Compare South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience by Discover Corps vs In the Footsteps of Winston Churchill by Cazenove+loyd

Day 1:

Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by a member of our staff.  At 10 am we will depart the airport to the nearby countryside where you’ll have a chance to rest and refresh.  In the afternoon, enjoy a walk with young lions and learn about efforts to diversify the lion gene pool.  You’ll even have the chance to hold a baby lion cub! Enjoy a traditional South African barbecue, called a brai. Spend the night at a lodge in the Pretoria countryside.

Day 2:

Wake up to the sounds of singing birds and lions in the distance. Today we drive to the northeastern region of the country to our basecamp situated outside the town of Hoedspruit.  That afternoon, go on a game drive as an introduction to the bush in the Greater Kruger National Park region.  In the evening, dine with a researcher from the INGWE Leopard Foundation to learn about their work and how your hands-on support will benefit them.

Day 3:

This morning we’ll go on a bush walk to learn how to track leopards and hyenas by identifying scat and paw tracks.  Along the way, set up camera traps to gather data about animal movements in the region. In the afternoon, take a game drive through a Big Five reserve to try to spot some of these magnificent creatures.

Day 4:

Spend the day at the Hoedspruit Center for Endangered Species learning about their work breeding and rehabilitating vulnerable animals. Lend a hand with daily tasks and get up close and personal with cheetahs and orphaned baby rhinos. In the evening, learn about the difficult but inspiring recent history of South Africa and its unique cultural pageantry.

The Greater Kruger National Park Region

The Kruger National Park and the adjacent private nature reserves comprise the Greater Kruger region of more than 7,500 square miles of area under conservation.

This spectacular region has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.  It is home to over 500 species of birds, and contains more species of large mammals than any other African reserve.  

It is possible to spot all Big Five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) within the region.

Besides the park, the Blyde River Canyon can also be found nearby.  This is the third largest canyon in the world and is known for the stunning spirals of dolomite that rise from its walls.

Leopards are the last of the big five roaming free outside game reserves and national parks in South Africa. Because of this, they are under threat from farmers. These beasts are important as they are at the top of the food chain, and therefore a key indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

You will help the INGWE Leopard Research Center gather data on leopard density, behavior and population dynamics outside of formally protected areas. This will help improve local policymaking, and also allow conservationists to work with farmers to humanely move leopards to appropriate lands.  We use camera traps to gather this data.

Camera traps are digital cameras that are set out along game trails in remote locations within research areas. These camera traps are triggered by movement and operate continuously, secretly recording the movement of animals without need for human presence or disruption of nature.

Day 5:

Volunteer with Seeds of Light, a local non-profit that works with vulnerable children and orphans in townships – urban areas reserved for non-whites during Apartheid.  The children here need to practice English with native speakers.  Choose to read to the children or engage them in crafts while learning from them about life in contemporary South Africa.  

Day 6:

Moholoholo is a haven for the rehabilitation of abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Learn about the issues they’re tackling and get up close to some of the rare species they are caring for.  At lunch, sample cuisine from different South African cultures.  In the evening, take a night drive through the Greater Kruger region to see wildlife that comes out after dark.

Day 7:

The Panorama Route is a drive through the Blyde River Canyon, whose lush subtropical foliage makes it the world's largest 'green canyon'. Your senses will be overwhelmed as you walk through mist-covered forests teeming with birdlife.  Drive through majestic landmarks such as God’s Window, Wonder View and The Pinnacle to take in sights that you’ll never forget.  
Day 8: Head out to collect memory cards from the camera traps and compile data for the researchers. Enjoy a picnic lunch out in the bush and have the afternoon to relax and enjoy our final evening at the basecamp.

Day 9:

Today is a full-day epic game drive through the heart of the renowned Kruger National Park. The park contains 147 species of large mammals.  Along the way, meet with park staff to hear about conservation techniques they employ. Spend the night at in a wilderness lodge near the town of Nelspruit.

Day 10:

Spend the morning at an inspiring sanctuary for endangered rhinos. Have a chance to feed baby rhinos and witness first-hand how one organization is trying to save them. Fly to Johannesburg in the afternoon in time to catch your return flight home or continue your travels through the country.

Our South African Home Base  

Your home-away-from-home, the Discover Corps basecamp, is a deluxe tented camp on the banks of the Blyde River It features a common building with a dining area and panoramic private deck, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush. Rooms include crisp white linens, a plush bed, and full private bathroom with hot and cold water, hairdryer, lockbox, and fan. You’ll also be able to enjoy an infinity pool, wi-fi, hiking trails, and an assortment of South African beer and wine for sale.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Begin your incredible journey through South Africa.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Explore Johannesburg

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and driven to your hotel for one night, the Southern Sun Hyde Park. We have arranged for an early check-in so that you can relax before an exciting afternoon.

Visit the Apartheid Museum + Soweto

This afternoon’s visit provides you with an opportunity to take an in-depth look at South Africa’s turbulent past with one of our top guides.

First, travel to the south of the city to visit the Apartheid Museum. Here you will embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines the story of apartheid right up to the first democratic elections held in 1994. Your guide will have intimate knowledge of the pain and brutality of Apartheid and will give you an incredible insight into the country’s history.

Then travel to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest black residential area in South Africa. This sprawling “city within a city” is home to approximately 2-million people. You will explore many of Soweto’s most famous sites such as Freedom Square -where the seminal Freedom Charter was drawn up – and Nelson Mandela’s former home. You will also visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which became a symbol of apartheid after a 12-year-old was killed during the Soweto Uprising in 1976.

Day 3: Pretoria And Board Rovos Rail

Visit the Department of Education building and Library in Skinner Street, in Pretoria.

After an early breakfast, you will visit the Department of Education building and the Library in Pretoria. The Library is significant to Sir Nicholas Soames as his grandfather Winston Churchill, was held captive here until his escape about a month later. The building had become a prison following the outbreak of the Boer War.

Following this visit, you will be driven to the private colonial-style Rovos Rail station to board your train and begin your journey.

Train from Pretoria to Dundee

Upon arrival at the station, you will board the train, check into your luxurious cabin and depart for Dundee. The gong will sound for the first time as a sumptuous three-course lunch is served in the dining carriage as you leave Pretoria. As the afternoon continues, enjoy the stunning views of the rolling hills from the comfort of your cabin, or the elegant lounge car.

Enjoy a real sense of ceremony with dinner this evening, complete with crystal glasses, fine white linen and silverware. Dinners on board are designed to be luxuriated over and can go on long into the evening, if guests so wish.

Day 4: Dundee and the First Battle of the Boer War

Visit the Site of Murder of the Prince Imperial

Following breakfast, you will disembark the train for a morning with guide Nicholas Schofield, a peerless storyteller, who will lead you to the site of the murder of the Prince Imperial, the last Napoleon, (and only son of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie) during the Anglo-Zulu wars. Although the emphasis of this trip is on the Anglo-Boer War and Winston Churchill, the Anglo-Zulu wars are equally pertinent.

The Prince’s murder is a fascinating snapshot of the time: with him died the final hope of his supporters for the eventual return of the Empire to France. Lunch will be a delicious picnic-style meal at the site.

Visit the site of the first battle of the Anglo-Boer War

After lunch, you can re-join historian Nicholas Schofield for an afternoon visit to the site of The Battle of Talana – the first major clash of the Anglo-Boer War. During this battle, the British suffered heavy casualties but occupied the coal-mining town of Dundee, which proved crucial to the British war effort. Through his incredible charisma and depth of knowledge, Nicholas Schofield will bring the battle to life.

After this gripping afternoon, you will re-embark the train at Dundee. In the early evening, Nicholas Soames will deliver a lecture entitled ‘The Importance of Being Winston’, all about his grandfather’s early life. You will then be served a delicious dinner on the train.

Day 5: The Rattray Family And Fugitives’ Drift Lodge

Visit the Site of Murder of the Prince Imperial

Following breakfast, you will disembark the train for a morning with guide Nicholas Schofield, a peerless storyteller, who will lead you to the site of the murder of the Prince Imperial, the last Napoleon, (and only son of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie) during the Anglo-Zulu wars. Although the emphasis of this trip is on the Anglo-Boer War and Winston Churchill, the Anglo-Zulu wars are equally pertinent.

The Prince’s murder is a fascinating snapshot of the time: with him died the final hope of his supporters for the eventual return of the Empire to France. Lunch will be a delicious picnic-style meal at the site.

Visit the site of the first battle of the Anglo-Boer War

After lunch, you can re-join historian Nicholas Schofield for an afternoon visit to the site of The Battle of Talana – the first major clash of the Anglo-Boer War. During this battle, the British suffered heavy casualties but occupied the coal-mining town of Dundee, which proved crucial to the British war effort. Through his incredible charisma and depth of knowledge, Nicholas Schofield will bring the battle to life.

After this gripping afternoon, you will re-embark the train at Dundee. In the early evening, Nicholas Soames will deliver a lecture entitled ‘The Importance of Being Winston’, all about his grandfather’s early life. You will then be served a delicious dinner on the train.

Day 6: Exploring Ladysmith

Train in Ladysmith Station

This morning after breakfast, you will drive to the Ladysmith Siege Museum.

Ladysmith Siege Museum

Known as one of the best Anglo-Boer War museums in South Africa, it was built in 1884 as a market house and served as a ration post for civilians during the siege. Now, it houses an extremely comprehensive collection of artefacts from the Boer War. Nicholas Schofield really comes into his own describing this dramatic time of the Anglo-Boer War.

Mt Alice with Raymond Heron

You will then travel to Mt Alice. Upon arrival at Mt Alice, renowned Boer War Raconteur Raymond Heron will give an account of the Spionkop Battle from Mt Alice. Lunch will then be taken at Spionkop Lodge.

Spend the afternoon at the Spionkop Battlefield Site

This afternoon you will visit the actual site of the Spionkop Battle and drive to the top of the hill where the fighting took place. Nicholas Schofield will give a fascinating tour and describe in detail Winston Churchill’s role in the battle – he acted as a courier between Spionkop and General Buller’s Headquarters – before you are taken back to the train at Ladysmith Station.

In the early evening, Nicholas Soames will deliver a lecture on Winston Churchill’s experiences in South Africa from December 1899 to June 1900, including his time as a journalist, his capture and miraculous escape from the Boers, and his rejoining of the army. He will draw on Winston’s private diaries and papers to add great colour to the lecture.

Dinner will be served following the lecture, before the train leaves Ladysmith for Pietermaritzburg.

Day 7: Rovos Rail Arrives In Pietermaritzburg

After breakfast, you will be driven along the coast road via Umhlanga and on to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport from where you will take your onward flight.