Welcome to our Cultural Heritage Tours, a transformative exploration that delves into the rich tapestry of South Africa's history and culture.
Embark on a journey that transcends time, tracing the footsteps of two legendary individuals who have profoundly impacted the globe: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Your tour guides and facilitators throughout this tour will be Rev Edwin Arrison and Deon Kitching.
Rev. Edwin Arrison was a close aide to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and an anti-Apartheid activist during the tumultuous 1980s and 1990s in South Africa. His remarkable knowledge of the lives and roles of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in the freedom struggle in South Africa is unparalleled. Discussions will include how the Arch’s spirituality of “ubuntu,” non-violent resistance, and joy is applicable in one’s life and to other situations.
Deon Kitching is the founder and owner of Embrace South Africa Tours. Since 2001, he has curated numerous social justice tours for universities and churches. A former pastor and seasoned tour provider for over two decades, Deon’s mission is to create opportunities for social- and learning experiences for students and adults from all ages, to answer the question, “How can we, through tourism, make this world a better place for everyone?”
Our “In the Footsteps of Mandela and Tutu Tour” is a profound odyssey that takes you to the very places where these legends lived, worked, and inspired change. Walk through the historical landscapes that shaped their extraordinary lives, from Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island to the vibrant streets where Tutu championed justice and reconciliation.
Contact us now to customize your group tour or join an upcoming adventure! – click here
Living History
As you trace their legacy, our expert guides share captivating stories and insights, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and triumphs these leaders faced. Immerse yourself in the living history of South Africa, exploring not only the key landmarks but also the communities and cultural sites that played pivotal roles in the fight against apartheid and the quest for equality.
Engage with local communities
Our Cultural Heritage Tours go beyond sightseeing; they offer an intimate connection with the spirit of Mandela and Tutu. Feel the resonance of their messages of peace, unity, and resilience as you stand in the places where history unfolded. Engage with local communities, witness their traditions, and gain a profound appreciation for the cultural fabric that these remarkable leaders sought to weave together.
Join us on this extraordinary journey of discovery, where the echoes of Mandela and Tutu’s courage and compassion reverberate through the landscapes and communities they touched. Embrace the transformative power of our Cultural Heritage Tours and be inspired by the enduring legacies of these two great leaders.
Discussions, meetings and site-visits
- Rev. Dr. John de Gruchy, Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak, Fr. Michael Lapsley
- Robben Island Maximum-Security Prison, including Nelson Mandela’s cell, led by an ex-prisoner
- Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
- Long March to Freedom Statues
- Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum
- Soweto
- District 6 Museum (destroyed by apartheid government in 1960’s)
- Drumming with Volmoed Youth; Zwelihle community leaders
- Legendary black cyclist, Chessy Pieterse
- Pretoria’s Freedom Park
Featured South African Highlights
- Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope (southwestern tip of Africa)
- Southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet
- Sunset catamaran champagne cruise from Cape Town
- Table Mountain (one of the “Seven Wonders of Nature” in the world)
- Cape Peninsula tour, scenic Chapman’s Peake drive
- Penguins at Stoney Point, Bettys Bay
- Cape Town’s multi-cultural, brightly-colored Bo-Kaap, oldest residential neighborhood
- Wine tasting some of South Africa’s finest wines
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Safari in Bakubung Game Lodge, Pilanesberg Game Reserve
FOOTSTEPS OF MANDELA AND TUTU TOUR - REVIEW
My trip to South Africa was the most amazing trip of my lifetime which definitely renewed my spirit. I experienced a beautiful country working diligently to continually build and maintain a true democracy. I have never felt so deeply the dignity and spirit of a people’s culture. Joy and love are the center of their being. South Africa truly is a nation of “Ubuntu”. The physical beauty of the country is only matched by the beauty of its people. A trip to South Africa is one of renewed spirit that exudes natural beauty and an indelible spirit of its people.
