BEYOND FIELDTRIP

I’ve designed your Fieldtrip Into the Karoo to be one part of your complete South African itinerary. Should you also experience the safari of your dreams? Yes! Explore Cape Town’s sophisticated scene? For sure. Book a few days at an oceanfront spa resort? Slowly wind your way through wine country? Yes, yes, yes. 

But if you’re like me, while you’re here, you’d also love to be able to tap into the power and depth and emotion of a more “real” South Africa. I’ve done my best to plan that experience for you and I promise to do all I can to make your Fieldtrip as rich and surprising and impactful as it can be.

YOUR DESTINATION / THE KAROO VIA ROUTE 62.

March is the perfect time to really enjoy the Cape. All the treasured spots are quiet and accessible. It’s like a dream come true!

The people are warm, welcoming, and love to host traveling guests. You’ll immediately feel part of their community and enjoy their amazing hospitality and unique perspectives.

The population is made up of twelve very diverse tribes each with its own dialect but English is the common language spoken by all.

The local currency is the Rand and with the current exchange rate, you will be amazed at how far your money will go.

While the country has issues with crime, we will be staying off the beaten track, three hours outside of the city. Like any country you visit, you will need to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables closely tucked away.

South Africa is a serious trip with long travel time and it’s important to spend at least ten days minimum there to fully enjoy it.

YOUR JOURNEY/TRAVEL DETAILS

Meet The Group

Your trip includes plenty of pre-travel guidance and support. You and I will have two one-on-one phone chats for you to ask all of your questions. I can advise you on international flight options if you need help, and I’m always happy to give tips for your free time based on your personal interests. A personalized, detailed agenda is also an option.

Our entire group will have two scheduled Zoom calls prior to the trip to get to know each other better before we arrive. These calls will also be a chance for anyone who want to share accommodation to find a good match.

Flights and Arrivals

You’ll be flying into Cape Town International Airport. US citizens need a valid passport that has at least two empty pages and is active for six months from date of travel. No visa is required. It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance.

We will be departing Kalk Bay at 9.30am for Barrydale. Our gathering spot will be at Salt Restaurant on Main Road. For those early birds, Salts breakfasts are ‘a must have!’

Packing Tips

We’ll be doing a lot of walking, a bit of hiking, and some fine dining, and the weather should be in the 70’s and 80’s. I’m happy to talk about packing specifics during our one-on-one calls, but overall, my advice is simple: Comfort is key.

YOUR JOURNEY/WHATS INCLUDED

Pre-Trip Planning Support

  • Two 30 minutes Clarity Calls

  • Two Pre-Trip Zoom calls with your fellow travelers, scheduled for January and two weeks prior to departure.

  • Access to a Private Facebook Group - so we can connect before the trip, and share stories and photos after we return.

Transportation & Accommodations

  • Round trip transportation from Kalk Bay onto Barrydale, then Wine Country with return to Cape Town.

  • Three nights in Barrydale at the Karoo Art Hotel.

  • One night in wine country at the Lavender Farm.

    (You will be able to pick your unique room in each location and secure your booking directly, once you sign up).

Cultural Activities

  • Two cool morning swims in Tradouw Pass with Rick Melvill (owner of Karoo Art hotel)

  • The Studio Barn visit and presentation around all things Analog. 

  • One-time, single Wet Plate keepsake photo and print with renowned photographer Graham Abbot.

  • Document your legacy journey with Alicia Rodriguez.

  • Visit to Net Vir Pret non-profit center, with seeds for tree planting session.

  • Seed2Fire campfire dinner and storytelling with Peter Takelo and the Khoisan community - indigenous people of the Karoo.

    Optional choices- select one.

  • Barrydale Hand Weavers: go behind the scenes

  • Silent mindful trek: in the Langeburg Mountains with Francoir Beer.

  • Meet the locals: and experience their daily lives with long-time resident Doris Day.

Meals Included

  • Lunch at Bluvines Restaurant in Montegu surrounded by horse padlocks and vineyards.

  • Dinner at the Karoo Art Hotel with local Chef

  • Three delicious breakfasts at Karoo Art Hotel

  • One tapas styled dinner at Mez Karoo Kitchen, a rustic family restaurant

  • Lunch at the famous Route 62 Diesel and Creme.

  • Lunch on the patio of Joubert-Tradouw Wine Farm.

  • Dinner with the Khoisan Families and local Barrydale community.

  • Breakfast at the Lavender farm.

  • Exquisite final dinner at the renowned Chefs Warehouse Restaurant in Franschhoek.

YOUR JOURNEY/WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Your international round-trip airfare from home.

  • Airport transportation.

  • Hotel accommodation in Barrydale and Franschoek

  • Restaurant beverages and wine tasting.

  • Lunch in Franschhoek during your dine around.

  • Activities during free time.

  • Other non-included items: souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, internet, and Uber transportation.

  • Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance

Post-Trip Communications

  • VIP Alumni Status on our ‘Fieldtrip’ Group Facebook Page-keeping you connected to your new global tribe and giving you first dibs on registration for upcoming reunion trips and special events.

  • Bios and contact information for all of the South African activists and artists you’ve met so you can stay in contact and continue to learn more from them.