Travelers are often dreamers, and in their dreams there’s always a recurring vision of promised lands and far away places. Places forgotten by time where nature has been left to work her own mystery and magic. These places are fast disappearing from our globe but South Africa is still one of them. For in this magical land there are still wild places, incredible wildlife, majestic mountains, flowing rivers and thundering waterfalls that take us back to a connection with nature and the earth.

We each have a wild place inside ourselves; it is a place of personal power, of wisdom. This adventure is an opportunity to set your spirit free, to walk with the wild ones and hear them roar, to find your own voice and reconnect with your own natural state, to return home feeling your soul has been nourished and that your wild heart is now free forever!

Gayle Lawrence, Journeys of Discovery tour leader, specializes in transformational travel. Gayle has been a life-long traveler, lover of animals and nature, and an on-going student of personal and spiritual growth. Gayle’s desire is to assist you in creating the "authentic living story" of your own life by providing the opportunity for you to see, feel, experience and explore your own "inner wisdom". Gayle’s tours are about following your heart and living your dreams, taking yourself out of a hectic stressful world, back to a place of natural balance. An outer discovery adventure...an inner journey for your soul.

Local South African Guides: Stuart Gedrim & Audrey Spronk, Audrey received training in various fields of consciousness, personal development, and yoga in the USA and Holland. She is a psychic counselor, healer, and teacher of intuitive development. Stuart has been organizing pilgrimages to South Africa's sacred sites since 1995 during which time he studied and worked with Zulu High Sanusi (shaman and healer), Credo Mutwa, learning about the sacred sites, traditions, and customs of South Africa and forming friendships with other local healers and Sangoma’s.

Land Cost: $4,400.00 – based on 10 travelers

Airfare NY to JHB Africa – $1, 150.00 plus tax

INCLUDES:

• 12 nights accommodations main tour deluxe hotels & safari camps
• most meals
• all transfers
• all safari activities
• private bus
• specialized guides
• site entrance fees / special excursions

Cape Town extension: Feb 1 – 5 includes flight to Cape Town, meals,4 nights shared accommodations, all excusions, private bus & guide.

• Personal items
• gratuities
• travel insurance
• meals not specified
• optional activities

$500.00 deposit is required to reserve your space.

Day by day safari itinerary – Depart for South Africa Friday Jan. 19

1. SAT. 20 Jan. 2007 MAGALIESBURG DINNER
Arrive Johannesburg International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel near Pretoria. Relax after your international flight and late afternoon we meet for a Tour Briefing and social gathering before dinner. Dinner and overnight Leriba Lodge

2. SUN. 21 Jan. MAGALIESBURG B,L,D
Today we plan to meet with Zulu High Sanusi – Credo Mutwa, spiritual leader of the Zulu people and author of Indaba My Children, Esilwane, Song of the Stars and many other books and articles on African Culture. However, if Credo is unavailable (he has been in ill health recently and we cannot guarantee his presence) we will visit Sterkfontein Caves World Heritage Site known as the Cradle of Humankind. It is here that evidence was found of how early man, through the discovery of creating fire, changed from being the hunted to being the hunter.

This evening we visit Lesedi Cultural Village where we will walk around the various tribal huts of the Pedi, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho people and gain insights into the different cultures. After dinner at Lesedi we will have a drumming workshop. overnight Leriba Lodge. D/L/B/B.

3. MON. 22 Jan. BOONDOCKS NATURE RESERVE B,L,D
After breakfast we travel overland to Boondocks arriving about 4pm. The lodge, a National Heritage Site, sits atop a hill, in a tranquil botanical reserve overlooking pristine bush-lands and home to many species of wildlife. There is also a magnificent labyrinth, styled on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, set among huge trees alongside a meandering river. En route we will take rest breaks and a light lunch at Milly’s. optional walk in the Labyrinth before a sumptuous home cooked dinner at our luxury lodge. Overnight at Boondocks.

4. TUE. 23 Jan. BIYAMITI BUSH CAMP B,D
After breakfast we set off to visit a local Aids Orphanage and meet some of the remarkable women caring for homeless children We enter Kruger National Park at Malelane Gate and make our way to Biyamiti Bush Camp in the southern section of the reserve. Our accommodation is in modern, comfortable chalets in one of Kruger Parks’ private Bush Camps with access restricted to residents only. Each chalet has full kitchen facilities. After a night game drive with the local Camp Ranger we return for dinner South African style - barbeque around an open fire, listening to the night sounds of Kruger. overnight at Biyamiti Bush Camp.

