Join Professor Patricia Edwards in South Africa to explore the rich culture and heritage of Johannesburg and Cape Town along with an opportunity to go on safari in Pilanesberg National Park. The focus of this program centers around global literacy and the education challenges South Africa faces in comparison to the U.S.

Focus on Professional Interaction

✓ Meet with professional representatives to gain an understanding of language and literacy issues facing South Africa. Through discussions with local experts addressing global literacy issues, come away with a better understanding of the key role educators play in shaping policy and the minds and futures of children.

✓Meet with a wide variety of experts from various professional backgrounds including local university, K-12 schools, libraries and more.

✓ Hosts may include Mmatshilo Motsei, founder of Afrika Ikalafe, a Pluriversity Center that specializes in personal and societal transformation founded on African spiritual principles with a keen interest in the education sector; the innovative Reading Language Gym; and members of the Literacy Task Team

Cultural Highlights

✓ Explore of the darkest years in South African history at the Apartheid Museum and South Africa’s emergence a beacon of African democracy.

✓ Enjoy a guided tour of Soweto, heart of the Freedom Struggle, led by a local.

v Explore Pilanesberg National Park, malaria free and known for Big 5 game viewing, just a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg.

✓ Reach the Cape of Good Hope, encountering the rare African penguins en route.

✓ Ascend Table Mountain by revolving cable car.

✓ Private engagement with Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former prison guard turned friend.

✓ Accompanying guest program – alternate activities will be provided for those who would like to bring a friend who is not interested in the professional activities.

" I recently had the pleasure of joining a professional group trip to South Africa hosted by Nanda Journeys - Dolores Battle and Kia Johnson, and it was the experience of a lifetime! From start to finish, every detail was meticulously planned and executed, making my journey smooth, educational, a professional development opportunity, and incredibly enjoyable. Our guides were nothing short of amazing. Their knowledge of South Africa's history, culture, education, health, and wildlife added immense value to the trip. They were always approachable and ready to answer any questions for the group, and their passion for the country was truly apparent. Most importantly, the accommodations met/exceeded my expectations. We stayed in a variety of high-quality hotels and lodges, each offering exceptional comfort, excellent service, and beautiful views. Nanda Journeys handled all logistics flawlessly. From airport transfers to day-to-day activities, everything was organized to perfection. Thank you for an incredible journey and planning details put into the trip. Appreciated. " CC
Speech-Language, Pathology and Audiology Delegation June 2024

Read more about what people are saying about Nanda Journeys HERE

This was a life changing trip. It was educational and recreational at the same time. Our tour guides were outstanding. Each day was filled with meaningful activities that were thoroughly enjoyable and memorable.

By Brigitta W on Jun 17, 2024

 I recently had the pleasure of joining a professional group trip to South Africa hosted by Nanda Journeys - Dolores Battle and Kia Johnson, and it was the experience of a lifetime! From start to finish, every detail was meticulously planned and executed, making my journey smooth, educational, a professional development opportunity, and incredibly enjoyable. Our guides were nothing short of amazing. Their knowledge of South Africa's history, culture, education, health, and wildlife added immense value to the trip. They were always approachable and ready to answer any questions for the group, and their passion for the country was truly apparent. Most importantly, the accommodations met/exceeded my expectations. We stayed in a variety of high-quality hotels and lodges, each offering exceptional comfort, excellent service, and beautiful views. Nanda Journeys handled all logistics flawlessly. From airport transfers to day-to-day activities, everything was organized to perfection. Thank you for an incredible journey and planning details put into the trip. Appreciated.

By C C on Jun 21, 2024

Our trip to South Africa was fantastic. I really enjoyed the fact that all I needed to do was show up. The accommodations were comfortable at every stop. The tour guides and travel specialist were helpful, and full of wonderful information. They had great personalities and worked well with our group. I enjoyed our group and learning about our profession. The itinerary was well planned and there were plenty of things to do. I would recommend Nanda for your professional travel experiences. Dr. Katrina Miller

By Katrina M on Jun 24, 2024

I had a wonderful time on my trip. It was packed with professional meetings but also had time built in for a few other things. It was one of the trips on my 'live list' and I was so glad that I came. I met wonderful colleagues and their guests. It was a fantastic trip. The company was great. Both hosts, Kenny and Lynda were fun to be with and very personable. Thank you, Drs. Battle and Johnson, for being our leaders. Thank you, Nanda Journeys, for putting it all together.

By Ruth Renee H on Jun 24, 2024

This trip was a multicultural and linguistic look into the fields of speech pathology and audiology in post apartheid South Africa. This journey involved meeting with the South African Sp-Lg-Hg Assn, hospitals, universities, clinics, private practices, schools and after school programs. Other activities included animal photo safaris, dinners with speakers, museums, shopping opportunities, geographical sites, an evening of music, drumming and local food as well excellent opportunities to view penguins.

By Helen D on Jun 25, 2024

Depart this evening and make your way to South Africa.

