How to enjoy South Africa without becoming a tortoise
What to pack for South Africa - Bags It might be tempting to take something you don't carry - i.e. a bag on wheels but you might get tired of having something bumping along behind you. Rucksacks leave your hands free to consult maps or take photos, and if yours has a decent support system it should be reasonably comfortable. The weather in South Africa can change suddenly so if you're buying a rucksack, look for one with a waterproof cover that you can whip over the top if it rains.
What to pack for South Africa - Documents
However much you hate the photo in it, you can't get round the fact that your passport is important. Essential, in fact! Treat it as money, and be sure to make a photocopy it several times, putting copies in your rucksack, and if you have it, your hand luggage. If you do lose it, having another photocopy at home will help immeasurably. A map case will keep it and other documents dry. Taking your driving licence will give you the option to rent a car, thus making it easier to get to the national parks.
What to pack for South Africa - Clothes
South Africa has a milder climate than Britain but make sure you're prepared for less pleasant weather, too. The Western Cape is prone to unexpected downpours, for example, and the South African winter (from May to September) can be cold and wet. Cape Town has a great night life, and you might want to take a going out outfit for the clubs.
What to pack for South Africa - Shoes What you do will affect what you put on your feet but as a general rule, comfort outweighs fashion. It's no use getting to the top of Table Mountain and having too many blisters to appreciate the view! Outdoor shops have a much bigger range than they used to, and you'll probably find something to your liking.
What to pack for South Africa - Towel
Whatever towel you take - there are now lightweight travel versions - don't forget a plastic bag to stop it making the rest of your stuff damp.
What to pack for South Africa - Camera
Wildlife, mountain views, your first attempt at sand boarding: the photo opportunities in South Africa are endless. Make sure you have enough memory cards or film to capture everything you want, and pack your charger or spare batteries.
What to pack for South Africa - Toiletries Taking the contents of the bathroom cabinet isn't really what backpacking is about, and many people find there's too much too see to bother with painting their nails or applying tons of make up. On the other hand, you don't want to give up on hygiene altogether! Be as ruthless as you can - if the worse comes to the worse, you'll be able to buy most toiletries and things like suncream will be cheaper.
What to pack for South Africa - First aid kit
Trekking in the wild will require a more extensive first aid kit than if you're sticking to the cities but things like painkillers, plasters, tweezers and antiseptic wipes will come in handy.
What to pack for South Africa - Guide book
From maps to embassy addresses, guide books are a mine of useful information. It's also worth investing in a wildlife guide, to help you tell your black rhino from your white rhino. Not as obvious as it sounds!
What to pack for South Africa - Pen and something to write on
A trusty biro (plus a spare for when you lose the first!) has a plethora of uses - marking your guide book, writing postcards or just scribbling down your impressions of South Africa.
What to pack for South Africa - Entertainment
It's hard to imagine being bored in South Africa, but they'll probably be times when you to chill out or while away some of a bus journey. Something for playing music, a puzzle book, playing cards or a book are all good time-fillers. If not, there's always I Spy…!
What to pack for South Africa - Adapter
An adapter will come in handy if you want to plug in chargers or the like.
Bits and bobs to pack for South Africa
Binoculars! - A pair of your own will help you see African wildlife in intricate detail.
A padlock - Safe is better than sorry as the old phrase goes, and a padlocked locker will put off anyone tempted to swipe your stuff. Having a couple of your own means you won't have to pay to hire them.
Safety pins - Small but useful for anything from attaching padlock keys to the inside of your bag to digging out a splinter (but try to make sure it's sterilised!).
A sleep sack - Good if you get hot under a blanket or if you need an extra layer when it's cold. They'll also save you a few rand if hostels add rental charges onto the price of the room.
Flip-flops - They make showering a more relaxing experience!
Wet wipes - A handy alternative in the absence of soap and water.
Alarm clock - If you're not an early rise, a lightweight alarm will help you make buses and trains.
23 trips have been found based on your filter/sort
Teach children who often make do with carrier bags for balls and inspire them to play football or take up other sports. You’ll combine much needed sports coaching with academic tuition.
