Johannesburg – Durban – Eastern Cape – Karoo – Cape Town. 19 April to 9 May 2017
I invite you to join me on our 5th Arts & Culture tour to South Africa. It’s our longest one yet! 21 days exploring a nature and culture rich collage of landscapes, people, wildlife and decorative arts. A hallmark of our tours is interesting, off-the-beaten-track places. We travel with social awareness, curiosity and sensitivity. We support local social and craft initiatives with local experts informing and delighting us along the way. We visit in April because the intense summer heat has abated yet it’s still delightfully warm.
Our journey begins in Johannesburg. We’ll visit some of the most ancient fossil sites ever discovered and learn about the origins of humankind. We’ll visit Soweto for a visit to Nelson Mandela’s humble home and a cultural exchange with a community group. We’ll drive to the Winterveld to visit the Mapula embroidery group and marvel at charming hand embroidered hangings. Be moved by the Constitutional Court, symbolic of the triumphant end to Apartheid. Learn about the vibrant arts at a leading contemporary art gallery, then visit the incomparable Kim Sacks Gallery for the finest in African artifacts and contemporary crafts.
Sub-tropical Durban in KwaZulu Natal, a morning flight away, is our next destination. Enjoy a special gathering with local textile artists and quilters at a private home, including a presentation of the Isipethu embroidery group. Dip your toes in the warm Indian Ocean, shop for fabrics in the busy Market area… my favourite place to buy fabrics as a teenager. We will visit the Hillcrest AIDS Centre, learn about its inspiring projects and see some of the best contemporary Zulu bead work being made in South Africa. Visits to a world-renowned Ceramics studio, a private African museum, and a leading sculptor complete our KwaZulu Natal sojourn. A short flight starts our adventures in the Eastern Cape.
We’re very excited about our 2-night visit to the remote hamlet of Hamburg on the Wild Coast. Here we’ll learn about the remarkable Keiskamma Trust and their multi-level work in art and healing. We continue to
Grahamstown to visit to a noted South African artist, stopping at charming towns along the way. Then, its safari time! Spend 2 nights at the Addo Elephant Reserve where we expect to see a wide variety of animals.
Next we explore the Karoo with its semi-arid and utterly beautiful landscape. We’ll visit the mysterious Owl House, home of outsider artist Helen Martins, in the tiny, remote town of Nieu Bethesda. We’ll search out fossils; ancient San rock art and enjoy delicious traditional South African food after a ramble through an amazing cactus labyrinth.
Then on to the Cape wine lands and Stellenbosch. We’ll learn more about ancient San culture, South African history, architecture, contemporary arts and music as we soak in the elegance of this region, and of course, fine estate wines.
Our final days are in Cape Town, one of the world’s beautiful cities. We’ll explore the Cape Malay quarter and its cuisine, Table Mountain and galleries, and spend a full day with a nature expert who’ll lead us on an enriching tour of Kirstenbosch, the Cape Peninsula, and African penguins. Our farewell dinner is at a lively African restaurant to enjoy diverse cuisines and warm hospitality.
“It was a memorable experience; extremely full of wonderful activities, I feel I got an astonishingly good introduction to South Africa.” Lisa K, Canada, 2016.
“It was far more than I expected as not only did I see the “ tourist musts” but I felt I got some understanding of local life. Interwoven in all these activities was the history and present day issues of South Africa. It was as if the tour were tailor made for me and was my trip of a lifetime.” Joan C, Canada 2016
“Even without being an artist, one cannot help but be engaged in the culture. Thank you for giving me an experience I’ll not forget. The passion you have for South Africa is inspiring.” Karen M, Australia, 2016
Read more testimonials here.
Travel. Tour members pay for airfare to South Africa and 2 short internal flights. We tour in a comfortable air-conditioned coach with on-board toilet. South Africa has good roads, excellent hotels and safe tap water, and we’re never far from good medical attention. The exchange rate is favourable and ATMs plentiful.
Accommodations & Food. We choose 3 and 4 star hotel accommodation to enhance your experience of South Africa and, of course, fabulous South African food will sustain us throughout. We select interesting restaurants for our group meals. Meals included are: all breakfasts (except day of arrival), 17 lunches and 11 dinners. South Africa has wonderful wines which are included in our welcome and farewell dinners. All other beverages are at your account.
Val Hearder
Tour Leader is myself, Val Hearder, and I’m joined by my husband, Veryan Haysom. We were both born in South Africa and are Canadian citizens and will share our love of South Africa with you. A seasoned Tour Guide also accompanies us throughout, enriching our experience with her insights.
