Hello from South Africa! The MV World Odyssey docked in Cape Town at 0630 on Sunday, Mar. 19. Cape Town, a bustling coastal city, is South Africa’s second most populous urban center after Johannesburg.

Travelers have six days to enjoy local attractions such as Table Mountain, where voyagers can visit the oldest building in Cape Town, or Robben Island, where students will learn more about apartheid while touring the location Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Many students will take advantage of a multitude of field programs to visit a local safari or game preserve.

The weather will be pleasant with temperatures mostly in the upper 80s fahrenheit. On-ship time is 1700 on Mar. 24 and the ship will depart at 2000 for the six-day journey to Tema, Ghana.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to go to South Africa. I really love getting to experience nature along side culture, and Cape Town is perfect for that. From climbing Tabletop Mountain to going to Robben Island, and even seeing the big 5 on safari, Cape Town is going to be an adventure!” —Niko Plakoudas, Franklin & Marshall College

“My family is actively involved in an organization that works with orphanages in the Republic of Congo, so my scope of Africa has been pretty centered on that. I am excited to be exposed to a completely new part of Africa and learn about the unique aspects of their culture. And, of course, all the adventurous activities that the terrain can offer!” —Martha Wendlandt, Our Lady of the Lake University