womens empowerment trade mission itinerary
DESCRIPTION
Womens Empowerment Trade Mission To South Africa Itinerary.TRANSCRIPT
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Women's Empowerment Trade Mission Cape Town - Johannesburg
9 Days / 8 Nights
October 09, 2015 - October 17, 2015
Overview
Destination Accommodation Arr. Dep. Nights Basis Room Type
Cape Town Southern Sun Waterfront Oct 10 Oct 14 4 B&B 8x Twin Room
Johannesburg Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose
Arch
Oct 14 Oct 16 2 B&B 8x Twin Room
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Day 1: Traveling (Fri, Oct 9)
Traveling
Board your 11:15A South African Airways flight to Cape Town via Johanesburg.
On arrival into Johannesburg International Airport you will go to immigration, have your passport stamped, pick
up your bags and go through the "Nothing to Declare" area of customs, walk to the South African Airways
counter where you will drop your bags for forwarding to Cape Town and proceed to the designated gate to board
your 2 hour flight to Cape Town
Day 2: Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town (Sat, October 10)
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and a top international destination. Large numbers of tourists
flock to Cape Town to enjoy this unique city with its fascinating history, interesting culture, natural beauty, award
winning wines and laidback lifestyle. Whether you are a serious tourist or just want to lie on the beach and enjoy life,
Cape Town will satisfy your needs.
Day Notes
On arrival into Cape Town International, the group will be met and assisted for the transfer to the hotel.
Meet in the lobby for your afternoon tour of the city. When the tour is complete you will be returned to the hotel.
Activities
Cape Town City Tour Half Day
Cape Town City Tour Half Day
On a clear day from the summit of Table Mountain you get spectacular views of the City, its Waterfront, Camps Bay,
the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains to the East and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula all the way down to
Cape Point to the south.
The Table Mountain cableway, a must for all visitors to the Cape, boasts revolving floors, giving passengers a 360
degree view. After descending the mountain, you will depart on a tour of the Mother City taking in Signal Hill
where the Noon Day Gun is fired at midday, every day except Sunday through the colourful Bo-Kaap or Cape Malay
Quarter, past the Grand Parade, City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope and South African Cultural History Museum.
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Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront
A total of 537 beautifully furnished rooms are offered at the hotel, catering to your needs with all the amenities
expected of an establishment granted a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Tea and coffee stations, DStv,
electronic safes, air-conditioning and free WiFi are par for the course, while our porter service and 24-hour room
service are also on offer. In addition to double, queen and king rooms, smoking and wheelchair-accessible rooms can
also be arranged at your request.
As for the rest of the hotels guest facilities, these are sure to make you feel even more at ease. Enjoy a truly unique
dining experience at Yizani Restaurant, which lives up to its isiXhosa name that translates to come in Welcome.
Stay fit with the help of our fully-equipped fitness centre, cool down at the outdoor pool, indulge in decadent
cocktails and fine wines at the hotel bar or take advantage of our world-class conferencing facilities that include two
fully serviced meeting rooms.
Being a short walk away from the famous V&A Waterfront and other Cape Town sights is just the start of this iconic
accommodation landmarks appeal. Post-card views of the harbour and of Signal Hill are rivalled only by the stylish,
inviting presence of the hotel itself. Step inside the impressive lobby, and you will soon discover why this hotel
continues to snap up awards.
Included
Bed & Breakfast
Day 3: Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town (Sun, October 11)
Day Notes
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your tour in the reception for a full day culture visit.
Activities
Langa Township
Robben Island Ferry
Robben Island Prison
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Langa Township
Similar to the nearby communities of Gugulethu and Khayelitsha, Langa is one of the many areas that were
established prior to the apartheid era designated for Black Africans.
The name Langa means sun in the Xhosa language, but the name of the township is actually derived from the
name Langalibalele a famous chief who was imprisoned on Robben Island for rebelling against the government.
In recent years, the township has started to be rejuvenated as the government has invested in improved
infrastructure. The Gugasthebe Cultural Centre was opened in 2005 and is now the site of many community and
cultural activities.
Culturally, Langa is relatively homogeneous, with most of the residents belonging to the Xhosa tribe.
The community started with very little planned infrastructure but is rapidly developing in many areas, including
tourism.
During a township tour, youll experience the real Langa and meet many people who are making a difference in
the community.
Robben Island Ferry & Tour
Robben Island Prison
This notorious prison is located on an island seven kilometres off the coast of Cape Town in Table Bay. It is where
Africas political prisoners were kept during the colonial and Apartheid years of South Africa.
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Board the Robben Island ferry and enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain as you sail across the
bay to this island which is so full of history. Once you reach the island you will be given a guided tour and see the
prison cell that held Nelson Mandela captive for so many years. The return to your hotel is included.
Handy tip: Sun protection, protective clothing and preventative treatment against seas sickness are advisable.
Subject to weather.
