Where Will Jules Go

With only 8 days left, I decided this morning that I might want to start packing! I can't believe how fast this trip is coming and I'm SO excited!! With running shoes, 3 boxes of granola bars and mega bug spray in hand...I'm just about ready! I hope everyone has a happy Friday!

Hi everyone!
Here is the schedule for my exciting adventure! Every day is full of fun activities and I'm really excited to share all of these experiences with you!

ITINERARY – SOUTH AFRICA STUDY ABROAD 2009

Sunday, June 14 Depart USA
Depart from Los Angeles to South Africa

Tuesday, June 16 Cape Town, South Africa
Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the world’s most beautifuly located cities. Our hotel is located only a few minutes walk from Long Street, the liveliest street in the city with numerous restaurants and nightlife. Five nights in Cape Town.

Wednesday, June 17 Cape Town
After morning classroom instruction explore Cape Town: the colorful Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter), District Six Museum which documents the ill effects of apartheid, the strikingly beautiful coastline around Camp’s Bay, and a cable car up to the top of magnificent Table Mountain.

Thursday, June 18 Cape Town
After morning classroom instruction take a boat to Robben Island, the “Alcatraz” of Africa where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and now a UNESCO world heritage. Back on the mainland spend time at the V & A Waterfront with free time to enjoy the shops, restaurants, or excellent Two Oceans Aquarium, focusing on the marine life around the Cape Peninsula with the Indian Ocean on one side and the Atlantic on the other.

Friday, June 19 Cape Town
After morning classroom instruction we go to the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain National Park, observing the native wildlife and vegetation of the Cape Floral Region, a tiny area of the continent but home to 20% of Africa’s plant species . Watch African penguins in their native habitat at Boulders Beach. Travel the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive for more spectacular coastal scenery.

Saturday, June 20 Cape Town
Full day to experience the world famous Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschoek. Learn about South Africa’s winemaking industry and have the opportunity to sample some of their best.

Sunday, June 21 Cape Town to Oudtshoorn
Travel eastward into the semi-desert of the Karoo region to the town of Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Visit a working ostrich farm to learn about these fascinating birds and have the opportunity to ride one. One night in Oudtshoorn at a country lodge.
Monday, June 22 Oudshoorn to Plettenberg Bay
Venture underground amidst the stalactites of Cango Caves and then travel the Garden Route along the Indian Ocean, one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads. Stop at Knysna for lunch on the waterfront, and in the afternoon go hiking around the beautiful peninsula of Robberg Nature Reserve. Two nights in Plettenberg Bay.

Tuesday, June 23 Plettenberg Bay
Free time in the morning to relax or opt to go go whale watching or sea kayaking among dolpins. In the afternoon a guide leads us on a walking safari in Monkeyland primate sanctuary, with excellent viewing of native and introduced monkeys and lemurs.

Wednesday, June 24 Plettenberg Bay to Tstitsikamma National Park
Continue along the Garden Route, with a beach walk at Nature’s Valley. Hike up to an unforgettable viewpoint where the wide empty beach stretches for miles. In the afternoon opt for a canopy tour, sliding along steel cables from tree to tree in South Africa’s most impressive indigenous forest. Spend one night in cabins at Tsitsikamma National Park, just steps away from the crashing surf of the Indian Ocean.

Thursday, June 25 Tsitsikamma National Park to Port Elizabeth
Awake to the sound of the waves outside your door. Morning walk in Tsitsikamma National Park: cross a dramatic suspension footbridge over Storms River Mouth and hike part of the Otter Trail, South Africa’s most famous hiking trail, to a coastal waterfall. One night in Port Elizabeth.

Friday, June 26 Port Elizabeth to Durban
Morning game drive in an open vehicle at Addo Elephant National Park with its great elephant herds. The wildlife also includes Cape buffalo, zebra, several species of antelope, and more. Afternoon flight to Durban where we check in to our beachfront hotel. Two nights in Durban

Saturday, June 27 Durban
After morning classroom instruction take a half-day city tour of Durban, with a chance to absorb the Indian culture of the city, the Zulu marketplaces, the British colonial architecture, and the Americanized beachfront.

Sunday, June 28 Durban to St. Lucia
After morning classroom instruction depart Durban to travel north along the Indian Ocean. Opt to visit a crocodile conservation centre, and then go to another UNESCO world heritage site, St. Lucia Wetlands, for an afternoon boat cruise to observe prolific bird life. One night in St. Lucia, an ecotourism destination where no buildings can be taller than the trees.

Monday, June 29 St. Lucia to Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Learn about Zulu culture at Dumazulu Traditional Village, with displays of Zulu dancing, spear making, and more. Enjoy a traditional Zulu lunch before continuing to Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Afternoon game drive in an open vehicle in Hluhluwe, home to the world’s largest rhino population. Spend one night in comfortable rooms at Hilltop camp in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, with sweeping views across the park’s hills and valleys.

Tuesday, June 30 Hluhluwe to Swaziland
Morning to relax at camp in Hluhluwe, with the option to do a walking safari or another game drive. Leaving the park we soon enter the country of Swaziland, one of only two kingdoms in Africa. Two nights in Swaziland.

Wednesday, July 1 Swaziland
Morning visit to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary with an option to go on a morning safari in an open vehicle, on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback. Or relax at the park restaurant while watching hippos wallowing nearby. In the afternoon experience Swazi culture and dance at a cultural village. Option to soak in a beautifully warm outdoor spa.

Thursday, July 2 Swaziland to Kruger National Park
Leaving Swaziland we return to South Africa and travel to Kruger National Park, one of the best wildlife parks in the world. Afternoon game drive, with almost nonstop viewing of wildlife. Two nights in comfortable Ndebele-styled huts at a safari lodge on the edge of Kruger.

Friday, July 3 Kruger National Park
Full day game drive in an open vehicle through Kruger. See how many of Kruger’s 147 mammal species you can see, or try to spot the Big 5 (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard).

Saturday, July 4 Kruger to Graskop
Morning to relax at the safari camp, or opt to go on a morning bush walk with a knowledgable guide to see wildlife on foot and to learn more about the environment. Travel through the Drakensberg Mountains along the aptly named Panorama Route of Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve. Marvel at the stupendous scenery from viewpoints like “God’s Window” and “World’s End”. Learn about the geology of Bourke’s Luck Potholes. One night in Graskop.

Sunday, July 5 Graskop to Pretoria
Depart Graskop, then visit a cheetah conservation center where the cats roam freely along with other endangered animals such as African wild dogs. Continue to Pretoria, South Africa’s executive capital. Two nights in Pretoria.

Monday, July 6 Pretoria and Johannesburg
Morning city tour of Pretoria, including the grand architecture of the government buildings and the imposing Voortrekker Monument, an icon of Afrikaner pride. Afternoon city tour of Johannesburg, with a trip to the top of Africa’s tallest building (50 stories high). Vist the home of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela in the famous township of Soweto. Farewell dinner for our final night in South Africa.

Tuesday, July 7 Depart South Africa
Depart Johannesburg, and arrive in the USA one day later, or continue your African experience with a 5-day extension to Victoria Falls and Botswana. (I'll be continuing on with the extension!)