An active, culturally rich adventure from Minnesota Public Radio Hosted by MPR News Host, Kerri Miller January 23 February 3, 2019

Transcription

1 SOUTH AFRICA W ITH K E RRI MILLER An active, culturally rich adventure from Minnesota Public Radio Hosted by MPR News Host, Kerri Miller January 23 February 3, 2019 In January of 2019, join MPR News Host Kerri Miller for an experience of a lifetime to a destination unlike any other exploring the fascinating culture, history and habitats of South Africa. The trip includes light optional hikes across the Cape of Good Hope, exploring the African bush in 4x4 vehicles, wine tastings and book discussions in some of South Africa s top vineyards. This immersive trip will also include book recommendations that will prepare guests for special visits to the homes, church and prison of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Kerri will lead in-depth discussions with local authors, professors and experts on South Africa s challenging history and current political landscape. Join fellow curious public radio lovers on this adventure to sunny South Africa in winter 2019! J O U R N E Y O V E R V I E W 1 Overnight flight to Cape Town, South Africa 3 Nights Cape Town 3 Nights Stellenbosch, Wine Country 3 Nights Safari Lodge 2 Nights post-tour option: Victoria Falls 5 Nights post-tour option: Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park, Botswana 1 Overnight flight to the USA

2 EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS Numerous winery visits with South Africa s top producers 4 Game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicle with park rangers and trackers Time to explore the great literature of South Africa with Kerri Miller Special talks with South Africa authors & professors of literature Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope and vineyards walks and light hikes Stunning views from the top of Table Mountain A visit to Mandela s home in SOWETO A tour of Nelson Mandela s prison at Robben Island with a former prisoner Three nights in the historic Dutch town of Stellenbosch A tour of Soweto s apartheid museum IT'S INCLUDED With Kerri Miller, Minnesota Public Radio A special hand-selected Kerri Miller reading list Domestic flight, Cape Town to Johannesburg (when joining the group int l flight) All breakfasts & nine additional multi-course meals (not including in-flight meals) Accommodation in superior four and five star hotels and lodges Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by an expert South African guide Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated Gratuities for your drivers and guides for base trip (excluding bush trackers) Country, city maps and a video and reading list NOT INCLUDED: Travel insurance, roundtrip air from the USA and any items not mentioned in your itinerary. TRIP FACTS 12 Days/11 Nights (with air travel) $6,495 per person double occupancy (land) $949 Single Supplement Departs USA: January 23, 2019 Arrives South Africa: January 24, 2019 Trip ends: February 2, 2019 Return to the USA: February 3, 2019 *Group flight option will be confirmed by Feb WAYS TO SAVE $250 Travel alumni save $100 * Reserve by June 1, 2018 and save $50 * Pay your final balance by check and save $100

3 YOUR MP R EXP EDITION BEG INS Day 1: January 23 - Group Departs the USA for Cape Town, South Africa Day 2: January 24 - Arrive in Stunning Cape Town! Upon arrival in Cape Town this morning your Cape region guide will assist the group transfer to your hotel. Rest up or go out and explore the local waterfront this afternoon. Meet your guide and MPR host, Kerri Miller, for a welcome dinner this evening. Sleep in Cape Town (Dinner available depending on flight times) society. Day 3: January 25 - Infamous Robben Island & Table Mountain: From your hotel it is a short walk to the jetty at the V&A Waterfront where you will board the ferry for notorious Robben Island. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometers from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of During the apartheid years, Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. Today, you will be escorted around the island by an expolitical prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs. After, enjoy an independent lunch on the wharf. Then hop a cable car to the top of Table Mountain to catch the sunset. Dinner is included this evening. Sleep in Cape Town (B, D) Table MT Optional Hike Today: The easiest and most direct route to the summit and therefore also the most popular, so expect company along the way. Follows a well-constructed trail up a deep ravine on the iconic front face of the mountain, featuring imposing cliffs in its upper reaches. 3 hours.

