Making responsible travel as easy as 1,2,3... South Africa s highlights over four itineraries, in 14 to 35 days Your travel benefits local South African communities and economies. You know that the businesses you use are Fair Trade Certified, operating ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner... www.fairtradetravelpass.com
SOWETO Days 1-3 First Stop SOWETO! Situated just outside of Johannesburg, this South Western township is the worlds most famous township and has been home to anyone and everyone involved in the liberation movement including Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. This iconic township represents the true diverse nature of South Africa today. Take in the vibrant sights, sounds and smells of Soweto and learn all about life in an urban township from Lebo and Maria. Lebo s Soweto Backpackers What s Included A cycle tour of Soweto Walking tour of Jozi DRAKENSBERG Experience the majestic and breath-taking Drakensberg mountains pure mountain air, water, wilderness and tranquillity a must stop on any tour of South Africa. Join an eco-friendly 4x4 tour up into Lesotho where the rural Sotho people remain a separate nation within South Africa, and trek on foot to the San rock art in the mountains themselves. All tours directly benefit the indigenous people of this area. Sani Lodge What s Included 4x4 Sani Pass Day Tour into Lesotho Guided hike to see San Rock Art Days 4-7
WILD COAST Days 8-14 Visit the untouched beauty of the former Transkei - Mandela s childhood home. By hiking, surfing and staying in villages you will gain a deep appreciation for the region and the Xhosa people who call it home. You will have a personal guide to hike with you between backpackers, lodges and homestays along the coast. Jump off sea cliffs, surf untouched waters, drink local brews by the campfire, all with a local Xhosa guide. You will quickly understand why those who make the special effort to reach the Wild Coast end up spending their lives finding ways to return. For the less adventurous, you can spend this week relaxing on breath-taking beaches and learning about traditional Xhosa culture while at the same time chilling and exploring beautiful coastal villages. You have the choice of three award winning Wild Coast Backpackers stay in one for the week or give them all a go! Mdumbi Backpackers Lose the watch and let yourself fall into Transkei time where everything happens just now. Settle into your traditional Xhosa hut and escape into the wild on one of SA s most beautiful beaches. Coffee Shack Backpackers Nestled on the beach where the Mbomvu River meets the warm Indian Ocean, share the special world of friendly smiles, unique Xhosa culture, non-stop fun and surf surf surf in Coffee Bay. Bulungula Lodge Recently voted 2nd Best Eco-Lodge in the World by Lonely Planet, Bulungula is a must stop for all eco-minded travellers. From rocket showers to endless solar power this community driven lodge will have you feeling gooooood about your ecofootprint. What s included Three activities: choose from surf schools, beach horse trails, Wild Coast hikes, kayak up the river, village tours, sunrise pancakes and more!
Days 15-21 CHINTSA COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING Right at the gateway to the Wild Coast, Chintsa is the last Eastern Cape stop. Known as the little village with the big heart you ll find yourself becoming a part of Chintsa s international community (and you'll never want to leave!). Spend five days volunteering with VA32 - the volunteer organization based in Chintsa - where you will work in the local rural preschools on their Wild Coast Schools education program. Working under the guidance of professional volunteer teacher coordinators, you will aid in arts, Buccs playtime, music and all educational aspects for this age group. Chintsa Your beach, afternoons pristine, may white involve sandy. running a homework club at a farm for vulnerable and orphaned children, surfing or helping Community of chintsa, with ocean, sports surf, programs meals, as views part of their youth development initiatives. No Chintsa experience would be complete without a stay at Buccaneers. Join the Price family for a few days rest, gaze down upon the Indian Ocean with one of the best views you ll VA32 ever find, get involved in the daily free activity and fill your Volunteer, belly schools, with their computer delicious skills, home-cooked sports, arts and evening more meals. Vollie house by beach Life changing VA32 Vollie experience give House - Join your some fellow back volunteers in VA32 s shared accommodation just minutes walk from the beach and the VA32 office. Buccaneers Lodge & Backpackers...probably the best backpackers in South Africa Enough said! What s Included VA32 program includes three meals per day, transport to and from project, support from experienced project co-ordinators. At Buccaneers an adventure activity of your choice is included; surf school, beach horse trail, cultural tours and more to choose from!
