ATLANTA - Atlanta Tribune: the Magazine, the city’s leading source for business, careers, technology and wealth-building has teamed with top tour provider Advantage International LLC, to bring a group travel experience that promises to be spiritually invigorating and mentally rejuvenating. Slated for March 24- April 3, 2006, Soulful Sojourn to South Africa is much more than a vacation - it’s destined to be a life-altering adventure. South Africa’s majestic beauty and mesmerizing scenery have made it the "top travel resolution" spot of many African-Americans.

In a growing trend towards cultural tourism that taps into ones roots - history and culture are integral to South Africa’s allure. Returning to ones place of origin with other people who share the same interests are boundless. Nothing compares to the bonds and connections made by getting up-close and personal on a safari drive, or experiencing Africa’s culturally rich grandeur with an A-List group of colleagues. Professionals from many industries are expected to sojourn to South Africa with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine - from political leaders to key players in Atlanta business circles.

For third-term East Point Mayor Patsy Hilliard, the upcoming trip is the dream-of-a-lifetime. Hilliard says that as mayor during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta she was blessed with meeting South African cyclists, and Cape Town's mayor -- also female. "I recall asking her what she did before, and was surprised to learn that she had no prior involvement in government," said Hilliard. The mayor's voice rang with enthusiasm as she detailed the anticipation of Soulful Sojourn to South Africa -- for her, an opportunity to explore how governing is done in South Africa. Ron Frieson, president of BellSouth's Georgia operations, and the first African-American to be a state president for BellSouth is equally excited. According to Frieson, he and wife Belinda Stubblefield have been talking about the trip for years. The globe trotting couple have already toured Italy, France, and the Greek Isles, but Soulful Sojourn to South Africa fulfills the ultimate fantasy. "This trip was a "must do", said Frieson. "Nothing can compare to the region's historical importance, the geographic diversity and the opportunity for an up-close cultural experience," he said.

Trekking to South Africa ranks so high on Ret. Colonel Courtland Bivens list that it's second only to a trip to the moon. The well-heeled Army brat spent his early years in Germany, dreaming of becoming an astronaut; and his adult years at NASA inventing aeronautical devices. "My binoculars are already packed," he said. "I can't imagine a more spectacular wildlife show than on game reserve amongst the lions, and zebras and giraffes — not to mention, exploring an area that's the cradle of humankind." Napoleon Hornbuckle, a retired corporate VP for Motorola says that even though he's world traveled he's never had an opportunity to visit South Africa. " I look forward to learning more about our struggles, doing and after Mandela, and to see what life is like there now, " Hornbuckle said. In a summation that epitomizes how most American blacks view the continent, Hornbuckle continued, " I have been to most parts of the world including the Middle East, but as a Black man my life will not be complete until I go to the ancient land of my culture."

Among the many benefits of joining Soulful Sojourn to South Africa is the preferential treatment received —including special behind-the-scenes tours not offered to individual travelers. The South African Tourism Board, area business people and diplomats roll out their royal welcome mats when guests are traveling under the banner of the city’s leading Africa-American business magazine.

Many tour directions offer slightly less expensive adventures into the Motherland, according to tour director Gene Harley of Advantage International LLC; however, cheaper packages offer less meals, less interaction and networking. Private receptions are an incalculable perk for the elite group. Inclusive tickets to the 7th annual Cape Town Jazz Festival with transfers - acknowledged as the biggest jazz event on the African continent -- make the trip's timing ideal. Mother Nature also plays her favorable hand during March-April. According to Harley, the group will have just escaped the heat of Summer, with sporadic rain and the crowds that come with the summer travel season (December - February). The end of March and early April are typically more comfortable in South Africa -- as it is the beginning of Fall.

And as the ultimate toast to the group's arrival, there's a VIP reception with South African business and community leaders - featuring South African wines. Peter Morales, president and founder of 57 Main Street Imports, a leading producer of wines and spirits in South Africa, noted, "We are thrilled that people of African descent are coming in, and sampling something that's a part of the agriculture and soil." The specially tailored package (spanning Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Sun City) also includes tours of Lesedi Cultural Village, and the original lifestyles of the different ethnic groups that make up SA; the world famous Apartheid Museum; Pilanesburg National Park; a cruise to Robben Island; and stays at three luxurious hotels.

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION: The Write Publicist 770.998.9911

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To book online and to view full itinerary visit: www.advantage-intl.com

The package is priced at $3399 per person based on double occupancy; plus taxes. Single occupancy is $3999 per person plus taxes. For further information, full itinerary and reservations contact: 1-877-ADV-NTGE (1-877-238-6843)