Victoria Falls, ZW Day 2

Day 02 – Saturday, October 3, 2009 - Nairobi/Fly to Johannesburg/Optional Soweto Tour

Our night in Nairobi was a short one. We turned off the light at 11:15 and got up long before the alarm went off at 3:30. The six of us had coffee and juice in the lobby and then Gabriel, the driver from OAT picked us up at 4:45 for our 30 minute ride to the airport.

Traffic on Saturday morning in Nairobi is so easy – no traffic jams at this time of day. Gabriel dropped us off at the curb and we went through the first of the security checks right inside the doors. The security guards x-rayed our luggage in addition to our carry-on bags.

We found the Kenya Airways desk and checked our bags and got our seat assignments. Because we were so early, there were short lines and not much of a wait.

There was another security check point and x-ray before we went to the gate. I had a few Kenyan Shillings left over so Gennie tried to find a book store. She found the kiosk but books are incredibly expensive – she opted for two small bags of Skittles.

When the gate agents called our flight we went through security one more time, we were given a boarding pass, and then were allowed to sit down in the waiting area.

Kenyan Air agents walked us down the jet-way then out to the tarmac and onto our awaiting Boeing 737-800. It was a full flight and we left on time. South African law mandates the crew spray the aircraft just before taking off.

The flight crew was very accommodating. They served us a light breakfast about midway through the flight. We both tried to sleep a little while we had the chance.

There is an hour’s time difference; we landed in Johannesburg at 10:20 local time. We went through immigration and were asked for our Yellow Fever Immunization cards; she did not open them or look at them, but she wanted to be sure we had the appropriate paperwork!

The next task was to retrieve our luggage and we cleared customs. There were a few people there, but they did not even look at us as we passed. Gennie was able to take photos of the FIFA World Cup signs, “Welcome to South Africa” and “Connecting Fans from Around the World” signs that are all over the airport.

Adeline met us with the OAT sign and helped us to take our luggage out to Arman who was waiting with a Volkswagen van. No more bumpy Safari Trucks!

On the way to the Avant Garde Lodge, Arman told us about the city of 20 million people known as Jo’Burg. The lodge is more like a small bed and breakfast with only 13 rooms in a beautiful tropical garden setting. Arman is the young man who owns the lodge and is rightfully proud of his hard work!

Lunch was served in the dining room and then we updated photos and the journal for the beginning of the day. Morning came so early – it was tempting to take a nap, but we can sleep at home!

Gennie and I had booked the optional tour of SOWETO. This is the site of the country's major confrontations on behalf of racial freedom. SOWETO stands as a cultural and historic icon of the continent.

We were ready in the lodge reception area at 1:40 p.m. The tour was done by Tourvest Inbound Operations. The guide, Caesaré introduced himself and we left for our next adventure at 2:00 p.m. We made a stop at the Emperor’s Palace complex and Peermont Metcourt to pick up 5 more OAT people who were just starting their Best of Africa trip.

On the way through the city, Caesaré gave us a running commentary of the history of the city and its struggles. There are nine provinces in South Africa and 11 languages spoken. He speaks six!

We passed the huge tailing piles from the many gold mines in this area. There is only one deep mine now; the rest of the work is done recycling the tailings left from the first extractions.

SOWETO in an acronym for South Western Township. The SA government moved the people into compounds with less than minimal living conditions. Now over 3.5 million people live in the area. There are various levels of wealth in SOWETO from the higher to impoverished.

As we neared the settlements, we saw the huge Soccer City Stadium, the main stadium which will be used for the opening ceremonies and the final games of the FIFA World Cup which will be held next June and July 2010 in South Africa.

We visited the Orlando District where the 1970 uprising started. This area is home to the historical revolution against Apartheid – meaning “a part” or the separation of Whites and Blacks.

The Hector Pieterson Museum is home to actual photographs, videos, and testimonials of the June 16th , 1976 massacre of students who were peacefully protesting the inequality of educational opportunities. This was truly a somber experience.

Over 200 people were killed including Hector whose picture was in the national headlines bringing attention to the realities of the wrongs in South Africa.

Only one street in the world is home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners – in SOWETO we saw the home of Nelson Mandela, and Bishop Desmond Tutu, both in the same block.

We also visited the Regina Mundi—Queen of the World—the Catholic Church that served as safe haven during the Uprising where Bishop Tutu preached. There was a concert in the church and we were able to stop and listen to the music.

Our tour ended with music from the South African artist, Ringo. Caesaré took the other OAT folks back to their hotel and then drove us back to our Lodge. We got back at 6:45 just in time for dinner with Stewart, Ellen, Beth, and Phil.

At 8:00 we had much to do to sort today’s pictures and post the journals. We finished working and then got to bed. It was a long day, but well worth being tired as we had seen and done so much today!

Accommodations: Avant Garde Lodge - - - Meal: B, L, D

Please see our Trip Evaluation -- Click Here -- A Complete Review of Overseas Adventure Travel's -- Post-Trip: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

If you wish to travel with OAT Click Here.

To receive $50 per person off your first reservation with OAT, mention the following information when reserving your Overseas Adventure Travel Trip: Mr. Victor Garcia Customer #673062

Weel, guess who just qualified for the world cup yesterday (Oct10)?

Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Previous Next

Day 13 - Saturday, April 22, 2022 - Depart for U.S.

The hotel prepared a box breakfast for us as we had to be in the lobby way before the breakfast room was open.

Last night we found out that our departure flight back to...

Continue Reading Day 13