Visual Research Programme – South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA – REFLECTIONS ON A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT
Rock Art, Iron Age & Stone Age sites
11 days / 10 nights
Pricing available upon request
Valid January – December 2021
Africa holds dear the story of life through the ages. It is displayed and described through the time-line of the existence, endurance and adaptation of her people to her landscape, plants, animals and ultimately her spirit. Of people and cultures there are many, but, of a deep-rooted history there is only one, and that tells the story of life, the African Way.
If we seek and explore, there is a living tale of life that is scattered across our continent, rich in cultures, tradition, linguistics, music, dance and story-telling, colour in art, dress and homestead design, jewellery, trade, food and of course, landscape and wildlife. It is this variety in resources that has led to the creation of a fundamental culture – integral to the fabric of our being – it has shaped many facets of African life and has formed an understanding of the world around us. It is unique to where we are, but it is open to those who want to see and experience.
INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
- 10 Nights’ accommodation, sharing 2, 4 or 6 persons per unit
- Daily breakfasts or breakfast packs
- Daily lunches or lunch packs and dinners
- Coach or overland vehicles for all scheduled travel and transfers
- All entrances to museums, monuments, cultural and heritage sites as included in the programme
- Experienced field guide / tour leader to lead the trip
- Recreational and safari activities as indicated in the itinerary
NOTES ON ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION
It is important to note that neither Mr Sidney Miller (the Tour Leader and Archaeologist / Field Specialist) nor Safari Odyssey (the Tour Organizer) are an accredited academic institution. Our role is to provide a structured research / travel programme which provides access to South and southern African archaeological sites, without intervention, but under qualified supervision within the rules set out in our National Heritage Act, Act 25 of 1999. This product enables either the “student” or “tourist” to, at first hand, experience the specific cultural and historical event/s that is of interest to him or her. For research purposes, the course content, structure and field of study or interest can be discussed and collectively decided upon.
OVERVIEW OF YOUR TOUR LEADER, MR SIDNEY MILLER
** Archaeologist, Conservationist and Civil Engineer
Sidney first studied Civil Engineering and worked as such for six years. An interest in the Arts, and specifically in Archaeology, led to a career change in 1986 when he joined the Schoemansdal Museum development team, and in that time completed a Master’s Degree in Conservation of Architecture. After spending four years on the Thulamela Project in the Kruger National Park he became self-employed. Since then he focused on the development of Heritage sites, Heritage Impact Assessments and Conservation of Architecture. He devoted much time in contributing back into a variety of communities the years of experience in the Heritage environment through formal and informal lecturing. In a short overview of Sidney’s experience, the following should be mentioned:
On-site archaeological experience in excavation work / surveying of archaeological site maps / rock art / architecture conservation work / Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Impact Assessment work / publications / reports / dissertations / exhibitions / general heritage surveying for private farm owners / presentation of tours and courses / museum work.
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Destination
Tour Plan
Day 1: Johannesburg
Day 2: Cradle of Humankind (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Day 3: Cradle of Humankind to Pretoria
Day 4: Pretoria to the Waterberg, Limpopo
Day 5: Vaalwater to Louis Trichardt
Day 6: Mashamba Traditional Village and Schoemansdal
Day 7: Louis Trichardt to the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Day 8: Mapungubwe National Park to Pafuri Rivercamp
Day 9: Pafuri Rivecamp via Thulamela to Punda Maria (Kruger National Park)
Day 10: Punda Maria to Letaba (Kruger National Park)
Day 11: Letaba to Johannesburg
Tour Location
Your visit to South, and the rest of Africa, can enjoy a richness that takes you beyond your exposure to, and understanding of, everyday routine-type travel.