South Africa is more than its past—it’s a nation in motion, still grappling with the legacy of apartheid while forging bold new paths forward. Join us on an unforgettable journey that explores not only the deep wounds of racial injustice, but also the fierce determination of those working toward a more equitable future.

This immersive, on-the-ground journey moves beyond traditional tours. In Cape Town and Johannesburg, we’ll trace the architecture of apartheid through historic sites like Constitution Hill and Robben Island. But the tour goes further—into townships, community centers, and activist spaces where South Africans are confronting persistent inequality and rebuilding civic life from the ground up.

We’ll engage with journalists, historians, artists, and organizers—people who lived through apartheid and those carrying the work of transformation forward today. These conversations offer a rare, unfiltered look at how a nation reckons with systemic injustice while striving toward economic equity, racial healing, and political renewal. We’ll also absorb the country’s natural and cultural richness—from the dramatic coastline of the Cape to the rhythms of township life—before concluding with two nights at a remote safari lodge in the Karongwe Reserve, where we’ll see the “big five” (and a lot more!) and learn about critical conservation efforts.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the complicated yet inspiring country. 

“This was the best Nation trip ever!  Fabulous!” – Courtney C, MA (four time Nation traveler)

Questions? Contact us via the form at the bottom of this page or call us at 212-209-5401.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Engage deeply with the legacy of apartheid through intimate encounters with activists, community leaders, and former political prisoners, including a former Robben Island inmate and Justice Albie Sachs — a key architect of South Africa’s transformative Constitution.
• Visit grassroots projects in townships like Khayelitsha and meet changemakers working to empower marginalized communities through education, sustainable development, and urban land justice campaigns such as “Reclaim the City.”
• Walk through historically significant locations like the District Six Museum, Soweto’s Vilakazi Street, Constitution Hill, and the Apartheid Museum to understand how past injustices shape ongoing fights for equality and human rights.
• Experience authentic Cape Malay cuisine, African culinary traditions, and contemporary African art at the Zeitz MOCAA, all reflecting the continent’s rich cultural diversity and creative resilience.
• End your journey in the Makhutsi Private Game Reserve at the beautiful Karongwe River Lodge, where conservation meets community support. Search for the “Big Five” on safari and learn about local programs that balance environmental preservation with social empowerment.

To view a slide show from a recent South Africa program, click here.

Questions? Contact us via the form at the bottom of this page or call us at 212-209-5401.

100% of the proceeds from our travel programs support The Nation’s journalism.

The Nation purchases carbon offsets to mitigate the effects of our travel program on the environment.

Past Traveler Testimonials

Traveler Photos

Candid images from our journeys...

Traveler Reflections

South Africa: Meeting a Hero

I had the privilege of joining The Nation’s inaugural trip to South Africa in fall 2018. It was absolutely one of my favorite programs.

By Teresa Stack