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Ndebele woman in traditional clothing |
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Discover the arts, crafts, people, wild game parks and scenic beauty of South Africa. Observe traditional crafts like basket weaving, pottery, woodcarving and beading which have been handed down through families for generations. Visit incredible World Heritage Sites with specialist guides. Tour fascinating museums and galleries and take exclusive tours of private homes. Meet contemporary artists in their studios. Travel in townships and villages to meet the local people.
In addition to the wonderful arts and crafts, learn about various cultures in South Africa as we stay in rural, tribal and urban areas. Also gain an understanding of the history and political developments that have shaped this country from the San-Bushman to the early colonial settlers and the miracle of the present Mandela / Mbeki era, making South Africa one of the newest democracies in the world.
Experience the magnificent coastline of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, spectacular scenery and diverse architecture from tranquil game park bushveld, rolling hills and thatched rondavels, to rugged mountain peaks, colorful township homes, colonial buildings and homesteads in wonderful gardens.
Join us for a trip of a lifetime! Tour is full!
If you would like to be placed on a mailing list for information about upcoming tours, please email your contact information (email & postal addresses).
Itinerary
(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
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Bead artist making jewelry |
Day 1 | Sunday, August 2, 2009 (L, D) Johannesburg, Gauteng
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Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and transfer to our lovely hotel in the upmarket northern suburbs. In the next few days we’ll visit some of the best art galleries and markets for contemporary and tribal arts, crafts and artifacts from across the African continent. We’ll start browsing after lunch and return to the hotel for our Welcome Dinner together with introductions and an overview of our tour. Our accommodation in Johannesburg is the Hotel Balalaika.
Day 2 | Monday, August 3, 2009 (B, L) Johannesburg, Gauteng
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A coach tour through cosmopolitan Joburg, as it’s known, introduces us to this economic hub of the southern African region. It’s also a city with 6 million trees! Experience the quiet and leafy suburbs with shopping malls, the famous metropolis of Soweto (an acronym for South Western Township) including a visit to the former home of Nelson Mandela. Visit the revitalized Newtown Cultural Precinct and Constitutional Hill, home to the Constitutional Court with a landmark building that is anything but a stereotyped courthouse. Contemporary artworks by many well-known South African artists are an integral part of the building. Our accommodation in Johannesburg is the Hotel Balalaika.
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Mapula embroidery project artist |
Day 3 | Tuesday, August 4, 2009 (B, L, D) Northwest & Mpumalanga Provinces
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Today we drive to the Winterveld outside Pretoria to meet the women from the highly successful Mapula embroidery project and see their vibrant, colorful cloths. Continue to the Ndebele cultural village in Mpumalanga and see the striking, geometric wall-paintings and beadwork that the Ndebele women are famous for. Learn about these unique art forms handed down from mother to daughter and gain an insight into Ndebele life and art. Our accommodation in Johannesburg is the Hotel Balalaika.
Day 4 | Wednesday, August 5, 2009 (B, L) Johannesburg, Gauteng
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Leave the urban landscape behind us and travel through the countryside to the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site. Drive through the Rhino and Lion Reserve to our specialist guide who introduces us to fascinating ancient evidence of evolution and past cultures. See archaeological excavations and dolomite caves containing fossils dating back millions of years. Enjoy lunch surrounded by panoramic views of the savannah bushveld. In the afternoon we’ll visit some art and craft galleries. Our accommodation in Johannesburg is the Hotel Balalaika.
Day 5 | Thursday, August 6, 2009 (B, L, D) uKhahlamba-Drakensburg Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal
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Depart for the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal towards the foothills of the scenic Champagne Valley and the world-renowned Ardmore Ceramic Studio. Meet the artists and admire their intricately detailed and exuberant work. Continue to our luxury thatched chalets at Didima, a mountain retreat themed around the art of the San people. Our accommodation in the uKhahlamba-Drakensburg Park is Didima.
