South Africa

Land of Wild Wonders

$6,795

Tuition

*Airfare for group flight from Newark additional

20 days

Trip duration

10th – 12th+ (ages 16-19)

Grades

20 days

Inquire for Summer 2026

Newark, NJ

Arrival & Departure

$6,795

Tuition

20 days

Trip duration

Inquire for Summer 2026

10th – 12th+ (ages 16-19)

Grades

*Airfare for group flight from Newark additional

Overview

Embark on an exhilarating 19-day journey to South Africa with our immersive Summer Programs for High School Students. Our adventure begins in the captivating city of Cape Town, renowned for its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. Dive deep into the heart of this “Rainbow Nation,” engaging with local organizations and communities to gain insights into its intricate history, contemporary challenges, and the enduring legacy of the apartheid era. Experience the thrill of hiking to the summit of the cloud-shrouded Table Mountain National Park, an otherworldly landscape that defies comparison. Participate in hands-on wildlife conservation high school programs dedicated to safeguarding endangered white rhinos. Travel the rugged and enchanting Cape of Good Hope, famed for its dramatic coastlines and unique wildlife encounters. This extraordinary journey offers a rare opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of South Africa while delving into its rich history, culture, and wildlife conservation efforts. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Join us today for an unforgettable South Africa travel experience.

Highlights

Help a Local Conservation Organization as They Work to Protect the Critically Endangered White Rhinoceros
Hike to the Top of Iconic Table Mountain, One of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World”
Travel the Beautiful Garden Route Through Small Seaside Towns, Lush Green Landscapes and Endless White Sand Beaches
Tour Robben Island Prison, a Poignant Reminder of South Africa’s Tumultuous Past and Apartheid History
Visit the Vibrant Neighborhoods and Markets of Cape Town and Learn About Its Rich Cultural History
Witness the Beautiful Sun Rise Over Cape Town From the Summit of Lion's Head Mountain
Watch African Penguins Swim in the Surf on the Beaches of the Cape of Good Hope
15 Hours of Community Service

Get the itinerary

Want to learn more about traveling with ARCC or have more questions about this program?

Schedule a Call with Brent Anderson

Cape Town & Table Mountain

Visit the diverse townships and markets of Cape Town. Hike the iconic Table Mountain and see the sunrise over the city from the summit of Lion's Head Mountain. Watch African penguins swim in the surf on the beaches of the iconic Cape of Good Hope. Sample delicious local dishes like vetkoek (fried donuts), biltong, and braai, a traditional South African barbeque.

Hike

Culture

White Rhino Conservation

Join a local conservation organization as they work to help protect the critically endangered white rhinos. Travel into the wilds of a local national park alongside researchers to assist with collecting vital rhino data that will be used to create protection plans in an effort to help save this iconic African species. Along with rhinos, you may spot other wildlife such as elephants, lions, hippos, Cape buffalo, or impalas.

Conservation

Robben Island

Tour the historical Robben Island prison, where South African icon, Nelson Mandela, was held as a political prisoner. An inspirational national treasure and World Heritage Site, this place symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit over extreme adversity and injustice. Learn more about the painful and complicated apartheid history of South Africa and how it has impacted the country’s modern culture.

Education

Scenic Garden Route & Surfing

Travel the scenic Garden Route along South Africa's southern coast, lined with beautiful forests and wetlands, and visit quirky surf towns like Hermanus, Durban and Coffee Bay. Watch for migrating whales and their newborn calves as they play in the water and learn how to surf the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean at Mossel Bay. Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet.

Sightseeing

Surfing

Common Questions

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Is the cost of airfare separate from program tuition?

All food, lodging, transportation, and activities are paid for with your trip tuition. Group airfare is additional and the cost depends on the program.

In order to be sure there are enough seats available on international group flights, ARCC books the international tickets in advance and families are invoiced for the cost of the international airfare.

Families are also responsible for booking flights or arranging transportation for students to meet their leaders and other group members at the program’s arrival airport. The leaders and students then fly internationally together as a group.

Where will we sleep?

You will spend your nights in a variety of accommodations, including small hostels, boutique hotels, and private apartments. Each student will have their own bed, in a room they will share with 2-4 other students from the group. There is no tent camping on this program

How will we travel?

The group will travel primarily in a large private coach bus. Other forms of transportation include ferries, small shuttle vans, safari jeeps, and cableways. There is a short one-hour domestic flight during the program.

What is the food like?

The food will be a mix of Western-style food (sandwiches, pizza, burgers, pasta etc.) and traditional local food such as stews, soups, fruits, rice, lentils, and vegetables. Part of the fun of traveling to a new area of the world is the opportunity to try some delicious new dishes and expand your international palate!

Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e., allergies) are catered for. Students should inform ARCC of any dietary needs before the start of the program.

Do I need a passport?

You will need a valid passport for travel to South Africa. To enter South Africa it is necessary to have a passport with at least 30 days remaining from the intended date of departure from South Africa. Passports must have 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Do I need a Visa?

U.S. citizens (U.S. passport holders) visiting South Africa for ninety (90) days or less for tourism do not need visas. U.S. green card holders (non-US passport holders) and nationals of other countries should check the list of visa-exempt countries to see if they need to apply for visas. If the names of their countries are not listed, it means they need to apply for visas.

What is the time difference between South Africa and the United States?

South Africa is on South African Standard Time (SAST) (UTC+2). While on your trip, the time in South Africa will be six hours earlier than the East Coast, seven hours earlier than Central Time, eight hours earlier than Mountain Time, and nine hours earlier than the West Coast.

What is the weather like during the program?

July falls within the winter season in South Africa, which means temperatures are mild and regular rainfall and cloudy skies are common. Mornings are usually around 46°F (8°C) and afternoons around 64°F (18°C). Once you enroll, you will be sent a location-specific packing list, which has taken these climate variations into careful consideration.

Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?

As a part of the program, you will be setting out on a traditional wilderness backpacking trip. It is essential that you bring a backpack that is sized to your body and comfortably carries your essential items during this component. For this reason, you should bring a properly fitted backpack (either internal or external frame) for this program. You may also bring a small daypack to use for day hikes and shorter day trips.

During the rest of the trip the group will be navigating through airports, getting in and out of the van, and carrying their personal items to and from their campgrounds. It is essential that everyone is able to carry their own personal belongings and we have found the most effective way to do this is to pack in a backpack or duffle

How often can we take showers and do laundry?

You will have the opportunity to shower almost every single day on this adventure, although showers may be unheated. All hotels and guesthouses have showers. Because of the itinerary, laundry stops are limited. There will be the opportunity for about two machine washes during the program. Dirty laundry is sent out to local merchants who will wash it, then return it to the group; the cost is determined by weight. Students are expected to pay for their own individual laundry.

How much spending money should I bring?

We suggest you bring about $75 per week of your trip + $35 for each travel day ($175-$250 in total). This money is for airline baggage fees, personal souvenirs, laundry, clinic visits, COVID exit tests (where applicable), and other incidentals. ARCC pays for all meals, lodging, transport, and activities. There is time to shop for souvenirs in South Africa.