SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER - AESU
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A E S U A L U M N I W O R L D T R AV E L
SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER
2022 YOUNG ALUMNI ADVENTURE
U S D E PA R T U R E D AT E : A P R I L 8 , 2 0 2 2 | L A N D T O U R S TA R T D AT E : A P R I L 9 , 2 0 2 2
R E T U R N D AT E : A P R I L 1 7, 2 0 2 2
START YOUR ADVENTURE.
ABOUT US OUR EXPERTISE
When deciding on a team you can trust to send you on
TRIPS FOR 18 - 35 YEAR OLDS
the most magical, informative and fun travel experience,
you need not look any further than AESU. We are an
Educational Travel Service company founded in 1977. COLLEGE STUDENT AND YOUNG
Our headquarters is located in Baltimore, MD PROFESSIONAL TRIPS
with satellite and partner offices around the globe.
GRADUATION TOURS
With over 45 years of experience we can safely say we
know how to combine the wonders of history, the
excitement of culture and of course, and the adventure YOUNG ALUMNI JOURNEYS
of experiencing the world. The balance of learning and
fun provides a well-rounded experience, unforgettable TRADITIONAL ALUMNI JOURNEYS
memories, and new friendships to last a lifetime.
It’s time to stop dreaming about travel and start delving FAMILY & MULTI-GENERATIONS TOURS
into it head first. When travelling with AESU, you get the
most out of your journey, from trying local delicacies, to STUDY ABROAD AND STUDENT TRAVEL
venturing into ancient territories, to living every moment
of your time in each city to its absolute fullest. We want
FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS TO
you to not only make an investment in the quality of
your trip, but in the quality of every memory made along DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE
the way.
CUSTOMIZED GROUP TRAVEL
What are you waiting for? Just go! SPECIALIST FOR ALL AGES
TR A V EL INSU R A NCE
TR A V EL INSU R A NCE
We highly recommend travel
insurance. (Some schools or alumni
associations may offer travel
insurance to you at a reduced rate.)
If not, AESU also offers group travel
insurance. Ask our reservations
agent for details or visit this link:
https://www.tripassure.com/
Visit our website WWW.AESU.COM for more details and to book 2
SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER
10 DAYS
CITIES VISITED:
CAPE TOWN | KRUGER NATIONAL PARK | JOHANNESBURG
WHAT‘S INCLUDED:
10-Day Land Package Transportation and Lodging • Cape Point National Park
• Flying Dutchman funicular
• 8 nights in superior tourist class hotels or better, 2-share • Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
rooms with private bath/shower • Table Mountain
• Flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit/Kruger • Stellenbosch Wine Country & Tastings
• All ground transportation by private, air-conditioned motor • Makalali Private Game Reserve (or similar)
coach, as per itinerary • Greater Kruger National Park
• Arrival and departure airport transfers included with • Daily morning & afternoon game drives
purchased AESU group airfare • Bush country fauna & flora
• Lodge activities and pool
Meals • Blyde River Canyon Reserve
• 20 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 specialty dinners • God’s Window
• Soweto Township
Activities & Admissions • Apartheid Museum, Hector Pieterson Memorial and
the Nelson Mandela House
• Transfer from airport to hotel included with purchased
AESU group airfare Optional Excursions
• Cape Town orientation tour (not included in land package price):
• Welcome orientation and 14-dish taste safari dinner and
drumming session • Johannesburg - Gin tasting experience
• Chapman’s Peak • Cape Town - dining experience
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SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER
ITINERARY
ABOUT THE TRIP:
In the lower portion of the vast African continent lies South Africa, a fascinating and diverse country famous for
its wildlife, such as the lions of Greater Kruger National Park, and the unique fauna, flora and coastal penguins
of the Cape Peninsula. South Africa has coastlines with endless beaches on both the Indian and Atlantic
Oceans. The friendly locals count eleven official languages, including Zulu, Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa
and the cosmopolitan cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town are bustling with excitement. Get ready for the
adventure-of-a-lifetime!
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO SOUTH AFRICA
Our adventure begins with an overnight flight to cosmopolitan Cape Town,
South Africa, one of the world’s most beautiful cities and a top international
destination. “Moenie worry nie” – relax and enjoy.
