Mandela Journey to Democracy
Independent Tour
Follow the footsteps of South Africa’s most famous citizen, Nelson Mandela. This cultural journey will give you a first-hand experience of the route that paved the way to the miracle reform of South Africa into a multicultural democracy. Experience Robben Island, where Mandela was jailed for 18 of the 27 years he spent in prison. Visit the townships at the heart of the struggle movement and the Apartheid Museum.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Immerse yourself in South Africa's important history
- Visit the incredible Robben Island
- Explore the 'Mother City' of Cape Town
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 : Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town Airport a private transfer takes you to your hotel, the Table Bay Hotel, located adjacent to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront shopping and entertainment complex overlooking the Cape Town harbour.
Day 2 : Cape Town
A full day Cultural & Robben Island tour is included today. You will visit the Townships for an insight and interaction with different cultures, communities and individuals. Visit Langa, the oldest formal black township in Cape Town. Returning to Cape Town you board the Robben Island ferry and enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain as you sail across the bay to this island which is so full of history. Historically the island has always been a place of isolation having been used as a leper colony and a place of incarceration by the Dutch East India Company when they colonised the Cape. Once you reach the island you will be given a guided tour of the island and the prison. Part of your tour includes viewing the prison cell that held Nelson Mandela captive for 18 of his 27 years and the lime quarry where prisoners were set to work. The return to your hotel is included. (Tour operates Mon-Sat).
Day 3 & 4 : Cape Town
Two free days to explore Cape Town. Perhaps add an optional (cost not included) tour to Cape Point & Cape Peninsula with a visit to Table Mountain. Your tour will travel via Camps Bay to Hout Bay where you can take a boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur seal colony. Heading into the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve you will be able to visit the historic lighthouse before driving into Simon’s Town, a naval base village, home to a land based African Penguin colony
Day 5 : Johannesburg
A private transfer to the airport for your flight* (not included) to Johannesburg. Here, stay at 54 on Bath, a contemporary and fashionable haven right in the heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg’s trendy suburb.
Day 6 : Johannesburg
Today go back to the beginning at the World Heritage Site of The Cradle of Humankind. Visit Maropeng Visitor Centre, an exhibition on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. Explore five cultures at the Lesedi Cultural Village, home to families of a range of African tribes, all living harmoniously in traditional homesteads. (Tour operates Wed, Fri & Sun).
Day 7 : Johannesburg
Today learn about the journey, pain and struggle of the many heroes of this nation. Witness the places and visit the diverse museums where these momentous, tumultuous years have been so well documented. Visit the Apartheid Museum, which takes you from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum before travelling past Mandela House. (Tour operates Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun).
Day 8 : Johannesburg
A private transfer takes you to the airport where your tour ends.