A  glimpse at an ancient culture, up-close visits with a multitude of wildlife, seeing the genuine hope and smiles of a people and an encounter with one cranky elephant named Miss Ellie are among the many memories Nancy Michaelis brings back from her August trip to southern Africa.
Michaelis, a retired teacher and former Howard College English professor, has always had a respect for that part of the world, she says. The 17-day tour provided by Elderhostel — Ancient Voices of Africa — focuses on the natural history, culture and wildlife in the countries of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“The whole thing is Ancient Voices so we’re really looking at the indigenous peoples, the geography and the animals and the birds,” Michaelis said.