Help soothe the effects of abuse, poverty and neglect. Lend a hand with schoolwork or computer skills or just arrange games and activities that will let them enjoy being children again.
Volunteer in a desperately underprivileged township and set children up for a better future. Give them some individual help with English, maths and basic skills – you’ll be amazed at the difference you can make!
Get yourself on course to manage a game farm or nature reserve. Surrounded by the Big Five and other African wildlife, you’ll learn about educational bush walks, how to identify animals, game tracking, navigation and more. Project Video Now Online
Nurse injured and orphaned monkeys, plus baboons, snakes, crocodiles and any other animals needing attention. Longer-staying volunteers have the chance to work on sites that release monkeys back into the wild. Project Video Now Online
Live a horse lover’s dream! Help with the day-to-day care of neglected and abused horses and build up their confidence. You’ll be able to ride the Wild Coast’s spectacular beach and bush trails too.
Get up close and personal with Africa’s wildlife, from Black Mambas to Baboon Spiders. As a reptile centre volunteer, you’ll be involved in research, feeding, building enclosures, demonstrating and much more. Project Video Now Online
Help to take the fight against poverty and AIDS to the very heart of the Wild Coast community in South Africa; make a huge difference to the long-term prospects of the village and its people.
Riding and caring for horses and learning about African wildlife are at the heart of this unique experience. At night, you’ll shower in the open air and sleep in a bush lodge. Project Video Now Online
Help children develop a love of reading with one-on-one sessions. Read with them, and work in the library, and also get involved in teaching, running garden projects and more besides.
Pass on your computer and sports skills to deprived children in rural South Africa. You’ll stay just two minutes from the beach, surrounded by some of Africa’s most spectacular scenery. Project Video Now Online
Get a feel for Zulu culture and help counteract the effect of AIDS. Play games with orphans, raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and destroy the myths surrounding them, visit sick people at home and help build classrooms.
Help doctors with sick children in the mornings and get involved in building and painting schools, AIDS support and an education centre in the afternoons. You’ll make a difference and have time to explore Cape Town’s sights.
Help provide vital teaching assistance at two schools within underprivileged communities of Fish Hoek, on the outskirts of Cape Town. Assist in community work and development initiatives and gain an insight into the lives of underprivileged individuals in Cape Town.
Gain invaluable experience through coaching cricket to children in schools, clubs and townships, under the guidance of the highest level instructors - plus get paid for the privilege! Have the rare opportunity to play local league cricket for a South African side, and practice two evenings a week with your new team mates.
Put your love of photography to good use on a World Heritage Site. Photograph elephants, rhinos and many other creatures for a database, and possibly magazines. You’ll also teach local children about their surroundings.
Swim with great whites…in a cage! Sail through Sharks’ Alley, among seals and penguins, while you record shark activity. Tuition on shark behaviour, underwater filming and lots more will give you an in depth understanding of these magnificent creatures.
Play a part in protecting South Africa’s beautiful Wild Coast. Work at a lion cub centre, sleep under the stars, learn about wildlife management, go on game drives and bushwalks, and more – perfect for outdoor people!
Take an unforgettable tour of southern African, getting close to game in South Africa, working with orphans in Swaziland and snorkelling with whale sharks in Mozambique. Indian Ocean beaches provide a paradisiacal finale!
Sample some of Africa’s exhilarating highlights. Camp in Kruger National Park with the big five, do a volunteer placement in Swaziland and learn to scuba dive in Mozambique. An adventure with a bit of everything!
Draw and paint South Africa’s wildlife and tap into your creative side. Visit Big Five reserves, go on bush walks, learn to see the animals differently and take a look at art history.
Improve your cricket and get paid to coach others. Work on your fitness and skills at the academy, with help from past and present cricket stars, and earn some cash by running sessions for school children.
Need a career change? Want a qualification? Always dreamt of working alongside the wildlife of Africa? Then this is field guide course in South Africa is the ideal programme for you!
Project Video Now Online
