Set atop an ancient labyrinth of caves north of the city is a visitor center that showcases something I was completely oblivious to: an Indiana Jones type discovery in the world of palaeoanthropology (the field of science concerned with fossils/early man). What, you ask?? This site is literally ground zero for research into human evolution after a recent treasure trove of fossils was discovered, including the identification of a NEW ancient species of man. I attended an address delivered by the expedition leader, Lee Berger, at the American Natural History Museum in New York last week and I was transfixed. I did not want him to stop talking. The entire discovery is on display at The Cradle of Humankind, and visitors are also afforded the opportunity to explore the cave complex. Expect Harrison Ford to pop out of a crevasse…
Stay: In Johannesburg at The Residence / The Saxon (less than an hour from the Cradle)
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The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, Cape Town
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The MOCAA will open in September 2017 and will showcase the
very cutting edge of Pan African art, as well as host international exhibitions from African artists spread across the globe. Over 80 permanent and temporary exhibitions will house education centers, photography displays, costume designs…the list goes on. The museum is housed in a retrofitted grain silo on the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, which alone is a masterpiece of engineering and architecture. This museum is the first of its kind, and long overdue.
All hyperbole aside, I firmly believe that it will be a must-see museum on the global circuit along with some of the European greats.
Stay: In Cape Town at The Cape Grace / The Silo Hotel atop the museum
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Children in the Wilderness near Victoria Falls
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There are few things more emotive than attending a rural school in Zimbabwe during lesson time. Visitors are charged with the responsibility of teaching eager students from literacy packs followed by assisting with delivering lunchtime meals and ending with a game of soccer on the school ‘pitch’ for the more energetic. If you are looking for a phenomenal way to expose your children/grandchildren to other cultures, you found it! CITW is a multi layered social services organization with which we partner and we cannot speak highly enough of their programs and projects…but most importantly of their results.
Stay: At Victoria Falls in The Victoria Falls River Lodge / The Victoria Falls Hotel
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Family farm visit in the heart of the
Swartland, South Africa
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Set on 4000 pristine acres is a supremely romantic farmhouse: Bartholomeusklip. Here there is a diversity of opportunities: wake early and tend to the vast number of sheep (learn to shear them!); take a ride on the combine harvesters lazily harvesting miles of wheat fields (bake bread from that very wheat); and have lunch with the farm hands. Leisure activities include fly fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and endless additional outdoor pursuits. BUT…it is the wine and food program that lures me. The sister-owners are revered, published cookbook authors and the farm’s intimate cooking school is a gem. In tandem, they open doors to introductions to and visits with award winning winemakers. I can guarantee only one thing - you will not want to depart!
Stay: Bartholomeusklip Farmhouse
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Rhino Tagging in Botswana, under the
expert guidance of Map Ives
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If your focus and energy is squarely on conservation, we enable TS clients to be on Safari with the legendary Map Ives in remote Botswana. Map is at the very forefront of Rhino Conservation and his Rhino relocation platform has attracted Prince Harry as an eager participant and now as Trust Patron. After relocation, the ability to monitor a Rhino’s movements and to put ultra strict anti poaching measures in place is key. TS guests are involved in a hands-on manner in all aspects of the program and learning opportunities are vast. Map is a truly remarkable individual - empathetic, hard charging and entertaining. DO THIS.
Stay: Wilderness Safaris camps spread across Botswana: Gomoti, Linyanti Tented, Xigera
Darren Humphreys
TravelSommelier
www.travelsommelier.com
+1 781 934 6752
+1 203 919 9161 cell
darren@travelsommelier.com
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