Journey to Southern Africa
Explore South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe: wildlife safaris, vibrant culture, and the Rovos Rail.
Highlights
- Discover Cape Town’s beauty, tour Robben Island, and spot African penguins at Cape Point.
- Embark on safaris in Kruger, Hwange, and Chobe National Parks, spotting elephants, lions, and antelope.
- Connect with locals in Soweto and Kliptown, learning stories and experiencing South African culture firsthand.
- Spend three nights aboard the Rovos Rail and marvel at spectacular scenery, from the thunder of Victoria Falls to sunset safaris.
This is a shared departure operated by AHI.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Cape Town, South Africa
Day 2: Cape Town
Day 3: Cape Town | Cape Point
Day 4: Robben Island | Cape Town
Day 5: Skukuza | Kruger National Park
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Day 7: Kruger National Park
Day 8: Kruger | Johannesburg | Soweto
Day 9: Pretoria | Rovos Rail | Zimbabwe
Day 10: Zimbabwe
Day 11: Zimbabwe | Hwange National Park
Day 12: Victoria Falls
Day 13: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Day 14: Depart for U.S.
Host
Catherine Badgley
Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Professor, Residential College
U-M Role
I teach courses for first-year and graduate students and have served as the director of the Residential College for the past six years; that term ends before the trip to Southern Africa begins, but I will continue as a faculty member there. My research interests are mammal ecology and biogeography, the global food system, and the fossil record of mammal ecology. I have conducted field work in rural Pakistan, Kenya, China, and the Mojave Desert.
What Excites You About the Trip?
This part of the world has some unique and extraordinary biodiversity, and I look forward to exploring it with the travelers on this trip. Also, there is world-changing human history, from early human evolution to the apartheid struggles in South Africa.
Waitlist Only
Feb. 3-17, 2027
Starting price
$11,495
Deposit per person
$1,000
Countries Visited
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Activity Level
Medium
Feb. 3-17, 2027
Starting price
$11,495
*Single supplement applies
Deposit per person
$1,000
Countries Visited
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Activity Level
Medium
Michigan Alumni Travel is an exclusive member benefit. All travelers, regardless of alumni status, must be members to attend our trips. See our full membership options.
