

Trip Highlights
Trip Summary
See full itineraryThis is a real Southern Africa adventure! Safari! Swim! Five days and a million memories in one of the continent’s wildest wildlife spots – South Africa’s Kruger National Park – a week with wild whale sharks, diving and exploring the coral reefs in the warm blue waters of the ocean. Soak up the culture and learn what life’s like in a Swazi village.
Soak up the sun with five idyllic days living, swimming, sunning right next to the ocean. Do some volunteer work with children in Ezulwini, Swaziland and make a real difference to their lives.
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 June 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 June 2013 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 June 2013 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 July 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 July 2013 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 July 2013 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 August 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 August 2013 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 August 2013 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 September 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 September 2013 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 September 2013 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 October 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 October 2013 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 October 2013 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 November 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 November 2013 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 November 2013 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 6 January 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 6 January 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 6 January 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 February 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 February 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 February 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 March 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 March 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 March 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 April 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 April 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 April 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 May 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 May 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 May 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 June 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 June 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 June 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 July 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 July 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 July 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 August 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 August 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 August 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 September 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 September 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 September 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 6 October 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 6 October 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 6 October 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 November 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 November 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 November 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 December 2014 | 4 weeks | £1,899 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 December 2014 | 5 weeks | £2,069 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 December 2014 | 6 weeks | £2,239 | Available | Book now | |
Safari in Kruger National Park! (4/6 weeks)
Volunteering in the community - 4 week option (4 weeks)
Volunteering in the community - 4 week option (6 weeks)
Beach time! (4/6 weeks)
Southern Africa – huge, varied and exciting. On this trip you’ll be getting to know three of the countries in this region.
This is the start of your adventure in South Africa. Diverse, exhilarating, spectacular, varied – it’s a gap year destination electric with possibility. Never far from the news, it’s a vast, modern multicultural country, full of contradictions and full of interest. It offers so many opportunities for student travel that it’s difficult to summarise.
Swaziland is often unfairly overlooked as a gap year destination because it’s so tiny by comparison with its giant neighbours South Africa and Mozambique. But it would be a big mistake to think of Swaziland as second best. It’s quite different in feel from either of its neighbours although, of course, it does share their geography.
Days 1-2
You fly into Johannesburg International airport and catch a bus to Swaziland for the beginning of your adventure in Southern Africa. A backpacker lodge in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley will be your home for this first couple of days and while you’re there you’ll have a couple of days’ orientation and detailed briefing with your expedition leader.
Day 3-7
Your tour starts in one of the most famous conservation areas in Africa – Kruger National Park. Its varied habitats and wildlife is an opportunity for an amazing adventure experience! Offer some of the very best opportunities to see Africa’s big game animals.
We’ll spend five days in Kruger – camping of course – and get right into the heart of the Park. You’ll be with an expert guide and get to really explore the area and learn about this wild place. That means – game drives, a guided walk through the bush to search for big game, a night drive in search of nocturnal wildlife. This a wild place and these are wild animals, so no guarantees – but you have a good chance of catching sight of lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and wild dog.
We then turn southwards and head for Swaziland. It’s time to prep for your community development projects.
Southern Africa – huge, varied and exciting. On this trip you’ll be getting to know three of the countries in this region.
This is the start of your adventure in South Africa. Diverse, exhilarating, spectacular, varied – it’s a gap year destination electric with possibility. Never far from the news, it’s a vast, modern multicultural country, full of contradictions and full of interest. It offers so many opportunities for student travel that it’s difficult to summarise.
Swaziland is often unfairly overlooked as a gap year destination because it’s so tiny by comparison with its giant neighbours South Africa and Mozambique. But it would be a big mistake to think of Swaziland as second best. It’s quite different in feel from either of its neighbours although, of course, it does share their geography.
Day 8-20 Community projects, Ezulwini, Swaziland
A couple of weeks working with communities that really need your help. You’ll be in care centres that support the orphans and children left vulnerable and alone in the wake of the AIDS pandemic. There’s a variety of work to be done – all badly needed and hugely welcomed: everything from helping with building to running sports days, teaching the children to assisting on medical projects – the list is very long.
The work you take on during your two weeks will differ depending on whether you have booked the four or six week South Africa adventure trip.
