SOUTH AFRICA & VICTORIA FALLS LAND FORUM 2025

 

GO FROM SURVIVAL TO THRIVAL MODE TO IMPACT YOUR CREDIT UNION’S FUTURE SUCCESS

 July 5th – 16th, 2025

It’s a real Jungle out there! Credit Unions can’t continue to simply react to change, but must become more flexible to quickly make adjustments. To go from a survival to a thrival mode, credit unions must be able to anticipate and prepare for those unexpected challenges and opportunities heading their way.

Meet with CU EduCruises on this amazing journey of natural wonders. Experience a conference and trip like no other to South Africa and Victoria Falls. Ascend Table Mountain by cable car, observe a colony of endangered penguins, venture to Cape Point Nature Reserve, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point at the continent’s most southwestern tip.

Travel to private game reserves where you will experience 6 game drives in an open-air 4-wheel drive vehicle with an expert Ranger. Search for Africa’s “Big 5”- lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo! You will visit Johannesburg’s Soweto (South West Township) to learn about its turbulent past and hopeful future. Tour the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum and Mandela House located in the former neighborhood of the Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Stand in awe in Zimbabwe as you witness and hear the roar of the stunning Victoria Falls, one of the Seven

Natural Wonders of the World. This is truly an adventure of a lifetime!

CREDIT UNION TOPICS WE WILL EXPLORE

  • Growth Strategies for Surviving an Economic & Regulatory Jungle
  • Greatness, Not Just Goodness, Needed in a New Era of CU Change & Innovation
  • Leadership Skills Necessary for Moving Your Credit Union from just Surviving to Thriving 
  • Big Ideas Session: participant hot topic discussion –the sharing of successes, stumbles, and lessons learned – best practices exchange
  • Striving for Relevance in a Competitive Landscape
  • Exploring the Common Denominators of Successful Credit Union Leaders
  • Lessons Learned from Local African Credit Union Leaders
  • And much more

 

BENEFITS FOR YOU & YOUR CREDIT UNION:

  • Receive Free Consultation with our industry leaders
  • Participate in timely educational sessions & several nightly networking discussions
  • Take home examples of proven credit union strategies that can make a difference
  • Discuss how an effective Board/Management Team equals future success
  • Learn from others about their Credit Union's strategic plans
  • Discover how your credit union can thrive in times of fast paced change
  • Create a game-plan for future survival during rough times
  • Find solutions to problems your CU is facing today, and will soon be encountering
  • Share with other CU volunteers and management staff from across the country
  • Learn how local African credit unions are surviving tough challenges

DISCUSSION LEADERS

Tony Robinson is President & Founder of Credit Union EduCruises, a credit union conference/cruise and training organization located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tony has presented credit union educational sessions in numerous states across America, and also in 17 countries around the world. His sessions include such topics as Credit Union Leadership, Board/CEO Communication, Creating World Class Member Service, Understanding Why Some Credit Unions Fail, Credit Union Board/Management Succession Planning, and much more. Tony is known for his fast-paced, creative and fun presentation style!

Before founding Credit Union EduCruises, Tony had leadership positions with the CUNA Mutual Group, Tennessee Credit Union League, EPL Software & Data Processing, and two large credit unions. He was also the Founder of Masterful Events, Inc., a credit union training and consulting company.

Tony has a BS Degree in Business from the University of South Alabama. He is also a graduate of the Southeast CUNA Management School and the CUNA Graduate Management School.

 

Tony Robinson, CEO
Credit Union EduCruises

ABOUT THE LODGING

We will be staying at several wonderful Hotels and one amazing Safari Lodge throughout the journey   

SCHEDULE

Day 1: Saturday July 5, 2025- Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa

Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Hotel: Sun Square Cape Town Gardens (or similar)

 

Day 2: Sunday, July 6, 2025 – Cape Town

This morning, meet with your fellow credit union peers, guests and tour guide before heading off for a full day of sightseeing, starting with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. Next, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for their unique sound. After free time for lunch, continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. On your return journey back to Cape Town, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Hotel: Sun Square Cape Town Gardens (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 3: Monday July 7, 2025- Cape Town

Participate in our first educational session this morning. Afterward, perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an optional excursion to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus. Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day.

