African Travel Seminars Travel Stories featuring Juanita and Joseph Lee

Juanita and Joe Lee

Juanita and Joe Lee traveled to South Africa in September 2025 with African Travel Seminars. The decision to travel to South Africa was easy. As Juanita and Joe explained, they wanted to learn about the Apartheid history, the truth and reconciliation committee work, and to see what had changed since minority rule replaced the repressive regime. Also, they wanted to find out if Mandela’s dream had been realized. Finally, Juanita and Jow had met and befriended a South African woman they met a cruise a few years back and so they would be able to see her again.

While on the South African tour they had many outstanding experiences as everyday had been carefully planned. The highlights, to pick a few, would be the visit to Lesedi Village where they learned about the different tribal groups in the country. They learned to play drums and ate a traditional African meal. On a different day, they also had a dinner experience where participatory drumming was involved while enjoying a five-course meal. At the end of the evening, they were dancing on stage to Jerusalema.

The historical visit to Soweto, was informative, moving and heartbreaking as they learned at the Apartheid Museum, saw monument for Hector Pieterson, where school children were shot and killed by the apartheid regime. Freedom Square, the only street in the world that produced two Noble Peace winners, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandel. Also in Soweto, they learned that women were an integral part of the resistance against the apartheid. Regina Mundi Catholic Church, where children sought refuge but were shot. A few more things, they also noted that they appreciated visiting Robben Island where a former political prisoner led the tour.

Seal Island was fun along with the opportunity to get a good view of Table Mountain. For Juanita, the mission to the orphanage was very important. She said, “if you can afford to travel, we can support and help” So including that visit allowed her and the group to bring donations of supplies to the children.

Responding to the question of what they would tell anyone contemplating a trip to Africa, Joe suggested that depending on the traveler’s ethnicity, historical knowledge, and previous African trips, he would tell them to visit other African countries (such as Ghana, Senegal or Kenya) before exploring South Africa. Exploring and knowing the culture of other African countries will give them a greater appreciation of South Africa.

As to why visit South Africa, Juanita said “we have similar histories, but we don’t have the unity they have in South Africa. It’s not perfect but they are working it”

As to why people should travel with African Travel Seminars Joe said, African Travel Seminars tours are well researched, well planned, well designed, and cost effective, you get value for your money. The local team including Greg, Nicky, and the local guides are extraordinarily knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and kind. Georgina, founder of African Travel Seminars, uses guides from the local communities to ensure that portions of what you pay for the tour supports the local economy.

Furthermore, we have previously traveled with African Travel Seminars to Brazil, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Kenya, and Egypt and all those experiences were outstanding, and we were immersed in the cultures. Also, the tours were escorted from the U.S. so if participants had any emergencies, we had someone there to help manage the outcomes. It’s also important to mention that we have always had great accommodations on every single one of our tours. Lastly, the ability to pay for the tour over time is a plus with African Travel Seminars.