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Spectacular Didima in the uKhahlamba-Drakensburg Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal |
Day 6 | Friday, August 7, 2009 (B, L, D) uKhahlamba-Drakensburg Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal
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We’ll spend the morning on a guided walk to see San rock art paintings. Gain an understanding of the San people, who lived in these mountains as hunter-gatherers for more than 4000 years. The rock paintings illustrate a fascinating diary of their way of life and their spiritual beliefs. In the afternoon we’ll visit a selection of the interesting craft venues along the Midlands Meander. Our accommodation in the uKhahlamba-Drakensburg Park is Didima.
Day 7 | Saturday, August 8, 2009 (B, L, D) uKhahlamba-Drakensburg Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal
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Today is yours to spend as you wish in the glorious, tranquil surroundings and crisp air of the mountains. Choose to do hiking, walking, birding, photography or book a treatment with a beauty therapist for some serious relaxation. In the evening we’ll attend an inspiring show of indigenous music performed by members of the local Zulu community. Our accommodation in the uKhahlamba-Drakensburg Park is Didima.
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Artist working at Ardmore Ceramic Studio |
Day 8 | Sunday, August 9, 2009 (B, L) Midlands, Durban
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Drive along country roads to visit Fee Halsted-Berning in her home, studio and gallery. Fee is the inspired initiator of the Ardmore Ceramic Studio and continues to guide its development. After lunch we drive to the city of Durban on the coast of the warm Indian Ocean. Enjoy a brief orientation tour around Durban to get a sense of the African, Asian and European cultures that shape this vibrant city. Our hotel for the next two nights is an elegantly restored Victorian building conveniently situated near restaurants and shops. Our accommodation in Durban is the Quarters Hotel.
Day 9 | Monday, August 10, 2009 (B, L) Durban
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Visit the bustling, vibrant Victoria Street Market in downtown Durban to explore the Indian spices, textiles and handcrafts. Our next stop is a gracious colonial home in a residential suburb. It’s now the Killie Campbell Museum where an informative guide will take us on tour and discuss the superb collection of colonial and regional African art and cultural items. Afterwards we’ll visit some of the art galleries in the area including the African Art Centre which has a fine selection of local baskets, textiles, beadwork, wood-carvings and art-prints. Our accommodation in Durban is the Quarters Hotel.
Day 10 | Tuesday, August 11, 2009 (B, L, D) Zululand
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Departing Durban we proceed north along the subtropical Zululand coast. Stop at the town of Eshowe to tour the unique Vukani Museum, a purpose-designed building housing a historical collection of Zulu baskets. After lunch we make our way to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, known for its abundant wild animals and its conservation of the white rhino. Our accommodation at the serene Hilltop Camp overlooks sweeping bushveld savannah. Our accommodation in Hluhluwe Game Reserve is Hilltop Camp.
Day 11 | Wednesday, August 12, 2009 (B, L, D) Zululand
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After breakfast our destination is the rural town of Hlabisa to visit the Zulu basket makers who live and work here. See the raw materials, the techniques and the skills used to make the beautiful woven baskets that are admired around the world. On our drive home we’ll stop at a local craft stall. Our accommodation in Hluhluwe Game Reserve is Hilltop Camp.
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Preparing for a morning game drive and white rhinos viewed during a game drive |
Day 12 | Thursday, August 13, 2009 (B, L, D) Zululand
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Take a game drive to discover the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo) and many birds and other animals including giraffe and zebra. Afterwards there will be time to relax, take leisurely walks or enjoy the many trees, plants and birds with a well-informed guide. In the evening, experience the thrill of a night drive in an open safari vehicle to spot nocturnal animals. Our accommodation in Hluhluwe Game Reserve is Hilltop Camp.
Day 13 | Friday, August 14, 2009 (B, L, D) iSimangaliso Wetland Park
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Today we drive to the town of St. Lucia and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park along the Indian Ocean coastline. The Zulu name means “marvel" and indicates why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible diversity of animal and plant species in a pristine natural environment. As we cruise the estuary waters and islands we’ll see hippos, crocodiles, prolific bird life, large vegetated sand dunes and mangrove swamps. Our specialist guide will enhance our appreciation of this beautiful ecosystem. Our accommodation in Hluhluwe Game Reserve is Hilltop Camp.