Tour Operator is noted textile artist Odette Tolksdorf, who lives in South Africa. Odette has 15 years experience in planning cultural tours to South Africa and we have worked closely for 8 years on our tours.
The tour welcomes everyone, singles and couples, women and men. A brief itinerary and pricing follow. A detailed itinerary will be sent to those who register for the tour. We reserve the right to vary or change the itinerary and price.
You can find out more about some of the groups we visit at The Makers link. Contact Val for Registration and more details. Most photos on this page were taken on our tours. See more tour photos here.
Kim Sacks Gallery, Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela’s House, Soweto.
Soweto, the vast township south west of Johannesburg is our destination this morning. We’ll be hosted by a community-based tour organization dedicated to sharing their community. We’ll walk the famous Vilakazi Street to Nelson Mandela’s first humble home. At the Hector Peterson Memorial we’ll learn more about the student uprising in Soweto that sparked the eventual downfall of apartheid. Lunch will be at a local Soweto home while visiting and sharing with people from the community.In the afternoon we visit the Constitutional Court, in the old Fort prison grounds where thousands of political prisoners, including Mandela, were held during the Apartheid era. In this key symbol of democracy, we’ll learn about political issues and change in South African history and view the Court’s powerful and moving art collection. Own dinner arrangements tonight at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
Mapula Embroidery Group, Winterveldt.
Today we visit women from the remarkable Mapula Embroidery Group in the rural Winterveldt area. This is always a highlight for our tour members. We’ll visit the makers at their homes, learn about this 22 year old project and have an opportunity to purchase their brightly coloured and highly collectable embroideries that tell stories of their lives.Afterwards we have lunch (on our own) at one of the restaurants at the leafy Pretoria Botanic Gardens and stroll around the gardens. Later we’ll enjoy dinner together.
DURBAN – 3 NIGHTS
DAY 5 Sunday APRIL 23 early flight Johannesburg to Durban (BL)
Isipethu Embroidery Group, Durban.
An early 1 hour flight this morning takes us from Johannesburg to Durban, a subtropical city of many cultures on the east coast of South Africa.
Drive into the suburbs for a delightful visit at the home and studio of a well-known textile artist. We’ll meet other quilt/textile artists and painter Judy Jordan, who introduces us to a member of the Isipethu Embroidery Group. Judy and an embroiderer from the group will travel from Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal to give us a presentation about this group and show us their fascinating appliqué story cloths and embroideries that tell stories in stitches about the lives of women in contemporary Zulu society.
Own dinner arrangements tonight at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
Spice Shop, Durban Market
DAY 6 Monday APRIL 24 (BLD)
Our morning begins at the Indian Ocean! Dip your toes in, have a swim or enjoy a short walk along the Durban beachfront. Then we go to downtown Durban for a walk in the lively Indian and African Market area. Visit fabric shops, see local street vendors and perhaps munch a hot samoosa!
Afterwards relax with a casual picnic and a walk in the lush Durban Botanic Gardens to explore this botanical treasure with its rare trees.
Our next visit takes us to the Phansi Museum for a guided tour. This private museum has a large and
spectacular collection of Southern African arts, crafts, artifacts and traditional costumes, all creatively exhibited in a restored Victorian mansion
The last visit today is the African Art Centre for outstanding local arts and crafts such as baskets, bead work, textiles, jewelry and woodcarvings.
This evening we’ll enjoy a Durban curry meal together.
DAY 7 Tuesday APRIL 25 (BL)
Ardmore Pottery, KwaZulu Natal.
Visit the inspiring Hillcrest AIDS Centre where we’ll learn about their multifaceted projects including exotic contemporary Zulu bead work jewelry.
Enjoy a drive through the scenic Natal Midlands countryside to the renowned Ardmore Ceramic Studio. We’ll be inspired by the flamboyant ceramics depicting African fauna, flora and people that intrigue collectors from all over the world. We’ll learn how this remarkable studio was started and how it responds to social issues of the day.
After a brief stop at the Mandela Capture Site Monument to see the notable Cianfanelli sculpture, we top off our day with a visit to the studio of a leading South African artist, Carl Roberts. Carl will speak about his sculptures, formed from natural mediums like wood, stone, bone, coral and bronze, whose marvelous images have attracted collectors from around the world.
Own dinner arrangements at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
KEISKAMMA / MPEKWENI – 2 NIGHTS
DAY 8 Wednesday APRIL 26 flight Durban to East London (BLD)
After a short flight from Durban to East London we drive in our touring bus to the small coastal hamlet of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape for an enriching cultural experience. We’ll be introduced to the remarkable projects and energy of the Keiskamma Trust.
