UBC’s Mining department has a proud history of successful graduating class trips to exciting Countries including: Chile, Greece, China, Poland, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and Australia. This year, fortunately for us, is shaping up to be similarly exhilarating; we are all thrilled for the remarkable opportunity to explore and experience much of what both South Africa and Botswana have to offer.
Through the combined efforts of all students in this year’s graduating class, we have managed to produce an itinerary that is chock-full with valuable learning engagements, whilst leaving just enough time for memorable leisure activities.
Ultimately, it is imperative we recognize that without the generosity of our various sponsors, this trip would be an impossibility. With that in mind, we would like to make sure and reiterate our thanks for everyone involved in making this trip a reality; Thank you.
Picture of our plane descending into Johannesburg:
Please enjoy the following trip Itinerary as prepared by Jenman African Safaris.
Guide Name: Alistair
FINAL ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Pre-night: Sunday 07 May 17 Arrival Johannesburg – Robert Kaplan
Welcome to Africa!
Today Robert Kaplan will arrive at 21:20 from flight KLM591 (not included). Please make your way to the international arrivals hall to meet your guide. Our guide will be waiting at the Gauteng Tourism Information desk (located inside the International Arrivals Hall). The guide can be recognized by the MoAfrika sign he is holding.
Day 1: Monday 08 May 17 Arrival Johannesburg
Today the rest of the group will arrive at 08:30 from flight LH572 (not included). You will be met by your guide (Alistair – 0834004451) and driver who transfer you to your hotel. You will stay in the City of Johannesburg for the following 3 nights. Once you have settled into the accommodation, you will visit Witswatersrand University for exchange program.
Johannesburg city was named and established in 1886 following the discovery of gold on what had been a farm. The city is commonly interpreted as the modern day El Dorado due to the extremely large gold deposit found along the Witwatersrand. The name is attributed to one or all of three men involved in the establishment of the city. In ten years, the population was 100,000 inhabitants. The discovery of gold rapidly attracted people to the area, making necessary a name and governmental organization for the area. Today, Johannesburg is also known as Egoli which means “ City of Gold”
Day 2: Tuesday 09 May 17 Johannesburg/Mponeng Mine
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
08h30: After breakfast, board the coach and embark on a visit to Multotec centre in Kempton park near the airport. This centre manufactures a wide range of mining equipment and it’s an international organisation which operates in various parts of the world including North and South America. Spend time at the centre touring around the facility and get acquainted with the various mineral processing equipment.
Return to the lodge by approximately 18h00.
Day 3: Wednesday 10 May 17 Johannesburg / Cullinan Diamond Mine
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
09h00: Depart to Cullinan Diamond Mine for another mine tour.
Cullinan mine is located 1 ½ hour drive from Johannesburg. This mine is well known for it’s world's main source for rare blue diamonds. Touring around the mine is approximately 2 hours long.
Return to your lodge later in the afternoon and spend the rest of the say at leisure.
Day 4: Thursday 11 May 17 Johannesburg – Phalaborwa
08h00: Depart Johannesburg Kruger in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, which is also a mining province.
Drive on the scenic drive along the Panorama Route, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in South Africa. Stops en-route for scenic views and photo opportunities. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, and filled with lush vegetation and wildlife.
Your destination is the town of Phalaborwa.
Arrival Phalaborwa and check in at Forever Resort, Phalaborwa.
*Due to current labour disputes the tour at Palabora is, unfortunately, likely to be removed from the itinerary. However, we greatly appreciate Palabora taking the time to invite us to their facilities.
Day 5 - Friday 12 May 17 Phalaborwa - Hazyview
09h00: After breakfast, depart and visit the Phalaborwa Mining Company. Thereafter continue to Hazyview near Kruger National Park, where you will spend two nights.
Upon arrival, check in at Gecko Backpackers Lodge in Hazyview near Kruger National Park, approximately 12 km away from the park entrance.
Overnight Gecko Backpackers (Domitory – room only basis)
Day 6 - Saturday 13 May 17 Hazyview
Spend the days at leisure for optional activities. There is an Adventure Centre nearby offering access to a lot of adventure activities apart from Game drives in the Kruger National Park such as,
Abseiling
Ziplining
Quad biking
Mountain biking
River tubing and River Rafting
Nature hikes
Visit elephant Sanctuary for an upclose and personal encounter with bush giant
Game drives in the Kruger National Park
Paintball
Day 7: Sunday 14 May 17 Hazyview - Mokopane
This morning at 05:30 you will partake in a game drive at the Kruger National Park. Return to the lodge around midday, thereafter you leave the town of Hazyview and head to Limpopo region to visit the mine town of Mokopane which is approximately 4 hours drive from Hazyview.
