I traveled to South Africa for the first time a decade ago in January of 2016 to attend a gathering for changemakers and good troublemakers on Robben Island. There, I met people from all over the world - Brasil, Palestine, Ireland, Kenya and of course South Africa. I came face to face with the brutality of South African apartheid and the prison system that mirrored systems in the United States that I had never understood because it was the environment I knew. Although it was my second trip to the continent of Africa, it was that experience that awakened my commitment to being a global citizen. I wanted to understand how our struggles were linked and through friendship and collaboration, do something about it. Those friendships, especially those rooted in Cape Town, continue to bring me back to the land and people who always welcome me with warm food, good wine and deep conversation. I introduce others to the land, the people and the history because I want everyone to experience this transformation too.

Your journey will begin with welcome in the vibrant, urban city of Johannesburg - South Africa’s largest city and Soweto - the bustling township that gifted the world both Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu.

But first we enter gently by connecting with nature, animals and if you chose, spa time! We will head to Pilanesberg National Park for a safari at a beautiful lodge and spa with experienced, professional guides and the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo) in their natural surroundings.

November 1-3 will include four opportunities for game drives, all meals and game lodge accommodations. It will be Spring into Summer at the time of our visit. The perfect time to see incredible animal activity all around. Game lodges are also known for delicious food, fabulous wine and other leisure activities. You will have time to recover from jet lag and settle in to our time together. 

November 3 - Depart Pilanesberg after morning game drive, Cradle of Humankind visit, transfer back to Johannesburg - dinner on your own in the city. 

November 4 - Soweto. Apartheid Museum, Mandela House, Hector Pietersen Memorial, Freedom Square, Delicious, authentic lunch with local chef Lerato Ndlovu - Ndlovukazi Eatery. Dinner together at the hotel.

November 5 - Workers’ Museum, Constitutional Hill,Women’s Prison (Prominent anti-apartheid activists Barbara Hogan, Fatima Meer, Albertina Sisulu and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela were all incarcerated at the Women’s Jail). Lunch on your own.

Flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town (included in trip cost)

Check into our Cape Town hotel. Dinner at Seven Colours Restaurant.

November 6 - St. George’s Cathedral, Long Street Women’s Market shopping; Free afternoon OR Weather permitting Table Mountain by cable car. Special guest conversation partner will join the day.

November 7 - Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation & Exhibition, 

Lunch on own and free time near the foundation (V&A Waterfront)

Bo Kaap and Cape Malay cooking experience with dinner you helped prepare. Evening free for exploration.

November 8 - Choose your own adventure day! Muzienberg (or other) beach day; have a Bo Kaap photo shoot, meet local artists or activists or even attend a religious service! Charlie and Micky will help you find something just for YOU alone or with others from our group!

November 9 - The Itziko Slave Lodge, Langa museum, Township walk with lunch at the cooking school. 

Transfer to retreat accommodations at Bertha Retreat

Dinner at Bertha Retreat & discussion with staff about workers’ rights and labor organizing.

November 10 - Wine Tasting Day. Klein Goederust* Wine Farm, Waterford* Wine Farm. Dinner and relaxing evening at Bertha Retreat. South Africa’s wine region is one of the “hidden gems” of the world, with its own distinct varieties and flavors. *Wine Farms subject to change based on availability.

November 11 - Breakfast at Bertha Retreat. Final conversation time with special guests and new friends after breakfast before departures begin for the airport. 

Transfer to the Cape Town airport for early afternoon departure.

Our Itinerary is subject to change based on availability, group size, needs and at times, mother nature’s whims. A final itinerary with clear information about meals included and on your own will be provided before departure. Daily updates will be given with any daily changes or adjustments. Expect guest speakers, local guides, fantastic surprises and some adjustments as the trip unfolds.

Those who want to be transformed by travel, not just escape. You want to be in conversation with the people, the land, the story. You are willing to engage your fellow group members and take time for yourself. You are flexible, open and see yourself as a global citizen, or want to become one…and you want to be more than a tourist…you want to be transformed.

Adults 18 and over*. People of all genders, sexualities, ethnic and cultural origins welcome. The experience will be inclusive. All participants agree to adjust to collective needs, do our best to practice justice, mercy and hospitality and interact with an intent towards mutual flourishing. 

Some walking is required. If you have mobility limitations, please indicate that on your application so we can make sure the locations and transportation can accommodate. Group size will be limited to 24 people total.

*Teens attending with parents or guardians will be accepted by approval only.

Cancellation:

Cancellations are sometimes necessary. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel.  We will work together to find the best solution. 

Refunds:

Remaining installments are 50% refundable up to 120 days before the first day of the trip (July 1, 2026) in the case of cancellation. Any payment made after July 1 is not refundable. You may transfer your spot to someone else and facilitate their payment to you of fees already paid. 

Transfers

You may TRANSFER your registration. 

Trip space can be transferred to another person. In the case of transfer, fees already paid would be paid to the original participant by the new participant. The new participant would pay the remaining balance directly to trip organizers and must be paid in full by September 1. All transfers must be approved by Micky ScottBey Jones.