Founded by artist and medical doctor Carol Baker Hofmeyr in response to the extreme poverty and high percentage of HIV/AIDS affected families in the area. Carol put into practice her belief that for people to truly heal, they needed good food for their bodies, income and creativity for their souls. The Trust operates a hospice, crèche, veggie gardens, community outreach, training and enrichment projects, an acclaimed music academy and more. The multifaceted Education Program includes reaching out to hundreds of orphans and vulnerable children in several villages in the area. Their achievements have transformed people’s lives in this Xhosa community. The strong embroidery group has undertaken monumental art projects like the Keiskamma Altarpiece. This powerful social upliftment project will inspire us deeply.
DAY 9 Thursday APRIL 27 (public holiday – Freedom Day) (BLD)
GRAHAMSTOWN – 1 NIGHT
Fabric shopping and shwe-shwe skirts.
DAY 10 Friday APRIL 28 (BLD)
South Africa’s mohair industry is said to be a world leader and today we drive to a rural area to visit a labour intensive mohair workshop that produces designer scarves, shawls, home textiles and hand-knitting yarns. Spinning, dyeing, knitting and crocheting are done by a group of mainly Xhosa women. Farm sheds and outbuildings converted into workshops extend into a landscape of wild flowers and trees. The business observes fair trade and green standards, using finest quality mohair from angora goats, wool locally sourced in the Karoo region and other natural fibres such as silk and alpaca.
We’ll stopover to visit two picturesque small towns, Port Alfred on the coast and Bathurst, with its original houses from the 1820 British Settlers. We’ll drop in to visit galleries and studios en route.
Our destination today is 
the town of Grahamstown, home to Rhodes University and to more than forty churches and religious buildings which gave it the nickname “City of Saints”.
Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner together.
ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK – 2 nights
DAY 11 Saturday APRIL 29 (BLD)
Addo Elephant park, Eastern Cape.
We start our morning with an exclusive studio visit to a multi-media artist who will share her creative journey with us. Enjoy her wonderful art which has a strong strong African connection and hear about her influences, inspiration and art processes.
Depart Grahamstown and continue for a game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in South Africa. Addo is known for having one of the greatest population densities of African elephant in the world, so the chances of close sightings of elephant herds are very good.
DAY 12 Sunday APRIL 30 (BLD)
Spend the day on a safari wildlife drive in Addo Elephant Park. Experience the spirit of Africa, traveling in open-sided safari vehicles with experienced guides while looking for wild animals. In addition to the elephants (the world’s largest land mammal), the ecosystem in this wildlife conservation park sustains lion, buffalo, black rhino, leopard, spotted hyena, various antelope and zebra species, as well as the special Addo flightless dung beetle. On our drive will also be a delight for bird watchers and plant lovers.
GRAAF-REINET – 2 nights
DAY 13 Monday MAY 1 (public holiday -Workers Day) (BLD)
Our journey continues further inland to the semi-desert Karoo region. View the Valley of Desolation, a majestic geological phenomenon with sheer cliffs and vertical columns of dolerite soaring from the valley. Viewpoints give panoramic views of the vast plains of the Camdeboo, allowing time to reflect on the impressive scenery.
We’ll visit the extraordinary Obesa Cactus & Succulent Nursery, begun over 40 years ago as one man’s hobby and passion. Today this garden is a maze of huge, towering cacti surrounded by succulents of all types and sizes and we’ll walk the pathways in this remarkable cacti jungle. Our accommodation is in charming Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest colonial town in South Africa. It has a variety of beautifully restored buildings in Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian architecture styles which includes several special museums.
Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner together at the hotel.
A short drive takes us to the enchanting village of Nieu-Bethesda, off the beaten track and set in a narrow fertile valley overlooked by mountains and hills. This town has attracted a number of artists and other creative people who call it home.Our first visit is to the mystical Owl House and Camel Yard, a marvel of outsider art created by the late Helen Martins. She transformed her modest house and garden into a visionary environment with the help of locals whom she employed. Humble materials such as glass, cement, mirrors and wire were used to create her unique vision.Next we’ll travel to a nearby Karoo farm for a traditional Karoo lunch and hospitality. Afterwards we’ll walk on the farm with a knowledgeable guide to experience the veld close-up, see the extensive fossil collection and maybe see Bushman rock paintings.Own dinner arrangements tonight at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
STELLENBOSCH – 2 nights
Cape Wine lands.