4 Day 4: January 26 - An Excursion to the Cape of Good Hope Today will be spent exploring the coast of the Cape Peninsula so you can see for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the 'Fairest Cape'. We'll drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno - currently the hottest real estate in the world - to Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local lobster industry. From the harbor of Hout Bay to the rocky coastline and Chapman s Peak, there are magnificent views of the sandy bays below. The combination of steep, almost thrilling rocky inclines, shimmering blue waters and expansive skies simply take the breath away. After a stop for lunch, it is on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you can ride the funicular to the scenic viewing point of where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean currents meet. The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 41 mile trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape - home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora. Your guide will lead an optional 45 minute, invigorating hike along the coast. For those who do not wish to hike you will be driven to a point where you will all meet up again. Note: If you do decide to join your guide for the walk, be advised that you ll be walking on an uneven rocky path and for a time on an irregular boardwalk. Some in the group may find the stairs at the end of trail to be quite steep. That said, the views are stunning! Continuing along the coastline, we arrive at beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Sleep in Cape Town (B, L) Optional Hike Today, Cape of Good Hope Coastal Trail: 2+ miles. Well maintained trail with stunning views. 2 miles / 1 hour light hike with a steep rocky decent to the famous Cape of Good Hope. Day 5: January 27 - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the historic Vergelegen Estate This morning we set off to explore Africa s largest botanical garden, Kirstenbosch! Nature lovers and garden enthusiasts will rejoice in the beauty of this awe inspiring garden. After an independent lunch, we visit the historic Vergelegen Estate, established by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in the beginning of the 18th century. Beautifully restored, the estate consists of a well-preserved Dutch manor house, outbuildings with a famous octagonal garden, a rose garden, a white garden and a wonderful herb garden.

5 Our day culminates as we make our way to the "village of the oaks", Stellenbosch, which is the second oldest town in South Africa, and today it is a vibrant university town. Admire the charm and harmony of Cape Dutch, British and Edwardian architecture as you walk through the shady oak avenues bounded by the water furrows of the Mill Stream. Discover the town s many artsy boutiques or relax in a local café before meeting your guide and host for dinner at the hotel. Sleep in Stellenbosch (B, D) Days 6 & 7: January 28 & 29 - The Cape Winelands & South Africa s Culinary Capital, Franschhoek : Our days here are dedicated to fine wines, food, great literature and history. Our scenic drive will take us over the Helshoogte ("Hell's Heights") mountains to the picturesque culinary town of Franschhoek ("French Corner"). Visit the Huguenot Monument honoring the French settlers who fled from France to South Africa in 1688 after the Edict of Nantes was revoked, settling in this area to assist South Africa s fledgling wine industry. Then we ll visit local vineyards to sample some of the regions fine wines and cuisine. Sleep in Stellenbosch (B, L, D) *Video to watch: RFK in the land of Apartheid, revisits RFK s historic trip to South Africa in 1966 Optional Included Activity: The 4 mile Vineyard Walk remains in the vineyards and take 1.5 hours to complete. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the Winelands and get a closer look at the various red and white wine cultivars. Interpretive signage will help you distinguish between Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc! Day 8: January 30 - Soweto Outing and North to Safari Lodge This morning we say goodbye to our Cape guide and board a flight north for Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg Airport we're met by an Earthbound Expeditions guide and taken on a private tour of Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnship), the largest black residential area in South Africa. In many ways, the story of Soweto is the story of South Africa; this is where the seeds of South African freedom took root. Our tour includes all the major points of interest, such as the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector Pietersen Memorial and Nelson Mandela s former home. This sprawling township was the scene of the tragic riots of Despite crowded, chaotic conditions, there is a tangible sense of community in these neighborhoods which the ordered, walled suburbs lack. Enjoy lunch in Soweto. After our visit, we depart by coach to Pilanesberg National Park. Sleep in Pilanesberg National Park (B, L, D)

6 About Pilanesberg National Park The Pilanesberg National Park is malaria-free and borders on the entertainment complex of Sun City. It is almost perfectly circular because it comprises the area of a 1200 million year old volcano crater with a small lake in the centre. The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone. Virtually all the animal species of southern Africa exist here, including healthy populations of lion, black and white rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard - Africa's "Big Five." Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. The park offers a number of wonderful picnic spots, numerous hiding spots for game watching, huge walk-in aviaries, safe hiking trails, safari drives at night and flights over the park in a hot-air balloon. Days 9 & 10: January 31 & February 1 - In Search Africa s Big Five Not even two shots of espresso will wake you up like a 6:00am game drive into the African Bush. Accompanied by a park ranger you ll travel in an open 4X4 jeep in pursuit of lions, giraffes, hippos, rhinos and more. Upon your return to the lodge enjoy a delicious breakfast. Grab a good book this afternoon and lay by the pool or enjoy a siesta. Around 3:00pm each day you ll set off on another three-hour game drive in search of more wildlife. Following the evening safari, our farewell dinner in the African Bush is at an outdoor boma. If you are not going on the post-tour extensions, you will have time for an optional (not included) early morning game drive on the morning of departure. Please book and pay for this in advance at the front desk. Sleep in Pilanesberg National Park (B, D)

