Treasures of Southern Africa

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Approximately $5,895.00, per person, plus air and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI).

A land of rich biological diversity and fascinating culture, the wonders of South Africa exceed the imagination. Experience historic cities, scenic highlights and exciting game drives during this program that encompasses the best of this storied country. Tour cosmopolitan Cape Town, ascend flat-topped Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views and cruise to historic Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration. Admire the natural beauty of Cape Point and the Kirstenbosch Gardens, and observe the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Travel aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail to Matjiesfontein and the charming town of Kimberly. In Johannesburg, explore Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Finally, enjoy a game-viewing safari at world-renowned Thornybush Game Reserve, where you can see the Big Five — lion, elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo and leopard — as well as zebra, giraffe, kudu and more.

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart for Cape Town, South Africa, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 2
CAPE TOWN

Upon arrival, transfer to the Mount Nelson Hotel. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 3
CAPE TOWN

Excursion: Highlights of Cape Town. Begin your exploration of Cape Town with a tour of its main highlights.

Excursion: Robben Island. For nearly 400 years, isolated Robben Island was a place of exile. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage List site. Cruise to the island and tour the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Participate in a private discussion with a former Robben Island prisoner. Then, see the island’s lime quarry and local village.

Attend a Welcome Reception.

Day 4
CAPE TOWN

Optional Excursion: Wine Country. Journey to Franschhoek, the French Corner of the Cape area. Stroll through Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s most attractive towns. Visit one of the area’s premier wine estates for a tasting and lunch.

Day 5
CAPE TOWN

Excursion: Cape Peninsula National Park, Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Gardens. Travel by motorcoach to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Ascend Cape Point by funicular and marvel at the panoramic ocean views. Travel to Boulders Beach and see the African Penguin colony, then continue to the beautiful 
Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Day 6
MATJIESFONTEIN

This morning, board the Rovos Rail, your home for the next two nights, for an exciting ride through South Africa’s countryside.

Excursion: Matjiesfontein. A stop at this perfectly preserved Victorian village showcases its many high points, including the platform museum.

Day 7
KIMBERLY

Excursion: Kimberly. After an overview of the city, visit the Mine Museum and the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation in the world.

Day 8
JOHANNESBURG

After a morning at leisure on board the train, arrive in Pretoria. Transfer to nearby Johannesburg and check in at the Westcliff Hotel.

Day 9
JOHANNESBURG

Excursion: Soweto. Visit the Apartheid Museum and view the internationally acclaimed, award-winning exhibits on life in the townships during the 1970s and ‘80s. Tour Soweto, where you will see the homes of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela.

Day 10
THORNYBUSH

This morning, transfer overland to the Thornybush Game Reserve.

Excursion: Game Viewing. Set out in an open vehicle on an afternoon game drive. Begin your quest for the Big Five: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros.

Day 11
THORNYBUSH

Excursion: Game Viewing. During today’s morning and afternoon drives, try to spot giraffes, blue wildebeest and waterbuck.

Day 12
THORNYBUSH

Excursion: Game Viewing. Search for spotted genets, impala, common duiker and more than 300 bird species during today’s drives.

Day 13
THORNYBUSH / IN TRANSIT

Excursion: Game Viewing. Look for zebras, eland, kudu and steenbok on your final game drive. At midday, transfer overland back to Johannesburg. There, you’ll connect to the return flight(s) to your gateway city. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 14
Arrive at your gateway city.