Meals: In-flight
DAY 2 - CAPE TOWN: LAND TOUR START DATE
After arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a brief orientation tour of the city with
its fascinating blend of African, European and Malay influences in the culture
and architecture. Cape Town has it all, from rugged mountains to the crashing
surf of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on stunning beaches. The remainder
of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore, then feel the heartbeat of Africa
at our special welcome orientation and dinner this evening. This immersive
experience will take us on a 14-dish taste safari paired with traditional Mali
puppetry, singing, and dancing to the rhythms of the marimba percussion and
djembe drums.
Meals: In-flight, Dinner
DAY 3 - CAPE TOWN
Today we take a scenic drive past cape vineyards and along the cliffs of
Chapman’s Peak leading down to the most Southwestern point of Africa - Cape
Point National Park. Here we board the Flying Dutchman funicular that whisks
us up to the summit of Cape Point to uninterrupted panoramic views across
the Atlantic and over the bay to the historic lighthouse. Cape Town’s funicular
was named after the legendary 17th century ghost ship that met its end at the
“Cape of Storms” on its way back to Holland from Jakarta. After our lunch of
local seafood with more stunning sea-side views, we’ll visit the Boulders Beach
Penguin Colony. This is home to coastal seals and flocks of penguins that
waddle up and down the beach. As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll be
able to see their nests in the sand. An evening back in Cape Town is at your
leisure where you’ll have no trouble finding some dining options in this city
known for its amazing food scene and laid-back lifestyle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER
ITINERARY
DAY 4 - CAPE TOWN
Our local expert first takes us on a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain,
the most iconic landmark of South Africa (weather permitting). This flat-top
mountain curls around the city and looks out over the Ocean—a selfie-
background paradise no matter which way you look. There are about 2,200
species of plants found on Table Mountain and 1,470 exotic floral species.
Next we travel east to the heart of wine country and the historic former Dutch
settlement and university town, Stellenbosch. Surrounded by more than 150
wine farms and estates, the town is humming with shops, cafés, restaurants,
boutiques, art galleries and museums. We’ll enjoy visits to two wineries to taste
the fruit of the vine. Enjoy a lunch of local grown ingredients, sample award-
winning wines, each with its own unique charm, while relaxing and drinking in
the intoxicating atmosphere of the winelands. We return back to Cape Town
with free time for a lively night exploring the waterfront areas and beachfront
“Riviera” neighborhoods with a seemingly endless array of diversions to
choose from.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional activity: Cape Town dining experience
DAY 5 - CAPE TOWN - MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - GREATER
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hoedspruit Airport.
Then transfer to the Makalali Private Game Reserve (or similar) in the
conservation area of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Greater Kruger National Park is South Africa’s premier private game viewing
destination and the conservancies are leading pioneers in ecotourism. It was
here that the southern African safari began, and today this famous reserve
and conservancy area offers exceptional game viewing along with the diverse
fauna and flora of the bush country. It is home to an astonishing variety of
wildlife – including over 200 mammal and 300 bird species. Daily morning and
afternoon safaris are enjoyed in open safari vehicles where close encounters
with the Big 5 — Cape buffalo, lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants — are a
regular occurrence. From daily lunches at the lodge to dinner in the bushveld,
or a ‘boma dinner’ under the stars – you’ll experience a combination of
regional African cuisine to represent the ‘melting pot’ of cooking styles found
around Africa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 - MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – GREATER KRUGER
NATIONAL PARK
Join the park rangers for more exciting morning and afternoon game drives
in open 4 x 4 vehicles and talks about wildlife conservation efforts. While
the animals are taking their siesta, we’ll enjoy lunch back at the lodge on the
expansive deck.
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SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER
ITINERARY
Each day at the lodge you may choose to go on all the game drives (or not),
participate in other activities like bush walks, or just lounge by the lodge pool
for some quality down time. After fantastic discoveries in the bush with our
outstanding guides and trackers, we compare notes and photos at dinner and
make plans for another exciting day. Walking Safaris and Night Drives can be
organized on request. All rangers are educated in astronomy and will unveil
the secrets of the African night sky in star gazing sessions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 - MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL
PARK
Morning and afternoon game drives will be offered again today. Explore more
of the bush wilderness and terrain that houses not only the famous Big Five,
but also cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and a vast variety of antelopes and other
species. There are also hundreds of species of native birds that can be closely
observed in their natural environment among ancient indigenous trees and
meandering rivers. You will be in awe at the incredible diversity these game
reserves offer, especially around the many watering holes. After another
unforgettable sunset, the evening is at leisure after enjoying our last dinner at
the lodge together.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 - MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - PANORAMA ROUTE -
JOHANNESBURG
After breakfast, we journey to Johannesburg via the famed Panorama Route.
