Whether you are looking for a volunteer, cultural, or philanthropic travel experience — when you travel with The Cultural Explorer you will have the opportunity to make a real difference and contribute to the people and communities you visit. We believe that your generosity — either through your time, your expertise, or your financial contributions — will truly impact those you meet. Doesn't that sound like a good way to spend your holiday time?
We know, when you travel with us, you will come home feeling satisfied that you have indeed made a difference.
Many people are drawn to South Africa. Oprah, by opening her Leadership Academy for Girls outside of Johannesburg, leads the way in what can be done to help the young people of South Africa. But there are so many other ways to help. It can be as simple as donating books for a bare school library or donating computers for classrooms. Or it could be a simple suggestion that gives someone a new business idea. Or it could be working on a project to get electricity into rural Zulu villages. It does not take much to make a big difference.
On one of our trips you might have dinner with an entrepreneur struggling with a new business. You might meet with a group of kids who need your input in how they can develop a small business or develop needed social skills. You might spend time in an orphanage and hear the kid's amazing stories. You might spend time with young people in a township and take them on a field trip. You might spend time with Zulu women out in the countryside unaccustomed to visitors and help them develop business ideas. You might spend time with activists, artists, writers, or reporters working hard to make changes in their government and political systems. And you will be inspired by traditional healers and "ordinary" yet innovative people making a difference in their own communities. These personal interactions make our tours remarkable and memorable — creating moments you will talk about for years to come.
For many years I was involved in the aviation and aerospace industries and my business took me often into Southern Africa. Often after my business was completed, I would take some personal time and just explore out-of-the-way places. I met so many people that amazed me with their hope and desire to create a better life for their children.
I saw so many areas and opportunities where we, as philanthropic and volunteer travelers, could actually help the local communities and make a difference. I met people that just needed some encouragement or a few ideas. I saw people building orphanages for abandoned HIV positive children that were beautiful and gave the children hope. I also saw health organizations who needed financial or volunteer help.
So — we have designed exclusive excursions for our travelers so they will see parts of this country that are often missed by "tourists" and have the opportunity to have real impact on the locals in a way that matters.
It is important to note that at The Cultural Explorer we hire only the best local guides and drivers and we stay in locally owned hotels and B&Bs. Our tours give travelers a blend of cultural experiences while helping the economy of the countries and the peoples that we visit. The majority of your travel dollar will go directly to benefit the people and their communities.
And also please know that your safety is our top priority.
One of our favorite travelers wrote the following:
"Pat's passion for South Africa translates into a once in a lifetime experience for her clients."
~
Maxine, September, Making a Difference trip 2007
When I read that, I knew we had achieved our goal: When we say, we want you to have a one-of-a-kind travel experience with The Cultural Explorer that you can’t find anywhere else — dreams fulfilled and new connections made. We mean it, and we deliver!
I invite you to come have a unique travel experience with us!
Pat
Pat Walker, Founder
San Francisco
pat@TheCuluralExplorer.com
415-387-1335s
outh africa group tours south africa tourism
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