Venda Tribal Healers and the Kruger National Park Safari
Tags:
Safari; Sightseeing; Punda Maria; Vortrecker Monument; Bakona Malapa; Thoyandou; Hornet Nature Reserve; Merensky Nature Reserve; Palawora Gate;
This trip is a unique combination of: Ecology and Geography, Local Venda Culture, Nature, and History. A botanist/ecologist who worked for 18 years in Botanical research, and lectured for 9 years at the University of Venda leads this specially designed program. The location of this trip is in the far ...
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Trip Length:
- 13 days
- Price Range:
- From $1000 to $2000 per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- Any time.
- Recommended for:
-
15 - 17, 18 - 20, 25 - 30, 31 - 35, 36 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 55
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
This trip is a unique combination of: Ecology and Geography, Local Venda Culture, Nature, and History. A botanist/ecologist who worked for 18 years in Botanical research, and lectured for 9 years at the University of Venda leads this specially designed program. The location of this trip is in the far Northern portion of South Africa, home of the Venda tribal group. This tribal group, is one the last tribes to migrate down from Central Africa. They came to South Africa, after the landing of the first whites in the South. The breakdown of the local Africa healer and prophets, who play different parts, will be made clear to you as you travel. The local healers understand that you have questions and that you may be skeptical of their knowledge and are quite open about that. Access to traditional tribal healers and to Sunday church services, African style, is due to the trust and connection of the tour guide. This aspect of local culture is usually closed of to the general public. However we have the permission to access the Sunday prayer service to experience the singing, dancing, drumming and prayer of this small African based church, or place of worship.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Pretoria
Sightseeing
After arrival, you will take a trip to Pretoria, where you will have introductory explanations while visiting the Vortrecker Monument. This place gives a nice overview of Pretoria and Magalisberg.
Food and Dining
Opportunity to eat snacks.
Hotel
Continue trip up to Warmbath. (arrival at about 2 o'clock, check in to the Shangri La Hotel). Opportunity to rest and explore surroundings.
Food and Dining
Evening reception "banquet" and overview. There will be an introductory lecture that will discuss the overview and outline of the trip.
Day 2 - South Africa
Private Car Service
Drive towards north.
Museums
Midday: Visit to the open air museum "Bakona Malapa" to Malapa, where an old village of the Tswana's was constructed.
Hotel
Stay at L. Trichardt, Hotel Mountain View.
Day 3 - South Africa
along the southern side of the Soutpansberge.
Private Car Service
Travel to Thoyandou.
Sightseeing
Venda translator joins the group. Visit to herbalist Healer M. Salomon, who lives in a traditional way. Traditional meal at midday. Introduction to some aspects of the Venda people and culture. View of subtropical plantations of avocados, macadamia nuts, bananas, litchis and citrus.
Hotel
Stay at Hotel L. Trichardt.
Day 4 - South Africa
Sightseeing
Experiencing the african semi - desert and savanna with baobabs on the northern side of the Soutpansberg. Walk in the montain to a bushmann refuge (not for frail people).
Sightseeing
Afternoon : visit to John, near Willies poort. Return to Hotel using Willies poort.
Day 5 - South Africa
Arts, Crafts and Antiques
Venda art, culture and history : (local guide : Mrs Mojadji Stam takes over. She is the best local white guide, as she dominates the language and lives between them.) bead work, batik, potterie, Mission hospital Elim.
Hotel
Stay at Mountain View Hotel.
Day 6 - Tshipise
Spa/Wellness
Late departure (people tend to be overtaxed by the day before) to Tshipise, a thermal resort. Healing mineral water comes out at high temperature. Thermal bath with many amenities. Walks in the african bush in the Hornet Nature Reserve.
Sightseeing
or Trip to Musina and accomodation near Messina in a lovely lodge owned by a german homeopath. Walk in the surroundings.
Day 7 - Tshipise
Sightseeing
Visit of the ruines of Mapungupwe. Explanations by a local guide. Same accomodation.
Day 8 - Thohoyandou
Spa/Wellness
Thohoyandou, ex capital of Venda.
Opportunity to visit Shangaan traditional healer Daniel near the KP gate of Punda Maria. People who would like private consultations/ and prayers by Betty are given the opportunity.
Hotel
Stay at Venda Tusk hotel (ex Venda Sun).
Day 9 - Tzaneen
Trip to Giyani - Tzaneen.
Sightseeing
Visit to the Modjadji Cycad Reserve and Museum about the Modjadji Queen, famous because of her ability to make rain. The only group guided by a king.
Hotel
Stay at Eiland Aventura resort.
Day 10 - South Africa
Spa/Wellness
Experience the traditional healer and a local "story teller" at Letsitele, or visit the Merensky Nature Reserve.
Hotel
Stay at Eiland Aventura resort (Kruger Park type of Rondavals).
Day 11 - South Africa
Safari
Entering KP through Palawora Gate to Olifants Camp. KP experience. People can participate (not included in the trip) in early morning or night game drives.
Day 12 - Skukuza
Safari
Through the KP to Skukuza. Game viewing
Day 13 - Johannesburg
Private Car Service
Trip back to Johannesburg using Route N 4.
Commercial Flight
Evening : Checking in and Departure.
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Accommodation for 12 nights. Meals: All breakfasts, some dinners, and lunches will be inlcuded.. this gives you the freedom to experience some local restaurants as you travel, visit supermarkets....see and experience the country from a local perspective. Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary. Transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary.
Budget Excludes:
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