Day 14 | Saturday, August 15, 2009 (B, L, D) Zululand
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After an early morning game drive or wilderness walk, we continue to Ilala Weavers to see a large selection of finely woven Zulu baskets. Stop at a rural open air market for all kinds of local hand crafted goods and tropical fruit. In this region you’ll see a variety of traditional Zulu homes and cultural dress. Continue our journey deep into the heart of Zululand to Simunye, a secluded lodge in a valley overlooking the Mfule River. Our rooms are individually crafted by local Zulu families who are also our hosts. Enjoy an enriching experience with this community who share their culture through traditional dance, music, story telling and food. Our accommodation in Zululand is Simunye Lodge.
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Zulu women in traditional clothing |
Day 15 | Sunday, August 16, 2009 (B, L) Durban
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We drive back to Durban along the coast passing the Tugela River, fields of sugarcane and long, golden beaches. After a delicious lunch we travel to the outer west area of Durban to meet the internationally recognized artist Carl Roberts, at his studio. Gain an insight into his creative process and working methods to transform found organic materials such as wood and bone into intriguing sculptures. Our accommodation in Durban is the Quarters Hotel.
Day 16 | Monday, August 17, 2009 (B, L) Stellenbosch, Western Cape
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Travel to Durban Airport for our short flight to Cape Town. We stay in Stellenbosch, the cultured university town with meticulously restored Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. The streets are lined with old oak trees and enchanting shops, galleries and restaurants. Free afternoon to rest or stroll around the town. Our accommodation in Stellenbosch is D’Ouwe Werf Hotel.
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Stellenbosch church |
Day 17 | Tuesday, August 18, 2009 (B, L) Stellenbosch, Franschhoek
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Tour the beautiful winelands and historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and learn about their French Huguenot, Dutch and Afrikaans heritage. Visit wine and cheese farms and grand homesteads in fertile valleys surrounded by magnificent mountains and gardens. Indulge in a wine tasting at a renowned wine estate and enjoy a gourmet meal. Return to Stellenbosch for a guided walking tour which connects us to the town’s history. Our accommodation in Stellenbosch is D’Ouwe Werf Hotel.
Day 18 | Wednesday, August 19, 2009 (B, L, D) Cape Town
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Take an all day tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula including a drive through Hout Bay, along the spectacular Chapmans Peak marine drive and through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve to Cape Point. See indigenous fynbos in the veld and along the coast we’ll visit the colony of African penguins. Stop at the quaint village of Kalk Bay to explore a wide array of antique, art and book shops. Our hotel is centrally situated in the lush, leafy suburb of Newlands in 6 acres of landscaped gardens. Our accommodation in Cape Town is The Vineyard Hotel and Spa.
Day 19 | Thursday, August 20, 2009 (B, L, D) Cape Town
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Visit a successful township empowerment project creating items which are a fusion of traditional craft techniques with contemporary resources. Our next stop is the colorful Bo-Kaap, closely associated with Cape Town’s Muslim community. Wander along cobbled lanes, see brightly painted 18th century flat-roofed homes and enjoy a traditional meal. Depart for historic Nova Constantia, a privately owned, gabled Cape Dutch home where we will be taken on an exclusive tour of the distinctive architecture and art and furniture collection. Our accommodation in Cape Town is The Vineyard Hotel and Spa.
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Colorful Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town |
Day 20 | Friday, August 21, 2009 (B, D) Cape Town
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Free day to relax, shop, play golf or take optional tours such as Robben Island, whale watching, Table Mountain cable car or Kirstenbosch Gardens. Our special Farewell Dinner together celebrates our wonderful South African adventure. Our accommodation in Cape Town is The Vineyard Hotel and Spa.
Day 21 | Saturday, August 22, 2009 (B) Cape Town
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Transfer from hotel to Cape Town International Airport to depart for home.
• Note: This itinerary has been prepared months ahead of the actual trip. There may be some very slight changes to take advantage of new opportunities.
