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South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls
Day 1 – Washington/Johannesburg – Dulles International Airport to Johannesburg South Africa. Board your International flight from ‘Dulles
to Johannesburg South Africa. The airline schedule to be announced.
Day 2 Johannesburg – Upon arrival into Johannesburg, check through customs and be met by our local representative and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of your day at your leisure. Overnight: Rivonia Bed and Breakfast, Johannesburg.
Day 3 – Johannesburg – Full day Apartheid Museum in Soweto. After an early breakfast at your hotel depart Sandton at 7:30 am to begin your tour of Joberg! Apartheid Museum – The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.
An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualized the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space, and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience. The exhibits have been assembled and organized by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, filmmakers, historians, and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels, and artifacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of the epic saga, known as apartheid.
A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells a story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny.
For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental. Regina Mundi Church is Johannesburg’s biggest township and tourist attraction. Regina Mundi Church, built in 1961 is located in Rockville, Soweto, South Africa. As the largest Roman Catholic Church in the country, the enormous interior can accommodate up to 5000 people. Regina Mundi is renowned for its pivotal role during in the anti-apartheid struggle when the church provided refuge to activists. It also served as the site of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings from 1995 to 1998, the church is now a major historic attraction.
Hector Pieterson Museum – On 16 June 1976 in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, what began as a peaceful march in the name of educational reforms turned to chaos when police troops responded to the demonstrating students with a barrage of live bullets and teargas. One of the most tragic casualties of this debacle was 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, who was killed when he was caught in the crossfire. The Hector Museum, located close to the site of his death, was built to commemorate his untimely passing and the events that ultimately caused it.
Mandela Family Museum – The Mandela Family Museum is where Nelson Mandela, as a lawyer and political activist, lived with his family from 1946 to 1961 – initially with his first wife, Evelyn Mandela, until their divorce and later with his second wife, Winnie Madikazela Mandela – before going on the run from the law. While he was in jail his family continued to live here. The small “matchbox” house has been converted into a Museum displaying an array of multimedia displays, photographs and the great man’s memorabilia. Later enjoy a welcome dinner at Moyo Melrose Arch. Overnight: Rivonia Bed and Overnight Rivonia B/L/D
Day 4 – Johannesburg/Venda – Early breakfast and depart no later than 730am. It’s a good 5 to 6.6 hr drive up to Venda. Sit back, get some extra rest or watch the countryside unfold. You will have 1.5 days of touring in Venda.
Meet different artists, textile projects, and markets. The textile weaver, beaders, potters and wood carvers – these talented craftsmen make up the heady mix that is their culture. Shiluvari is situated along the banks of the Albasini Dam. This side of the Soutpansberg is both magical and mysterious. Shiluvari is set in the midst of a rich heritage of Venda & Shangaan culture and showcases the world-renowned Venda “big five’ artists can be found. You will be entranced with tales of Python Gods, magic mountains, and singing Drums!! Overnight Shiluvari Lodge, standard room DBB.
Day 5 – Enjoy an early breakfast and spend a full day with your guide exploring deeper into this area, including the Twanani batic project. You can also visit a preschool, the pottery village, a health clinic, drum makers, wood carvers, the town of Elim, and who knows what spontaneous experiences will arrive on our doorstep. In this part of the world, if there some ceremony, etc. You may just get invited! Venda overnight Shiluvari Lodge DBB
Day 6 – Return to Johannesburg – Your guide in Venda is a nationally known birding expert. Possibly this morning the group can get into Safari mode and spend some time birding, before the return drive to the Johannesburg Airport. We need to leave Venda no later than 10 am so as to arrive in Johannesburg between 4 – 5 pm… time to rest up. Victoria Falls and an African Safari awaits! Garden Court airport Hotel OR Tambo, BB
Day 7 – Victoria Falls – Early morning breakfast and then take the hotel shuttle back to the airport and check-in for your flight to Vitoria Falls Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, your driver/guide will transfer you to your home for the next two nights. Once the group is ready Begin a privately guided tour of the World Famous Victoria Falls. Return to the hotel later afternoon. Hotel is on a Bed and Breakfast basis. Cresta Sprayview Hotel BB. Airline schedule to be announced
Day 8 – Victoria Falls – Today you have the company of a local guide so you can explore the arts/craft/textile area of Victoria Falls. He will also take you outside of the city to a village where they do some paintings on textiles and make grass mats. Return back to the hotel early noon and spend the rest of the day on your own. Cresta Sprayview Hotel BB
Day 9 – Chobe National Park Botswana! It’s Safari Time !!! After breakfast, you will head to Chobe Botswana for our 2N safari stay. When ready we will begin exploring this region.
