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NELSON MANDELA SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTPRINTS TOUR SPECIALIZED DESIGNED BY AFRICAN TRAVEL CANVAS AND DAN DUNN

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people, I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.  I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all people live together in harmony and with equal opportunities – Nelson Mandela

 
The following tour will provide you with a unique opportunity to journey in the footsteps of a global icon, Nelson Mandela.  In addition it will be a historical journey where luminaries such as Mahatma Ghandi, Chief Albert Luthuli, John Dube, as well as Steve Biko who have aided the  freedom struggles of South Africa.   Included in the tour you will also visit the  Island Kingdom of Lesotho.  We enjoy a safari experience in the Eastern Cape at the Addo Elephant Park and experience the beauty and cultural diversity of the Cape.
 
ITINERARY
 
DAY 1
Depart from home on an overnight flight to Johannesburg.  We gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. o/n Balalaika Hotel or similar – b/b
 
DAY 2
After breakfast we proceed to Liliesleaf Farm – the headquarters of the military wing of the African National Congress.  Prominent leaders of South African struggle against apartheid sought shelter and in 1963  were arrested and tried in the subsequent Rivonia Treason Trial - to spend over 25 years in prison.  We continue to Soweto which stands for Southwestern Township. Here you will find a composite of what is South Africa today. You will peek into the past and read the path of greatness taken by Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu.  Visit Hector Petersen Memorial and Nelson Mandela House, where the former President lived with his family.  Lunch en route.  o/n Balalaika Hotel or similar – b/b
 
DAY 3
This morning after check out we head for the Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.  A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells a story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny.  In the afternoon we head for the OR Tambo Airport for a flight to Durban.  Upon arrival we head immediately to the Luthuli museum.  Chief Albert Luthuli was president of the African National Congress from 1952 until his death in 1967.   In 1961, for his outstanding efforts to secure political freedom in apartheid South Africa, Chief Luthuli received the 1960 Nobel Prize for Peace.  Facing mounting pressure nationally and internationally, the South African Government permitted Luthuli to receive his prize in Norway. Our next call will be the Phoenix Settlement where one the major leaders, Mahatma Gandhi conceptualized his philosophy of passive resistance against injustice.  We continue to Ohlange Institute founded by an extraordinary man John Dube. He became the first president of the African National Congress in 1912. After a busy day we head for our hotel.   o/n North Beach Garden Court Hotel or similar – b/b
 
DAY  4
This morning we travel through to Pietermaritzburg where many famous people have left their mark on the city, Queen Victoria, Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela.  After driving through the main street, we stop at the railway station where Ghandi was forcibly removed from the first class carriage in 1893. This was the start of his politicization and his Passive Restistance campaign.  Continue down passed his statue for a brief visit to the Tatham Art Gallery. Later we enjoy the beautiful Howick falls from a viewing platform. We continue to the Nelson Mandela Capture site – from here his journey endured 27 years of imprisonment which was part of his long walk to freedom.   In the vicinity we view an exhibition -Leader, Comrade, Negotiator, Prisoner, Statesman on the life and times of Nelson Mandela.  In the late afternoon we drive through the countryside to Underberg.  o/n The Old Hatchery or similar – b/b
 
DAY 5
Today we participate in the awe-inspiring Sani Pass climb. This reaches an altitude of 2874m and then into the “Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.  It is the gateway to the Roof of Africa -   views are breathtaking and spectacular.  We will also have an unique experience with the Basotho People as well as having lunch at the highest pub in Africa prior to descending to the Underberg.  o/n The Old Hatchery or similar – b/b
 
DAY 6
An early start to the day where we head for Mthatha  -  driving through the scenic rolling hills passing Kokstad.  We check into the hotel and enjoy a light luncheon before we head for Qunu – Nelson Mandela Museum.  It is to Qunu that Nelson Mandela returned after his release in prison, where he has built a home that is a replica of the house in which he lived at Victor Vester prison during his last remaining years in jail.  Here is the family graveyard where his parents and children are laid to rest as well as his original home where his mother presided over three huts, taught him the legends and fables of his peoples.  The granite stone that he used to slide down until “our backsides were so sore we could’nt sit down” can also be seen here.  We spend the afternoon at the youth and heritage centre and also explore the area where Nelson Mandela grew up.  o/n Mthatha Holiday inn – b/b
 
DAY 7
Be prepared for a long journey driving from Mthatha to King Williamstown to view the Steve Biko Memorial and the Garden of Remembrance. He founded the Black Conciousness Movement which would empower and mobilize much of the urban black population.  Since his death in police custody, he has been called a martyr of the anit-apartheid movement.  His writings attempted to empower black people and he was famous for his slogan “black is beautiful”.   We continue to Port Elizabeth to the Addo Elephant Game Park.  The third largest National Park in South Africa, Addo has expanded to conserve a wide biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Today this ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle.  Enjoy a game drive in the afternoon.
o/n Addo Elephant – b/b

DAY 8
We enjoy a morning game drive in the park, have a delightful breakfast and transfer through to the Port Elizabeth Airport to connect with a flight to Cape Town.   Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. o/n Commodore Hotel– b/b
 
DAY 9
Take a leisurely walk to the Nelson Mandela Museum - board a cruise that will take you on Robben Island for a tour.  The island is well known for its detention of prisoners, including scores of political leaders and activists during the anti-apartheid struggle, one being Nelson Mandela who became the first black president of South Africa.  The tour will include visits to President Mandela’s cell and the limestone quarry.  After the tour cruise back to the waterfront and travel through to the Lelapa Restaurant for lunch.  In the afternoon commence on a township tour before heading back to the city. o/n Commodore Hotel – b/b
 
DAY 10
We make our way directly to the lower cableway station where we take a cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain (weather permitting)  From here we have spectacular views of the city, harbour and Robben Island.  We then descend the mountain and embark on a city orientation tour which includes the Bo-Kaap and District Six.  Return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. o/n Commodore Hotel – b/b
 
DAY 11
After breakfast we commence on a winelands tour which will include a cellar tour and wine tasting at one of the award winning wine farms.  An exciting part of the day would be a tour of Victor Vester Prison conducted by the Drakenstein correctional service, where we will have an opportunity to see where Nelson Mandela spent his last 18 months before being released.  
 
DAY 12
Depart the hotel and travel along the Atlantic coast past the popular beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno en route to the fishing village of Hout Bay.  We continue along the beautiful and well known Chapmans Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (Cape Point).  Take a stroll to the lighthouse and stop to admire the breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.  After lunch, travel along the False Bay coastline to the Boulders Beach to visit a colony of African penguins. Pass through the historical naval base Simonstown and continue along the False Bay coastline.  Return to the hotel.

DAY 13
Spend the morning at leisure.  Afternoon outbound transfer…
 
END OF TOUR – WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN!!!

AFRICAN TRAVEL CANVAS

DANIEL DUNN


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From our Southern Africa Regional World Edition