GrandTravel goes to Africa in 2008

Big game animals have always been a fascination for children and safaris have certainly piqued the interest of many an adult. Grandtravel gives grandparents and grandchildren an opportunity to share in an adventure that satisfies both those interests and many more with its new 11-day "Safari in South Africa" program a once-in-a-lifetime trip departing July 12. From feeding elephants and exploring the underground world of stalagmites and stalactites in Sudwala Caves to spending two nights at the award-winning private game reserve Sabi Sands with day and night safaris, and visiting with native youngsters at the Thulumahasha Children's Home, participants take home a volume of stories to tell and experiences to share. Prices are $6,995 per person, double, $5,480 for a child sharing with two adults. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, and may others, all in their natural habitat, are certainly the primary focus on this deluxe learning expedition but not the only focus. Participants visit Soweto, the township that played a key role in anti-apartheid uprising, interacting with children in a local school; float in a hot air balloon over a game reserve, keeping an eye out for "hippo highways;" view endangered species up close at the Hoedspruit Centre, known for its efforts to protect the cheetah; and join an evening safari while lions prepare for their evening hunt and the bright red eyes of bushbabies are on the lookout for insects. A visit to the virtual ghost town of Pilgrim's Rest, once a gold-rush town, is preceded by a journey along the Panorama Route of the Northern Drakensberg Mountains. Luxury accommodations and exceptionally close wildlife encounters are the feature of the stay at Sabi Sands while the high density of Big 5 animals and accompanying expert trackers marks three nights at the luxury Kapama Private Game Reserve. About Grandtravel Grandtravel has spent 22 years fostering the bond between grandparents and grandchildren by combining the enriching experience of travel with the lifelong building block of education through hands-on adventures. Prices include deluxe or best available accommodations with private bath, most meals, transportation, admission to all scheduled attractions and events, en route activities for children, pre-departure guidance, the services of a professional tour manager, a Grandtravel activity director (always an experienced educator or youth counselor), and service charges and hotel taxes. Further information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Grandtravel, 1920 N Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036-1601; telephone, 800-247-7651, 202-785-8901, web site www.grandtrvl.com.