Often called an "all-in-one" destination, South Africa promises an unforgettable experience. From bustling cities to the wild bush, you'll connect with your adventurous side as you explore the southernmost tip of Africa. Split your time between Cape Town and Johannesburg, meeting with NGOs, innovative startups and local companies, all the while immersing yourself in the country's diverse culture and landscapes.
* Please note that this is only a sample itinerary for an Executive MBA group. All of our itineraries are tailor-made and can accommodate any academic level and theme. All itineraries are subject to change.
Day 1: Saturday, January 7Sat January 7Day 1: welcome to your South African adventure
orientation talkwith ISP Program Manager and faculty
ONE WEEK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE: Get familiar with the upcoming schedule and activities, uncover the secret ingredients for a successful trip and learn some useful tips from what to not forget before flying to what’s happening in the city.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg, city, Gauteng province, South Africa is the country’s chief industrial and financial metropolis. One of the youngest of the world’s major cities, Johannesburg was founded in 1886, following the discovery of gold. The geography of Johannesburg reflects nearly a century of racially driven social engineering that reached a climax under apartheid, the system of racial segregation in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. Johannesburg is a centre of mining, manufacturing, and finance. Local factories in Johannesburg and on the East Rand produce a great variety of goods ranging from textiles to specialty steels. With 4.4 million residents, the City of Johannesburg is both South Africa’s largest and most populated city. As it continues to expand, the city is taking proactive steps to become an environmentally sustainable and resilient African city. The City of Johannesburg wants to protect nature and ecosystem services, improve air quality, raise environmental awareness and better manage water and waste.
morning
intercity transfersarrive Johannesburg
Own arrangements
meet ISP Program Manger at the airport
own arrangements
transportationtransfer to the hotel, check-in
bus transfer
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
transportationmeet in the hotel lobby, depart for the museum
bus half day
afternoon
cultural eventa place of contemplation - the Apartheid Museum
Take a tour of the Apartheid Museum, illustrating the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression. The museum's exhibits use a broad variety of media to provide a chilling insight into the architecture and implementation of the apartheid system, as well as inspiring stories of the struggle towards democracy. It’s invaluable in understanding the inequalities and tensions that still exist today.
bus/walk
rest of the day at leisure
Day 2: Sunday, January 8Sun January 8Day 2: into the wild
boxed breakfast
early morning
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for safari (duration approx. 3 hrs)
bus full day
morning
cultural eventPilanesberg National Park safari
Spend half of the day on safari in the beautiful Pilanesburg National Park where you'll have the opportunity to spot some of the world's most iconic species, including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras crocodiles, and more!
game viewers
noon
mealsgroup lunch in the African bush
During your safari experience, gather together for a Boma lunch where you will enjoy tasty meals whilst listening to the sounds of the wilderness in Pilanesberg.
afternoon
transportationreturn to Johannesburg (approx. 3 hrs)
bus transfer
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
bus transfer
evening
mealswelcome dinner with a South African flavor
Taste the amazing South African dishes full of spices, meat, and vegetables. Try to learn their names and find your favourite! Finish the evening with a glass of Amarula, South African cream liqueur to celebrate the beginning of your African adventure!
restaurant
Day 3: Monday, January 9Mon January 9Day 3: diving into SA's choppy waters
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in the conference room
morning
visitstarting a chapter of renewed hope - South Africa's social and political transformationJ.P. Morgan
Africa’s potential as a growth market for business remains both underestimated and misunderstood—as does the potential for business to play a transformative role in solving the continent’s biggest challenges; what are the strategies to address these challenges? what are the opportunities? what is the role of multinationals on the SA market?
management presentation, discussion
conference room
coffee break
late morning
visitwinning in Africa's market: what can big brands teach us about localization?UberEats
UberEats is one of the top 3 most used food delivery brands in the world. With an exceptional, easy-to-use app, wide range of food choices and fast customer service, UberEats entered South Africa to revolutionise the food status quo, in a market that is not yet fully mature when it comes to ordering from home. But deep into the Corona pandemic in the country, UberEats challenged us to increase consideration through the use of social media, and become the go-to app for South Africans when it comes to ordering food.
management presentation, case study, discussion
conference room
mealsnewtorking lunch
restaurant
afternoon
cultural eventexplore Soweto & Vilakazi Street
Visit the most emblematic sites of the city and witness the revolution of a township that rose out of ashes and gold dust. Learn about the turbulent history and diversity of the people and cultures in Soweto and visit Vilakazi Street - the only street in the world which has produced two Nobel Prize winners—His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu.
bus/walk
late afternoon
visitfrom poverty to opportunity: empowering youth through education & leadershipKliptown Youth Program
Discuss with a local leader what it takes to raise the community out of poverty, using education as the most effective tool. End this meeting with a dance performance because people around here know how to enjoy life, despite all its troubles. What are the leadership lessons you can take from this visit?
discussion, development tour
rest of the day at leisure
Day 4: Tuesday, January 10Tue January 10Day 4: Jozi's innovative & entrepreneurial spirit
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in the hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
morning
entrepreneurial labsbuilding a sustainable future by promoting eco-inclusive youth entrepreneurshipWIBC (business incubator)
Learn from the local changemakers about their mission and vision in supporting young people in creating sustainable businesses that transform the future. Discuss with a few young entrepreneurs their challenges and brainstorm about possible solutions. Would their business be relevant in your country? Are there any ideas that you can use in your life/business?
