Bringing in the New Year in South Africa! (Again)

They say when a place changes you, it becomes a part of you. South Africa, or so it seems, has become my heart.

Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates? You are lifted. Out of whatever pit, unbound from whatever tie, released from whatever fear. You are lifted and you see it all from above.”

– Francesca Marciano

Going to South Africa was the best experience of my life — no exaggeration. I went so heavy, so sad, so disappointed in life. I left exuberant, hopeful, filled.

Basically, if you’ve never been to Africa, what you’re missing is almost indescribable. But, I feel like Jodi Picoult came close:

Africa – You can see a sunset and believe you have witnessed the Hand of God. You watch the slope lope of a lioness and forget to breathe. You marvel at the tripod of a giraffe bent to water. In Africa, there are iridescent blues on the wings of birds that you do not see anywhere else in nature. In Africa, in the midday heart, you can see blisters in the atmosphere. When you are in Africa, you feel primordial, rocked in the cradle of the world.”

– Jodi Picoult

Well, my friends, I’m going back and you — yeah, you — are invited!

We leave December 26, 2017 (the day after Christmas) heading to Johannesburg. We’ll spend a few amazing days there and then to Cape Town to ring in the New Year on the V&A Waterfront. We’ll start heading back home onJanuary 2, 2018, so we’ll make it back home on January 3rd.

Why this period? Well, South Africa’s seasons are opposite of ours, meaning going in the dead of the super cold winter here will place us right in the middle of the South African summer. And actually, it’ll be super popping because people there and visiting will all be “on holiday.” We’re going during peak season —pretty much the most popular season of the year — which explains why we’re booking so early.

If you’re with me, you’ll also receive a free 2018 Dreamer’s Notebook day planner, a Dreamer-Mover-Shaker tee, and trip journal that I’m making just for us.

The cost is $3,900 per person for double room occupancy, which includes international airfare from D.C. to Johannesburg, the flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and all other activities listed on the itinerary. (You can always have the option of rooming by yourself for $600 more. You can get your own flight to D.C., if you prefer, or add on either a Chicago (ORD) connecting flight for $150 or an Atlanta (ATL) connecting flights for $200.

Here’s the most important part, though: you need a deposit of $250 to reserve your space. Reservations will only be accepted through November or until we’re full. Spots are first come, first served and since we already have some folks signed up, so I suggest not delaying.

After that, your second deposit of $2,000 is due by June 25, 2017 and the full balance must be paid by September 25, 2017. Monthly or quarterly payments can be arranged, and that’s what I encourage. (Last time, we all made payment arrangements and it was heavenly.)

Check out the full itinerary here and find a pdf to save and send to friends here.

To sign up, email mary@tryafrica.co.za and be sure to mention the Dreamer’s Tour in your subject.

Hope to see you there!

Arionne

P.S. Check out some of my favorite pics from our last trip below: