Southern Africa
South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland)
Faculty: Andrea Alexander, Catherin Kacalek
Meeting Time: Th - 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Come away with us ten thousand miles across the world to some of the most stunning scenery in South Africa. Head from 
Johannesburg to Cape Town on a spectacular coastal route that includes plenty of epic stops on the way. See crocodiles, elephants, hippos, and African birds in their natural habitat among unique flora and fauna! Search for lions, hyenas, and more through Kruger National Park. Visit five national parks that include African waterfalls, meerkats, and sights of “God’s Window.” Experience coastal life on the other side of the world and take an opportunity to snorkel with dolphins. Walkthrough the Apartheid Museum and learn about the revolutionary work of former President Nelson Mandela. Eat delicious local fare together including a “farm to fork” culinary experience.
Students will incorporate their prior studies on an overview of Southern African history, life, and culture. Academic activities will include journaling, presenting on African sites/topics, reviewing news articles pertinent to South Africa, and participating in class discussions. The vast majority of assignments will be completed prior to travel. Cultural centers, museums, and historical sites will be visited with a closer look at pre and post western influences on the indigenous people
Accommodations include up to fourteen nights of camping, a few nights of a dormitory, one homestay night, one hotel night, and one to two nights at a lodge. This is an overland trip with visits to remote communities, setting up your own tent, and occasionally roughing it in the bush. Trucks have sliding windows for sightseeing but no air conditioning. Drive days can be long but the journey will be novel and amazing. Beds can be just a foam mattress on the floor, with clean linen and pillows, and rooms may be shared with up to six of the same gender. Days will start early to catch sights of native animals.
Preliminary Itinerary:
Days 1 and 2: Fly from PDX to Johannesburg
Soweto day tour
Aparteid Museum
Nelson Mandela House
Day 3: Johannesburg
Farm to Fork Culinary Tour
Constitution Hill
Day 4: Travel to Kruger National Park
Travel through the Mpumalanga Province along the Panorama Route, including God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes
Day 5: Kruger National Park (game reserve)
Game watching and bird viewing
Night drive with guide ($30)
Day 6: Travel to Hlane Royal National Park
Slow game drive leaving Kruger National Park
Guided game walk at Hlane Park ($15)
Day 7: Travel to Mozambique beach campground
4x4 drive to the seaside village of Ponta Malongane
Days 8: Ponta Malongane
Snorkeling, swimming
SCUBA opportunity (optional)
Boat cruise to see dolphins
Day 9: Travel to St. Lucia Estuary
See birds, mammals and reptiles
Photos of crocodiles and hippos
Boat cruise
Day 10: Travel to Valley of a Thousand Hills
Traditional Homestay
Local food, song, and dance
Village hike
Day 11: Durban
Shopping, cafes
Beachcombing
Bay cruise
Day 12: Travel to Wild Coast/ Cintsa
Beach sunset
Day 13: Cintsa
Village tour
Canoeing
Day 14: Travel to Addo Elephant National Park
Overland game drive
Night gave drive
Day 15: Addo Elephant National Park
Game drive
Travel to Tsitsikamma National Park
Day 16: Travel to Tsitsikamma National Park
View otters, dolphins, tortoises, and hopefully whales
Snorkeling
Waterfall trail walk
Stormsriver Mouth Hike
Day 17: Travel to Oudtshoorn
Stop in Krysna to sea lagoon
Weltevrede Fig Farm
Cango Caves guided tour
Day 18: Meerkats and Bontebok National Park
Sunrise meerkat viewing
Bontebok National Park hiking trails
Day 19 and 20: Cape Town
Stop in Hermanus to see beach and rest
Service opportunity at international school TBD
Day 21 - Return Home