Overview

 Highlights


  • Visit the Place of Human Origins UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Experience the thrill of a boat trip among hundreds of Cape fur seals
  • Get behind-the-scenes conservation experience by helping out at a Rhino Sanctuary where you support dedicated experts with advanced field data collection and caring for orphaned rhinos
  • Embark on game drives to spot exotic wildlife including the Big 5
  • Enjoy stargazing and a traditional braai dinner within Kruger National Park

On this incredible service learning program, you'll experience a blend of hands-on conservation and thrilling wildlife encounters! Begin your journey along South Africa’s stunning Garden Route, where you’ll explore the ancient Cango Caves and hike through the lush landscapes of Garden Route National Park. Visit the archaeological site known as the Point of Human Origins and encounter Cape fur seals on a boat trip to Seal Island. Engage in marine conservation discussions and take part in a meaningful beach cleanup. Then travel to the world’s largest orphaned rhino sanctuary, where you’ll support dedicated conservationists with feeding, behaviour monitoring and data collection. Participate in interactive workshops to learn about the realities of wildlife protection and reserve management. The journey finishes with three unforgettable nights in Kruger National Park. Spot the Big Five on safari, share stories around a traditional braai, and stargaze by the campfire - a powerful end to a journey that leaves a lasting impact.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Johannesburg

Activities:

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Addressing:


Arrive in Johannesburg where you will check in for your final flight to George. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will transfer you to your eco-friendly accommodation. Join your guide for a full trip and safety briefing and then settle in for a delicious welcome dinner featuring South African cuisine.

Meals:  D

Today includes a visit to the Cango Caves, where you’ll explore spectacular limestone formations and enjoy an informative conservation talk on cave ecosystems. Afterward, you’ll visit Pinnacle Point Complex, the UNESCO World Heritage Site with early evidence for the emergence of modern human behaviour. This fascinating archaeological cave site, known as the Point of Human Origins, offers insight into humanity’s ancient roots and connection to the environment

Meals:  B,L,D

Get ready for a day of maritime exploration starting at Mossel Bay Harbour! Board a boat and make your way to Seal Island, searching for dolphins or seabirds as you cruise through the water. Upon arrival, you’ll be immersed in the lively environment of a bustling Cape fur seal colony, with hundreds of seals swimming and sunbathing. Your guide will share insights into their behaviors and ecological importance. Back on shore, enjoy lunch at a charming seaside restaurant before heading to the Diaz Museum, a maritime museum with a live size replica of the 1488 Bartolomeu Dias Caravel, a small and fast ship that allowed the first European explorer to round the southern tip of Africa. You'll take part in an engaging marine conservation talk led by a local marine biologist and learn about South Africa’s unique marine ecosystems, the challenges they face from climate change, pollution, and human interaction, as well as the ongoing efforts to protect the country’s coastline and sea life, then take part in a beach cleanup to directly contribute to conservation in the area.

Meals:  B,L,D

Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Garden Route Park Wilderness on a guided hike along the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail. This trail meanders alongside the Touw River, through serene forests and along boardwalks allowing opportunities to view incredible bird life and their ecosystem. You’ll experience the peaceful sounds of nature and breathe in the fresh, unspoiled air. After our hike, we’ll gather for an insightful conservation talk led by a local expert about the challenges and triumphs in regional conservation efforts, from protecting biodiversity to managing tourism's impact on the environment. Tonight is the group's final night of their South African journey, and what better way to celebrate than a delicious farewell dinner to reflect on this unforgettable experience.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today the group will transfer to the airport for their flight to Mbombela. Upon arrival, meet transfer to the Rhino Sanctuary to check in to your eco-friendly accommodation, your home for the next four nights. Receive an orientation session that outlines the sanctuary's conservation goals and the experiences planned for your stay, setting the stage for an immersive hands-on conservation experience. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner featuring local dishes before settling in for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

Experience a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the orphaned rhino sanctuary. Assist with morning routines such as milk preparation, bottle feeding, and basic husbandry for the orphaned rhinos (with limited, essential contact only). Participate in observational sessions and interactive workshops led by conservation experts that focus on animal behaviour and health monitoring.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, attend a workshop on the realities of the rhino poaching crisis and explore the conservation strategies employed to combat it. Engage in vital fieldwork that uses cutting-edge tools to record and monitor released rhinos and track new calf births.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continue your rhino conservation journey today by participating in advanced conservation exercises including reserve management and community engagement initiatives. Enjoy an interactive session with conservation leaders to discuss the challenges, and successes of wildlife rehabilitation efforts. Join in a reflective group dinner tonight to celebrate your contributions over the past few days, and enjoy your final evening at the Rhino Sanctuary.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, transfer to Kruger National Park and check in to your eco-friendly accommodation where you will spend the next 3 nights, immersed in the wild! In the afternoon, head off on an introductory safari for the afternoon to witness the iconic African landscapes and wildlife. Return for a relaxed dinner under the expansive African sky!

Meals:  B,L,D

Rise early for a full-day safari, exploring diverse ecosystems and seeking out the Big Five! Pause for a scenic bush picnic lunch and gain insights into the intricacies of wildlife tracking and habitat conservation from your expert guide. Conclude your safari with a traditional braai dinner in the heart of the park and cap off the day with a stargazing session, marvelling at the clear skies all around.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning after breakfast, venture on a guided bushwalk to explore Kruger's rich flora and fauna up close, learning about the delicate balance of its' ecosystems. Participate in an interactive discussion on ethical wildlife tourism and the ongoing efforts to conserve this unique area. Tonight is the group's final night of their African journey, and what better way to celebrate than a delicious farewell dinner to reflect on this unforgettable experience.

Meals:  B,L,D

Relish a hearty farewell breakfast in the serene South African wilderness before transferring to Mbombela for your flight home via Johannesburg.

Meals:  B


Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health And Well-being:  Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Decent Work And Economic Growth:  Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

Sustainable Cities And Communities:  There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Responsible Production and Consumption:  Responsible Production and Consumption

Climate Action:  Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Life Below Water:  Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.

Life On Land:  Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

Peace Justice And Strong Institutions:  Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

Partnerships For The Goals:  Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development


Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to align with the United Nations SDG's and to:
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.


Inclusions

  • All accommodation as per itinerary in eco-friendly accommodation
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Entrance and park fees for activities included in itinerary
  • Local English speaking guide

  • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Items of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance

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Adventure touring


Customise your program

We can fully customise a School Travel Program to suit your students' learning objectives and budget. Whether you require a Service Learning program, physical challenge, cultural immersion or certain curriculum targets - talk to one of our educational travel experts about the elements you need in your itinerary. We pride ourselves on developing unique itineraries to meet the learning requirements for schools.

World Expeditions Schools is a division of one of the world's leading adventure travel companies, World Expeditions. We can develop itineraries in any destination that is offered by World Expeditions, which is to every continent on earth.

Use our simple Expedition Design Form to contact us with your requirements and an educational travel expert will be in touch to assist.


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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