In the Footsteps of Nelson Mandela

Upon our arrival at the Cape, we are welcomed by our English-speaking local representative and transferred to our accommodation. Depending on our arrival time, we can explore Cape Town city center, or we can enjoy the rooftop pool at our hotel The Hyde Hotel.

An incredible and unique 360-degree view of the sea, the Sea Point neighborhood and Table Mountain awaits us.

A possible walk for this first evening is to Grand Parade, where on February 11, 1990, just a few hours after his release from prison, Nelson Mandela delivered his first public speech from the balcony of Cape Town's City Hall. Built in 1905, the City Hall is an interesting place to visit, for its historical value, its Victorian architecture as well as its magnificent national library located inside.

Our journey following the life and struggle of Nelson Mandela begins with 4 days in this beautiful city of Cape Town.

We set off this morning to visit a Township, a visit that offers us an insight and interaction with different cultures, communities and individuals. We witness daily life in a challenging environment, which tells the stories of struggles, hopes and achievements.

In Langa, the oldest formal black township in Cape Town, we discover the local market, an art and craft centre, and visit a traditional healer. We will also visit a nursery offering recreational activities and a shelter for neighbourhood children.

Following the morning's activities and visits, our guide takes us to the V&A Waterfront. The first stop on the Mandela trail in Cape Town is a visit to the Robben Island World Heritage Site, the legendary prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life.

(Our guide leaves us at the Waterfront; the visit to Robben Island is optional.)

Upon our return, we still have time to enjoy the lively V&A Waterfront, with its many shops and restaurants, and we make our way to the Nobel Square. Here we find four bronze statues representing South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize winners: Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela. Madiba and FW de Klerk received theirs in 1993.

The inscription on Madiba's statue proclaims: "Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another".

Today, we begin accompanied by our English-speaking guide by exploring the beautiful city of Cape Town and taking the cable car up Table Mountain, this symbol of Cape Town that dominates the city.

Then we continue with a visit to the District Six Museum. District Six was once home to thousands of people from different cultures. More than 60,000 of its residents were displaced by the apartheid regime in the 1970s.

We also don't miss exploring the The Company's Garden and discovering the South African Parliament. As president of Afrique du Sud between 1994 and 1999, Madiba naturally spent many years in Parliament (Parliament Street). It is perhaps here that we can hear the echo of his footsteps most strongly, for it was during his term that members of the chambers created the 1996 constitution, and with it the laws that serve as the framework for our democracy.

Parliament is open to the public for free tours. Visitors are invited to come and see the floor where Mandela delivered many of his historic speeches. A walking tour of the grounds testifies not only to the country's turbulent political past, but also to Mandela's ability to guide the country toward peaceful democracy.

Optional visit during the stay: the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, created in 1913 and considered one of the largest in the world. The 528 hectares of the Kirstenbosch estate are part of the Cape Floral Region, a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Day of discovery of the Cape Peninsula and its mythical Cape of Good Hope, accompanied by our English-speaking driver-guide. From Cape Town, numerous sites of interest deserve stops and discoveries.

Cape Peninsula and Boulders Beach entrance fees included

Return at the end of the day to Cape Town. A stop at Camps Bay is recommended for a drink on the terrace or on a rooftop while admiring the sunset.

Today will be a full day on the theme "Journey towards freedom". Our day begins with the Apartheid Museum Visit. An interactive journey that takes us from the dark days of "Whites only" privilege to the historic liberation of Nelson Mandela. A multimedia experience, with excerpts from documentary films, texts, sound clips and live accounts. A fascinating visit, filled with stories of bravery, sadness and joy.

Then we go to Soweto to the Hector Pieterson museum where we discover the cause of the devastating riots, before going to Mandela House and visiting this small museum. Vilakazi Street is mainly known for the fact that it hosted two Nobel Peace Prize winners: the late former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu both lived there.

Our next important stop is the fascinating Regina Mundi Church, site of so many clandestine meetings of political parties that were then banned. Here we can feel the intensity, the tension on the faces of these incredibly courageous souls, committed at all costs to changing the way of life of a nation.

Today's journey, accompanied by our English-speaking guide, takes us to the exceptional site of the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the secrets of the origin of our species. A fascinating place that focuses on the development of humans and their ancestors over the last few million years. Visits alternate between archaeological excavation sites and exhibitions designed as a journey of discovery from past to future. The Cradle of Humankind comprises 15 major archaeological sites, the most famous of which is Sterkfontein Caves.

From past to present, we explore five cultures at the Lesedi Cultural Village, the heart and home of families from various African tribes, who live harmoniously in traditional farms. We discover the warmth and hospitality of the Zulus, the Xhosas, the Ndebeles, the Sothos and the Pedi, and we are fascinated by the spirit of Ubuntu.

It is also an opportunity to enjoy a traditional African meal, a wonderful way to end a day of new experiences and new perspectives.

NB: possibility of spending the night at Lesedi African Lodge at the Cultural Village

Free morning until the time of transfer to the airport for our next flight.