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DAY 1 NORTH AMERICA /
ENROUTE. Depart from the United States
on your flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Overnight on board.
DAY 2 CAPE TOWN.
Upon arrival into Cape Town, we are transferred to our hotel. Dinner and
overnight in Cape Town.
DAY 3 CAPE TOWN.
After a wonderful buffet breakfast, our group will meet
in the lobby of the hotel before we are transferred to Cape Town Harbor.
Depart on a Robben Island Boat Excursion. Transfer to the Victoria and
Alfred Waterfront to embark on a 3 hour cruise to one of South Africa’s
world heritage sights. Robben Island – the prison that symbolizes “South
Africa’s triumph of freedom and human dignity over repression and
humiliation, a triumph of wisdom and largeness of spirit against small
minds and pettiness, a triumph of courage and determination over human
frailty and weakness, a triumph of non-racism over bigotry and
intolerance, a triumph of the New South Africa over the old”. The
journey takes about 30 minutes. On arrival, a guided walking tour
follows to the Maximum Security prison where today’s leaders such as
Nelson Mandela were imprisoned. The walk then continues to the northwest
corner of the island, scene of many shipwrecks. The Islands fascinating
history even involved the Second World War and we will be able to see
the military air field as we walk along the island. Transfer back to
Cape Town by ferry. Upon returning to the Victoria and Alfred
Waterfront, spend the afternoon shopping at the many shopping
opportunities that exist in this wonderful complex. Return to the hotel
in the late afternoon. (if inclement weather occurs, tours will be
conducted to Mitchell’s Plain & Khayelitsha Townships)
 DAY
4 CAPE TOWN. Continue along the coastal
road through Scarborough, which is mainly a cluster of weekend cottages
close to the oddly shaped roadside landmark known as Camel rock. As you
continue on the way to the Cape Point Nature Reserve you will notice all
the trees grow at an angle, hoping to get away from the relentless and
venomous south-easterly winds, which commonly known at the Cape Doctor.
Ascend to the highest point of the Reserve with the funicular, to enjoy
the spectacular views, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans merge.
Continue through Simon’s Town, an old Naval Base, and Constantia. Pass
the official residence of South Africa’s President before returning to
our hotel.
DAY 5 CAPE TOWN / DURBAN.
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we make visits to Paarl and
Silvertown. Then we transfer to the airport for the flight to Durban.
Upon arrival in Durban, we will be met and transferred to our hotel.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Durban.
DAY 6 DURBAN.
Early morning departure from our hotel this morning. Packed breakfast
will be provided on the coach. We travel to day to the Hluhluwe Game
Reserve where we will have a full day tour. Lunch is included at the
Dumazulu Cultural Village today. We return to our hotel in Durban for
dinner and overnight. Evening worship service at the hotel.
 DAY
7 DURBAN / JOHANNESBURG.
This morning we travel past Sea Point
and Camps Bay, the famous beaches of Clifton and Llandudno towards Hout
Bay. Continue along scenic route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature
Reserve. Driving inland via Constantia Nek, and over Die Ou Kaapse Weg
with it’s views over False Bay and the Peninsula’s lakes, continue south
passing through Kommetjie – meaning “little bowl”. Kommetjie derives its
name from a natural basin shaped tidal pool.
DAY 8 JOHANNESBURG.
This morning you will visit Soweto, a familiar name around the world,
which is actually an acronym for Southwest Township. It is home for more
than 2 million "blacks and colored's" to use the designation of
apartheid. The laws of apartheid had prohibited blacks from living
within the city proper save for a few live-in female house workers.
During the daylight hours, downtown Johannesburg looked just like Newark
or Detroit. At night, it was suddenly all White as if someone had waved
a wand and made the Blacks disappear. Their exodus was to the sprawling
township, southwest of Johannesburg, hence its name - Soweto. The name
Soweto has been burned into our consciousness by the children's uprising
against the hated Bantu education that prepared the Blacks for service
jobs only and the Afrikaner language for its usefulness to the
prospective masters and employers. From the children's revolt until the
present, Soweto was the scene, oftentimes the center, of the resistance
against apartheid and the racist regime. Time and again, Soweto has been
the site of confrontation between the proponents for liberation and the
armed might of the South African Defense Forces. Nelson Mandela's home
is in Soweto as well as Desmond Tutu's. As you approach Soweto on the
super-highways, one can see a blue-gray smoke that hangs like a pall
over the entire area stretching for 17 miles. Soweto in its expanse and
nearly 50 communities would make ten Harlems! There is Orlando East,
Orlando West, Kliptown, Chiewelo, Eldorado Park, Niceville, Lineas,
Racecourse, etc. Time is saved for Anglican Church of Orlando West which
was Bishop Tutu's seat before he was elevated to Archbishop of South
Africa. See Nelson Mandela’s and Desmond Tutu’s homes. Remainder of the
day at leisure to enjoy independent activities. Dinner and overnight in
Johannesburg.
DAY 9 JOHANNESBURG.
Drive north over the Transvaal Highveld for a full day tour of Pretoria,
one of South Africa's three capital cities. Visit the Voortrekkar
(Pioneer) Monument, historic Church Square dominated by Paul Kruger's
statue and the Union buildings - seat of the government. Dinner and
overnight in Johannesburg.
DAY 10 JOHANNESBURG.
Morning and early afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon departure to the
Johannesburg Airport for our return flight to New York.
DAY 11 NEW YORK.
Arrival back in New York in the morning local time. |
