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Jewels of Morocco

Starting At: $ 895.00 Date(s): 1/22/2010 - 1/31/2010 10 Days, featuring: Board Your Overnight Transatlantic Flight

Tracing a Path to South Africa - Travel Leaders Travel Column Jan. 2008

For many, South Africa equates to visions of prowling lions and safaris, but there is so much more to this culturally and visually stunning country. At the southern tip is the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, overlooked by the photogenic Table Top Mountain. Nearby is the wine region, which dates back to the 1700s. To the Northeast, the Manhattan-like city of Johannesburg is a labyrinth of theaters, art galleries and museums. The countryside is dotted with villages and towns with deeply rooted cultures and traditions. Endless beaches (620 miles worth) will satisfy any sun-seekers' desires. Yes, a safari is a "must-do" since some of the best game and nature reserves (there are more than 500) are found in South Africa, including the world-famous Kruger National Park.

In stark contrast to the country's beauty is its relatively recent history as a racially segregated nation. South Africa instilled government-imposed apartheid that was not broken until 1994, after 46 years of white minority rule. To pay tribute to how far the country has now come, you'll find apartheid memorials and museums throughout the country.
Outside Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum, which is reminiscent of the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, provides 22 thought-provoking exhibits taking the visitor down South Africa's path to democracy.

Off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island (the "Alcatraz of Africa") was the place of imprisonment for Nelson Mandela and others who opposed apartheid. Tours of the island include a visit to Mandela's cell, at once conveying the grim drudgery the prisoners endured during their internment and inspiring admiration for the perseverance of those imprisoned.

Mandela is honored at his namesake museum on the Eastern Cape (Mthatha), which is comprised of a building with a collection of exhibits; an area which includes his childhood home, the church where he was baptized, and the place of his early beginnings.

To start your path to South Africa, contact us so we can help plan your adventure to this extraordinary country.