Your Program Leader - Patricia A. Edwards, PhD

Patricia A. Edwards is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where she teaches in the Teacher Education Department. She has an illustrious career, having served as co-editor of The Reading Teacher and receiving numerous accolades, including the 2020 LRA Oscar S. Causey Award for Reading Research, being named a 2024 AERA Fellow, and being honored with the 2024 William S. Gray Citation of Merit Award. Dr. Edwards chaired the AERA Family School Community Partnership SIG #43 from 2018-2020. Additionally, she is a past president of both the Literacy Research Association and the International Literacy Association.

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on availability of hotels, flights and hosting organizations at the time of finalization of booking. Comparable meetings and activities will be arranged should an itinerary change be necessary. 30 days before departure, a finalized itinerary will be available and reflect final details. 

Upon arrival at Johannesburg International airport, you will meet your local guide. Transfer to the hotel for check-in (starts at 2pm), dinner and overnight.

Johannesburg is currently the largest city in Southern Africa with more than six million people and urbanization at 97%. It is a city of contrasts with wealthy suburbs and commercial centers alongside informal settlements, Indian bazaars and African muti (medicine) shops, where traditional healers dispense advice and traditional medicine. Johannesburg is in Gauteng Province. “Gauteng” is a Sotho word meaning Place of Gold.

Southern Sun Sandton is in the heart of Sandton and close to shopping and entertainment with a nearby Gautrain Station just moments away. The hotel has onsite dining, a bar and a fitness center with a rooftop pool. Guest rooms are soundproof with blackout curtains and have free Wi-Fi, AC, workstation, walk in shower or bath/shower combo, bathroom amenities.

Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

Overnight:  Southern Sun Sandton Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

After breakfast (provided daily), take part in an orientation and welcome briefing on South Africa with South Africa partner Keira Powers. This comprehensive briefing covers an introduction to your local staff, some historical background, and current information on South African society and economy.

Immediately following, the group will embark on an exploration of the darkest years in South African history at the Apartheid Museum. Likened to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., this haunting museum takes you into the beating heart of the struggle for freedom from apartheid, the grip of the National Party’s regime during apartheid, and the giddy days of liberation. 

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Explore Soweto, the massive Southwestern Townships of Johannesburg. Pass Kliptown first, where the Freedom Charter was adopted as the guiding document of the Congress Alliance and later the Constitution and continue to Orlando. Here you find the famous Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world that has been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela), and the Hector Pieterson Memorial where the student uprisings of ‘76 began. 

Dinner is by individual arrangement (own expense).

Overnight: Southern Sun Sandton (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Start the day with an introductory speaker for an overview of the education system in South Africa and discussions around global literacy. Following will be a panel session with a variety of local professionals invited who can address topics of mutual interest including language and literacy and what South Africa’s goals and challenges are with creating an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive educational system.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant today.

A meeting will be requested for this afternoon to visit a local school or university such as the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Discuss teacher training as well as visit their library for added discussions with that team. Talks may include education reforms post-apartheid and access to education for historically disadvantaged communities, curriculum changes, and policies promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Guest program:
Guests will venture to Pretoria, South Africa’s political capital filled with stunning architectural and cultural history. At the Voortrekker Monument, see an unparalleled view of the city and take a moment to reflect upon the importance and long-term repercussions of the actions of the first whites to conquer South Africa’s interior and northern territories. Later, the Union Buildings, which are the seat of the South African national government and site of Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration.

Dinner is by individual arrangement (own expense).

Overnight: Southern Sun Sandton (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Say goodbye to Johannesburg today, but first you will meet with Mmatshilo Motsei founder of Afrika Ikalafe, a Pluriversity Center. Speak with Mme Motsei about her ground-breaking organization and passion for African-centred education and reassessment of the hierarchy of knowledges. See how indigenous African education plays a critical role in the liberation of a people from being tied to daily living and thereby inseparable from language, thought, belief and identity.

Travel north via private motor coach to the Pilanesberg National Park (3 hours for a true African safari. With abundant plains game, the ‘Big 5’ and dramatic wilderness landscape, the Pilanesberg offers a great game viewing experience. 

Bakubung Bush Lodge has is conveniently situated at one of the reserve gates, looking over the wilderness. It is a medium-sized, casual but comfortable four-star lodge with all you need for a relaxing and immersive stay. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, gym, wi-fi, tennis, wildlife center, lounge, bar, restaurants and spa.

A late lunch will be provided after arrival at the lodge. 

Enjoy an afternoon safari! The park has over 7000 animal species including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. From your open 4x4 safari vehicles, learn about the flora and fauna as your safari guides help you spot all manner of wildlife and see how they blend into their surroundings. 

Dinner will be provided at the lodge this evening.Travel north via private motor coach to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve (2 hours). Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers safari’s as Big 5 and most other large mammals of Southern Africa are represented in the reserve. 

Dinner will be provided at the lodge this evening.