7 Day 11: February 2 - Depart South Africa or Fly North to Victoria Falls & Botswana In the early afternoon you will be transferred by coach from the lodge back to Johannesburg Airport for your flight back to Minneapolis, or continue on to stunning Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, Botswana. (B) Day 12: February 3 - Arrive home with a lifetime of memories! MEET YOUR TRIP HOST Kerri Miller is host of MPR News and Talking Volumes, the joint book club of MPR, the Star Tribune and the Loft Literary Center. She was the political reporter for KARE 11 television in Minneapolis-St. Paul before coming to MPR in Miller was a reporter at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis and KTUL-TV in Tulsa. She has won numerous awards including the Society of Professional Journalists National Achievement Award, Minnesota Broadcasters Award, the Associated Press Award and a Gracie award from the Association of Women in Radio and Television. Kerri has led public radio listeners on literary travel adventures including F. Scott s Paris in 2014, Italy s Literati in 2015, Hemingway s Cuba in 2016 and Pablo Neruda s South America, in Kerri s Trip Book Recommendations: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Every Secret Thing by Gillian Slovo Out of Africa Isak Dinesen Disgrace by JM Coetzee "Zoo City by Lauren Beukes "The Island by Athol Fugard (a play)

8 VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION VICTORIA FALLS 3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS Starting on February 2, 2019 Departing Victoria Falls on February 4, 2019 Arriving home on February 5, Nights Victoria Falls $2,239 per person Double Occupancy (including int l air from South Africa to Zimbabwe) $575 Single Supplement INCLUDED IN POST-TOUR EXTENSION Regional round trip airfare Johannesburg-Victoria Falls Airport transfers to and from the hotel in air conditioned vehicles All services as specified: breakfasts and dinners while at Victoria Falls Accommodation in a five star hotel Zambezi evening river cruise and guided walking tour of the falls Sightseeing as per itinerary led by a qualified English speaking guide Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated above Earthbound Expeditions representative Porterage for one reasonable size bag per personr PACKAGE EXCLUDES Gratuities for your post-tour guides and hotel staff * Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc. * Cost of obtaining passports or visa * Meals not mentioned * Alcoholic beverages * Travel insurance * Airline baggage fees Day 11: February 2 - Transfer to Victoria Falls Today you will be transferred to Johannesburg airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls airport you will be met by an outstanding Earthbound local guide and transferred directly to your hotel at the falls where a welcome drink and brief orientation have been arranged for you. Relax by the pool this afternoon or wander the beautiful grounds of the hotel. Enjoy an included dinner this evening. Sleep at Victoria Falls (B, D)

9 ABOUT THE MIGHTY VICTORIA FALLS Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Statistically speaking, it is the largest waterfall in the world. This recognition comes from combining the height and width together to create the largest single sheet of flowing water. Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and we will view them from the vantage point of the Zimbabwe side. The falls are also close to the border of Botswana. The Zambezi River, which originates in northern Zambia, serves as the fall s water source. The name Victoria Falls was given by the Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone, named for the reigning British queen at the time. The locals called the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya ( smoke that thunders ). Many people still refer to this nickname, which accurately defines the falls. Day 12: February 3 - A Day at Victoria Falls After breakfast you ll have a tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Falls are 1690 meters wide and have a maximum drop of 103 meters (the average drop is 92m). This immense curtain of water is broken up by small islands, which stand on the lip of the falls, one of which is called Livingstone Island. This is where the explorer, David Livingstone, first viewed the falls. These islands effectively break the falls into smaller falls, which are known as (from the Zambian side to Zimbabwe side) the Eastern Cataract, The Rainbow Falls, the Horseshoe Falls and the Main Falls. "Rainforests" on either side of the river are sustained entirely by the spray of the falls. There is a paved path, which leads onto the Knife Edge Bridge for a spectacular view up the main gorge and the Eastern Cataract, and numerous other paths which give different views of the falls and the bridge. This evening there is a Sundowner Cruise along the mighty Zambezi River above the falls. Enjoy a drink while cruising slowly on the river, viewing the wildlife from a unique vantage point. You re sure to see hippos and elephants, and a variety of other wildlife and birds. Sleep at Victoria Falls (B, D) Day 13: February 4 - Victoria Falls to the USA via Johannesburg This morning you will be transferred by road back to Victoria Falls Airport where you will take your return flight to Johannesburg. Please Note: Have your Multiple Entry Visa ready for the Zimbabwe border and USD $50 cash per person for the Airport Departure Tax upon leaving Zimbabwe. (Departure taxes are subject to change without notice). Upon arrival in Johannesburg proceed to International terminal for your flight back home. (B) Day 14: February 5 - Arrive home with a lifetime of memories!

