Treasures of Southern Africa

June 1, 2009

By Tony De Santis

Source: Advancement and Alumni Relations

This trip was nothing less than perfect. The tour director all the guides and presenters were excellent. They consistently surpassed our expectations.

South Africa is one of the most beautiful, forward-thinking, intelligent, kind, clean, wealthy, majestic countries in the world. If only I was in my twenties, Cape Town would be my new home. Johannesburg is full of life and optimism. As host of the World Cup in 2010, it will become even more spectacular.

Domineco and Tony De Santis | Photo credit: Tony De Santis

Kruger Park with its elephants, lions, impalas, hippos, rhinoceros and other wildlife, is incredible. We went on five eye-opening and exciting safaris. The Zambezi River with the mighty Victoria Falls was breathtaking. The 5-star hotels were magnificent and welcoming.

From the small town cafés and restaurants to the haute cuisine dining establishments, the food was exotic and delicious. The South African wines and wineries were plentiful and of high quality.

The tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned was emotional and fascinating. The guide was himself a prisoner at that time. He shared his first-hand experience and transmitted his feelings through his trembling voice and tired eyes.

I waited a long time but finally had the chance to take my 89 year-old father with me. My father was captured as prisoner of war and sent to South Africa from 1941 to 1947. Since I can remember, my dad would tell me how beautiful the country was even back then. I can now confirm that he was right all along. The major surprise was that Pam, our tour guide, found the prison camp that my father had spent six years in.

All photo credit: Tony De Santis

Victoria Falls

Zebra's on the Zambezi riverbank

Tony and Domineco De Santi

Without my father’s knowledge, I hired a private driver and took my dad to ZONDERWATER Prison Camp where he suffered as a young man behind a fenced-in lifestyle. It was the most emotional experience of my life.

From the observation sights on the one kilometre high Table Mountain in Cape Town, to the ferry crossing to Robben Island, to four hour bus tours through many kilometres of cultivated land and wineries on the country side, to getting our feet wet where the Indian and Pacific Oceans meet, to experiencing the most Southern point of South Africa, to standing next to hundreds of adorable and loving penguins; nothing could be more beautiful and memorable.

All of the above with absolutely perfect weather and shared with wonderful alumni members from across North America.

There was so much to be excited about: past and recent history, the beautiful people, the delicious local wines and meals. Oh, if only I was 20 again.

I am now looking forward to my next trip with other alumni members from across North America.

My father Domenico and I want to thank the Concordia University Alumni Association for bringing this trip to my attention and also for all their support.

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Treasures of Southern Africa