Trip Type: Cultural Connection
AAUM Representative(s): J. David Allan
Physical Activity Level: Moderately Active
Highlights:
- Tour cosmopolitan Cape Town and ascend flat-topped Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views
- Visit historic Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration
- Admire the natural beauty of Cape Point and observe the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach
- Experience two nights on the luxurious Rovos Rail
- Marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls, known as “The Smoke that Thunders”
- Explore Soweto and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
- Enjoy a game-viewing safari where you can see elephants, lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, giraffes and more
Day 1: U.S.
Depart gateway city for Cape Town aboard scheduled jet service.
Day 2: In Transit
Day 3: Cape Town
Upon arrival, transfer to the Mount Nelson Hotel.
Educational Focus: History and Culture of South Africa.
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.
Accommodations: Mount Nelson Hotel
Day 4: Cape Town/Robben Island
Excursion: Cape Town. Discover Cape Town’s highlights on a tour, and then ascend Table Mountain for spectacular views over the city.
Excursion: Robben Island. A former Robben Island prisoner leads a tour of the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, and provides insight into life at the facility. Then, see the island’s lime quarry and local village.
Accommodations: Mount Nelson Hotel
Day 5: Cape Town/Cape Peninsula
Excursion: Cape Peninsula National Park, Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Gardens. Travel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Ascend Cape Point by funicular and marvel at the panoramic views. At Boulders Beach, see the African Penguin colony. Continue to Kirstenbosch Gardens to admire the stunning beauty of South Africa’s unique flora.
Accommodations: Mount Nelson Hotel
Day 6: Johannesburg
Fly to Johannesburg and check in at the Westcliff Hotel.
Accommodations: Westcliff Hotel
Day 7: Johannesburg/Soweto
Excursion: Apartheid Museum and Soweto. Visit the Apartheid Museum and view the internationally acclaimed exhibits on life in the townships during the 1970s and 1980s. Continue to Soweto to see the homes of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela.
Educational Focus: Contemporary South Africa.
Accommodations: Westcliff Hotel
Day 8: Rovos Rail
This morning, board the Rovos Rail, your home for the next two nights, for an exciting ride through South Africa’s countryside.
Accommodations: Rovos Rail
Day 9: Rovos Rail
Enjoy the amazing scenery on this thrilling ride through some of South Africa’s loveliest countryside.
Accommodations: Rovos Rail
Day 10: Victoria Falls
This evening, check into the Victoria Falls Hotel. It offers spectacular views of the falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Accommodations: Victoria Falls Hotel
Day 11: Chobe National Park
Excursion: Victoria Falls. Visit these thundering waterfalls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nicknamed “The Smoke that Thunders,” this impressive waterfall is twice the height of Niagara, and spans over a mile in width.
Later, transfer to Botswana and the Chobe National Park. Upon arrival, check into the Chobe Game Lodge.
Excursion: Game Viewing. The second largest park in Botswana, Chobe is home to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including lions, leopards, Cape buffalos and elephants. An evening game drive allows you to witness its diversity.
Accommodations: Chobe Game Lodge
Day 12: Chobe
Excursion: Game Viewing. Chobe is renowned for its elephant population. See if you can spot these famous residents during morning and afternoon game drives.
Accommodations: Chobe Game Lodge
Day 13: Chobe
Excursion: Game Viewing. Look for puku antelope, spotted hyenas and giraffes during game drives. Attend a Farewell Reception and Dinner.
Accommodations: Chobe Game Lodge
Day 14: Chobe/In Transit
Excursion: Game Viewing. On your final game drive this morning; watch for zebras, eland and impalas.
Transfer to Livingston airport for the flight to Johannesburg, and board a return flight to your gateway city.
Day 15: Return to the U.S.
Arrive at your gateway city.
