Overview
Features
Itinerary
Overview (Return to top)
A land of spectacular biological and cultural diversity, the wonders of South Africa exceed the imagination. Poised between soaring mountains and expansive sea vistas, cosmopolitan Cape Town spans from its unique flat-topped Table Mountain to historic Robben Island to the serene landscapes of the Cape Peninsula coastline. Travel north to Zambia and witness one of the world’s greatest spectacles, the majestic Victoria Falls. In the “Gold City” of Johannesburg, experience the sense of community that unites Soweto and the stirring Apartheid Museum. Along South Africa’s northeastern border, world-renowned Kruger National Park showcases abundant bushveld landscapes and exotic wildlife. Thrill to sightings of the “Big Five” animals on game drives from the exclusive accommodations at the Shishangeni Private Lodge. Indulge your cultural curiosity and ignite your spirit of adventure. Come discover the inspiring Treasures of Southern Africa!
Priced from $5,595 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
Highlights:
• Luxurious five-star accommodations in four diverse locations renowned for every modern comfort and amenity
• A uniquely designed itinerary and exceptional opportunities to experience the breadth of culture, landscape, and wildlife of South African and Zambia
• Walk in the footsteps of legendary Nelson Mandela with visits to Robben Island—a UNESCO World Heritage List site—and Soweto
• Marvel at the beauty of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Worlds Heritage List site.
• A three-day safari at the Shishangeni Private Lodge set within the biodiversity boundaries of world-famous Kruger National Park
Accommodations:
• First four nights in Cape Town; deluxe accommodations at the historic and elegant Mount Nelson Hotel
• Then two nights in Livingstone; deluxe accommodations at the five-star colonial-style Royal Livingstone Hotel
• Then two nights in Johannesburg; deluxe accommodations at the hillside Mediterranean Westcliff Hotel
• Final three nights deluxe accommodations at Shishangeni Private Lodge, located in the southeastern section of Kruger National Park
Also included:
• Services of a knowledgeable AHI travel director throughout your trip
• An AHI hospitality desk staffed by local experts, conveniently located in your hotels to assist you in every way
• Detailed destination and travel information to assist in your planning
• Scheduled jet service to Cape Town, South Africa, with a return from Johannesburg.*
• Deluxe motorcoach transfers between the Cape Town airport and the hotel and the hotel and the Johannesburg airport, including baggage handling at the hotels
• Flights from Cape Town to Livingstone, Zambia; from Livingstone to Johannesburg; and round-trip flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airport near Kruger National Park
• Transfers to and from the airports and hotels on all domestic flights, including baggage handling
• Breakfast buffet each day of the program
• Attend special welcome and farewell receptions with fellow travelers
*Provided for air package participants only.
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Cape Town, South Africa, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for air package participants only.)
Day 2
Cape Town
Upon arrival transfer by motorcoach to the Mount Nelson Hotel. (Transfer provided for air package participants only.) The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3
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. This evening, attend a festive Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Excursion: Highlights of Cape Town. Begin your exploration of Cape Town with a tour of the city’s highlights.
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 delicious 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 views. Travel to Boulders Beach and see the African Penguin colony, then continue to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Day 6
Livingstone
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Livingstone. Upon arrival, check in to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, overlooking the majestic Victoria Falls. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the “smoke that thunders,’ a UNESCO World Heritage List site.
Optional Excursion: Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi. Enjoy a catamaran cruise along the scenic river banks.
Day 7
Livingstone
Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park. Visit the second largest park in Botswana and see its renowned African elephants, which are present during all seasons. Chobe is home to one of the most diverse concentrations of game and birds found on the African continent.
Day 8
Johannesburg
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for the flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival, check into The Westcliff Hotel.
Day 9
Johannesburg
Excursion: Soweto. Visit the Apartheid Museum and view the internationally acclaimed, award-winning exhibits. Tour Soseto, where you will see the homes of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Winnie Mandela.
Day 10
Shishangeni
This morning, fly to Hoedspruit Airport in Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa. Upon arrival, transfer to the Shishangeni Private Lodge inside Kruger National Park.
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
Shishangeni
Excursion: Game Viewing. During today’s morning and afternoon drives, try to spot giraffes, blue wildebeest, and waterbuck.
Day 12
Shishangeni
Excursion: Game Viewing. Search for spotted genets, impala, common duiker, and more than 300 bird species during today’s drives.
This evening, join you fellow travelers at a festive farewell reception at the lodge.
Day 13
Shishangeni/In Transit
Excursion: Game Viewing. Look for zebras, eland, kudu, and steenbok on your final drive.
At midday, transfer to the Hoedspruit Airport for the flight back to Johannesburg. There, you’ll connect to the trans-Atlantic return flight(s) to your gateway city. (Provided for air package participants only.)
Day 14
Arrive at your North American gateway city.
