Our South Africa tour is one of Political Tour’s most successful tours to date. We assess the legacy left by Nelson Mandela –and challenges that remain. Still admired for its peaceful transition from apartheid rule to a multi-party democracy, South Africa is now struggling with more familiar problems: corrupt politicians, crime, and a lacklustre economy. Can it turn itself around?
South Africa is faced with the enormous task of restoring faith in the government and the economy. This wide-ranging tour starts in rural KwaZula Natal, passing through the Zulu war battlefields and including both the townships of Johannesburg and Cape Town. You’ll meet some of South Africa’s top politicians and commentators and get exclusive access to the courts and parliament. The tour ends in the Cape Winelands.
Even if you’ve been to South Africa already, you’ll get to see it in a different light on this unforgettable journey. Local communities help us get to grips with the issues South Africans face daily. With fantastic food and great hospitality in Kwa-Zulu Natal, urban Johannesburg and the stunning Cape, this tour is an exhilarating getaway.
South Africa Tour: Background
Going into a nationwide election in early 2024, South Africa’s seventh since the end of apartheid, the ANC – Nelson Mandela’s party –looked weaker than ever. The country’s unemployment rate stood at 32.1%, its largest cities suffered from declining public services and safety, and the ANC faced a record number of rival parties, some formed by disaffected ANC leaders. Amid years of declining popularity, the ANC seemed on the verge of an historic defeat.
Yet the result was even worse than what anybody could have expected. The ANC won only 41% of the vote, a 17-point decline from 2019. That marked the first time that the party didn’t win an outright majority. Forced to form a coalition government, the ANC joined forces with its main rival, Democratic Alliance (DA).
South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC, is now in his second term but facing unprecedented headwinds. The ANC still controls 20 out of 32 cabinet posts, but the DA controls several key posts, including one overseeing public works – which has been a hotspot in the past for corruption, damaging the ANC’s reputation.
Join us in South Africa to learn more about the fate of Nelson Mandela’s party and the rise of new political forces. Can the ANC redefine itself three decades after apartheid?
South Africa Tour: Reading List
“After Mandela: The Battle for the Soul of South Africa” by Alec Russell
- Publisher: Hutchinson (2009)
- Language: English
“An Inconvenient Youth: Julius Malema and the ‘new’ ANC,” by Fiona Forde
- Publisher: Portobello Books (September 6, 2012)
- Language: English
- Print Length: 304 pages
Itinerary
Our South Africa tour starts with a welcome dinner. An introduction to the week ahead; local newspaper editors give an overview of where South Africa stands today.
Overnight Durban
We get an overview of Natal’s largest city. Its Zulu and Zuma territory and home to the largest Indian population outside India. Durban is proud of its multicultural mix. We start with an introduction to daily life and some local history in ethnically diverse Durban. A packed first day covers the economy and the diversity of the population. The informal sector is home to a vast array of small businesses, including markets for traditional medicines and local delicacies. A local resident guides us through the different sectors of Warwick Market which attracts many day traders coming in to work, and commuters shopping. Covid and failing institutions have changed this city.
Overnight Durban
Travel through rural KwaZulu Natal (KZN) and visit a remote village. We hear about education, local services and healthcare and the demands on them in the new South Africa. We visit a missionary hospital that has been at the centre of a successful battle against HIV and TB. Jacob Zuma’s infamous home is not far from here. We visit Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, a key site of the Anglo Zulu wars. Battlefield tour with the world renown Rattrays at Fugitive’s Drift Lodge. These battles were a key point in British colonial history, and also in Zulu culture and identity. They help to understand modern South Africa and shaped both Afrikaner and Zulu identity. We visit a project that supports local communities and children in education, and see the impact this had in the area.
Overnight Fugitives Drift
After breakfast, we drive to Johannesburg. In the afternoon we visit Kliptown and a local NGO that has changed the community.
Overnight Johannesburg
Breakfast with the Official Opposition leader in Johannesburg, a city whose annual budget exceeds that of Botswana, Mozambique and Angola combined. We get privileged access of the Constitutional Court building with its politically relevant art works. Court clerks brief us on the Court’s current political and judicial role, and provide insight into South Africa’s sweeping and ambitious constitution. Tour of Old Fort Prison in the grounds and home for many political prisoners for years.
Overnight Fugitives Drift
Visit to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for a high level overview of the economy and business. After the stock exchange we head to Maboneng, one of the most lively and multi-cultural areas of central Johannesburg that a hub for cafes, galleries, streets art and crafts and a vibrant melting pot. We then head to Soweto which has changed in the last 20 years. We look at the range of contrasts, from smart middle class homes and new housing programs to makeshift camps. We also stop by a local “Shebeen,” or Soweto bar. Later we have briefings with members of Johannesburg’s leading think tanks on the state of politics and the economy.
Overnight Johannesburg
Check out of our hotel and visit the Apartheid Museum that illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression. Depart for Johannesburg airport and an afternoon flight to Cape Town; we will advise you on the best flight to suit the itinerary (you need to book this yourself as we are a land only tour operator).
After checking in you have a free evening to explore the downtown area.
Overnight Cape Town
Walk through Company Gardens and Parliament buildings, home to the new and former federal parliaments as well as the Cape assembly. Peter Sullivan recounts some of the key moments in recent history. We visit the District 6 museum and meet with a former resident. Cape coloureds were forcibly removed from this area in the 60s and out to the sprawling Cape Flats, followed by coffee at the Truth Cafe. We learn about the effects of apartheid. Visit the remarkable township on the slopes of Table Mountain at Hout Bay, speak to local activists, see local industry. Lunch is fish and chips on the rocks of Hout Bay, under Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most beautiful in the world. We then visit a local gallery collective which promotes many township and rural craft projects and individuals. It aims to break even on its administrative and staff costs and profits put back into expanding craft and design marketing opportunities.