Day 4: Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town (Mon, October 12)
Day Notes
Meeting Day
Meetings with South African government, city and provincial representatives. Consultations with U.S. trade
representatives. Business networking events with chambers of commerce, business owners, labor and non-profit
leaders and academics.
Day 5: Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town (Tue, October 13)
Day Notes
Again, after breakfast meeet your tour in the hotel reception for the last excursion in Cape Town surrounds.
Activities
Cape Point Tour Half Day
Cape Winelands Half Day Tour
Cape Point Tour Half Day
Highlights of a trip down to Cape Point include; one of the worlds most spectacular drives, Hout Bay, Chapmans
Peak, Noordhoek Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, two lighthouses on the tip of Africa, Boulders Penguin
Colony, Simonstown and Kalk Bay.
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Cape Winelands Half Day Tour
From Cape Town make your way out into the picturesque winelands visiting South Africas most famous wine
regions Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Aside from the excellent wines the area is renowned for its food and
is steeped in history such as the Taal monument, various museums and the contribution of the French Huguenots.
There are also many attractions you wouldnt expect to find on a wine route, from butterflies to cheetahs and pretty
much everything in between.
Day 6: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
(Wed, October 14)
Johannesburg is one of Africas biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to
Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg
and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi
ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and
political interest. The shopping is Southern Africas best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby
township of Soweto is Johannesburgs most popular tourist attraction.
Day Notes
Enjoy breakfast, and check out . Your driver will be waiting to assist with your bags and your transfer back to the
airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
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On arrival into OR Tambo you will be assisted with your bags and transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon meet in the lobby of the hotel for your drive and tour of Pretoria. .
Meetings with Pretoria government officials and the chamber of commerce.
When the day is over you will be returned to the hotel.
Activities
Pretoria Day Tour
Pretoria Day Tour
Pretoria is rich with history especially the history of the Afrikaner nation although more recently Freedom Park has
highlighted the history of other sectors of South African society. Highlights include the Voortrekker Monument, Paul
Kruger House, Church Square, Melrose House and South Africas seat of government the Union Buildings. Just
outside Pretoria is the Cullinan Diamond Mine where the worlds largest diamond was found.
Overnight: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch
Smack-dab in the middle of Joburg, the Protea Fire & Ice! is located in the hot lifestyle precinct Melrose Arch. Just as
fire and ice are a singular combination, the dash of silver screen heroes and heroines, luxury-inspired decor and the
exciting backdrop of Johannesburg combine to offer a truly unique experience. We offer friendly and bespoke
service, an extremely quirky character, a fabulous gourmet restaurant and a myriad of exciting things to keep you
busy!
Included
Bed & Breakfast
Day 7: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
(Thu, October 15)
Day Notes
Meeting Day.
Meetings with South African government, city and provincial representatives. Visit to the Johannesburg Stock
Exchange. Business networking events with chambers of commerce, business owners, labor and non-profit leaders
and academics.
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Day 8: Departure (Fri, October 16)
Day Notes
After breakfast, check out meet in the lobby for your tour to Soweto and Nelson Mandela House. When your tour
is complete you will be taken to the airport for your flight back to JFK
Activities
Soweto Day Tour
Soweto Day Tour
A Soweto Day Tours takes in the highlights of this iconic township including Nelson Mandelas former home and the
Hector Pieterson museum (he was one of the school children who was shot in the 1976 Soweto Uprising).
You will get close to Soweto Culture, meeting the people, trying local foods and maybe even some Omqombothi (our
traditional beer) at a shebeen.
This tour is one of a kind, the smell of pavement cooked meals and the buzz in the streets of people going about
their daily chores. Come and experience township life, the humanity, hospitality and warmth of the people, the
"Ubuntu" as it is known in South Africa.
Day 9: Traveling (Sat, Oct 17)
Traveling arrive JFK
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Transport
Flight Information
Transfers
Date Flight Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time Class Ref
Oct 09 JFK International Airport
[JFK]
OR Tambo International
Airport [JNB]
Oct 09 OR Tambo International
Airport [JNB]
Cape Town International
Airport [CPT]
Oct 14 Cape Town International
Airport [CPT]
OR Tambo International
Airport [JNB]
Oct 16 OR Tambo International
Airport [JNB]
JFK International Airport
[JFK]
Date Pick Up Drop Off Time Vehicle
Oct 10 Cape Town International Airport
[CPT]
Southern Sun Waterfront
Oct 14 Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town International Airport
[CPT]
Oct 14 OR Tambo International Airport
[JNB]
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose
Arch
Oct 16 Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose
Arch
OR Tambo International Airport
[JNB]
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Trade Mission Fee: $5,000
Fee includes: Business meetings and networking events Roundtrip international flight Domestic flights Accommodations + breakfast Double Occupancy Transport in a luxury, air-conditioned 28 seat coach All entrance fees for visits detailed Fee excludes: All expenses of a personal nature All lunches and dinners Optional Additional Fee for Single Occupancy Supplement: $459.00
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Travel Information
Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the lions in the Kruger National
Park to the iconic Table Mountain in the Cape, takes some beating. Enjoy the Countrys sweeping valleys of the
Winelands, Cape Towns jumping nightlife, Namakwas springtime symphony of wildflowers or KwaZulu-Natals
iSimangaliso Wetland Park which alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins - there is
something here for any person with any interest of any age.
