nce shunned due to apartheid, South Africa burst onto the tourism stage when Nelson Mandela became president and steered the country on a new course. Although few African Americans trace any heritage from South Africa, there remains a close affinity from the shared struggles for equality. Alken takes you to this land of scenic beauty, the cultures of the San, Xhosa and Zulu, the country’s abundant wildlife and some of the finest resorts in Africa. But Alken goes one step further - weaving all these attractions into a journey down the ‘Road to Freedom’. You arrive in Johannesburg, the focus of South Africa’s industrial and economic might. Tour the famous mines at Gold Reef City before setting off for Soweto, a sprawling township where the spark was ignited that brought the winds of change. Visit neighborhoods of Nelson and Winnie Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. And visit a shebeen, the local version of a pub in a private home.

Travel next to Durban on the shores of the Indian Ocean and discover why it’s earned the nickname of "Africa’s Riviera". Immerse yourself in Zulu culture with an overnight stay at a Zulu kraal, where warriors and maidens entertain you with dancing and drums. Meet the sangoma shamans who use their powers to treat illness and foretell the future. Next, you journey to Cape Town, the cosmopolitan capital of the west.  Ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for a scenic panorama, tour the Malay quarter, and spend an evening dining at the historic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. An excursion takes you through the Cape Peninsula with a stop to visit Jackass penguins. Encounter wild baboons and visit an ostrich farm before returning along scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Journey to the wine country, a land of craggy peaks and hillside vineyards, where some of the world’s best wines are born. Travel by ferry to the infamous Robben Island Prison where Mandela spent two decades of his life and listen to former prisoners tell their stories. Spend your evenings strolling the waterfront, or partake of lively nightlife at one of the city's many jazz clubs and discotheques.

Returning to Johannesburg, venture into Kruger National Park for a wildlife safari, or take a three-day extension to Zambia and the spectacular Victoria Falls. Travel north from Johannesburg to visit fabulous Sun City, Africa’s playground of the rich and famous, a fantasyland resort of casinos, recreation opportunities and famous golf courses  – a fit farewell to a country that has become Africa’s shining star.

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