Overnight Cape Town
Breakfast and departure for airport
Meet Your Expert
Milton Nkosi is an award-winning journalist, international correspondent, and thought leader whose work has chronicled some of the most pivotal moments in South Africa’s and Africa’s modern history. With over three decades of experience at the BBC, Milton is widely respected for his credibility, integrity, and deep understanding of the political, social, and human dimensions shaping the African continent.
Originally trained in civil engineering education, Milton transitioned into journalism in the late 1980s, beginning his career as a freelance assistant producer for Visnews (now Reuters TV), NBC News, and BBC News. His early reporting placed him at the epicentre of South Africa’s transformation, documenting the final years of apartheid, the release of Nelson Mandela, and the volatile township wars and political negotiations that followed. His coverage provided global audiences with authentic, on-the-ground perspectives during one of the most defining eras in South Africa’s history.
In 1993, Milton was appointed Producer at BBC News, where he covered historic milestones including the assassination of Chris Hani and the nation’s first democratic elections. His exceptional reporting and editorial leadership led to his promotion as Africa Producer in 1996, and subsequently Bureau Editor in 2000, overseeing BBC’s newsgathering operations across the continent.
A journalist of global standing, Milton became the first-ever recipient of the One BBC Global Ambassador Award in 2004, recognising his contribution to international journalism and his role in strengthening cross-continental newsroom collaboration. Over the years, he has interviewed and reported on global leaders, liberation icons, and emerging changemakers, offering sharp analysis on Africa’s political and socio-economic developments.
Beyond the newsroom, Milton continues to influence the field of journalism through his leadership roles as a board member of the Southern Africa Foreign Correspondents Association and a member of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF). His commitment to ethical reporting, freedom of the press, and mentorship of young journalists reflects his dedication to advancing responsible journalism across Africa.
Essentials
It is late spring in November. Temperatures during the day range between 25°C and 30°C, and can be slightly cooler at night.
The maximum size of our groups is 14 people, ensuring the small-group experience.
We provide genuine learning experiences through the eyes and ears of an expert, politician, or journalist.
Accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and most dinners), and water are all included in tour package.
Our South Africa tour starts in Durban and ends in Cape Town.
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), although many vendors accept Western credit cards.
What’s Included
All of your accommodation is included, as well as local transport (except during your free time). Flights are not included in the price and need to be arranged by customers themselves or with an agent. We can advise you on reservations if you need any help.
Following the news
Like all our tours, our South Africa tour itinerary is focused on current affairs. Events on the ground may change and the final schedule may be adjusted accordingly.
Flights
This tour starts in Durban & ends in Cape Town.
The closest airport to Durban along the Dolphin coast is King Shaka International Airport in Ballito/ La Mercy, which is around 25 minutes drive to Durban city centre.
For international flights to South Africa there are more options if you fly into Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) or Cape Town International Airport. There are frequent short hopper flights between Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. There are a few international carriers that also fly directly into Durban (King Shaka Airport).
You will need to book your own flight from Johannesburg (O.R Tambo International Airport) to Cape Town during the tour. Please contact us for what flight best suits the itinerary.
If you would like to arrange a bespoke tour we can adjust the itinerary to suit you.
This is a great tour for families and friends- you can combine it with a safari or extend your stay and do the garden route. We have travelled extensively in South Africa and can recommend various options.
COVID-19: We won’t go to a country unless it is safe to do so- we remain guided by the UK Foreign Office travel advice. For this reason some dates may change depending on the situation on the ground.
Group size
As on all our expert-led tours the groups are deliberately small and will not exceed 14 people. Limited spaces are available.
We have done bespoke tour s for individuals, families and small groups frequently in SA.
Hotels
Four and five star centrally located hotels.
Visa
UK passport holders : If you’re visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days, you don’t need a visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.
Other passport holders may require a visa. It is always good to check with the embassy in your country for latest advice regarding visa requirements.
FCO Website – Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes regularly updated travel information on its website www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time before departure. Where it considers it appropriate to do so, the FCO may advise against all travel or all but essential travel to particular countries or parts of particular countries. Similarly, the FCO may withdraw any such previously given advice. Where the FCO issues such advice, we may as a result cancel your tour or make changes so as to avoid the area concerned (see clause 10 or our conditions). Alternatively, we may ask you to sign a form confirming you wish to proceed with the tour notwithstanding the FCO advice. It is in the nature of the itineraries we offer that the FCO may have issued such advice in relation to the country or parts of the country we are intending to visit prior to confirmation of your booking. In this case, you will be asked to sign the above form before we confirm your booking.
Medical Requirements
Advice on health requirements may be obtained from your GP, or alternatively from the Department of Health Leaflet Advice on Health for Travelers, or the Department of Health in the UK. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx.
Currency
Local currency is South African Rand (ZAR)
Weather
It is summer in November. It is sunny and hot in the day. It can be cooler in the evenings.
What to wear
Dress is generally casual and comfortable, comfortable walking shoes are essential. We also have a range of meeting with politicians or senior officials where we are expected to be more formally dressed. For these men will need a jacket (and tie) and women the female equivalent.
Electricity & Plugs
Electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong (European) with round pins.
Last Year’s Tour
Join us in South Africa
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South Africa Expert:
Milton Nkosi
Milton is an award-winning journalist, international correspondent, and thought leader whose work has chronicled some of the most pivotal moments in South Africa’s and Africa’s modern history. With over three decades of experience at the BBC, Milton is widely respected for his credibility, integrity, and deep understanding of the political, social, and human dimensions shaping the African continent.
