Final Field Program - University of Virginia

CITY ORIENTATION (1300-1700 Sunday, 03 October) Minimum 30/Maximum 160 (PRICE: $49)
Cape Town is a remarkable city where the present and the past harmoniously converge—in history, architecture,
cultural pursuits and the essences of its people. Take a step back in time when you pay a visit to the Castle of
Good Hope, the oldest building in South Africa. Built from 1666-1679, it is a pentagonal fortification with a
moat and bastions at each corner. Adderley Street is the principal thoroughfare of Cape Town and is renowned for
its fine examples of old Cape architecture, including the Standard Bank Building, St. George‘s Anglican Cathedral
and the Cultural History Museum. Afterward, stroll through the Company‘s Garden, the oldest garden in South
Africa. Established in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck, it was originally used as a vegetable garden to supply fresh
produce to passing ships. Located within the gardens are the red-bricked House of Parliament, the South African
National Gallery, the Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue. Enjoy a refreshment stop in the tranquil
surroundings of the gardens before you proceed to the South African Museum. Established in 1825, it is the oldest
museum in sub-Saharan Africa and houses an extensive natural history collection. Before returning to the ship, end
your city orientation with a visit to the Foreshore, an area of land that was reclaimed during the construction of
the harbor, known as Duncan Dock. Vast quantities of sand dredged up during the building of the dock created
145 hectares (352 acres) of level ground.
CAP05 KHAYELITSHA TOWNSHIP VISIT – GROUP A (1330-1800 Sunday, 03 October) Minimum 10/
Maximum 25 (PRICE: $55)
Visit Khayelitsha, South Africa‘s fastest growing township. The impression from the outside is fairly grim—many
shacks line the outskirts and give no indication of the vibrant culture found within. However, life in Khayelitsha is
filled with entrepreneurial energy and community spirit; this trip is your opportunity to gain first-hand experience.
Upon entering the township, visit the Khayelitsha Craft Market. After exploring the market, proceed to Look Out
Hill to view recent developments in the township. Continue to the Philani Nutrition Centre, where you will view
weavings and silkscreen paintings, a project undertaken by the women in the community. A visit to Vicky‘s Bed and
Breakfast is followed by a visit to the Waterfront shebeen (tavern). Finally, visit Kopanong (meeting place), a
guesthouse operated by Mpho and Thope Leakau, where Thope will show you around her community. Then enjoy a
cup of tea in the guesthouse before returning to the ship.
CAP06 LION’S HEAD PICNIC HIKE (1600-2100 Sunday, 03 October) Minimum 16/Maximum 100
(PRICE: $39)
Lion‘s Head is a beautiful rocky peak which lies between Table
Mountain and Signal Hill and forms part of the dramatic
backdrop to the city of Cape Town. Its name was derived in the
17th century by the Dutch who saw the rock formations and
thought they resembled a crouching lion – Signal hill as the
lion‘s tail or rump and Lion‘s Head its mane. The area is part of
the Table Mountain National Park and is covered in indigenous
fynbos vegetation and is home to a variety of small animals. On
a clear day, the peak provides spectacular 360-degree views of
Table Mountain, the city centre, harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Depart the ship and travel to the base of the peak. Here, begin the circular path to the top. Once reaching the top,
refreshments and a picnic dinner will be served while watching the sunset. Once the sun sets, the beauty of the
city starts to shimmer as the city lights are turned on and the moon and stars start to light the sky. The guides will
carry flashlights to light the path on the journey down. Please note: Flashlights are highly recommended for this
trip. This hike can be considered strenuous at times. A moderate level of fitness is required; therefore this trip is
not suitable for children under 12.
South Africa Field Program – page 5