Please note that the following information pertains to Black Birthright 2024 Scholars. Black Birthright 2024 Scholars will travel in July, 2025.
If you applied or are applying for Black Birthright 2025, please note that Black Birthright 2025 Scholars will travel in July, 2026. With the exception of the dates referenced below, the information provided will mostly be consistent with your travel experience. However, there may be adjustments to specific destinations within country and our activities.
Location
BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE. We will split our time among Gaborone, Kasane, Okavango Delta (Botswana); Johannesburg (South Africa); and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
Dates
Sometime between July 7th - July 27th, 2025 (Specific travel dates to be announced by January 31, 2025.)
Important Note: We will depart for and return from Africa as a complete group - all Scholars and chaperones - from an airport in the New York Metropolitan Area. Exact flight accommodations will be determined closer to our travel dates.
As we have Scholars residing across the country, we will coordinate transportation for all Scholars to and from New York. Scholars will travel independently from their home town airports to New York, we will meet as a group, and then travel to Africa together on the same flight. We will return in the same manner.
Activities
HISTORY: Visit Peleng Township in the town of Lobatse, Botswana. Learn about the southern African freedom struggle against European colonization and trace the steps of esteemed freedom fighters like Samora Machel and Nelson Mandela.
NATURE: Experience Botswana’s stunning parks and reserve areas, including Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. Go on safari and see Botswana’s world-renowned wildlife. Visit the majestic Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe.
EDUCATION: Visit one of Botswana’s most prestigious universities, explore an international college campus and learn about tribal languages from a linguistics professor.
MARKET: Navigate one of Botswana’s many markets, experience the sights, sounds and hustle. Purchase fabric and have custom clothes made while in country.
CULTURE: Participate in a drum circle in a local Gaborone township. Learn cultural dances and interact with community members to understand day-to-day life in Botswana.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Learn about the story of Botswana diamonds and how they support the country’s economy. Join Botswana’s leading entrepreneurs for a discussion on opportunity, investment and the new Africa at the Botswana Innovation Hub.