June 19-July 2, 2026
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration between OLLI at Eckerd College and Nanda Journeys—a thoughtfully crafted travel experience that brings education to life through rich cultural immersion and meaningful connection.
This exclusive program, designed specifically for our Eckerd community of lifelong learners, offers a truly unique opportunity to explore South Africa through a lens of history, art, conversation, and shared experience.
More than just a tour, this journey is a celebration of learning beyond the classroom. The itinerary blends expert-led talks, authentic local encounters, and time for reflection and exploration. You’ll hear from historians, artists, and educators—and even connect with peers from the University of the 3rd Age, South Africa’s own lifelong learning network.
Expect moments of discovery. Expect community. Expect an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. Highlights include:
Culture Heritage & History
- Discover the origins of humanity at the UNESCO World Heritage site “The Cradle of Humankind.”
- From Mandela’s home in Soweto, to a talk from his former jailer turned friend, learn about Madiba’s World.
- Explore the darkest years in South African history to its shining democratic achievement at the Apartheid Museum.
- Participate in an Ochre workshop at Origins Centre, Wits University.
- Get into the Soweto groove via a tuk-tuk.
Conservation and Wildlife
- Explore Pilanesberg National Park, known for Big 5 game viewing in a malaria-free environment and just a short 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg.
- Marvel at the diversity of the wildlife on afternoon and sunrise games drives with your rangers.
- Encounter the perilously endangered African Penguin at one of only 3 mainland-based breeding colonies and meet with SANCCOB, a non-profit dedicated to their survival.
- Sit down in conversation with conservationists Steve and Perry Dell in Pilanesberg.
Community Connections & Service
- Spend the day with members of The University of the 3rd Age as they share their community and favorite local spots, topics and activities in their magnificent ‘Garden Route’ town.
- Enjoy the quintessential South African meal and social practice – a ‘Braai’ (fire barbeque) – hosted by the U3A community.
- Join a local community project using music to keep kids safe.
- Talk with Antoinette Silthole, activist, educator, and the sister of Hector Pieterson who lost his life in the ’76 Soweto youth uprising, at ‘Lebo’s’ a community hub in Soweto.
- Visit Bo-Kaap, the only area in the city of Cape Town where the Cape Malay were not evicted during Apartheid.
- Meet Palesa Musa while visiting Constitution Hill and hear about her incarceration in its former prison at age 12.
- Get stuck in at ‘Food Jams’ cooking up a feast with your fellow travelers.
Program Details:
Dates: June 19-July 2, 2026
Cost: EARLY-BIRD registration now through September 14 – $5,949 per person double occupancy; Regular registration (September 15) $6,495 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: We are offering four single registrations with NO supplement. First-come, first-served. Once those are sold out, single rooms will still be available with a supplement of $999.
Group Size: 15-25 participants maximum
Your registration includes:
- Pre-Departure Learning – A lecture on current social dynamics and how South Africa’s diverse population navigates identity, reconciliation, and unity today
- Accommodations – 12 nights in boutique establishments that prioritize sustainability practices
- Culinary Delights – 22 meals included (Daily Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners)
- In-Country Flights and Private Transportation – Comfortable motorcoach and air transportation within the country; flights from the U.S. are not included
- Academic Insights – Engaging lectures and conversations with locals and subject-matter experts on history, culture, and economy
- All Entry Fees – for all group activities
- Local Professional Guide – with us the entire trip, along with an Eckerd Staff member
- Emergency Medical Insurance – for new medical conditions, death in the family, etc., also includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage due to airline issues
- MORE!
Interested? Have questions? Contact Eckerd Study Travel Manager Judy Tilton at tiltonjd@eckerd.edu.
Zoom Information Session
Join us on August 14, 10:00am, for a live Zoom information session with Nanda Journeys and members of the team in South Africa. Learn more about the itinerary and what you can expect with this amazing tour.
Victoria Falls
We are working on adding an optional trip to the legendary Victoria Falls. Watch for more information.
Photo by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay.
Why Travel with OLLI at Eckerd?
At OLLI at Eckerd College, we curate intellectually enriching journeys tailored for passionate lifelong learners. Whether engaging in local history, exploring world-class museums, or enjoying curated cultural events, our programs blend adventure with education—because travel should be as enlightening as it is inspiring.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to travel solo but with a group that I have an Eckerd connection with. It is a great learning experience and provides a safe and secure way for me to adventure out into the world. These programs open my eyes to different experiences that I would not have he [sic] courage to go, do, amd [sic] see on my own.“—2024 Buenos Aires Participant
