long travel days. Transfers will be provided between R.O. Tambo International Airport and Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg.
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Depending on airport traffic, it may take around 60 minutes to disembark, clear customs, and collect your luggage. All luggage should be clearly labelled so it can be easily identified by our travel partners. Once you arrive in Johannesburg, locate our transportation partner who will assist with retrieving your luggage and loading it onto the transfer vehicle. Please stay with our travel partners at all times when navigating the airport. MCI will then escort you to our planned transfers. The transfer time from the airport to the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg is approximately 35-45 minutes.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be warmly welcomed upon check-in. As there is no formal function on this evening, take this opportunity to visit the Hospitality Lounge to decompress, enjoy some light bites, and receive more information about your week.
*the hospitality lounge will be located in the Jacaranda Ballroom
Day 2
General Session & Gala Awards
Welcome to your Presidents Academy! Join us for a focused and enriching day of business sessions at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg. Set within a serene environment, this day is designed to keep you fully immersed without the need to leave the property.
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The day begins with a welcome breakfast, followed by a dynamic general session. Lunch will be served on-site, allowing you to recharge and connect with peers.
In the afternoon, enjoy some well-deserved free time to relax, refresh, and prepare for the evening’s highlight — the Gala Awards Dinner, a celebration of excellence and achievement.
Please note: For your convenience and safety, all activities will take place within the hotel grounds.
Day 3
Breakfast and transfers to Kapama River Lodge
After an inspiring day of sessions, enjoy a networking breakfast before preparing for the next chapter of the journey.
You will be transferred via domestic flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, where the adventure continues at the stunning Kapama River Lodge. This day is designed to be smooth and stress-free, allowing attendees to relax and take in the transition from city to safari. You will meet our travel partners at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff lobby pickup location and be transferred back to R.O. Tambo International Airport, which will be a 35-45 minute transfer. Your flight will take place midday, with time in the morning to enjoy your breakfast.
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Note that there are very specific weight restrictions on the domestic flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. Please be sure to pack accordingly, keeping in mind what items are needed in Kapama versus Johannesburg. Please reference our helpful travel tips for guidance on what to pack for each destination.
Checked luggage
The luggage allowance per person is 1 checked piece of luggage not weighing more than 20kgs – 44 pounds. The maximum dimensions of any one piece of checked baggage permitted (H) 35 inches x (W)28 inches x (L)17 inches.
Hand luggage
1 piece of hand luggage is allowed per person not exceeding 8 kgs – 17 pounds. (H) 22 Inches x (W) 14 inches x (L) 9 inches.
Enjoy the afternoon and evening being welcomed to your home away from home.
Day 4
Experience Kapama
Your days at Kapama will start before sunrise and end with sundown. Be prepared with neutral, lightweight layers that are easy to add on and remove. The day will be spent fully immersed in the Kapama experience, with time being spent between the savannah and the lodge. This is also a great day to plan to explore the spa or relax by the pool. Please take a look at our travel tips for more information on what to wear and how to prepare for your time at Kapama. Surprises await you throughout your time here, stay tuned for more details!
Day 5
Breakout Discussions and Farewell Evening
As the journey nears its close, Day 5 offers your final opportunities for exploring wildlife, meaningful dialogue, and connection. The morning will also include breakout discussions, where attendees will engage in focused conversations, share insights, and explore key takeaways from the week. These sessions are designed to foster collaboration and spark ideas that carry forward beyond the event.
Following the breakouts, guests will have one last opportunity to experience the Savannah and have time to relax and prepare for the evening’s farewell event.
Day 6
Group Departures
After an exhilarating week of transformation and connection, we’ll be saying goodbye to Kapama River Lodge and making our way back to Johannesburg for your flight home. Arrangements will be made for the collection and check-in of your luggage. Most international gateway departures begin after 4:00 PM local time and transfer time from Kapama River Lodge to R.O. Tambo International Airport is approximately 35-45 minutes.
All luggage should be clearly labelled so it can be easily identified by our travel partners.