The 4-week trip
Gives you the opportunity to work in care centres on a variety of really useful and helpful projects. Here are some examples:
Southern Africa – huge, varied and exciting. On this trip you’ll be getting to know three of the countries in this region.
This is the start of your adventure in South Africa. Diverse, exhilarating, spectacular, varied – it’s a gap year destination electric with possibility. Never far from the news, it’s a vast, modern multicultural country, full of contradictions and full of interest. It offers so many opportunities for student travel that it’s difficult to summarise.
Swaziland is often unfairly overlooked as a gap year destination because it’s so tiny by comparison with its giant neighbours South Africa and Mozambique. But it would be a big mistake to think of Swaziland as second best. It’s quite different in feel from either of its neighbours although, of course, it does share their geography.
The 6-week trip
This gives you the opportunity to get involved with teaching and day-to-day care at one of the local NCP's (Neighbourhood Care Points). The age range of the children is from 3 to 13 and the average is around 4 years old and working with them for this longer period is a more rewarding experience. You can get involved with:
Whilst you’re in Ezulwini you’ll visit the Mantenga Cultural Village to learn something about Swazi culture, lifestyle and traditional dancing.
Finally, there’s Mozambique. Undiscovered is the word. You’ll find paradise beaches on the shores of the beautiful blue ocean – especially in the wilder north of the country.
Perfect diving, loads of little offshore island gems and swimming with whale sharks (they eat plankton, not people). Sleep off lunch under the palm trees.
Day 21-27 Marine conservation tour, Tofo Beach, Mozambique
We’re heading for a week of relaxation on the idyllic tropical ocean beaches of Mozambique.
The first night we spend in a Mozambican bush lodge en route to Tofo in southern Mozambique. Then on to the stunning Inhambane peninsula, where we’ll be staying at a beautiful laid-back beach village. Ever wanted to swim with wild whale sharks? This is your chance. Tofo is a marine paradise with coral reefs, whales and nesting turtles. Nearby is the vibrant historic trading port of Inhambane.
We’ll be here for five days, so there’s plenty of opportunity to try out beach life Mozambique-style and you’ll be living right there in reed huts, dorm-style, among the coconut palms on the very edge of the ocean. There’s an ocean safari – get up close and personal to whale sharks in the balmy ocean (what an adventure!) And there’s a unique opportunity to go on an ocean kayak expedition, crossing calm blue water and exploring the beautiful islands of the Inhambane Bay. South African paradise.
If you have a dive certificate you can get down and swim amongst the amazing coral reefs with one of the local dive operators. Of course, there’s plenty of time for chilling on the beach. There might just possibly be one or two parties as well.
Day 28
If you’re a 4-weeker you’ll spend the final full day of your South Africa adventure back at the backpacker lodge in the Ezulwini Valley where we started out. Time to relax and catch your breath after an amazing month. Then it’s time to pack, say some tearful farewells and swap mobile numbers. Day 29 will see you transferred to the bus station to for your return to Johannesburg airport for your onward flight.
6-weekers – you’ll return to your volunteer project for a final couple of weeks and on day 41 return to the Lodge in Ezulwini and spend a full weekend relaxing. Or you can get in some last-minute hiking and exploring before preparing to leave after the weekend.
Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
Minimum age of 17 years (with parental/ guardian consent), maximum decided on potential participants health and physical ability.
This trip requires minimum numbers to operate.
While in Kruger National Park you will be camping in dome safari tents (camping equipment will be provided). Accommodation while in Ezulwini, Swaziland will be in a backpacker lodge in a dorm room. While in Tofo, Mozambique, you will stay in beach style reeded dorms. With each type of accommodation, a mattress, sheet, pillow and pillowcase will be provided but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
All meals will be provided throughout the tour and participants will share the cooking duties on a relaxed rotational basis. Cooking facilities will be communal and quite basic and food will be purchased during a weekly food shop. Generally breakfast will consist of cereals and toast, for lunch you will have sandwiches and salad and for dinner you will have a cooked meal.
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
We will let you know exactly what you need to do before you go so that any necessary visas are organised.
We recommend that you take around £70 per week with you.
Yes, you will receive 3 meals a day.
Your group will have a maximum of 12 people.
Yes! We provide a 'buddy list' of others email addresses around 2/3 weeks before you go so you can get in touch with each other.
Yes, you will need to take a sleeping bag with you.
Yes, you will need a mosquito net for when you are in Mozambique.
