South Africa

Morning Optional Township Tour
Thursday, March 30, 2006

Today offers you an insight into, and interaction with, cultures, communities and individuals living in South Africa's colorful society. Witness everyday life in a demanding environment and share hopes and achievements.
     We start with a tour of the Bo-Kaap. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses, mystical Mosques, spiritual shrines and beautiful views characterize the Malay Quarter. It's distinctive traditions and cultures have contributed to Cape Town's development. See the oldest mosque in South Africa.
     In District Six, we explore the site that was once home to thousands of people of various hues and cultures, but is now a desolate wasteland because of forced removals in 1966. The tour continues to the townships of Langa, Gugulethu, Cross Roads and Khayalitsha.
     This is the real Africa! Here traditional healers, traders, markets, shebeens and the Church play an important role in the community. You will also have the chance to buy arts and crafts from the local people and take back a souvenir of this amazing African experience.

Price:  $65

Afternoon Optional Robben Island Tour
Thursday, March 30, 2006

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political trouble makers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. Indigenous African leaders, Muslim leaders from the East Indies, Dutch and British settler soldiers and civilians, women and anti-apartheid activists, including South Africa's first democratic President, Nelson Rohihlahla Mandela, were all imprisoned on the island.
     Depart from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront for a 30 minute crossing to the island, with beautiful views of Cape Town and Table Mountain receding in the distance. The tour of the island commences with a bus tour overview, followed by entrance into the prison itself which is now a museum. You will see the cell occupied by Nelson Mandela, sparsely furnished as it was at that time. Walking back to the boat, keep an eye out for penguins!