Hotel: Sun Square Cape Town Gardens (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 4: Tuesday July 8, 2025 –Hoedspruit-Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, overlooking the majestic Drakensburg Mountains. This area, near Kruger National Park, is famous for its wildlife, including the “Big 5” - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. After lunch, embark on your first exciting game drive. Stop for a sundowner in the bush before returning to your safari lodge for dinner.

Hotel: Shiduli Private Game Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5: Wednesday July 9, 2025 – Karongwe

Your skilled tracker and professional Ranger work together as a team during your early morning game drive, so you can learn more about the ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. Beyond the “Big 5,” you will have the chance to see kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more! Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to participate in our mid-day educational session. In the mid-afternoon, tea will be served prior to your afternoon game drive. Step out of your safari vehicle for a sundowner drink and watch as the sun sets over the Drakensberg Mountains. Return to your safari lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.

Hotel: Shiduli Private Game Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6: Thursday July 10, 2025 – Karongwe

Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend time after lunch in our mid-day educational sessions. Afterward, take a swim in the pool, visit the wellness center for one of its many spa treatments, or simply sit back and watch the animals. Your afternoon game drive concludes with a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bushveld!

Hotel: Shiduli Private Game Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7: Friday July 11, 2025 – Karongwe- Hoedspruit- Johannesburg

Enjoy one last game drive this morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Hotel: Garden Court Sandton City (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 8: Saturday July 12, 2025 – Johannesburg

Today’s sightseeing starts with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Along the way, see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest. After lunch, visit the Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid era. Using photos, video, and print, the museum takes you on an extraordinary journey through the apartheid years to the 1994 democratic elections that named Nelson Mandela president.

Hotel: Garden Court Sandton City (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 9: Sunday July 13, 2025 – Johannesburg- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today, leave South Africa and fly north to Zimbabwe. Later this afternoon, a cruise on the Zambezi River affords you a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife along the river, and a spectacular African sunset!

Hotel: Elephant Hills Resort (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 10: Monday July 14, 2025 – Victoria Falls

Today, visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a guided walk, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. Afterward, spend some time in our next educational session, followed by free time for independent exploration.

Hotel: Elephant Hills Resort (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 11: Tuesday July 15, 2025 – Victoria Falls

Begin the day participating in our closing educational session. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps take a helicopter flight over the falls or a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Conclude this incredible land conference & adventure at our private special group dinner!

Hotel: Elephant Hills Resort (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Forum Group Dinner & Entertainment

 

Day 12: Wednesday July 16, 2025 – Victoria Falls- Johannesburg

Your Land Conference ends with a flight back to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 6 pm. 

Meal: Breakfast

Hotels, activities, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

RATES

 Tour Package Pricing: Based on Double Occupancy

  • $4920.00 per person
  • Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person
  • Final Payment: no later than March 26, 2025

Requirements: A valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return

Not Included: 

Airline flights to destination, airline luggage fees, gratuities for airport porters, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance, and any items of a personal nature.

Travel Insurance: 

For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchasedwithin 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Forum Registration Fee:

  • $1,950.00 per Forum attendee - if paid by credit card
  • $1,750.00 per Forum attendee - if paid by check

Transfers :

  • Arrival Airport: Cape Town - Transfer: $65.00 per person
  • Departure Airport: Johannesburg - schedule return flight after 6:00 pm (subject to change)   

Entry Requirements/Documentation Information:

Per US Department of State (travel.state.gov):

  • All guests traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Passports should be valid for six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
  • A tourist visa to South Africa is not required for US citizens. 
  • When arriving in Zimbabwe via South Africa, please ensure that you have at least 6 blank pages in your passport.
  • South Africa requires two clean, consecutive pages for each transit through South Africa. You will need two pages to transit South Africa in each direction, and two pages to enter Zimbabwe.