Chobe National Park – Game Drive – The Chobe region is teeming with wildlife, and is, as such, a safari lover’s Mecca. There are over 75 species of mammals in the area, including tens of thousands of elephants in the adjacent Chobe National Park. Enjoy guided game drives, led by experienced and qualified guides in an open safari vehicle. The Chobe National Park has some of the largest concentrations of game on the African continent, and regular sightings include the giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and bushbuck.
River Boat Cruise – As an accompaniment to your game drive, step out onto a reliable boat that graciously explores the Chobe River and introduces guests to the various animals and bird species that frequent it.
The Chobe region is teeming with wildlife, and is, as such, a safari-lover’s Mecca. There are over 75 species of mammals in the area surrounding Cresta Mowana Safari Resort, including tens of thousands of elephants in the adjacent Chobe National Park. To take full advantage of this incredible wealth of game, enjoy guided game drives whilst staying at the resort. The game drives are led by an experienced and qualified guide in an open safari vehicle. The game drive is also the ideal opportunity to capture the African wilderness in what are sure to be spectacular photographs. The Chobe National Park has some of the largest concentrations of game on the African continent, and regular sightings include giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and bushbuck.
The cycle of game activities will be 2 per day one in the am and one in the pm. Your guide will fill you in on times once you reach the lodge. Cresta Mowana Safari Resort B/L/D
Day 10 – Continued Chobe Safari. Cresta Mowana Safari Resort B/L/D
Day 11 – Fly to Gaborone, Botswana – After your morning game activity, depart for the local airport for your midday flight to Gaborone. After our arrival into Gaborone Airport, You will transfer to the hotel via a city tour. The Gaborone city tour includes a visit to the National Museum
/Art Gallery. Once the group has checked in, you will depart for the Bahurutsi Village tour which will include a traditional meal. The Bahurutshe Cultural Lodge is a traditional village located in Mmankgodi. It is 35km from the capital city of Botswana. Overnight Cresta Lodge. B/L/D
Day 12 – Bostwana/Durban – After early morning breakfast, You will continue with a short tour to Mochudi Cultural Village. Like most major villages in Botswana, Mochudi is a mixture of old and new, traditional and modern, as is best seen through changing architectural preferences in housing.
The main attraction in Mochudi is the Phuthadikobo Museum which is perched at the top of a hill and holds a rich history of Bakgatla tribe and Batswana in general. Its collection of historical photographs shows women making pottery, blacksmiths operating bellows, chiefs making rain, houses being decorated, and boys’ and girls’ initiation rites.
Artifacts include pottery, basketry, and other traditional utensils, weaponry, as well as Regent Isang’s rain-making pots. The group will reach Durban later afternoon/early evening departing Gaborone flying to Johannesburg, clearing customs, and continue to Durban. Boxed lunches will be provided. Airline schedule to be announced. Overnight: Kingston House or similar B/L
Day 13 – Durban Markets – This morning, visit the Phansi Museum (art/craft museum), then the African Art Center. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Art café where a specialized textile designer will come to speak with the group for about 20 to 30 minutes. If the group has interest she can bring a few handmade quilts.
In the afternoon along with the designer, the group can explore the Victoria Street markets i.e. bead, spice, and herbal market. She will take the group to a specialized African textile store in the area. Kingston House or similar B
Day 14 – Midlands Meander – Enjoy an early breakfast and then spend a day enjoying the midland meander route including a stop at the Ubuhle Beads Little Farm, as well as the well-known Ardmore Ceramics. Visit the artistic memorial Mandela capture site in Howick which is en route to Nottingham Road. Return to Durban for the night. Kingston House or similar B
Day 15– Fly to Cape Town – Culinary Market – After early breakfast You will fly to Cape Town. Upon arrival, head for the culinary market by the waterfront, after which, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day is at your leisure. B
Day 16 – Cape Town – Robben Island/Cape Malay – ** Cooking Class with Lunch/Table Mountain.** After breakfast your guide will accompany you to the ferry terminal for your 9:00 am Robben Island Tour. Robben Island (Afrikaans: Robben Island is an island in Table Bay 4.3 mi west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cape Town has an African fabric store with fabrics, and garments from across Africa, as they will make to order. If this is of interest, it should be visited on this day, to give time for any garments to be made. Upon our return from the Island you will be greeted by your guide, and take a short drive through the city to the colorful Bo Kaap area, meaning “above the Cape”. Be greeted and hosted by a local family in their home, where everyone will participate in cooking and then sharing together our Cape Malay meal. Afterwards, visit the spice store and there will be time for some photos of this richly colorful area. Later, make our way to Table Mountain where you will end this full day on top of this new wonder of the world. Return to your hotel later afternoon. Premiere Hotel B/D
Day 17 – Scenic Cape Point Tour with Lunch – After an early breakfast, head to Cape Point area where the currents of the Indian and Atlantic merge together. Enjoy lunch at one of the fishing villages at a local sea food restaurant. The Cape of Good Hope Tour, the mother of all scenic tours in South Africa. You’ll soon see for yourself why it earned its name.