CAPE TOWN SHARK CAGE DIVING Days 22-28 After discovering South African history, hiking along the Wild Coast and delving into the Xhosa community during the Xonnect with South Africa itinerary, you will fly from East London to Cape Town - one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world and first stop in the Western Cape. You will be collected from Cape Town airport and brought by shuttle to The Backpack, the multi-award winning backpackers lodge where the swimming pool winks at the mountain and the café s food hits the spot! Recently voted No.1 Top Best Value Stay 2014 by Lonely Planet, and Best Hostel in Africa 2014 by Hostelworld.com, The Backpack s contemporary décor and funky set-up is great value for money right in the middle of Cape Town; along with their commitment to eco-friendly practises and social initiatives, you can t go wrong. On one of your days in Cape Town you'll have the once in a lifetime opportunity to go Shark Cage Diving or Boat-based Whale Watching with the leading, ethical operator in this field: Marine Dynamics. Operating in Gansbaai, a world hot spot for the great white shark, you will experience an incredible adventure on board their custom designed boat. An on board marine biologist will educate you as you get up close and personal with this amazing apex predator. Also take advantage of the best that Cape Town has to offer; Table Mountain, Stellenbosch wine estates, penguins at Boulders Bay and SA s best restaurants and bars. The Backpack What s included A Shark Cage Dive or Boat-Based Whale Watching experience with Marine Dynamics
GANSBAAI After 28 days of experiencing the Rainbow Nation (see above itinerary) you will spend one week in Gansbaai, South Africa (The Great White Shark Capital of the World!) assisting with operations at Marine Dynamics Shark Cage Diving, Dyer Island MARINE VOLUNTEERING Cruises and Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Days 29-35 As a After Marine 28 days Volunteer of experiencing you will work the closely Rainbow with a team of shark-specialists and marine biologists. You will experience a wide range Nation of South you African will spend marine one wildlife week in while Gansbaai, studying shark behavior, biology and ocean conservation. You will have access to informative South Africa lectures (The and Great research White Shark facilities Capital and even of the have the opportunity to take place in community projects. You will spend most World!) days on assisting the shark with cage operations diving boat Marine and have regular access to cage diving opportunities! This is an incredible opportunity to learn Dynamics about Shark the marine Cage Diving, ecosystem Dyer of Island South Cruises Africa from experts in the field! You will stay with other volunteers from all over the and world Dyer and Island make Conservation connections Trust. that last a lifetime! As a Marine Volunteer you will work closely with a team of shark-specialists and marine biologists. You will experience a wide range of South African marine wildlife while studying shark behaviour, biology and ocean conservation. You will have access to informative lectures and research facilities and even have the opportunity to take part in community projects. You will spend most days on the shark cage diving boat and have regular access to cage diving opportunities. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about the marine ecosystem of South Africa from experts in the field! You will stay with other volunteers from all over the world and make connections that last a lifetime. In the Marine Volunteer lodge - shared accommodation within walking distance to the Great White House - the Gansbaai headquarters. What s Included Your time on program with our experienced marine conservationists as well as all lectures and course materials, all trips on the boat plus internet access in the volunteer accommodation.
Rates & Logistics Mandela s South Africa 14 Days Xonnect with South Africa 21 Days The Rainbow Nation 28 Days R 11,450 (approx. US $ 1 050) R 16,705 (approx. US $ 1 500) R 22,780 (approx. US $ 2 070) (Flight from East London to Cape Town not included) Wild South Africa 35 Days R 25,318 (approx. US $ 2 300) (Flight from East London to Cape Town not included) For bookings and inquiries email simone@passport2africa.co.za What s Included in this Fee? * All prices include accommodation in a shared dormitory. Single and double rooms are available, enquire upon booking. * The pass has been coordinated to work alongside the popular backpackers bus Baz Bus. The Baz Bus is a great way to travel safely and meet like-minded travellers en route. The Baz Bus departs from Johannesburg on Mondays and Wednesdays if you are going to travel with the Baz Bus please bare this in mind when booking. If you would prefer to self -drive the pass an affordable rental car can be arranged (a self-drive is more affordable for groups of two or more). Please enquire about this option upon booking. * Through the Wild Coast a shuttle can be arranged instead of a hiking option if preferred. * It is highly recommended that you purchase a South African cell phone and SIM card upon arrival in Soweto. Many of the rural destinations you will be staying at will not have reliable internet access and some areas will have limited cell phone service. * Food is not included on the pass but can be purchased affordably at all accommodations. Cooking areas are also provided at all locations, however please note that you will need to buy provisions before arrival at some stops, for example, there are no stores or grocery shops along the Wild Coast. * Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We have tailored these itineraries to create a unique opportunity and get tourists off the beaten path. Based on advice from other travellers we have customized the trips to create the most meaningful experience. We are extraordinarily proud of what our nation has to offer and we want the world to see South Africa in a way that builds positive, memorable relationships for both the traveller and the local communities! All companies associated with the Fair Trade Travel Pass are Fair Trade certified, community based organizations. By traveling in the Fair Trade way you become more than just a tourist, by interacting with our communities you become a traveller. * This is not a trip for the weary. Pack your hiking boots, sense of adventure, willingness to learn, a hungry tummy and a big friendly smile. You are about to have one serious and maybe even life changing adventure!
Fair Trade Travel Pass Establishments Lebo s Soweto Backpackers www.sowetobackpackers.com + 27 (0)11 936 3444 lebo@sowetobackpackers.com Sani Lodge www.sanilodge.co.za +27 (0)33 702 0330 info@sanilodge.co.za Mdumbi Backpackers www.mdumbi.co.za +27 (0)83 461 1834 mdumbi@mdumbi.co.za Coffee Shack Backpackers www.coffeeshack.co.za + 27 (0)47 575 2048 happydays@coffeeshack.co.za Bulungula Lodge www.bulungula.com +27 (0)47 577 8900 paradise@bulungula.com Buccaneers Lodge & Backpackers www.cintsa.com +27 (0)43 734 3012 buccaneers@cintsa.com Volunteer Africa 32ᵒ South www.volunteerafrica32.com +27 (0)43 738 5523 info@volunteerafrica32.com The Backpack www.backpackers.co.za +27 (0)21 423 4530 backpack@backpackers.co.za Marine Dynamics www.sharkwatchsa.com +27 (0)79 930 9694 dive@sharkwatchsa.com Find out more about Fair Trade Tourism www.fairtrade.travel