Join us for an exciting three week adventure to the “Rainbow Nation” of South Africa. Tour Cape Town, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Engage with local organizations and communities and learn about the complex history and contemporary challenges facing the city, the history of South Africa and the apartheid era. Hike to the top of the cloud-shrouded Table Mountain National Park and explore a landscape unlike any other in the world. Get involved with a wildlife conservation project focused on protecting endangered white rhinos. Tour the Cape of Good Hope, a rugged and beautiful area known for its stunning coastline and unique wildlife, and learn to catch a wave at Muizenberg Beach. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a beautiful and diverse country while learning about its history, culture, and wildlife. We can’t wait to have you join us on this amazing adventure!
South Africa
Land of Wild Wonders
19 days
Trip duration
10th – 12th
Grades
19 days
July 7 – July 25
Newark, NJ
Arrival & Departure
$6,295
Tuition
19 days
Trip duration
July 7 – July 25
10th – 12th
Grades
*Due to the requirements of our spotlight project, all students must be 16 or older
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”
- Catch a Wave at Muizenberg Beach, a Popular Spot Known for Its Great Waves and Quirky Surf Culture
- Tour Robben Island Prison, a Poignant Reminder of South Africa’s Tumultuous Past and Apartheid History
- Explore the Vibrant Neighborhoods and Markets of Cape Town and Learn About Its Rich Cultural History
- Travel the Beautiful Garden Route Through Small Seaside Towns, Lush Green Landscapes and Endless White Sand Beaches
- Watch African Penguins Swim in the Surf on the Beaches of the Cape of Good Hope
- 20 Hours of Community Service
Cape Town & Table Mountain
Explore 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
Visit 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
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!