Although the country has its fair share of problems, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and
humorous folk youll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt
roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (good morning in Xhosa).
Health / Medical Information
Many of the main tourist areas are malaria-free, so you need not worry at all. However, the Kruger National Park,
the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal do pose a malaria risk in the
summer months.
Many local people and some travelers do not take anti-malaria prophylaxis, but most health professionals
recommend that you do. All guests must consult their own medical doctor or health authorities regarding the use of
anti-malarial tablets prior to departure.
Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use mosquito repellent, wear long pants, closed shoes, light long-
sleeved shirts at night, and sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas (the anopheles mosquito, which carries
malaria, operates almost exclusively after dark). Mosquito repellent containing deet is best. It is advisable to avoid
malarial areas if you are pregnant.
Safety Notices
If you have lost your passport or wallet, please contact the local police department and file a report. Once you have
done this, contact one of South Africas U.S. Embassies or Consulates (located in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town,
and Durban).
Contact Information:
Cape Town Consulate General
Telephone : (021) 702 - 7300
Email: [email protected]
Durban Consulate General
Telephone: (031) 305 7600
Email: [email protected]
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Johannesburg Consulate General
Telephone: (011) 290 - 3000
Email: [email protected]
Alternately, you can obtain information online at http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/.
Electricity and Plug Standards
The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions (in deep rural areas) electricity
is available almost everywhere. However, you will need to purchase or bring adapters for the outlets. You can
purchase the adapters in many US stores, online, or from a store while in South Africa. Adapters are usually
available on loan at major hotels in South Africa. Three to five star hotels usually have 110 volt outlets for electric
shavers in bathrooms and often provide hair dryers and irons. An NW 4 plug with two prongs, 0.19 inches in
diameter is required for compatibility. The following table shows the proper adapters for South Africa and
neighboring countries, as well as the voltage and other necessary information and was obtained from the following
website. https://www.europlugs.com/Design_Review_Polices/Plug_Adapter_Country_Chart.htm#S
Banking and Currency
Currency
South Africa's currency is the Rand, which offers visitors great value for their money. The rand comes in a range of
coins (R1 = 100 cents) and note denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100. With the exchange rate in your favor, you'll
find South Africa offers great value.
It is advisable to exchange US Dollars into Rands upon arrival for tips and small purchases where credit cards are not
normally used.
Exchanging large denominations of US Dollars at game lodges can be challenging so come prepared.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on
Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank &
credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several
international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside
of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.
Visa Regulations and Guidance
As for all international travel, the visitor to South Africa is required to be in possession of a valid passport. U.S.
citizens (US passport holders) traveling to the Republic of South Africa for 90 days or less for tourism or business
purposes do not need visas. U.S. green card holders (non-US passport holders) require visas to visit South Africa.
Nationals of other countries must check the list of visa exempt countries to see if they need to apply for visas.
Please note that all foreigners who wish to visit South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months
after his/her intended return date. The passport must have a minimum of four blank (unstamped) visa pages in the
passport to enter the country. It is preferred these are facing pages. Your international carrier can deny boarding if
you do not have the blank (unstamped) visa pages. Travellers should make sure there are sufficient pages for visas
and immigration stamps to enter into South Africa and other countries to be visited. These blank pages cannot be
endorsement or amendment pages.
As a general precaution, all travellers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their
passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport.
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Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants,
pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas.
Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.
It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are
of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.
Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.
Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are
maintained.
Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks
and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.
Climate and Weather
In the Western Cape, the average rainfall is highest in the winter months, while in other provinces, the average
rainfall is highest during the summer. Overall South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely
warm sunny days most of the year. KwaZulu-Natal has a sub tropical climate with high humidity in Summer. The
Southern Gauteng region has hot summers with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters, while the Eastern
part of this region (known as the Lowveld) enjoys mild winters. The Cape interior and the Free State have similar
weather conditions to the Southern Gauteng region. The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with
warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Spring: September October
Summer: November - February
Autumn: March April
Winter: May August
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.
Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low-cost carriers on
main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.
Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In
addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit
and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.
An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel
roads in rural areas though. Note:
Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux.
Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on-
hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the
Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail. There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway
system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.
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Clothing / Dress Recommendations
Summer
Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree
Celsius range in some areas.Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country
gets its rain, but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).
Winter
The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when
temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets.
Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so its advisable to bring rain gear along.
General
Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.
Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
If you are doing business in the country, business attire (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector,
but media for example generally dress more casually.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of
walking shoes is also advisable.
For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.