In The Footsteps of Mandela
South Africa
9 days
Embark on a provocative journey of inspiration through the vibrant and culturally diverse "Rainbow Nation." The fascinating history of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa is brought to life through a collection of soulful encounters with the people and places he touched in his efforts to end apartheid. Round out your stay with a wildlife safari revealing the country’s natural beauty.
Beyond enjoying an iconic South African safari and the rewarding experience of connecting with Africa’s culture in Johannesburg and Cape Town, those that safari later this year will enjoy additional savings. Please contact a safari consultant with more details or to customize this trip.
Highlights
Explore the surrounding Cape Town townships, meet the people and be inspired by their amazing stories.
Discover the heritage and history of South Africa on a full schedule of excursions including a ferry ride to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in prison, now a historical landmark.
Experience the thrill and excitement of viewing wildlife in their natural habitat as a guest of a private game lodge.
Enjoy vibrant music and a delicious African meal at Gold, a unique African restaurant.
Accommodations
1. The Portswood Hotel
South Africa, Cape Town
The Portswood Hotel, in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is a part of Cape Town's history. It is the ideal place for any traveler looking for a historical experience combined with luxury accommodation. The restaurant and lobby are built around the original well and holding cells for prisoners, enroute to Robben Island 300 years ago. All the rooms have individual air-conditioners, television, tea/coffee making facilities, bathroom with bath and shower, direct dial telephones, hair dryer, and complimentary wireless internet access. The pool deck and terrace is the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing or shopping, with the terrace serving light meals and snacks throughout the day. The Quarterdeck Restaurant offers fine dining specializing in Malaysian/Cape Malay cuisine and the cocktail bar is open for refreshments from noon until the late evening. Additional hotel amenities include 24-hour room service, valet, same day laundry and dry cleaning services.
2. DAVINCI Hotel and Suites
South Africa, Johannesburg
Located on Nelson Mandela Square, the DAVINCI Hotel and Suites offers comfort and convenience in the heart of the Sandton business and shopping district. The luxury hotel rooms with a comfortable open plan design, feature en-suite bathrooms and separate shower, HD LCD televisions, individually controlled air-conditioning, direct dialing telephone, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary internet access. Dining options within the hotel and nearby cater to all cravings, from fine cuisine to light casual meals. Take time to dip in the infinity edge swimming pool or sip on a cocktail at the lounge. Start your morning with a good work out at the gym or simply get pampered in the wellness spa.
3. Kapama River Lodge
South Africa, Kruger Private Reserve
Kapama River Lodge is positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River. Decorated to reflect old Africa, the air-conditioned suites feature full, en-suite bathrooms and private patios with uninterrupted views over the Big Five game reserve. Amenities include fans, hairdryers, mini-bar, safe, telephone, Wi-Fi internet access and tea/coffee making facilities. The central lodge area includes an enclosed dining area, where breakfasts and lunches are served and a bar and lounge with two large fireplaces. Evening meals are often enjoyed seated around a crackling fire in the Rhino Boma, where buffet meals showcase the pan-African dishes. The large rim-flow swimming pool is the perfect place to relax on a lazy afternoon. Activities at Kapama include morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles and guided bush walks, conducted by experienced rangers. All game viewing drives and walks are shared with fellow camp guests.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
With a warm South African welcome you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
The Portswood Hotel
Day 2. Cape Town
Today's Cape Peninsula sightseeing will immerse you in spectacular ocean vistas. Keep your camera on hand to photograph the scenic coastline as you wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive and explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. View the colony of penguins at Boulders Beach. (B)
The Portswood Hotel
Day 3. Cape Town
Visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. This historic landmark and UNESCO site pays tribute to the triumph of freedom and human dignity. (B)
The Portswood Hotel
Day 4. Cape Town
Today’s township excursion offers insight into South Africa's abundance of hope and creative energy. Meet the people empowering their local communities through grassroots development programs. Spend time with children at a preschool or seniors at a retirement home. Visit an urban garden or a literacy workshop and be touched by the wonderful raw energy of the "Rainbow Nation" in one unforgettable morning. Later tonight, enjoy a vibrant and authentic African culinary experience. (BD)
The Portswood Hotel
Day 5. Cape Town / Johannesburg
Leave the “Mother City” for your flight north to Johannesburg and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B)
Davinci Hotel and Suites
Day 6. Johannesburg
Delve deeper into South Africa's turbulent past with a trip to Soweto, a sprawling multicultural metropolis of more than 3.5 million people on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Visit Freedom Square, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, formerly home to both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Visit the Apartheid Museum for a deeper look at the humbling and ultimately inspiring journey from the dark days of segregation to Mandela's release from prison, and his policy of reconciliation rather than retribution. (B)
Davinci Hotel and Suites
Day 7. Johannesburg / Kruger Private Reserve
Your journey continues as you fly off to your safari adventure. After a short road transfer you will find yourself in a wildlife haven. Meet your game ranger and hop aboard an open vehicle for an afternoon game drive. Look out for the Big Five and an abundance of bird life. (BLD)
Kapama River Lodge
Day 8. Kruger Private Reserve
Awaken with the soft light of sunrise when the animals are most lively. Join your ranger for a game drive or try a bushwalk to focus on smaller wildlife and plants. Return to your lodge for some leisure time at the pool or relax with a book. In the afternoon set off in search of the regal kudu, or the waterbuck with its distinctive white circle around the tail. After an exhilarating day, join your companions for refreshing drinks and a hearty dinner. Spend your last evening, watching the Southern constellations illuminate the sky. (BLD)
Kapama River Lodge
Day 9. Kruger Private Reserve / Depart
After an early morning game drive and substantial breakfast, bid farewell to your new found safari friends as you transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and your onward arrangements. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply Jan 01-04, Dec 20-31. Restrictions may apply. Please contact a safari consultant with more details or to customize this trip.
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Cape Town - Kruger Park - Johannesburg
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