SAFARI ODYSSEY
digital brochure
Africa, home to the origin of the modern human, serves as the ideal interdisciplinary research environment for both the paleo-sciences and archaeological fields. It is therefore also an especially resourceful classroom for local and foreign cultural sciences students who wish to compliment or contribute to their formal training. Africa boasts 53 official cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites and thousands of unknown sites, it also hosts on-going research initiatives in locations such as South & southern Africa and Kenya.
In concentrated areas, Africa has a rich and functional global academic presence supported by various research organisations, universities, heritage institutions, museums and professional societies who continue to teach, research, preserve and share our rich cultural heritage. Active research institutions include The University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), The University of Pretoria (TUKS), The University of South Africa (UNISA), The University of Stellenbosch, The Kimberley Museum and The South African Resources Heritage Agency (SARHA). Further afield is the Leaky Foundation with ongoing human evolution as well as primate studies in areas such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, and they remain some of the leaders in continued research & conservation efforts, academics and the production of research publications.
Back in South Africa, SA Tourism and The Department of Environmental Affairs maintain a continued interest in this field of cultural and heritage research and conservation, with an inclination leaning toward the integration of a unique and special-interest cultural travel market. With this in mind, Safari Odyssey recognises the need for a platform to accommodate both academic students, who wish to add to their studies, as well as special interest travellers who wish to gain a higher level of recreational knowledge. The purpose is to create exclusive and fully supported research opportunities for individual students, university faculties, pre- and post-graduate students or researchers of professional organisations. Safari Odyssey has collaborated with a select group of local universities, museums, researchers, teachers, cultural heritage organisations, environmental departments, sustainable tourism organisations, and most notably, some of South Africa’s greatest and oldest leaders in the respective fields. The aim being to share intellectual knowledge, information sharing, physical participation in excavation, documenting, surveying new / un-identified areas as well as cultural and communal interaction. Using these same programmes, the experience to view and understand is also available to the recreational traveller with a particular interest in the culture and heritage of Africa.
Programmes are proposed, but more importantly open to tailor-making based on individual client requirements. Areas covered include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana & Namibia, with one or a combination of these areas. The respective destinations include most prominent, but also many lesser known, rock art sites (painting and engraving), archaeological and paleo-sciences destinations, as well as communal interaction and participation.
NOTES ON ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION
It is important to note that Safari Odyssey is not an accredited academic institution, however we do collaborate with, and enjoy the endorsements of, professional and accredited institutions. The primary role of Safari Odyssey and it’s representatives is to provide complete logistical support for a proposed field school or, if need be, to manage the entire programme, including all logistics, study contents and the execution thereof if the study group does not have representation of its own. The framework may be designed as cultural field schools, visual or physical research programmes, in a single or over multiple destinations and including the entire academic programme or parts thereof depending on whether the group will be accompanied by their own “in-house” teacher or not. Safari Odyssey is able to source the relevant academic content as well as local field-specialists and leaders, all of whom are professionally trained or employed. The aim of our Cultural Academics and Field School Programmes is to provide access to South and southern African cultural sites and resources, without intervention, but under qualified supervision within the rules set out in our National Heritage Act, “Act 25 of 1999” as well as the academic requirements of the participating teaching institution. 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. Our products are open to tailor-making ie. the course content, academic leaders and presenters, route structure, field of study or interest, location and services can be adjusted and collectively decided upon.
SOUTH AFRICA, REFLECTIONS ON A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT
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.
Southern Africa, with its rich geological, palaeontological, palaeoanthropological and archaeological record, covers a vast time-period, ranging from the origins of life to recent time. It is one of just a few areas enabling researchers to understand both past and present changes in biodiversity. It also preserves a record of Earth, from the earliest evidence of life 3.5 billion years ago. The University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), for example, has an eight decade long and proud tradition of palaeontological and paleoanthropological research, and has amassed large and internationally important fossil collections that are utilised by researchers around the world. Read more . . . .
- 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.
- Specialist guides & tour leaders.
- Recreational and safari activities as indicated in the itinerary.
- WITS: Evolutionary Studies Institute, The Rock Art Research Institute and The Origins Centre.
- Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site: Including, for example, the Maropeng Visitor Centre as well as the Sterkfontein Caves and Swartkrans (The University of the Witwatersrand is involved with research and excavation at these two particular sites).
