Samara Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s beautiful Eastern Cape, is delighted to announce a new seven day tour which will celebrate the life and origins of the great Nelson Mandela. The Eastern Cape was the centre of the Apartheid struggle for many years and houses Mandela’s birthplace amid magnificent and varied scenery.
This unique tour has been designed and managed by Edge World Tours, led by experienced guide Rob Prentis and involves staying at many fabulous lodges, including at Samara, as well as visiting historical and cultural locations which played an essential part in shaping Nelson Mandela’s character.
The Transkei region where he was born in the village of Qunu, has changed little in terms of its spectacular landscape. During the tour, visitors will even get the chance to meet a Sangoma (traditional healer) as well as learning about Xhosa beliefs, which would have been a key lifelong influence. After four inspiring days, what better way to end the tour than a luxurious stay at the Samara Private Game Reserve, where game drives and walking with cheetah will complete a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mandela Landscapes Tour Itinerary
Day 1: The WildCoast
- Arrive in East London, South Africa and visit the world famous East London museum for a perspective on the region
- Travel to the magnificent WildCoast and relax at the 5 star Prana Lodge at Chintsa – option to experience a sunset horse ride on the beach!
Day 2: The Mandela Story – Qunu
- Travel through the Transkei and visit Qunu where Mandela was born and grew up
- Visit the Mandela museum at Qunu, the church where he was baptised and the family graveyard
- Enjoy a traditional Xhosa meal before returning to the Prana Lodge
Day 3: The Culture of Mandela’s Youth – Morgan Bay & the Transkei
- Arrive at the luxurious Morgan Bay Hotel on the WildCoast for breakfast
- Travel through the Transkei landscape, up the KologhaRiver with a Xhosa Guide, walk through the forest and learn about Xhosa traditions and medicines
- Enjoy a seafood lunch at Trennery’s Hotel
- Meet a Sangoma (traditional healer)
- Return to the Morgan Bay Hotel for sundowners and overnight
Day 4: The Crucible – Where the Struggle for Freedom Began
- Depart for the Eastern Cape battlefields via Stutterheim, breakfast at Eagles Ridge Hotel
- Visit St. Matthew’s Mission – learn about the influence of missionaries on Mandela’s life
- Picnic lunch at Hogsback, then visit the battlefields of the ThumieValley
- Visit FortHare, site of Mandela’s alma mater university, plus FortBeaufort
- Overnight at CaversCounty guest house on a colonial farm
Day 5: Depart for the Samara Private Game Reserve – Great Karoo
- Travel via Bedford to learn about the life of Sir Andries Stockenstrom, Lieutenant General of the region who was known for his far-sighted respect for the Xhosa people
- Tea at Somerset House in Somerset East
- Arrive at Samara
Day 6: at Samara
- Enjoy the spectacular wildlife and scenery: two Game Drives, walk and stalk with cheetah
- Indulge in the stunning facilities including a spa, pool and first class dining
Day 7: Samara, then Depart
- Early morning Game Drive, return for brunch
- Depart Port Elizabeth for Johannesburg or other destination
- N.B. an extra day can be arranged to drive through the AddoElephantPark
-Ends-
Note to Editors
Photos Rob Bruyns, Samara Private Game Reserve
For further information, visit www.samara.co.za or email Jenny at [email protected]
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