The Cultural Explorer, a San Francisco-based cultural and philanthropic tour company, shows travelers how easy it is to help others as they travel

Read more about: Africa, San Francisco, volunteer, volunteer vacations

As TV viewers saw on Oprah’s Big Give, it does not take a lot to make a difference in someone’s life. The Cultural Explorer, a San Francisco-based cultural and philanthropic tour company, shows travelers how easy it is to help others as they travel. Beginning travel philanthropists need to know where to start and how to donate their time and money in a safe and effective way.

The Cultural Explorer staff has designed a trip and identified several areas in South Africa where travelers can make an impact in just two short weeks.

Called Making a Difference – South Africa, this trip offers travelers the opportunity to work with Zulu country schools to establish computer centers and much-needed libraries. Travelers meet the principals, teachers, and students and their parents while they explore the scenic beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Several small villages in Didima Valley are still without electricity, even though electrical power lines are up along the road. Travelers will team up and brainstorm to help these Zulu people brighten their homes and communities. Travelers will meet with the chief, the counselor, and the mayor of these villages.

Making a Difference – South Africa travelers will also meet with an inspiring Sangoma (traditional healer) along the Garden Route in the Knysna township, visit projects helping disadvantaged women develop much-needed work skills, experience life in the townships, and even take a group of township students out to famed Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned.

Cultural Explorer travelers will hike (or walk) the majestic Drakensberg mountains, experience the vast Karoo, stay on a sheep farm, relax on Indian Ocean beaches, shop Cape Town, visit the African jackass penguins, and marvel at the stunning beauty of Cape Point at the southern tip of South Africa.

What travelers say about their Making a Difference – South Africa philanthropic adventure:

“It was the most amazing travel experience — an eye-opening two-week tour. We met with South African people from all walks of life and saw how they lived on a day-to-day basis. Accompanied by knowledgeable and professional local guides, we traversed from Johannesburg to Cape Town (passing through 5 out of 9 provinces). We toured numerous townships, met with Zulus in their homes, visited with kids in orphanages, climbed the beautiful mountains of the Drakensberg, and learned about apartheid from varying perspectives and saw the impact it still has on life today — all the while being surrounded by diverse and breathtaking scenery and landscapes. I truly commend The Cultural Explorer — everything from the accommodations, transportation, local guides, food, itinerary and logistics was top-notch. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
_Maxine W., Vancouver, Canada, September 2007

“This has been a wonderful trip to South Africa! You truly helped us to meet the people and our lives are enriched by this particular trip. Every day has been an adventure.” – Anita G., Boston, USA, September 2007

Upcoming tours:
• September 6-20, 2008
• February 14-28, 2009
• October 3-17, 2009

The Cultural Explorer is a member of the African Travel Association (ATA), and is based in San Francisco. The company offers both group and individual trips, and specializes in authentic cultural and philanthropic travel experiences.

For more information, please contact:

Pat Walker
Founder- The Cultural Explorer
211 27th Avenue, Suite 301
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-387-1335
Fax: 415-386-8334
www.theculturalexplorer.com

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