South African officials take this requirement very seriously and will turn you around if you do not have sufficient pages.

  • You will need a passport, visa, return ticket, and adequate funds to cover your intended stay in order to enter Zimbabwe. 
  • When traveling to Zimbabwe for tourism, you may obtain a visa at the Victoria Falls airport. There is currently no option of getting a Zimbabwean tourist visa in advance through the Zimbabwean Embassy in Washington. You can expect to pay USD $30 for a 30-day/single-entry visa (subject to change).

 

Health Requirements:

  • Prior to departure, we recommend reading country-specific information on the U.S. Department of State website for additional visa/entry information and health requirements.
  • Guests should consult with their health care provider regarding the latest health requirements for travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested, and some travelers have been turned around at immigration for not having sufficient proof of immunization. Other inoculations and/or taking anti-malaria pills may be required.

Miscellaneous Information:

  • Due to airline restrictions on intra-Africa flights, checked luggage cannot exceed 44 lbs per person
  • This trip is not recommended for travelers with serious back problems. The game drives can be quite rough while driving on/off game park trails.
  • Guests will be required to sign a liability waiver before travel to acknowledge the risks of game viewing.
  • In an effort to reduce pollution, several African governments have passed laws banning single use plastic bags.
  • We suggest bringing your own reusable water bottle.
  • Last day of travel: 

Trip ends with your flight from Victoria Falls (VFA) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Guests traveling back to the US on that day do not require a departure transfer.

  • Departure flights from Johannesburg to the USA should be scheduled after 6:00 PM.
  • More information will be provided in your travel documents.

WHAT YOUR RATE INCLUDES:

Package Inclusions:

  • Hotel accommodations for 11 nights – 3-nights Cape Town, 3-nights Karongwe Private Game Reserve, 2-nights Johannesburg, and 3-nights Victoria Falls (hotels will be confirmed 30 days prior)
  • 4 Intra-African Air Flights:
    1. Cape Town International Airport to Hoedspruit Airport
    2. Hoedspruit Airport to O.R. Tambo Johannesburg Int Airport
    3. O.R. Tambo Johannesburg Int Airport to Victoria Falls Airport
    4. Victoria Falls Airport to O.R. Tambo Johannesburg Int Airport
  • Hotel service charges, taxes, and luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Meals Include: Daily Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 3 Dinners

Tour Experiences Include:

  • Full day of sightseeing in Cape Town, including a cable-car ride up Table Mountain and visits to Cape Point Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach to see a colony of African penguins and a funicular ride to old Cape Point Lighthouse
  • Six game drives in a 4-wheel-drive safari open air vehicle, sundowner drinks at sunset
  • Tour Soweto, including Mandela House and the Apartheid Museum
  • Guided walking tour at Victoria Falls
  • Scenic cruise on the Zambezi River to see wildlife and a spectacular African sunset
  • Special group farewell dinner tour
  • Escorted by a professional, local Tour Director
  • Cosmos Vacations travel documents containing trip details and planning information

This Private Small Group Land Forum is limited to 13 Couples! 

To attend conference and/or to take advantage of these low group rates, all reservations must be booked through our travel affiliate - Fox World Travel. The South Africa trip deposit and FORUM registration fee are immediately payable upon first booking this conference. 

Meeting times and locations throughout this trip are subject to change. The EduCruise Group Leader will notify conference participants of any changes encountered throughout the trip.

In an effort to help with luggage weight restrictions of 44 pounds total per person, FORUM materials will be emailed to each participant after everyone has returned home.

 

Cancellation Penalties:

  • Date of deposit to March 26, 2025 Initial deposit of $400.00 per person
  • March 27 – April 28, 2025 - 50% package price cancellation fee 
  • April 29 – June 3, 2025 - 75% package price cancellation fee  
  • June 4, 2025 to 0 days prior to travel - No refunds
  • Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any vendor cancellation penalties.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact our FOX World Travel Team at:

educruises@foxworldtravel.com

Toll Free: 1-888-367-2571