Events & Reunions

When: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - Tuesday, February 02, 2010 (iCal)

Description

A land of rich biological diversity and fascinating culture, South Africa exceeds the imagination. Our itinerary - including historic cities, scenic vistas and game drives - takes in the best of this storied country. We will visit cosmopolitan Cape Town and see its many highlights; ascend flat-topped Table Mountain for breathtaking views and cruise to historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Our drive will include visits to Cape Point and the Kirstenbosch Gardens, and the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Our Rovos Rail journey takes us to the preserved Victorian village Matjiesfontein and the charming town of Kimberly. In Johannesburg, we will explore Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, and see the homes of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela. Finally, a safari at world-renowned Thornybush Game Reserve should enable us to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo and leopard—as well as zebra, giraffe, kudu and more.

Cost

From $6,145 per person, plus airfare.
Ask about early booking savings of $250 per person!

Contact

For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers, Program Director, in the Office of Alumni Relations at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-THE-ALUM (1-800-843-2586) or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart U.S.

Depart the U.S. for Cape Town, South Africa aboard scheduled jet service. (Flight provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 2 - Arrive in Cape Town

Upon arrival, transfer to the Mount Nelson Hotel and spend the evening relaxing.

Day 3 - Cape Town and Robben Island

This morning, we'll begin our exploration of Cape Town with a tour of the city's many sites. Then, cruise to infamous Robben Island, which was used as an island of exile for nearly 400 years and is the site of the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Today, this isolated island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. During our visit, we'll tour the prison and participate in a private discussion with a former Robben Island prisoner. Then, see the island’s lime quarry and local village.

This evening, join fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception.

Day 4 - Franschhoek and Stellenbosch

Today, venture to the South African Wine Country where we'll visit the towns of Franschhoek, located in the French Corner of the Cape area, and 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 Peninsula National Park, Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Gardens

Travel by motorcoach to the Cape Point Nature Reserve and Ascend Cape Point by funicular to marvel at the panoramic ocean views. Then, travel to Boulders Beach and see the African Penguin colony roaming the beaches before continuing on to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens. Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the gardens display the diverse Cape flora and fauna in a truly picturesque setting.

Day 6 - Matjiesfontein

This morning, board the Rovos Rail, our home for the next two nights, for an exciting ride through South Africa’s countryside. Our first stop is at the perfectly preserved Victorian village of Matjiesfontein where we'll see the town's historic sites, including the platform museum.

Day 7 - Kimberly

Arrive in Kimberly by train today for an an overview of the city, followed by a visit the Mine Museum and the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation in the world.

Day 8 - Arrive in Johannesburg

After a morning at leisure on board the train, we'll arrive in Pretoria, then transfer to nearby Johannesburg and check in at the Westcliff Hotel.

Day 9 - Johannesburg

This morning, we'll visit the Apartheid Museum and view the internationally acclaimed, award-winning exhibits on life in the townships during the 1970s and ‘80s. This afternoon, tour Soweto, where we will see the homes of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela.

Day 10 - Thornybush

This morning, transfer to the Thornybush Game Reserve.

Upon arrival, we'll set out in an open vehicle on an afternoon game drive to begin our quest for the Big Five: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros.

Day 11 - Thornybush

During today’s morning and afternoon drives, we'll try to spot giraffes, blue wildebeest and waterbuck.

Day 12 - Thornybush

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

Day 13 - Thornybush, Depart for U.S.

This morning, we'll embark on our final game drive to look for zebras, eland, kudu and steenbok.

At midday, transfer overland back to Johannesburg tol connect to return flights home. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 14 - Arrive in the U.S.

Arrive in your gateway city.