management presentation, discussion, tour of premises, mentoship circles
mealsnetworking lunch with entrepreneurs
restaurant
afternoon
experiential learningimmersion activity: the interplay of informal & formal economy in post-apartheid inner cityMaboneng
explore the inner city of Joburg that went through a significant urban renewal - Maboneng. The name means “Place of Lights” in the Sotho language, and it is now indeed a brilliant place with a slew of public artworks, galleries, shops and eateries; people here are unafraid of the new, and even small ideas can get turned into big deals; Get a glimpse into the daily lives of entrepreneurs as you discuss their challenges & opportunities. What role innovation plays in their business? What opportunities this part of the city has to offer? What role does private/public sector play? How different it is from what you've seen so far?
early evening
debrief & drinks on the rooftop venue
rooftop venue
transportationtransfer to the hotel, rest of the day at leasure
bus transfer
Day 5: Wednesday, January 11Wed January 11Day 5: inspiring stories
breakfast
hotel
morning
transportationcheck-out, transfer to the airport
bus transfer
morning
intercity transfersflight to Cape Town (duration approx. 2 hrs)
relax or take a nap in the South African sky but don't forget to wake up before landing to Cape Town. What do you see? What does it tell you about the city and the country?
air
Cape Town
The City of Cape Town has a coastline of 294km and is also bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. It is one of four coastal metropolitan municipalities in South Africa together with eThekwini, Nelson Mandela and Buffalo City. The City of Cape Town is South Africa’s second largest economic centre and second most populous city after Johannesburg. It is the legislative capital city of South Africa where the National parliament is located. The ‘Mother City’ as it is affectionately known by its residents, has invested in cleaner public transport, a network of cycle lanes, and renewable energy to power its sprawling metropolis. While it’s true that Cape Town generates a lot of waste per head, it’s focusing on becoming cleaner and greener by tackling its waste and recycling issues, increasing investment in renewable energy, conserving its green spaces, and investing heavily in cycle lanes and cleaner transport.
noon
transportationarrive Cape Town, depart for Table Mountain
bus transfer
mealsboxed lunch
afternoon
cultural eventenjoy stunning views from Table Mountain
climb to the top of Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Table Mountain - symbol of Cape Town, beloved by locals and visitors alike. It provides spectacular views of 'The Mother City' and is flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, making up the northern end of the Cape Fold Mountain range. It is also home to the richest, yet smallest floral kingdom on earth. Draw the energy from the nature and enjoy the stunning view of the Mother City!
bus/cable car
transportationtransfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
rest of the day at leisure
Day 6: Thursday, January 12Thu January 12Day 6: powering through challenging times
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
morning
case studydoing good is good business: how to address the inequalities of the pastPick n Pay
Learn about Africa’s most iconic and inclusive brand and one of the major retail businesses, Pick n Pay. Originally family owned, now the family controlled business (listed on JSE) has expanded to offer customers more than just groceries. Take this unique opportunity to meet the daughter of the founder who will share with you what the secrets to success are.
management presentation, discussion
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
visitsolving local challenges: SA's innovative fintech firmsYoco
South Africa has a unique set of challenges within its economy due to a large cash-only economy with many poorer South Africans not using bank accounts. Such problems have proved to be the catalyst for a thriving innovative fintech scene. Students will gain valuable insight into how firms can tackle local and regional challenges whilst delivering ethical solutions.
Day 7: Friday, January 13Fri January 13Day 7: making the impact
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
full day bus
morning
visitchanging lives one biscuit at a time- a successful story from a townshipKhayelitsha Cookies
Khayelitsha Cookies has been creating meaningful jobs for previously unemployed women from communities in Cape Town. What’s more, this proudly South African confections company produces customer-branded products such as their cookie and rusk range with Purity and is gearing up to launch a range in the US market.
case studygrowing the wine business through innovation, empowerment and impactThokozani
How can companies successfully adapt to different realities and types of consumers? Learn about the power of personalized customer experiences and how to serve the local market. Get a hands-on experience with a case study exploring the marketing strategies of this local winemaker before enjoying a wine tasting session.
management presentation, case study, discussion, wine tasting
evening
mealsfarewell dinner among South Africa's famous vineyards
Make your last evening in this beautiful nation memorable and enjoy a phenomenal meal with views of the surrounding vineyards whilst sipping on local wines.
transportationreturn to hotel
bus transfer
Day 8: Saturday, January 14Sat January 14Day 8: beauty beyond (city) borders
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for Cape Peninsula tour
bus half day
morning
cultural eventdiscover the 'end of the world': half-day peninsula tour
Embark on a scenic drive along the coast to Cape Point where you’ll find some of the most exclusive beaches and views in the Cape, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
bus/walk
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
free time at Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Visit the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, one of the most popular ways to spend a weekend morning in Cape Town! You’ll find food inspired by many different places around the world and there are communal tables outside where you can eat and enjoy a view of either the ocean or the Cape Town Stadium. Of course, there is coffee too and lots of treats you can take home!
afternoon
optional cultural eventseal snorkeling in Hout Bay
Plunge into the cool Atlantic Ocean and snorkel with hundreds of playful Cape Fur seals; interact with them in their environment and on their terms on this ocean lovers' adventure!
sts pay individually
OR
cultural eventRobben Island: a peek into South Africa's past
Take the ferry across to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela served his prison term for his rebellion against the Apartheid regime, a must during your visit to SA!
sts pay individually
Day 9: Sunday, January 15Sun January 15Day 9: until next time South Africa!