Overnight: Bakubung Bush Lodge (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

As the animals prefer to feed during the cool temperatures of early morning, you will venture out early in an open game vehicle to witness exotic plant and animal life in the gentle light of the dawn. You may see lazy hippos and crocodiles along the riverbank, and your guide will help you be on the lookout for the Big Five—lion, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, and elephant. Take in stunning South African beauty among the ever-present giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, and warthog.

Return for lunch at the lodge and enjoy some free time to relax and find respite from the afternoon heat before experiencing another exclusive evening game-spotting adventure.

Dinner is provided this evening. 

Overnight: Bakubung Bush Lodge (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Return via motor coach to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Lunch is on your own today if not included in your afternoon flight.

Fly to the southern city of Cape Town this afternoon. The oldest port in southern Africa, Cape Town is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful cities on earth. Tucked into the arms of a broad bay, it is surrounded by white-sand beaches. Cape Town’s Mediterranean look and feel attracts visitors from around the world, and it was the first place settled by European settlers, entrepreneurs, and religious refugees. 

The Southern Sun The Cullinan hotel is located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after areas, within easy reach of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The hotel has an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, conference facilities, onsite dining and a bar. Guest rooms have all the amenities you will need including AC, minifridge, free Wi-Fi, bathroom amenities, safe and more.

Dinner will be provided this evening.

Overnight: Southern Sun The Cullinan (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Spend the day with fellow travelers enjoying the sights in and around Cape Town. Explore the countryside via a motor coach tour of the Cape Peninsula all the way to the Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) in Table Mountain National Park. Extraordinary care has been taken to protect this lush reserve of indigenous flora and fauna, and the striking natural beauty of the area makes it a destination for both foreign and local visitors.

After lunch, stop to see the rare African penguins in their natural surroundings at Boulders Beach. There are few places in the world where you can get this close to a breeding colony of penguins, and you’ll get a firsthand look at these flightless birds as they roam freely around the area.

On the way back to town, stop to take a walk through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens to see some extraordinary indigenous plants.

Dinner is by individual arrangement (own expense) with some free time to explore the nearby Waterfront shopping and dining area close to the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Southern Sun The Cullinan (or similar)

This morning is set aside for continued professional interaction with your education and literacy counterparts, such as the Reading Language Gym. Opened in 2007, they provide intensive training for learners with specific barriers to literacy and language-related learning challenges, from grades 1 to 12. They work within a model of ability rather than disability. 

Guest program:

Guests will visit Bo-Kaap, the only area in the city of Cape Town where the Cape Malay community were not forcibly removed under Apartheid. The historic area, that became home to many Muslims and freed slaves after the abolition of slavery, showcases local Islamic culture, heritage, and community in the heart of the city.

Lunch will be by individual arrangement (own expense).

This afternoon you will all visit Robben Island (weather permitting), once described by Nelson Mandela as “the harshest, most iron-fisted outpost in the South African penal system,” has become an international symbol of the triumph of the human spirit. Today Robben Island is a living museum and World Heritage Site, a tangible reminder of the past and a symbol of hope for the future.

This evening, hear from Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former jailer turned friend and employee, over a shared meal together.

Overnight: Southern Sun The Cullinan (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, one last school visit (proposed K-12 or a local university) covering remaining conversations of mutual interest, wraps up the professional program.

Lunch is by individual arrangement today.

If weather permits, you will have the opportunity to ascend Table Mountain via a revolving aerial cable car.. This iconic symbol of Cape Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views of the entire Cape Peninsula, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Cape Town, and the harbor.

This afternoon, head out to the winelands. South Africa is globally renowned for its distinctive wines. Visit one or two wineries in the Constantia Valley, the oldest wine producing region in the southern hemisphere with an uninterrupted history of winemaking since 1685. The Constantia Valley wine-route consists of ten wine farms in total, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines. The wine farms are perfectly positioned between the Table Mountain range with its glorious Floral Kingdom and the coastal False Bay area, allowing for a perfect micro-climate which produces world class wines distinctive in character and style.

Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant. 

Overnight: Southern Sun The Cullinan (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

June 19, 2025

The morning is yours to explore independently and prepare for hotel check-out.

Lunch is on your own this afternoon with meal service provided on your international flight home. Fly back to NYC area today.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch provided in Flight

June 20, 2025

Arrive back in the U.S. this morning. 

Patricia A. Edwards, PhD

Patricia A. Edwards is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where she teaches in the Teacher Education Department. She has an illustrious career, having served as co-editor of The Reading Teacher and receiving numerous accolades, including the 2020 LRA Oscar S. Causey Award for Reading Research, being named a 2024 AERA Fellow, and being honored with the 2024 William S. Gray Citation of Merit Award. Dr. Edwards chaired the AERA Family School Community Partnership SIG #43 from 2018-2020. Additionally, she is a past president of both the Literacy Research Association and the International Literacy Association.

Michigan State Profile

Review and download Booking Terms & Conditions HERE