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 O.R. Tambo International Airport and Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg.
Read more
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.
Wanderer’s Rest: a hospitality lounge welcome experience
- Tuesday May 26, 1-11 p.m. local time
- Dress code: Casual
After a full day of travel, we invite you to unwind in Wanderer’s Rest — a thoughtfully designed hospitality lounge, created to help you ease into the program at your own pace. Rather than a traditional welcome reception, this relaxed setting offers a chance to settle in, recharge, and feel at home as the journey begins. Thoughtful surprise touchpoints and warm hospitality will be woven throughout the day, offering small moments of delight as you reconnect with familiar faces, meet fellow qualifiers, and prepare for an exciting and dynamic program ahead. Drop in at leisure; light fare and refreshments will be served all day, with enhanced offerings served during traditional mealtimes.
*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.
Read more
Guest experience: Down to the Wire — from snare to statement
- Wednesday May 27, 12:15-2 p.m. local time
While you are engaged in business networking discussions, guests are invited to participate in Down to the Wire — a unique and meaningful experience that reflects IG’s commitment to shaping a better world. This remarkable South African initiative transforms reclaimed wire from illegal animal snares into beautifully handcrafted jewelry, giving new life to materials once harmful to wildlife. Lunch will be included.
Beyond Boundaries: Golden Gala
- Wednesday May 27, 6-11 p.m. local time
- Dress code: Formal
As the crown jewel of our time in Johannesburg — we invite you to a night designed to honour you and the extraordinary successes you’ve achieved. This year, your accomplishments will be celebrated in fitting grandeur at the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons, the Westcliff. The evening will spotlight your standout performance with some exciting surprises in truly unforgettable style.
Business sessions
Throughout the week, you’ll take part in thoughtfully curated business sessions featuring updates from IG leadership, insights from guest speakers, and the latest market perspectives. These sessions are designed to inform and inspire, with opportunities for meaningful dialogue through interactive table discussions and CEO roundtables.
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 O.R. 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.
Read more
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.
Beyond the Wild: Bush Braai
- Thursday May 28, 7-10 p.m. local time
- Dress code: “Game drive” — Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts, convertible or cargo pants. Fleece or windbreaker for cool mornings. Wide-brim hat or cap and closed-toe shoes or hiking boots. Dress in layers as mornings and evenings can cool considerably.
As dusk settles over the African bush on your first evening at safari, gather beneath the open skies for an unforgettable bush braai experience. Set in the heart of the reserve, this outdoor evening invites you to connect, unwind, and savour the vibrant flavours and sounds of the wild — an authentic and memorable welcome to the journey ahead.
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
CEO Roundtable Working Breakfast 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.
Final Fireside at Boma
- Saturday May 30, 7:30-9:30 p.m. local time
- Dress code: “Safari chic” — a blend of functional, rugged adventure gear with tailored, stylish elements, characterized by neutral palettes (khaki, beige, olive), natural fabrics like linen and cotton, and utility-focused silhouettes.
As the sun dips below the African horizon, your incredible safari adventure draws to a memorable close beneath the open skies of Kapama’s iconic Boma. Set in the heart of the reserve, this final evening invites you to reflect, celebrate, and savour the experience you’ve earned.
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 flight time from Kapama River Lodge to O.R. Tambo International Airport is approximately 35-45 minutes.
All luggage should be clearly labelled so it can be easily identified by our travel partners.