- Pretoria: Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History and Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (home to some of the hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site).
- Waterberg, Limpopo: Rock Art and archaeological sites, Irish House Museum and Bakoni Malapa Site Museum, Clive Walker’s Laphapala Wilderness & the Living Museum.
- Schoemansdal: Traditional villages and archaeological sites.
- Mapungubwe National Park: Mapungubwe Hill and K2 archaeological sites.
- Kruger National Park: Thulamela archaeological site.
PROPOSED TOUR PLAN
Johannesburg
Johannesburg, WITS University
Cradle of Humankind (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Waterberg, Limpopo Province
A landmark sculptured both by nature and man, Zimbabwe displays not only the magnitude of its people but also the marvels of nature. The Khami Ruins, which developed after the capital of Great Zimbabwe and abandoned in the mid-16th century, is of great archaeological interest. The discovery of objects from Europe and China shows that Khami formed part of the major trade routes of old.
Zimbabwe’s natural wonders form part of the some of the most impressive natural sites of the world, of course including the Vic Falls, but then also the less knowns, such as the Matopo Hills. A mass of granite hills formed by river erosion and weathered into fantastic shapes and deep valleys, the hills are associated with folklore and tradition, some being venerated as dwelling places of the spirits of departed Ndebele chiefs. The hills contain gigantic caves (notably Bambata, Nswatugi, and Silozwane) with Khoekhoe paintings, Stone and Iron Age archaeological sites. The name may have originated from matombe or madombe, meaning “the rocks,” or from matobo, “bald heads. Read more . . . .
- 11 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.
- Specialist guides & tour leaders.
- Recreational and safari activities as indicated in the itinerary.
- WITS: Evolutionary Studies Institute, The Rock Art Research Institute and The Origins Centre.
- Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site: Including, for example, the Maropeng Visitor Centre as well as the Sterkfontein Caves and Swartkrans (The University of the Witwatersrand is involved with research and excavation at these two particular sites).
- Pretoria: Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History and Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (home to some of the hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site).
- Waterberg, Limpopo: Rock Art and archaeological sites, Irish House Museum and Bakoni Malapa Site Museum, Clive Walker’s Laphapala Wilderness & the Living Museum.
- Mapungubwe National Park: Mapungubwe Hill and K2 archaeological sites.
- Matapos National Park: The natural sites of the Matapos Hills.
- Khami Ruins: Rock art & archaeological sites.
- Kruger National Park: Thulamela archaeological site.
PROPOSED TOUR PLAN
Johannesburg
Waterberg, Limpopo Province
Waterberg, Limpopo Province
Limpopo Province – Mapungubwe National Park
Unsurpassed golf experience, on one of the most scenic golf destinations.
SOUTH AFRICA & ZIMBABWE – A COMPLEX DESIGN BY ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
Zimbabwe’s turbulent past is evident in the ruins of ancient African kingdoms. Yet despite the nation’s past, the Zimbabwean people have managed to retain much of their roots and ethnic identity, finding a happy medium between old and new.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, Zimbabwe was the seat of one of the greatest African civilizations. The region was inhabited mainly by Bantu tribes who descended from the north and subsequently survived a mostly pastoral lifestyle. The impressive structures that were constructed during this period can be found at the Great Zimbabwe National Monument in Masvingo. Read more . . . .
- 14 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.
- Specialist guides & tour leaders.
- Recreational and safari activities as indicated in the itinerary.
- WITS: Evolutionary Studies Institute, The Rock Art Research Institute and The Origins Centre.
- Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site: Including, for example, the Maropeng Visitor Centre as well as the Sterkfontein Caves and Swartkrans (The University of the Witwatersrand is involved with research and excavation at these two particular sites).
- Pretoria: Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History and Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (home to some of the hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site).
- Waterberg, Limpopo: Rock Art and archaeological sites, Irish House Museum and Bakoni Malapa Site Museum, Clive Walker’s Laphapala Wilderness & the Living Museum.
- Makapansgat Valley: Limestone caves – visit to view old excavation sites.
- Schoemansdal: Traditional villages and archaeological sites.
- Mapungubwe National Park: Mapungubwe Hill and K2 archaeological sites.
- Matapos National Park: The natural sites of the Matapos Hills.
