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November 1-11, 2026  |  Deposit: $500

South Africa Transformative Travel Experience 2026

APPLY NOW! 
Journey with me to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pilanesberg, South Africa.

November 1-11, 2026

$3,500 shared room - $4,000 single room

Experience the joy, adventure and vibrancy of South Africa through an experience curated for the kind of person interested in the stories held by the people and the land.

Welcome to the transformative travel experience - learn how our histories, liberation and cultures are intertwined among the beauty and complexities of the land.

Don’t just travel. Be Transformed.

What does “transformative travel” mean?

There are lots of ways to travel. At times we’re looking for different things - a good time, relaxation, learning, retreats, physical challenge, tourism, volunteerism. As an experienced international traveler, I’ve done a little bit of everything. I started leading what I call transformative travel experiences in 2016, taking groups of seminary students to South Africa. I’ve co-facilitated experiences to Israel-Palestine, Ireland and of course South Africa. Each trip is carefully curated to be more than a vacation. Trips with me are transformative because there is time and space for reflection, conversation, non-guided exploration and a wide variety of experiences. South Africa is a land of exquisite beauty and undeniable inequality - we will be in conversation with it all. There is no single story here, no uncomplicated narrative. We honor the complexities by wrestling with all of it. You will come away from the experience able to wrestle more deeply with the complexities of the land, city and neighborhood you come from - that’s transformation.

Are you ready to discover the history of the struggle for South African workers’ rights, visit historic sites like the early home of Nelson Mandela and be welcomed into a Cape Malay grandmother’s home for a cooking lesson? Have you always wanted to experience the beauty of a safari and the wonder of an elephant just a few feet (safely) away? Do you want to sip wine at one of the few South African wineries owned by a Black South African family?

LEARN MORE

If your answer is YES! YES! YES! Come with me to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pilanesberg from November 1-11, 2026.

Along the way, we will be in conversation with some of my friends - artists, activists, ministers and community leaders making sure that the “Rainbow Nation” as Bishop Tutu called it, can live up to its name. We will be accompanied every step of the way by travel expert and tour guide, Charlton Alexander of Liminal Tours.

The Vision Behind the Experience

  • 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.

TAKE ME TO THE APPLICATION FORM! 
How It Works:

There is an application process for all participants to ensure clarity about the expectations and details of the experience. Upon receiving your application and deposit, we will be in communication within 1 week to confirm your spot.

What does your $3500 cover?

  • The cost of this experience covers a fair and living wage for our South African tour operator and partners in Cape Town and Johannesburg who guide us along the way. 

  • All lodging including: 2 nights luxury safari game lodge Kwa Maritane, 1 Johannesburg hotel, 1 Cape Town city hotel and Bertha Retreat on Boschendal Wine Farm.

  • Most meals are included (breakfast most days with lunch and dinner dependent on location and activities). Cooking classes with meals. Local cuisine and community based chefs and restaurants. Still and sparkling water is included. Specialty coffees and teas, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages are not included.

  • All in-country group transportation and transfers in dedicated vehicles with professional drivers. 

  • All museum and experience tickets, guides and entry fees.

  • Tips for museum and experience guides. Note: we offer you the opportunity to bless folks with additional tips if you appreciate their service but it is not required.

  • Facilitated orientation in Johannesburg on night one and re-entry preparation on the last day.

  • Connection to optional activities during “free time” in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

  • Community building, resources, education and orientation before the journey even begins.

  • All the administrative and logistical planning necessary for an enjoyable, meaningful and life-changing experience

  • Read through the application page HERE and learn all the details of this transformative travel experience. Check out ALL the FAQs and get your questions answered!

  • I have to apply? YES! We want to make sure this is the right trip for you and you understand what we mean by transformative travel! This isn’t just passive tourism - we are learning and experiencing as we travel! Your $500 deposit will be collected and refunded if the trip isn’t right for you. Apply now!

  • After your application is approved, you’ll complete the full registration form and begin preparing for your experience! We will help you set up payments, introduce you to fellow travelers and get you ready for a once in a lifetime experience!

  • You’ll be responsible for your flights to and from South Africa. We will be there all along the way to support you with when to arrive and depart, recommend flight itineraries and anything else you need to feel confident along the way.

  • $3500/ single person - sharing a room

    Want your own room? $500 supplement. Must be paid by May 1 or upon registration if after May 1. Monthly installments are available. Half must be paid by May1. Payment in full is due September 1, 2026.

  • We’ll connect as community before we head to South Africa and co-create an amazing experience together.

What it does NOT cover:

  • Flights. You are responsible for booking and paying for your flight from your departing and return location. Flights range from $1,100- 1,700 depending on itinerary, departure and return airport and flight class. 

  • Some meals (usually 1 per day)

  • Specialty drinks, alcohol, soft drinks and snacks not included in meals.

  • Additional tips

  • Souvenirs, personal purchases 

  • Free time activities, meals and activities of your choice.

  • Individual Room ($500 additional fee if you’d like to have your own room)