• South Africa's infrastructure is excellent. Roads are in good condition and hotels are world class. The water is safe to drink and the food is superb! The exchange rate is favorable for U.S. dollars. ATM machines are widely available.
Coordinators
Nancy Crow
Nancy is an artist who has been creating contemporary quilts for over 28 years and maintains a large studio on her farm east of Columbus, Ohio. Her work has appeared on the covers of two of Maya Angelou’s books and is in the collections of the Museum of Arts & Design, Smithsonian American Art Museum and The Museum of American Folk Art. She teaches worldwide and offers in-depth workshops on her farm in a recently renovated 1884 timber frame barn. Nancy was named a Fellow of the American Craft Council.
Odette Tolksdorf
Odette has a long abiding passion for arts and crafts and the people who create them and is enthusiastic about promoting the vibrant work being made in South Africa today. Her childhood was spent in Australia and she has lived in Namibia and in four of South Africa's provinces. Odette now lives in Durban and has travelled widely in South Africa and organized tours focusing on arts, crafts and culture. She is a graduate in graphic design and has been making art quilts and teaching for over 20 years, which has taken her to many parts of southern Africa and other parts of the world including six visits to the USA.
Jurgen Tolksdorf
Jurgen is a keen bird-watcher, photographer, woodworker, nature-lover and philosopher. He grew up in Germany and Namibia and has travelled in many parts of southern Africa learning about the landscape, animals, plants and people of each place he visits. Jurgen came to Durban in 1982 to lecture in Optometry at the University of Durban-Westville. He taught there for 9 years before returning to private practice which he continues today on a part-time basis.
Nathaniel Stitzlein
Nathaniel is an artist who works with Nancy Crow on coordinating art trips to France, Mexico, South Africa, and Guatemala. They also work together to produce art workshops at the Crow Timber Frame Barn. Prior to organizing tours and classes, he was an admissions counselor for The Ohio State University. In addition, he studied ceramics in South Africa for a year and is a free-lance graphic designer.
Nathaniel's web site: www.artgrange.com
Fees Tour is full!
• If you would like to be placed on a mailing list for information about upcoming tours, please email your contact information (email & postal addresses).
• TRAVEL FEE: $6390 (twin) U.S. Funds Only
• Note: Additional $1270 for single supplement
• The travel fee does not include airfare, etc. | please view below
• Sorry, credit cards are not accepted
• Prices are subject to change due to unpredictable dollar/rand exchange rates, however every effort will be made to keep to the published prices.
This travel fee includes:
• All accommodations
• All meals as indicated
• All tips for meals, baggage, and bellmen
• Land transportation in air-conditioned coaches
• Game viewing activities
• Admission fees
• Professional tour guide plus specialist site guides
This travel fee does NOT include:
• Roundtrip airfare to South Africa
• Airfare in South Africa
• Departure tax and travel insurance
• Meals not included on the itinerary
• Tip for bus driver
• Personal expenses
Deadlines
Deadline for reservation and deposit of $1400 (per person): As soon as possible!
• Deposit must be made by check.
• $400 is non-refundable unless trip is cancelled.
• $1000 is refundable up to February 1, 2009.
• None of the deposit is refundable after February 1, 2009, unless trip is cancelled.
Deadline for remaining payment of $4990: February 1, 2009 (add $100 if paid after due date)
(add $1270 for single supplement)
• Final payment is non-refundable, unless trip is cancelled.
All payments must be in US FUNDS ONLY! No credit cards
Questions? Please click here to send an e-mail
Please complete the form below & mail with your deposit.
Flight Information
All participants are responsible for making their own flight travel plans. We are not arranging for a group flight since people are coming from all over the United States/Canada/other countries and many use frequent flyer miles. We can assist you in coordinating your flights but information is not yet available. As we get closer to the dates of the trip, we will have more information about available flights. Participants should take the least expensive and easiest flights.
Please wait to make flight arrangements until the trip is confirmed.
Travel insurance is recommended.
No special visas are required, but a valid passport is necessary.