This will be a long day, but well worth it. Be transfixed by the natural beauty
of the South African landscapes in the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, the
world’s third largest canyon. We’ll visit some of the most iconic sights along
the way such as the natural wonder, Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Here at the
mouth of the canyon, thousands of years of water erosion from whirlpools
have created a unique and otherworldly geological feature. Continuing on
to the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga, at an altitude of 6000 ft.,
we’ll also see God’s Window. Take in magnificent views of lush mountain
peaks, canyons, rock formations, baobab trees, and waterfalls that are simply
breathtaking. There’s time for lunch on your own, but keep an eye out for the
friendly monkeys who might want to join your feast. Later in the afternoon,
we arrive in Johannesburg, the City of Gold, and one of Africa’s most vibrant
metropolises. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern
Africa with a multicultural mixture of traditional architecture and ultra-modern
skyscrapers, old-style medicine shops, Chinese restaurants and colorful
markets, all competing for your attention. After a leisure afternoon, you might
want to join us for an optional gin tasting experience prior to enjoying another
special dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional activity: Gin tasting experience
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SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER
ITINERARY
DAY 9 - JOHANNESBURG
This morning we’ll make a visit to Soweto, the township about 30 minutes
west of the heart of Johannesburg. The best way to experience the true and
modern face of Soweto is to visit with a local. Home to more than 1 million
people, Soweto is the only place in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize-
winners once lived on the same street (Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond
Tutu) and, of course, it’s where the Soweto Uprising of 1976 occurred. See the
Apartheid Museum, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Nelson Mandela
House during our visit. Lunch will be at a lively restaurant in the area. Back in
Johannesburg this evening, we have our fun-filled farewell dinner including
many local delicacies in one of Joburg’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 - JOHANNESBURG - TRAVEL HOME
After breakfast, we bid farewell to new friends, and begin to plan our next big
adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight
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PROGRAM ACCOMMODATIONS
TOUR DIRECTORS
Your tour includes the services of a professional tour director throughout
the land package. We are very proud of our tour directors. They are young
professionals; multi-lingual and carefully selected graduates from major
universities. They are eager to show the world through the eyes of an
adventurer. Our tour directors know this is a trip of a lifetime and will share their
knowledge as well as interesting little-known facts. Our qualified tour directors
and staff of local experts mean a trouble-free journey with the added security of
group travel.
HOTELS
Our hotels are superior tourist-class or better, with private bathrooms. They are
centrally located and many offer great extra amenities such as pools, gyms or
roof-top bars. All land package rates are based on two people sharing a room. If
a single room is desired, a supplement of $860 applies. If traveling solo and not
wanting to pay the single supplement, AESU will attempt to arrange a share with
a same-gender traveler. If a share cannot be arranged the single supplement will
apply.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 4 (active)
This is a single-country, multi-destination trip by plane and motor coach. It features full-day
excursions, and a full and active itinerary at an active pace. It includes long touring days
with safari drives while staying at the Greater Kruger National Park. Although safari vehicles
are comfortable, game drives can incur sitting for long periods of time during long, bumpy
rides over very rough dusty terrain. Walking is sometimes over difficult terrain. Safari viewing
also requires very early morning departures from the lodge for better opportunities to spot
animals. This journey is appropriate for travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives and
are comfortable participating in the itinerary activities.
Travel to and from the tour is not factored into our activity level ratings. You should take into
account your stamina when traveling long distances and/or with multiple flight changes. Also,
you must be able to handle your luggage independently throughout the itinerary.
“NOT ONLY WAS THIS AN AMAZING TRIP, IT
WAS A WAKE UP CALL TO SEE THE WORLD. ”
- past traveler
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BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
EXCLUSIONS: These prices do not include passport and, if applicable, visa fees (Depending on your nationality, you may require
visas in addition to a passport to enter certain countries. You must contact appropriate consulates for details on how to obtain on
your own.); airport and government taxes; tipping of tour guide and driver (suggested $5 per day for tour director, $2-3 per day for
driver); beverages with meals unless indicated otherwise; laundry; personal insurance; room service; telephone charges; all items
of a personal nature; any vaccinations, pre/post trip testing/screening, airport transfers when a participant deviates from scheduled
flights or travel dates; private transportation; and all items not specifically stated in the itinerary.
CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be received by AESU in writing. Date of receipt will determine penalties assessed.
Cancellation from time of booking until 120 days prior to departure will result in a $300 cancellation fee. Cancellation between
119-90 days of departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of tour cost; between 89-60 days 35% of tour cost; between 59-30 days
50% of tour cost. Cancellation within 30 days of departure or a “no-show” at the time of departure will result in forfeiture of the
entire cost of the trip. Processing of cancellation refunds takes approximately 6-8 weeks.
AIRFARES are highly restrictive, NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-ENDORSABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE once ticketed. Once
reservation is booked and paid for AESU reserves the right to issue tickets. Once ticketed, airfare portion is non-refundable.
Cancellation of airfare reservations is subject to restrictions, regulations and additional penalties of the airlines used. Reservation
changes are also subject to penalties. Travel insurance, including medical health and accident coverage, is compulsory. PLEASE
SEE WEBSITE FOR POSSIBLE ADDITIONS TO CANCELLATION POLICIES LISTED ABOVE DEPENDING ON TRIP DESTINATION.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND BAGGAGE: All participants using AESU flights on regular group departure days and flights receive
airport transfers (between airport & tour hotel) overseas. Land-Only participants (providing own flight overseas) do NOT receive
airport transfers and must meet group at the first hotel after 3:00 p.m. on program start date. FLIGHT DELAYS - ALL AIRPORTS: In
the event that airline schedule changes or delays force you to miss your airport transfer, just make your way to the first hotel listed
on your hotel list. Many shuttle services are available as well as taxi or train options. As airline delays are beyond the control of
AESU, additional expenses, if incurred, will be borne by the tour participant. (Save receipts for possible reimbursement by airline.)
AESU is not responsible if an airline cancels, reschedules, or delays a flight for any reason. If you miss your departure flight, it is
your responsibility to work with the airline on which you are ticketed to reach your destination. AESU is not responsible for any
additional expenses you may incur prior to joining your trip. AESU is not responsible for and will not provide any refund for portions
of trips missed due to canceled, rescheduled, or delayed flights. If you purchase your own airfare, book your overnight flight from
the USA one day earlier than the land tour start date listed on our website. Participants should limit themselves to one checked
bag per person and one carry-on per person. Check your airline’s website for any additional luggage restrictions. Liability is clearly
stated on the passenger contract.
RESPONSIBILITY: The responsibility of AESU as a tour operator, their agents, and any sponsoring association is limited. They act
only in the capacity of agents for the passenger in all matters pertaining to accommodations, sightseeing and transportation
whether by railroad, motorboat, motorcar, steamship or plane, and as such they shall not be liable for any personal injury, death,
damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned, whether by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through
the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or in carrying out the arrangement of the tour.
They can accept no responsibility for strike, war, quarantine, epidemic health risk, any force majeure event, weather and any other
natural or unnatural causes. Additional expenses, if incurred under any of these circumstances, will be borne by the tour
participant. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition or disability
that would create a hazard for himself/ herself or other passengers & accepts the terms of this contract. The right is reserved to
decline, accept or retain any person as a member of the tour or to cancel or alter the tour as required. If improvements in the
itinerary can be made, or unforeseen conditions beyond the Operator’s control make changes necessary, they reserve the right
to alter itineraries without penalty. TRAVEL INSURANCE is compulsory in the event of tour cancellation for any reason, medical
expenses, personal accident, baggage and other personal items, liability and 24-hr emergency assistance. Trip insurance may be
offered directly by your Alumni Association. In the event of cancellation due to insufficient number of participants, the Operator’s
liability shall be limited to a refund of land payments received from applicants, except non-refundable airfare and insurance. If
the change or cancellation is due to force majeure or other similar events beyond Operator’s control, a refund of land payments
received from applicants will be made less reasonable expenses incurred by Operator in respect to applicant’s land booking.
Baggage and personal injury are at owner’s risk entirely. The issuance or acceptance of vouchers or tickets shall be considered
consent of the above conditions. The Operator reserves the right to increase the program price in the event of cost increases due
to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations or fuel surcharges. The airlines concerned and their affiliates and agents are not to be
held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board the aircrafts. The passenger ticket in
use by said airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/ or
the passenger. All services are subject to the laws of the country in which these services are rendered. No refund or allowance will
be made for absence during the tour, or for activities missed, even if for causes beyond the control of the participant. For complete
terms & conditions, please refer to our web site at www.aesu.com.
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