6. WED. 24 Jan. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK B,L,D
Credo Mutwa ranks pristine Krueger Nat. Park high on the list of sacred sites. It is positioned above Africa’s legendary sacred underground river – Lulungwa Mangakatsi situated along the Nilotic Meridian. In Krueger, one experiences a feeling of timelessness in one of the last great reserves where the animals rule and man is the invited guest. Kruger offers a chance to really attune to nature and renew the connection we once had with the land. This morning we rise early for a game drive in open topped vehicles stopping for breakfast at Lower Sabie Camp during our drive. Returning to camp we rest in the heat of the afternoon. Later we go on a sunset drive with the Camp Game Ranger to view the nocturnal creatures of the park then a scrumptious dinner under the stars. overnight in Biyamiti Bush Camp

7. THU. 25 Jan. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK / NKORHO BUSH LODGE B,L,D
Early morning game drive in Kruger in search of the Big Five of Africa and many other species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Game viewing continues as we drive north to exit Krueger. We’ll stop for breakfast and refreshment breaks as we drive to Nkorho Bush Lodge in the Sabie Sands reserve bordering Krueger. Having only 6 double rooms, this rustic private camp offers an intimate bush experience in one of the most popular and prestigious wildlife reserves in South Africa. Game Viewing is in open vehicles with top notch guides and offers up close encounters that are sure to thrill the nature enthusiast. A sunset Game Drive followed by dinner in the Boma around a camp fire. overnight in Nkorho Bush Lodge

8. FRI. 26 Jan. NKORHO BUSH LODGE B,L,D
An early morning Game drive in search of Africa’s Big Five and then return to Nkorho for a late breakfast and some relaxation around the pool during the heat of the day. Nkorho has an excellent reputation for viewing the elusive and magnificent leopard, hopefully we will find him on our night game drive, or he’ll find us! overnight in Nkorho Bush Lodge

9. SAT. 27 Jan. WHITE LION HERITAGE SITE TIMBAVATI B,L,D
AM check out of Nkorho after breakfast and short drive to the White Lion Heritage Site, home of the mysterious White Lions of the Timbavati. Recently reintroduced into the wild they are the only free roaming white lions in the world today. Our dear friend Linda Tucker, founder of the Global White Lion Trust, has invited us into her inner circle for a magical experience that includes a unique opportunity to become part of the white lion monitoring team. (This opportunity is not available to the public).

White Lions of the Timbavati Timbavati was the birthplace and home to the legendary white lions, recognized by African shamans as Star Beasts and Enlightenment Bearers. In her magnificent book Mystery of the White Lions, Linda Tucker eloquently presents them as such and illustrates how this guardian of mankind is an agent of the light: Lion of God, which brings a vital message for us at this critical time. First appearing at Timbavati, these sacred animals were originally hunted out of their natural existence and are now being bred for the despicable purpose of canned lion hunting.

We’ll go on a game drive to see the white lions in their natural habitat in Timbavati and our adventure includes a picnic lunch. Linda will give a presentation on the white lions and do an activation of the white lion spirit in each of us. This is not to be missed! Tonight we visit a local Shangaan Tribal village and meet Chief Khosa Kapama and friends of Linda’s. Dinner is a traditional African meal - a shared experience of African culture with dancing, singing and possibly a “visit” from the ancestors via the local trance Sangoma. We depart late evening for the stunning Blyde River Canyon. overnight at Blyde River Canyon Lodge.

10. SUN. 28 Jan. BLYDE RIVER CANYON MPUMALANGA B,L,D
Our lodge is in the magnificent Drakensburg Mountains, in a valley in which is a conical, pyramid shaped mountain whose African name Modimole, translates as - “God is Here”. After breakfast we take a boat ride on the Blyde River into the area of the powerful energy vortex of the canyon. As well as being a place of power, the canyon is one of the most beautiful spots in South Africa. We visit the interpretive center then return to our lodge for a light lunch. Afternoon is at leisure, enjoy the serenity of this special place, relax by the pool, explore the tranquil gardens or commune with the resident zebras. Optional activities include horseback rides, hiking trails, tubing and abseiling. overnight at Blyde River Canyon Lodge.

11. MON. 29 Jan. BLYDE RIVER CANYON MPUMALANGA B,L,D
A leisurely breakfast and we set off to visit Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation center to see some of the wonderful work being done by Brian and his team. We’ll have close up encounters with many of Africa’s exciting wildlife including a baby Hippo, leopard, serval, eagles and a host of other animals and birds. Mad Dogz Café for lunch and some great shopping at the local craft shop. Afternoon leisure time. overnight at Blyde River Canyon Lodge

12. TUE. 30 Jan. BLYDE CANYON / GRASKOP B.L,D
Check out after breakfast and drive up the Abel Erasmus Pass to the spectacular 3 Rondavels, an ancient sacred site of the indigenous people of South Africa. Three Rondavels Like many of the true power places on earth this site attracts many visitors because of its spectacular beauty and feelings of awe that it inspires. It is one of South Africa’s most powerful energy vortexes, known as a place of sanctity, typified by the Triple Trinity representing the inner Child/Light/Source and linked energetically to Table Mountain in the south and the Pyramid at Giza in the north. We will have a group attunement at an ancient rock altar site used for centuries by indigenous African tribes in their sacred ceremonies. Continue on to the quaint village of Graskop. overnight at Graskop Hotel.