Arrival in Mokopane and check in at Oasis hotel.
Day 8: Monday 15 May 17 Mokopane, South Africa – Gaborone, Botswana
08h00:Today your journey takes you across the borders to Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. Prior to your departure you will spend time visiting Mogalkwena mine in Mokopane.
Mogalakwena mine is a large open pit mine located in the north-western part of South Africa in Mokopane, Limpopo which represents one of the largest platinum reserves in South Africa having estimated reserves of 264.9 million oz of platinum.
After the mine tour, depart Mokopane and drive towards Pretoria on your way to Botswana heading to the capital Gaborone.
Please note that today is a very long drive – Approximately 5 - 6 hours.
Orientation drive of Gaborone city en-route your hotel.
Gaborone is located on the country's major railroad line and has a small international airport. The city is the country's administrative centre. Nearby manganese and asbestos mines have led to increased industrial expansion, and diamonds are processed, sorted, and traded. The city was founded c.1890 by Gaborone Matlapin, an African chief, and was known as Gaborone’s. The South African Development Community (SADC) makes its headquarters in Gaborone.
Day 9: Tuesday 16 May 17 Gaborone – Jwaneng - Gaborone
06h00: Today you have an early departure from Gaborone to Jwaneng mine which is a mere two hours drive just outside Gaborone.
You will take breakfast packs with due to the early departure.
Jwaneng Mine is the richest diamond mine in the world by value. The mine became fully operational in August 1982, when it was officially opened by the then President of Botswana, His Excellency Sir Ketumile Masire. Construction of the mine and the township commenced rapidly, the former coming into full production in July 1982.
Return to Gaborone late afternoon for overnight.
Day 10: Wednesday 17 May 17 Gaborone – Cape Town
08h00: Enjoy breakfast, thereafter depart the hotel to visit a Diamond Sorting Facility in Gaborone for the day. After that continue to Debswana Corporate Centre for a 12h00 meeting , scheduled to end at approximately 15h00.
Day 11: Thursday 18 May 17 Gaborone – Cape Town
08h30: This morning you will have an early start to the day as we will drive back to Johannesburg in time to board your flight MN109 (not included) departing at 19:25 this evening.
Depending on arrival in Johannesburg, you can have a lunch stop before heading to the airport for check in.
Retsepile Sello – ends tour today
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport at 21:35 you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Situated below Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Cape Town offers a rich cultural and colonial heritage, grand splendour and an assurance of activity of excitement. Including all the `must-sees` of any Cape Town day tour, this option is a geographical and cultural extravaganza, showing you Cape Town, from its historical beginnings of yesteryear to the dazzling modern buildings of today
Day 12: Friday 19 May 17 CAPE TOWN
Robert Dick checks out – to go on a tour under own arrangements. (Returns on 31st of May to spend 2 nights in a single room)
09h00: Depart Ashanti to University Of Cape Town for an exchange day program scheduled to start at 09h00.
The day is spent on an exchange /culture day at University Of Cape Town, also commonly known as “UCT”
Day 13: Saturday 20 May 17 CAPE TOWN
Another day for optional touring. An option for Research Facility Tour within Cape Town is available to the parties interested.
Alternatively the full day is available for individual touring or leisure/shopping time at the world renowned and famous V & A Waterfront shopping mall.
Day 14: Sunday 21 May 17 CAPE TOWN
Day at leisure for optional activities, shopping, relaxation in Cape Town
Cape Point with Hiking & Bicycles
Full Day Cape Winelands Tour
Winelands with Bicycles
Shark Cage Diving
Whale Tour
Give Back Cultural Field Trip
Robben Island Trip
Sunset Cruise
Scenic Helicopter flight
Table Mountain visit
Abseiling
Day 15: Monday 22 May 17: DEPARTURE
Today marks the end of your travel adventure.
13h30: You will be collected and transferred to Cape Town International Airport in time to board your flight LH577 (not included) departing at 17:40. We trust that you had a wonderful trip and hope to welcome you back soon.
END OF SERVICES