Fam Trip to South Africa - 2008

Gullivers' Jo Radway and Jonathan Young took a small group of tour leaders to South Africa in May half term. Read Jo's report below to find out what the highlights of their trip to the Rainbow Nation were:

23 May - 2 June 2008

This year the familiarisation trip returned to the popular touring destinations of Cape Town, Durban and Hluhluwe. In addition to these destinations, this tour took in an inland visit to Isandlwana with the aim to continue to demonstrate our diversity in South African itineraries.

Cities Cape Town and Durban were as always well received, as was Hluhluwe where the group experienced some RnR with a game drive and boat cruise at the end of the tour.

The highlight was the trip to Isandlwana. This visit created an opportunity to gain an insight into some of the sociocultural and historical dimensions of South Africa.

This vast valley in the heart of Zululand was an amazing sight. Descriptions of the Anglo-Zulu War at The Battle of the Isandlwana & Rorkes Drift, as provided by our resident historian, were graphic and thought provoking. We were given an insight into the turbulent times of the Zulu community, as well as Britain’s involvement in South Africa’s history.

The visit to Isandlwana is an example of how sociocultural and historical dimensions can be added to enhance a tour and further justify a tour’s importance and educational value.

An additional benefit of including Isandlwana into the familiarisation trip itinerary was that enroute we were able visit Pietermaritzburg where you will find in and around the area, some of what can only be considered as South Africa’s finest schools. Schools such as Michaelhouse, Maritzburg College and Hilton College were visited here. The array of sporting facilities and hospitality, added to the sporting talent of the scholars, make these particular boys schools top of the list for those looking for the best of the best.

The familiarisation trip was enjoyed by all participants and everyone will be touring with us in 2009.

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