Travel with Dr. Don Johanson!

Ancient Voices: Exploring Human Origins & Wildlife in South Africa with Dr. Don Johanson

Continue along the coastline towards Cape Town and the Grootbos Nature Reserve, located in the heart of the Cape’s Unique Floral Kingdom. One of the world’s richest and smallest bio-spheres, the fynbos reserves are home to the greatest number of endemic plants on earth. Enjoy the best of the Cape’s superb cuisine and exclusive wineries in Franschhoek, a picturesque village in the heart of the lovely Cape Winelands. Here distinctive Cape Dutch architecture and spectacular scenery serve as a wonderful backdrop to your experience of the exceptional wines and cuisine of the area.

No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to Africa’s most exclusive private game reserves, ideally located adjacent to Kruger National Park’ 5 million acres. View African wildlife from open safari vehicles or on walks guided by top professional guides. Return each evening to experience more of South Africa’s unparalleled service, exquisite gastronomy and the luxury of your private 5 star villa.

…is famed for his discovery of Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old hominid skeleton which he unearthed in Ethiopia’s remote Afar region in 1974. In today's scientific community few men have created the kind of excitement and controversy that Donald Johanson has brought to the field of paleoanthropology.... the kind of attention usually reserved for rock stars! Johanson's book, LUCY: THE BEGINNINGS OF HUMANKIND, winner of the American Book Award in Science, intimately chronicles his discovery of the remarkable 3.2 million-year-old Lucy skeleton and highlights its importance for comprehending who we are and where we came from. Human ancestor finds far more ancient than Lucy have been recovered, but she remains the benchmark in paleoanthropology by which all other discoveries are judged.

Currently Johanson is the Founding Director of the internationally respected Institute of Human Origins, a human evolutionary ‘think tank’ he founded in 1981. Through research, education and sponsorship of scholarly interaction IHO fosters the pursuit of integrated solutions to the most important questions regarding the course, cause and timing of events in human evolution. At present, Johanson's primary goal is to further IHO's prominence by attaining a position of world leadership in the study of human origins and evolution.

Johanson is a frequent lecturer at universities and other forums, worldwide. He has co-authored nine books now available in ten languages and has published in the National Geographic Magazine and innumerable scientific journals. Johanson hosted and narrated an Emmy nominated 3-part PBS/NOVA series entitled IN SEARCH OF HUMAN ORIGINS. He is an Honorary Board Member of the Explorers Club and the 2010 recipient of the Explorers Club Medal, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and many other professional organizations, and recipient of several international prizes and awards.

Wednesday, October 13: USA / International flight to Johannesburg

Depart the US for Johannesburg, South Africa. djohanson3

Thursday, October 14: Johannesburg / Magaliesburg Mountains / Mount Grace Country House

Arrive Johannesburg and transfer to the charming Mount Grace Country House situated in the Magaliesburg Mountains. This afternoon is at leisure to rest after the long flight. Welcome dinner this evening at the hotel with your host Dr. Don Johanson.

The Mount Grace provides a haven of tranquility with fabulous grounds and spacious rooms with unrivalled garden or valley views. This lovely country lodge also boasts one of South Africa’s finest restaurants and spas.

Friday, October 15: University of Witwatersrand / Mount Grace Country House

Today you visit the University of Witwatersrand where the group will meet and have a lecture by famed scientist Professor Phillip Tobias, who introduces you to the original Taung Child fossil, discovered in 1924 by Raymond Dart. The Taung Child was the first fossil human ancestor found in Africa, a singular discovery that was the defining moment in African paleoanthropology. Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

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Saturday, October 16: Sterkfontein (Cradle of Humankind) / Mount Grace Country House

Today Dr. Johanson and colleague Dr. Ron Clarke, discoverer of ‘Little Foot’, another keystone discovery in the field, accompany us through the nearby cave system that is home to the earliest remains of our human ancestors in the Southern Continent. Sterkfontein, known as “The Cradle of Humankind”, is the world’s richest hominid fossil–bearing site and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. Sterkfontein is one of 13 sites in the area which are renowned for studies on fossilized fauna and the wood and stone tools that were made, used and discarded by hominids in the past. Even today it is easy to see the fossils in situ, virtually erupting from the moist cave walls.

Sunday - Wednesday, October 17-20: Sabi Sand Game Reserve / Exeter River Lodge

After breakfast you drive to the airport to board your flight to Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Exeter River Lodge, situated adjacent and open to the immense Kruger National Park for three days of fabulous wildlife viewing. The exclusive, world renowned Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve enjoys an abundance of diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. The entire “Big Five”(lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant) is well represented in the Reserve as well as other rarer animals, such as cheetah, wild dog, hyena and various antelope species.

Your private villa features luxury suites individually designed with elegant bathroom, plunge pool, and veranda in order to view elephants in the river below or perhaps a hippo surfacing in the waters.