- Khami Ruins: Rock art & archaeological sites.
- Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Visit to the ruins and national monument.
- Kruger National Park: Thulamela archaeological site.
PROPOSED TOUR PLAN
Johannesburg
Johannesburg, WITS University
Cradle of Humankind (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Waterberg, Limpopo Province
BOTSWANA – A RICH AND COLORFUL PATCHWORK OF A DIVERSE WHOLE
Around the world, Botswana is best known for its priceless natural heritage – its semi-arid landscapes of the Kalahari Desert as well as its network of waterways of the Okavango Delta. But very little is known, or documented, of its physical heritage sites, substantiated by the fact that it currently has only one official UNESCO World Heritage Site – the sacred hills of Tsodilo in the north western region of the country. The Tsodilo Hills are the sacred grounds of the first inhabitants of Botswana, the Bushmen, and referred to as the ”Louvre of the Desert”, boasting one of the highest concentrations of rock paintings in the world. Read more…
- 17 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.
- Specialist guides & tour leaders.
- Recreational and safari activities as indicated in the itinerary.
- WITS: Evolutionary Studies Institute, The Rock Art Research Institute and The Origins Centre.
- Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site: Including, for example, the Maropeng Visitor Centre as well as the Sterkfontein Caves and Swartkrans (The University of the Witwatersrand is involved with research and excavation at these two particular sites).
- Pretoria: Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History and Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (home to some of the hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site).
- Waterberg, Limpopo: Rock Art and archaeological sites, Irish House Museum and Bakoni Malapa Site Museum, Clive Walker’s Laphapala Wilderness & the Living Museum.
- Serowe: Kubu Island, archaeological & cultural significance, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
- Tsodilo Hills: Site of archaeological and rock art significance.
- Ghanzi: Occupied by the San, archaeological significance.
- New Xade: San/Bushman resettlement programme.
- Khaditshwene, Zeerust: Large iron age site.
PROPOSED TOUR PLAN
Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
Pretoria, Waterberg, Limpopo Province
Waterberg, Limpopo Province
Waterberg to Serowe, Botswana
NAMIBIA – THE ART GALLERIES OF THE SAN AND KOI
This research tour explores some of the most impressive artwork sites of Namibia as depicted by its two major local tribes, the San’s rock art and the Koi peoples’ rock engravings. Many of these sites carry such great historical value that they have been classified as world heritage sites through UNESCO. The spiritual significance of the San rock art makes parts of Namiba a sacred landscape that tells us not only about the influence of the San but also goes some way to explaining the course of human history.
The variety of imagery represents a high point in humanity’s creative achievements, and the aesthetic and artistic value of the rock art is immeasurable. Furthermore, archaeological evidence suggests that, in places, many prehistoric cultures took occupation over a long period of time. The oldest of these being the San. Read more . . . .
- 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.
- Specialist guides & tour leaders.
- Etosha (x 2) and Brandberg (x1) game drives.
- Windhoek: Historical sight seeing.
- Etosha National Park: Rock art and stone-age sites of the San.
- Twyfelfontein: Rock art paintings and engravings, sandstone cliffs, Petrified Forests, Burnt Mountain Organ Pipes.
- Brandberg: Spiritual site to the San, rock art famous for The White Lady Rock Painting, The Erongo Massif, Living museum of the San, Omandumba West paintings and archaeological artefacts.
- Swakopmund: Historical sight-seeing.
PROPOSED TOUR PLAN
Windhoek
Etosha National Park (Namatomi)
Twyfelfontein (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE)
Brandberg: • Brandberg, home specifically to San Rock Art • The White Lady Rock Painting • The Erongo Mountains and Boulders• The Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi-San including inter-active making of jewellery from ostrich egg shells • Omandumba West
CONTACT US
SAFARI ODYSSEY:
POSTAL ADDRESS:
PO BOX 8891
CENTURION, 0046
SOUTH AFRICA
OFFICE HOURS:
SOUTH AFRICA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 09:00 TO 16:30
CLOSED DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
SAFARI ODYSSEY CONTACT PERSONS:
Consultant
Lynne: +27 79 011 6763
lynne@safariodyssey.com
Consultant/Manager
Jackie: + 27 84 457 8855
jackie@safariodyssey.com
Marketing
Alan: +27 72 371 6579
info@safariodyssey.com