You will start your Cape of Good Hope Tour by simply sitting back and relaxing, as you cruise along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Camps Bay and Clifton to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbor of Hout Bay; if you so choose, you can embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (own account).
Thereafter, wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views, before arriving at our lunch spot of choice (own account): the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.
Then it’s on to Cape Point where (by tradition) two marine ecosystems and oceans meet. Here experience the grandeur of one of the highest sea cliffs in the world, the drama of the two mighty oceans meeting to become one, the scenic splendor, intriguing history and abundant visitor attractions of the Cape of Good Hope at the South-Western most tip of Africa.
There is a choice to either walk up to the point or ride on the funicular. After lunch, the coach moves through to Boulders Beach, this is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African (or ‘Jackass’) penguin, which may easily be viewed closer from the boardwalk.
Later, drive through the historic naval base of Simon’s Town where you will enjoy lunch. Simons Town is the location of the headquarters of the South African Navy and the town’s naval associations go back to the time of the British occupation of the Cape when it was the base for their South African squadron. If time permits, take advantage of the Bohemian-style shops of Kalk Bay. Continue through Muizenberg, returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Premiere Hotel B/L
Day 18 – Cape Winelands/Fare Well Dinner – You will head to the Cape Winelands, transfer to Stellenbosch – short walking tour of Stellenbosch wine estate – wine tasting and lunch, Franschhoek wine estate – cellar tour and wine tasting and also Franschhoek – short walking tour.
Stellenbosch is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, situated about 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Cape Town, along the banks of the Eerste River at the foot of the Stellenbosch Mountain. It is the second oldest European settlement in the province, after Cape Town. The town became known as the City of Oaks or Eikestad in Afrikaans and Dutch due to the large number of oak trees that were planted by its founder, Simon van der Stel, to grace the streets and homesteads.
Cape Dutch architecture is a traditional Afrikaner architectural style found mostly in Western Cape of South Africa. The style was prominent in the early days (17th century) of the Cape Colony, and the name derives from the fact that the initial settlers of the Cape were primarily Dutch. The style has roots in medieval Netherlands, Germany, France and Indonesia.
Houses in this style have a distinctive and recognizable design, with a prominent feature being the grand, ornately rounded gables, reminiscent of features in townhouses of Amsterdam built in the Dutch style.
The Cape Dutch architectural style is defined by the following characteristics: Whitewashed walls, thatched roofing, large wooden sash cottage panes, external wooden shutters, long horizontal structures, usually single or double story, often with dormer windows, green detailing is often used. The rest of the afternoon is free until you meet this evening for a farewell dinner at the Gold Museum complete with North African theatrical acts and food from across Africa. It’s a unique African restaurant in the heart of Cape Town. The 14-course Cape Malay and African menu is a taste safari that will transport you from Table Mountain to Timbuktu. This culinary experience is accompanied by unique interactive traditional entertainment.
The Restaurant offers 3 unique performances during your dinner, starting with a praise singer who will greet you and introduce you to the singers, dancers, puppets and musicians.
The second performance showcases the vibrant dancing and celebrations in Africa. Be captivated during dinner by our tall, graceful Mali Puppets as they dance around your table accompanied by drummers, dancers and singers. This live entertainment will embrace and transport you into the heart of Africa.
The third performance is in honor of our royal African queens. Our queen will scatter 24 carat gold dust on our guests to say thank you for visiting us. Guests can also participate every evening in an interactive drum circle where each participant is taught the different sounds and rhythms of the djembe. Premiere Hotel B/D
Day 19 – Cape Town/USA – Morning is free. Times to depart for the airport will be announced. B
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Inclusions
International air from JFK, New York or Washington, Dulles Airport
or Meet & Greet service at Airports as specified.
24 hour service Customer Care Centre.
Accommodation, transfers, meals, day tours and activities as specified.
Trip meals included breakfast daily,6 lunch’s and 6 dinners.
Hotel and airport porterage
International, Regional and Domestic Air.
Exclusions
• All items of a personal nature.
• All tours, entrance fees and transfers not specified in the inclusions above.
• All meals not specified in the inclusions above.
• Travel/Baggage/Medical Insurance
• All drinks and gratuities otherwise not included.
End Of Tour