DAY 16 Thursday MAY 4 (BL)
Drive to the famed Cape winelands and enjoy a picnic lunch and beautiful gardens on a renowned wine estate. If there is time we’ll travel to a nearby wine farm to see the Runner Duck parade, the ducks’ daily vineyards patrols, essential to the farm’s pest-control of snails and bugs.
Our last stop is our hotel for the next two nights in the historic and attractive university town of Stellenbosch. Enjoy a stroll around the oak-lined streets and many boutiques, galleries and restaurants. The French Huguenot, Dutch and Afrikaans heritage of this area is represented in the many examples of restored Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Own dinner arrangements tonight at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
DAY 17 FridayMAY 5 (BL)
We visit an inspiring wine estate to hear how they embrace South Africa’s democracy with innovative steps to promote the economic, social and cultural well-being of its farm workers. “We have discovered that our history, however difficult, painful and complex – as well as inspiring – is the shared basis for our future.” We’ll also be entertained by the farm workers distinctive local music and dance of the Winelands.
Our lunch is at another wine estate where spectacular sweeping views of the Stellenbosch Valley, vineyards and mountains offer a perfect backdrop for fine seasonal food. Throughout the property enjoy the world-class collection of contemporary South African art including bronze sculptures in the splendour of the landscaped gardens.
We return to Stellenbosch with time to stroll around the town before your own dinner arrangements at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
Cape Town viewed from the cable car.
CAPE TOWN – 3 nights
DAY 18 Saturday MAY 6 (BL)
The morning begins with a visit to highly creative craft projects that generate income for township residents. Meet the people who combine contemporary materials with traditional beading and weaving techniques to create wonderful objects.
Our walk with a local guide in the colourful Bo-Kaap/ Cape Malay Quarter with its cobbled lanes and brightly coloured flat-roofed homes, is a photogapher’s delight.
Bo Kaap, Cape Malay Quarter, Cape Town.
This historic area is closely associated with Cape Town’s Muslim community and we’ll learn about this culture and enjoy an authentic Cape Malay lunch.
Today we’ll take a ride on the cable car (weather permitting) to the top of Table Mountain and experience the wide, magnificent views of Cape Town.
Own dinner arrangements tonight at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
Our return journey to the city via Chapmans Peak Drive along the Atlantic Coast, is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.Own dinner arrangements tonight at one of several restaurants close to the hotel.
DAY 20 Monday MAY 8 (BD)
This morning we’ll visit two fabulous stores offering articles from the African continent. One store has a variety of wonderful African fabrics including wax prints and South Africa’s iconic shweshwe fabric. The next store designs, markets and promotes finely crafted hand woven basketry in an ethical and sustainable manner and has a 
great selection of baskets.
Lunch is on your own and the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
In the evening we celebrate our South African adventure with a Farewell Dinner at a restaurant serving inspired culinary delights from across the African continent, complemented by unique traditional entertainment.
DAY 21 Tuesday MAY 9 (B)
Departure day. Transfer from the hotel to Cape Town International Airport to depart for home. Many tour members choose to extend their stay in Cape Town.
PLEASE NOTE: We work hard on our itinerary and planning our tour and we reserve the right to change or vary the itinerary to provide the best possible experience for our tour members.
TOUR COST:
The tour is 21 days total including arrival and departure days in South Africa.
The tour starts in Johannesburg in the late afternoon of the 19th April and ends in Cape Town on the 9th May after breakfast and transport to the airport. Any departures from Cape Town after the 9th May will be for the participants own account. We need a minimum of 15 paying participants. Quoted in Canadian dollars
CAD$ 6,960 double room shared ( US $5,000 at current exchange rate)
CAD$ 1,830 single room supplement
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
• 20 nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary
• Meals as specified on the itinerary – all breakfasts, 17 lunches, 11 dinners. At the Welcome Dinner Farewell Dinner local wine and beer is included. On day of arrival only dinner is provided and on day of departure only breakfast is provided.
• Airport / hotel transfers
• Land transport in air-conditioned coach with bottled water on board
• Registered South African tour guide accompanying the tour for 21 days
• Additional Specialist on-site guides
• Exclusive private visits to homes and artist studios
• Game viewing accompanied by guides in safari vehicles
• Entrance fees and cultural programs as per itinerary
• Tips for meals and luggage handling
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Round trip flight to South Africa
• Two Internal flights: 1. Johannesburg to Durban and 2. Durban to East London
• Airport taxes
• Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary (8 dinners and 2 lunches)
• Travel insurance
• Tips for tour guide and coach driver
• Personal expenses and self-selected activities
Contact Val for Registration and more details.
Landscape at Cradle of Humankind.
