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.
South Africa
Land of Wild Wonders
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Have questions? Speak to one of our Program Directors, give them a call at (415) 332.5075 , they love talking about their trips!