Activities include morning and afternoon game drives and interpretive bush walks. There is also the opportunity to take night drives in order to view the many nocturnal animals such as the beautifully patterned African civet and genet, the lively bushbaby, chameleons and the dwarf mongoose.

Thursday, October 21: Mossel Bay / Fancourt Hotel

This morning you fly back to Johannesburg and on to George where you will be met and driven to Mossel Bay ?an idyllic place which has been populated for more than 200,000 years by humanity’s ancient ancestors. The IHO’s premier project is based here at Mossel Bay where we step back into the ancient past with Dr. Johanson and his colleagues Dr. Curtis Marean and Kyle Brown as our guides.

Accommodation is at The Fancourt Hotel, your base for the next two days. At the Manor House, you will find a restful, comfortable haven with a history dating back to the beginnings of the 19th century.

Friday, October 22: Mossel Bay / Fancourt Hotel

Depart this morning for a full day visit to IHO’s Mossel Bay site. Here you explore the caves and learn about the project and its research with Drs. Johanson and Marean. Tonight you are invited to a traditional dinner by Dr. Marean to join his research team including international scholars and graduate students to learn more about their research.

Saturday & Sunday, October 23 & 24: Grootbos Nature Reserve

On the morning of October 23, depart by vehicle to Grootbos Nature Reserve for the drive along the famed coastal Garden Route (approximately 3 ½ hours). The Grootbos Forest is situated in the heart of the Cape’s Unique Floral Kingdom?one of the world’s richest regions of floral biodiversity. The floral kingdom intricately weaves a fascinating web of life in which each creature has its special place in the natural landscape. Set amongst the ancient milkwood trees, each contemporary private suite has its own secluded balcony from which to admire the sunsets over the ocean or start the day to the tune of the diverse forest bird population.

During your stay the group will take a morning whale expedition to witness Southern Right Whales as they breach and play in the coastal waters. You also take a nature walk throughout this majestic reserve where flora and fauna, animal tracks, local insects and flower details can be observed with local experts.

Monday & Tuesday, October 25 & 26: Franschhoek / La Residence

In the early afternoon of October 25 transfer to the quaint town of Franschhoek in the Winelands. Today, the French influence in Franschhoek Valley is still strong and can be seen in the picturesque architecture of the small village, and tasted in the area’s wonderful cuisine and wines. Activities at La Residence, ranked as one of the leading hotels of the world, include swimming, mountain/village walks, private wine tasting at various estates, cheese tasting, and trout fishing. The shopping is also excellent!

The tranquil vineyards and majestic mountains of the Franschhoek Valley paint a stunning backdrop to the secluded retreat of La Residence. La Residence offers a haven of luxuriously furnished suites with palatial bathrooms. The hotel is decorated with fine antiques, exquisite Persian carpets and an eclectic mix of objects d’art.

Wednesday, October 27: Cape Town / Johannesburg / International flight homeward

In the early afternoon you are transferred to the Cape Town Airport to board your flight to Johannesburg for transfer to your international flight home

Thursday, October 28: Arrive USA

Optional extensions to Cape Town may be arranged.

VERY LIMITED CAPACITY, MAXIMUM OF 13 TRAVELERS, PLEASE CONTACT EXPLORE INC FOR DETAILS SOON! 888?LYONESS or EMAIL This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

GENERAL INFORMATION

Cost of trip: $12,980.00 per person based on double occupancy

Trip Includes: All ground transportation upon landing in Africa; accommodation, park fees; gratuities to staff and guides, and activities per the itinerary.

Mount Grace Country House: Breakfast, Buffet lunch, Buffet dinner

Exeter River Lodge: All meals, most beverages, game activities, laundry

The Fancourt Hotel: All meals at the Fancourt or other location in the area

Grootbos Nature Reserve: All meals, some activities such as horse riding, guided walks or drives in the reserve, various maps of the area for self guided walks. It also includes Whale Watching on October 24.

La Residence: All meals at La Residence or other location in the area, wine tasting one afternoon, soft beverages and full mini bar, laundry

Trip Excludes: U.S. domestic and international airfare; all commercial internal Africa air (see below); medical immunizations; passport fees; individual transfers; accident/baggage/medevac and cancellation insurance; excursions and accommodations deviating from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; medical expenses; airport departure fees and taxes; telephone or fax charges; room service; spa treatments; and other items of a purely personal nature.

Mount Grace Country House: All beverages, laundry, some activities such as golf, ballooning, etc

Exeter River Lodge: Imported wines and spirits

The Fancourt Hotel: All beverages, laundry, any activities such as golf, whale watching etc

Grootbos Nature Reserve: All beverages, laundry, some activities such as shark diving etc

La Residence: Some beverages; some activities in Franschhoek such has horseback riding

Internal flights included in cost: 17 October: Johannesburg to Exeter River Lodge on Federal Air; 21 October: Exeter River Lodge to Johannesburg on Federal Air