13. WED. 31 Jan. GRASKOP B,L,D
Today we shall visit two sacred sites and also see some of the finest scenery that South Africa has to offer as we visit the Potholes, God’s window and still have time left over for shopping in Graskop. Sacred Potholes Known locally as Bourkes Luck Potholes, as a result of a gold strike by a miner called Bourke, this is a sacred place of water energy and the convergence of the Treur River (River of Sorrow) and the Blyde River (River of Joy). Like dreamtime flutes these huge potholes have been scoured out of the rock and carry the energy deep into the earth to connect with the great subterranean river - Lulungwa Mangakatsi. We’ll spend time enjoying the energetic vibrancy of the water as it splashes and gurgles over the rocky riverbed before tumbling down into the potholes below.

We’ll stop for lunch, everyone says you MUST try the local pancake delicacy and some shopping in the quaint frontier town of Graskop. Then on to: God’s Window and the Rain Forest God’s Window is situated high atop the escarpment and has magnificent, uninterrupted views eastward across the lowveld, Kruger National Park far below and clear into Mozambique on the horizon. It is a spectacular site and has been held sacred by indigenous African Tribes for centuries. Then we will spend meditative time in the Rain Forest, where the cool mists of the clouds, caress and nourish the unique vegetation and invites one to enter into communion with nature. Afternoon return to our hotel time to rest before dinner. overnight at Graskop Hotel.

14. THU. 01 Feb. GRASKOP / JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT B
After breakfast we check out and travel via road to Johannesburg Airport, Depart for USA END OF TOUR

Those going on the optional extension to CapeTown will take the domestic flight from JHB to Capetown and transfer to our hotel. Dinner is included tonight, evening at leisure. Overnight at Leeuwenvoet House.

15. FRI. 02 Feb. CAPETOWN B,L,D
After breakfast we take a short orientation tour of Cape Town and then we will visit Southern Africa’s most powerful Sacred Site – Table Mountain. We’ll take the cable car to the top and enjoy the sensational views across the bay. We will attune to the major power center on top of Table Mountain, where the Male Line – ‘Shango’ and Female Line – ‘Mau’ intersect, creating a Node Point. Here you will learn of the African Myth of Umlindi Wemingizuma, the Stone Giant – Watcher of the South and other earth energy mysteries of the Cape region. Later on we will circumnavigate the Table Mountain range to view the mysterious archeo-astronomical phenomenon in the Cape Mountains. Dinner in a local Cape Town Restaurant. Overnight at Leeuwenvoet House.

16. SAT. 03 Feb. CAPETOWN B (lunch and dinner on your own today)
Today is a free day to relax or do some souvenir shopping in Cape Town at the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or at one of the many open street markets. Optional activities, a boat trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela and other current Government figures were incarcerated by the Apartheid regime. For those wishing to see what life is like for the shack dwellers of Cape Town we can arrange a Township Tour. Overnight at Leeuwenvoet House.

17. SUN. 04 Feb. CAPETOWN B,L,D
Today we take a scenic tour of the majestic Cape Peninsula. We travel over Die Ou Kaapse Weg and Buoys Drive with its views over False Bay and Peninsula’s lakes, continuing south through Kommetjie and Scarborough to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and on to Cape Point. The south western-most tip of Africa, Cape Point is another strong power point that links with Table Mountain and, like the mountain itself, is a must see experience and popular spot for visitors to the Cape. On our way back we will stop to see the resident South African Penguin colony at the Boulders, you can swim with these delightful beings in their natural habitat if you like, then we continue via the Naval town of Simonstown and Kalk Bay to our hotel. Tonight we enjoy an African Feast at the Africa Café. Overnight at Leeuwenvoet House Hotel.

18. MON. 05 Feb. CAPETOWN / DEPART FOR USA
Morning at leisure for some last minute shopping before departure to Cape Town Airport Depart South Africa late afternoon, arrive USA Tues Feb. 6.

LOCAL SOUTH AFRICAN GUIDES:
STUART GEDRIM & AUDREY SPRONK,
Audrey received training in various fields of consciousness, personal development, and yoga in the USA and Holland. She is a psychic counselor, healer, and teacher of intuitive development. Stuart has been organizing pilgrimages to South Africa's sacred sites since 1995 during which time he studied and worked with Zulu High Sanusi (shaman and healer), Credo Mutwa, learning about the sacred sites, traditions, and customs of South Africa and forming friendships with other local healers and Sangoma’s.

TRIP ORGANIZER:
Gayle Lawrence & Journeys of discovery, offers 1st class travel to powerful, unique places. Gayle is a registered Dental Hygienist University of Michigan graduate, business owner-entrepreneur, avid traveler, nature lover and continual student of personal and spiritual growth. Following my heart, my desire is to open doors for other women to explore the world while discovering deeper parts of themselves. Satisfy a longing for something more, heal your spirit, live your dreams. Create new and lasting friendships with other dynamic women