Combine the beauties of Cape Town — one of Africa’s loveliest cities — with a rich experience in the townships, where residents struggle for good jobs, housing and education. A well-supervised program develops global citizenship in American and South African youth, while adults do community service and share their children’s experiences. Highlights include field trips to explore Cape Town’s stunning landscapes and compelling history.
Cost:
The land cost for this trip is $1,800 per person, plus accommodations for your family group on a per night basis. By pricing accommodations separately, we are able to give families a greater choice of lodging options and a range of prices.
Included:
– Airport transfer at arrival and departure
– Ground transportation for all program activities
– Entrance fees for all excursions described in itinerary
– Specified group meals, including nine lunches and five dinners
– Trip leader and trip guides
– Tips
– Costs of children’s and adult programs
– Pre-trip reading list and resources
– Pre- and post-trip meetings
– Global Buddies T-shirts
– Modest donations to our local host organizations
– End-of-trip photo book
Not Included:
Accommodations (see below); international flights; travel insurance (highly recommended); personal expenses, including local purchases and alcoholic beverages; meals not specified in program fee.
Accomodations:
Lodging ranges from $140 to $390 per night per family, depending on the number of people in your family group, the time of year you travel, accommodations you choose, and availability. We stay at Cape Town's lovely Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with a range of accommodations to suit your budget.
Airfare:
The cost of flights to South Africa varies depending on which airline you fly, when tickets are booked, and the time of year you travel. The earlier you book, the more you save. Youth fares may be available for children under 13.
PLEASE NOTE: Trip costs are based upon current tariffs, fuel costs and currency exchange rates. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed price, it is subject to change. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, it may become necessary to add a fuel surcharge. We will confirm final costs within 60 days prior to departure.
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ARRIVAL: You will be met at Cape Town International Airport and transported to your accommodations at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where Global Buddies staff will greet you and orient you to the area.American families gather for opening dinner at the Africa Café. |
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PROGRAM BEGINS: South African and American Global Buddies meet for an outdoor celebration and dinner in the Franschhoek wine country. |
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Parade welcomes Global Buddies to Mfuleni, as visitors become part of the community for the next 10 days. Visit an orphanage, interact with a traditional healer and meet local leaders to begin getting to know the township |
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Adults start service project at Women for Peace, while children visit the homes of their Mfuleni global buddies. All enjoy a festive community lunch. |
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American families share in the community's joyful religious spirit with an optional morning visit to township churches. South African families join in the afternoon for a trip by cable car to the top of world-famous Table Mountain. A ferry ride to Robben Island follows, where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned during apartheid. |
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Children visit Footprints Environmental Center for hands-on learning about global warming and world resource use. Adults explore craft markets that create employment for local women. All meet at Boulders Beach to see African penguins, play in the sand and swim in the Indian Ocean. Dinner at Seaforth Lodge. |
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Children and adults spend the day in Mfuleni, where American and South African children participate in service project. Adult service project continues. |
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Adults visit Philani Nutrition and Development Centre in Khayelitsha township and continue with service project. Children's program at Women for Peace. |
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Adults continue with service project and visit Mfuleni orphanage. Children's program includes high-spirited Global Buddies soccer game in the township. The whole group enjoys dinner at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. |
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Another full day of community activities for children and adults. All travel to Moyo at Spier for a glorious evening of pan-African food and entertainment under an open-air Bedouin tent in the Stellenbosch wine country. |
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Program ends in Mfuleni with a dance performance, international community lunch and closing ceremony at Women for Peace. |
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DEPARTURES: Transportation to Cape Town International Airport. Families may explore South Africa further on their own (add-ons available) or begin their journey home. |
We reserve the right to adjust individual items on this itinerary as needed; the main components will not change.