Final Field Program - University of Virginia

CAP25 PILANESBERG GAME RESERVE & JOHANNESBURG (4 Days/3 Nights) (0800 Tuesday, 05
October – 1700 Friday, 08 October) Minimum 30/Maximum 37 (PRICE: $2,369) PRE-SALE ONLY
This four-day trip combines a safari experience with an opportunity to explore Johannesburg, South Africa‘s largest
city and the most metropolitan city in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the provincial capital of Gauteng, Johannesburg is
renowned for its museums including the Apartheid Museum a touching and dynamic museum that exhibits South
Africa‘s turbulent history.
Just two hours outside of Johannesburg is the Pilanesberg National
Park, which is well regarded for its diversity of game and fascinating
geological formations. This malaria-free reserve is centered on the
ancient crater of a dormant volcano divided by riverine woodlands and
elephant trails. The park is also home to a wide variety of general
game including a healthy population of Africa‘s ―Big Five‖ (lion,
leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo). In addition, both species
of rhinoceros (black and white), cheetah, wild dog and over 360 bird
species can be seen within the park. One of the largest national parks
in Southern Africa, it is said to have the highest concentration of
rhinoceros per square kilometer of any park on the continent.
While in Pilanesberg, stay at the Bakubung Bush Lodge and enjoy the comfortable accommodations of this fullservice
lodge. Tucked in the expanses of the Park, the Bakubung Bush Lodge offers a natural rock-hewn swimming
pool, floodlit tennis courts, beach volleyball, outdoor chess and a children‘s adventure playground. Game drives in
open-air vehicles and bush walks are part of the wildlife experience at the lodge. For further information on this
property, please view the following website link: www.bakubung.co.za.
Day 1: Depart for the airport for the two-hour flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sandton Sun
Hotel. Situated in one of Johannesburg‘s exclusive northern suburbs, the hotel adjoins the Sandton City shopping
complex and Nelson Mandela Square. The square commemorates the country‘s first decade of democracy as
illustrated by the six-meter bronze statue of Nelson Mandela. The square was aptly renamed Nelson Mandela Square
at Sandton City once the donated sculpture was unveiled and placed there. The statue honors the former president‘s
vision of a free and just South Africa while also creating a focal point for locals and foreigners to contemplate the
events that led to the creation of the Rainbow Nation. After lunch at the hotel, depart for a panoramic city tour
including stops at the Apartheid Museum and Mandela Family Museum in Soweto. Opened in 2001, the Apartheid
Museum is considered the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20 th -century South Africa, at the heart of
which is at the apartheid story. The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid and is a beacon of hope as it
shows the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all
South Africans can call their own. After exploring the Apartheid Museum, visit Nelson Mandela's humble little
house in Orlando West, Soweto, now called the Mandela Family Museum. This is an interesting stopover
showcasing the authentic history on the world's most famous former prisoner. The museum, a house comprising
four inter-leading rooms, contains a rather higgledy-piggledy assortment of memorabilia, paintings and photographs
of the Mandela family, as well as a collection of honorary doctorates bestowed on Mandela by universities and
institutions around the world. After touring the museum, return to the hotel for dinner. The remainder of the evening
is free to explore the Sandton City complex and Nelson Mandela Square. (L; D; Sandton Sun)
Day 2: After breakfast, proceed to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and enjoy an informal tour of the
complex. Established by London businessman, Benjamin Minors Woollan, the JSE is the largest stock exchange in
Africa. Continue to Pilanesberg National Park and the Bakubung Bush Lodge. Lunch with refreshments will be
served on arrival. After some free time in the afternoon, depart on an open-vehicle game drive, enjoying
refreshments while watching the sunset. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. (B; L; D; Bakubung Bush
Lodge)
South Africa Field Program – page 16