10 VICTORIA FALLS & CHOBE PARK, BOTSWANA EXTENSIONS VICTORIA FALLS AND CHOBE PARK 6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS Starting February 2, 2019 Departing Chobe National Park on February 7, 2019 Arriving home on February 8, Nights Victoria Falls 3 Nights Chobe National Park, Botswana $3,375 per person Double Occupancy $875 Single Supplement INCLUDED IN POST-TOUR EXTENSION Regional round trip airfare Johannesburg-Victoria Falls All meals as specified in Chobe and Victoria Falls Accommodation in four and five star hotels and lodges Two evening river cruises and three safari drives Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, including qualified drivers Sightseeing as per itinerary led by qualified English speaking guide Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated above Earthbound Expeditions representative Porterage for one reasonable size bag per person POST-TOUR EXTENSION HIGHLIGHTS BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS Zambezi River cruise * Victoria Falls and surrounding rainforest * Early morning safaris and sunset evening cruises in Chobe National Park in Botswana, home to 450 species of birds and the largest concentration of elephants in Africa

11 PACKAGE EXCLUDES Gratuities for your post-tour guides, trackers and hotel staff * Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc. * Cost of obtaining passports or visas * Meals not mentioned * Alcoholic beverages * Travel insurance * Airline baggage fees ABOUT CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA Chobe is your gateway to a truly unique African wildlife experience. The park is ideally situated for exploration of the surrounding areas. It is only 50 miles from Victoria Falls and is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square kilometers. The park has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. Its uniqueness in the abundance of wildlife and the true African nature of the region offers a safari experience of a lifetime. A major feature of Chobe National Park is its elephant population. The Chobe elephant comprises part of what is probably the largest surviving continuous elephant population. This population covers most of northern Botswana plus northwestern Zimbabwe. Botswana s elephant population is currently estimated at around 120,000. Days 11 & 12: February 2 & 3 - Days at Victoria Falls (please see details on Victoria Falls extension) Day 13: February 4 - Transfer to Chobe National Park, Botswana Today you will be transferred by private coach from Victoria Falls to your lodge in Kasane, Botswana. Upon arrival you ll enjoy a safari cruise on the Chobe River. There you ll spot countless elephants, baboons, exotic birds, giant crocs and more! Sleep at Chobe Park (B, D) Days 14 & 15: February 5 & 6 - Into the African Bush Enjoy an early morning game drive and return to the lodge for brunch. Spend the afternoons relaxing at the pool, enjoy the gardens and views of the river or explore the local town. In the evenings, bring your camera! You will witness the vast herds and abundant wildlife as you enjoy a game drive from the lodge into the national park in open safari vehicles. The game drives follow the routes along the Chobe riverfront, which supports the greatest abundance of wildlife in the game park. This evening you will enjoy a late afternoon cruise or, if you prefer, an evening safari drive. Sleep at Chobe Park (B, D)

12 Day 15: February 7 - Kasane to the USA via Johannesburg Time permitting you ll enjoy one last game drive before packing up and heading to the Kasane airport for your flight back to the South Africa and the USA. Day 16: February 8 - Arrive home with a lifetime of memories! - Itinerary Details Subject to Change - K N O W B E F O R E Y O U G O U.S. passport holders will receive a visa upon arrival into South Africa. All Non-South African passport holders are required to have at least TWO, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa pages. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after intended date of departure. Note: There is a Multiple Entry Visa charge to enter Zimbabwe of USD$45 CASH per person for USA passport holders. (Visa fees are subject to change without notice.) ACTIVITY LEVEL: South Africa with Kerri Miller has an optional adventurous activity level taking guests down trails and immersing them in the natural beauty of the region. Optional and included walks and hikes will be offered for Table Mt, The Cape of Good Hope and a special Vineyard walk will also be included for those who wish to hit the trails and experience the great outdoors of Africa. WEATHER January is considered summertime in the Southern Hemisphere which means warm, sunny days in Cape Town and Johannesburg with average daily temperatures at approx. 70F. RESERVATIONS: Reservations and Deposits: Early reservations are essential to guarantee space on the date you wish to travel. A per person deposit of $500 is needed to confirm your space on most journeys. An additional $200 per person is requested if opting for group air. We prefer payment to be made by check, but we also accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. You can make your secure credit card deposit online, by phone or by mail. Deposits are refundable for 60 days from the date received or 90 days prior to departure, whichever comes first. A $75 dollar per person processing fee will be applied to all cancellations, regardless of when they are made. Once the deposit is processed, a deposit packet is sent with pertinent journey details. See our Terms & Conditions for additional details. CANCELLATIONS: All cancellations must be made in writing. A $75 per person processing fee applies to all cancellations. Questions & Reservations Call: info@earthboundexpeditions.com