Maame Koranchee's: South Africa Itinerary

Do you think of penguins and Africa in one thought? Where do you think you can enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world? What about the perfect summer day….sunny, breezy, cool and 75 degrees? South Africa of course! Indulge all your senses in South Africa’s Cape Town: enjoy incomparable views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean from your hotel room; feel the sun filtering through ancient oaks and broad vineyards of centuries-old wine estates in Stellenbosch, Paarl or Franschhoek; be mesmerized by waves crashing endless onto stretches of white sandy beaches; or go shopping or dining in an actual working harbor. Maame Koranchee’s personalized 12 days, 11 nights trip to South Africa focuses on the culture, architecture and history of the country via Cape Town and its surroundings.

During this fully guided tour, of not more than 10 people, you will understand and experience how South Africa allows us a window into its soul through its architecture, landscape and people.

Architecture not only reveals a way of life, but also embodies a peoples' belief system and cultural practices. Although one can presume to know of the socio-economic status of the dwellers of the homes and buildings shown below, understanding architecture and its impact on cultural practices will clarify certain social phenomenon.

Day 1 - New York City
Depart from New York City's JFK Airport in the evening.

Day 2 - Cape Town
Scheduled arrival in Cape Town will be after 8:00 PM, the next day after our departure from New York City. We'll check into our luxurious and impeccably furnished four-star hotel with superb views of the Atlantic Ocean and the world famous Table Mountain. Due to the late arrival, we might postpone our bienvenue Party. It is at this get-together that we normally network with our fellow travelers and enjoy hors d'oeuvres.

Day 3
After breakfast in the Out of Africa room, we'll get acquainted with the Mother City by taking a walking tour of the City Bowl area, downtown and maybe pop into the District 6 Museum. Later in the day, we will watch the sun set from the 3,563 ft. high Table Mountain. Due to Cape Town's geographical location, the sunsets here are incredible long and slow. Table Mountain is covered by thousands of species of wild flowers and fauna.

Dinner will be at Bo-Kaap, the Malay section of Cape Town where we'll indulge in Cape Malay cuisine.

Day 4

Our history lessons intensify today with our trip to Robben Island. As usual, we meet for breakfast and then catch a ferry to Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 17 years by the Apartheid government.

Afterwards we'll lunch at one of the numerous restaurants at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront Harbor. Built in 1860, this is still a working harbor. The Waterfront boasts restaurants catering to every taste, pubs, a brewery, two shopping centers, hotels, theatres, cinemas (including a five-story, large-screen Imax Cinema), an amphitheatre and various outdoor entertainment.

Evening is at your leisure. Stroll down eclectic Long Street and be part of the scene; or people-watch from one of the numerous cafes or restaurants serving Mexican, Japanese, Middle-Eastern, South African, Moroccan cuisines; or pass the night away at one of the several pubs/bars playing jazz, kwaito (South African version hip-hop), rock and dance music.

Day 5
No activity schedule for the morning. Arrangement would be made for those interested in attending church / religious services. As usual we meet for breakfast at the Out of Africa room.

The afternoon is dedicated to the beach. Hang out on one of Cape Town's fabulous beaches, such as Fish Hoek or Camps Bay Beach, and soak up a variety of postcard perfect vistas. Dinner will be a surprise treat!

Day 6
A historical & cultural tour to South Africa without visiting a township is incomprehensible. We will visit Vicky's B&B, a shebeen and school for children living in Informal settlements. There's a craft market at St. Michael's Church so be sure to bring plenty of small bills and be prepared to haggle. Arrangements can be made for those interested in spending a night at the township.

Day 7
We depart for the Winelands after breakfast. We will visit Stellenbosch or Franschoek or Paarl. Details of the vineyards we'll visit will be provided later. Lunch would be provided. The evening is yours free to do as you wish.

Day 8
We depart for either Swellendam and/or Hermanus to whale watch and then stop at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa and the dividing line for the Atlantic and Indian oceans for our photo ops. Don't forget your bathing suit as you can take a dip in the aquamarine waters of the Atlantic or Indian Ocean, whichever tickles your fancy. As usual breakfast and lunch would be provided. Hermanus, some 50 miles east of Cape Town is a famous seaside resort known for the large number of Southern Right whales which congregate close offshore at certain times of the year.

The Southern Right Whale is a baleen whale, which means that instead of teeth it has long plates hanging from the top jaw.

Day 9
Remember the 12 Apostles? Yes, the ones in the bible and along Melbourne's coast in Australia. In South Africa the grand profiles of the 12 Apostles form the western buttresses of Table Mountain and can be viewed both from our hotel and around the Cape Peninsula area. We'll explore the Cape Peninsula area today: Cape Point, Penguin Island and Chapman's Peak.

Mini lecture: We'll spend the evening learning about South African mysticism and its influence on various social beliefs and practices.

Day 10
We'll visit the Bo-Kaap / Cape Malay neighborhoods after breakfast. Also known as the Malay Quarter, this is where imported slaves from Indonesia and other parts of Asia lived with their Colonial masters. Lunch will be provided. The evening is yours free.

Day 11
After breakfast you are free to go on a shopping spree, etc. We'll regroup late afternoon and head for Lion's head to bid goodbye to the Mother City and then swap stories during our Last Supper.

Day 12
All good things must come to an end. We depart from Cape Town later that afternoon. Note that we'll arrive in New York's JFK early the next morning.

This tour begins at $5,100 - $5,199/pp double occupancy prices. A deposit of $500 holds your spot and is due with your registration 90 days prior to departure (Nov 9th 2005 & March 8th & June 2nd 2006). Deposits are fully refundable until dates noted. Tour price must be paid in full 45 days before the start of the tour. The all inclusive price includes:

Expert leadership provided by Nita Brown and your local ground operator

Roundtrip trip airfare to Cape Town, South Africa from JFK Airport, New York City.

12 days, 11 nights at a luxurious 4-star hotel where you'll indulge yourself in Capetonian hospitality

Ground transportation including airport transfers as noted in schedule

Meals as noted (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

Sightseeing, attractions/parks entrance fees and permits, cultural performances and shows

All Maame Koranchee tours begin with a bienvenue party, where we'll "meet and greet" each other. It will briefly take place at the airport, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a five-star hotel or four-star hotel, when possible.

For more details, contact us at 585-305-8292 or info@maame-koranchees.com or go to the Registration Form. We do pair up roommates, so let us know if you are single and in search of a roommate. We look forward to seeing you in the Mother City!