Yes, in all locations there will be one available for you to use.
You have booked a programme which requires an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service check to be completed. We can carry this out for you and your travel advisor will explain the charges at the time of booking.
I've done this trip
Write reviewNew friends, amazing experience, repeatable, cherisable memories.
Spotting 6 out of the super 7 in Kruger, playing racing games with the kids in Swaziland and swimming with whale sharks in Mozambique.
Be prepared for serious surprise thunderstorms in Swaziland, restrain yourself from buying too many snacks from Gables, the local supermarket, and don't bring clothes that you don't mind getting grubby. You are working with little kids after all!
Would have liked to have been aware of the Kruger to Cape course that some people were on as the Kruger to Coast course was with that company anyway.
As I Was Only Volunteering For Two Weeks, We Didn't Really Get To Work Properly With The Kids, So We Couldn't Really Get To Know Them Well Enough To Think About Sponsering Them. The First Week We Were Put On Sports Where We Visited A Different School A Day And Played With The Kids. This Was Tiring, But Great Fun. The Second Week Though, We Were Put On Building, Which Sounds Great, But Wasn't. We Were Meant To Build A New Kitchen For An NCP (school) But Instead We Were Painting Another Layer Of Paint Onto The Inside Of The Classroom And Waiting For The Building Supplies To Arrive. We Only Spent A Day And A Half Building The Kitchen, And Only Managed To Get The Foundations Going Which Was Frustrating And Disappointing. Hopefully This Can Be Better Organised For Volunteers In The Future...? Besides This, We All Had A Great Time And Have Memories That We Will Cherish.
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Everything! The itinerary looks too good to be true but somehow the trip still managed to far exceed my expectations. Safari was incredible and relaxing, partying and whale shark diving in Tofo was also amazing. The Swaziland experience is just out of this world. Working with the kids is both fun and fulfilling and at no point do you feel like you're on a trip, you feel like you're at home. The lodge is beautiful and relaxed and the program team end up like brothers and sisters. Just incredible.
Not off the top of my head. It was perfect.
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All of it! I seriously loved every single minute of it, it was so much fun, and I learnt so much too. I guess that if I had to choose something, it wouold be walking around a Swazi village and meeting all the children, who come running up to you for cuddles and photographs! The Safari is very surreal, and I tracked and followed a herd of elephants, which took my breath away. I saw the big five, twice, and saw a leopard eating its pray in a tree, incredable. The swimming with the whale shark was also out of this world, massive creatures, but so peaceful. The beachs in Tofo, Mozambique, WOW! Seriously, I cannot recommend this trip highly enough, if your thinking about doing it, GO!
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- Having the opportunity to see how the less fortunate people live and how much one person can make a difference even if you feel your not by the time you leave you will see the difference. -Meeting amazing people who want to give you everything even if t
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Friends, memories, experiences will always stay... Time of my life
Aarrrgh - so many! + AWESOME leopard sighting in Kruger + surfing and dhow trip in Moz + my amazing kids at school, and seeing them all dance brilliantly at a school ceremony + parties and more parties with so many fantastic friends
1 - Always keep an open mind - you will without any doubt end up doing things you weren't expecting to do and things you have never done before, and that is more amazing than scary, believe me! 2 - Say yes - for the same reasons! There is so much to do and be done, and you don't want to miss out on anything 3 - You can buy pretty much everything you need in Swaziland, the shops are an easy 10 minute walk away, so if packing is proving difficult you're fine leaving toiletries etc behind, you can get them easily here
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One world,one people,one love!!!
The people,both the locals and the children.also the people that came through from other countries! But the best of all was the warmth and love from everyone at all out africa!!peace....
Have fun,talk to everyone,enjoy!!!
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Fantastic, fun, rewarding experience, beautiful country and people, loved it!
* Seeing the Big 5 animals in Kruger * Working with and teaching the local children * Water sports in Mozambique * Exploring Swaziland and learning their culture
1. If you do the 6 week option you will be teaching all the time so dont need any work gloves / goggles as you dont do those activities. You could take colouring books/ lego / puzzles instead to do with the children. 2. Dont take many white clothes as they wont stay white very long. You do need a long skirt for the village tours but if you dont have one you will be provided with a sarong to wear. At other times we wore shorts and short skirts. 3. You dont need mosquito nets in Kruger or Swaziland only in Mozambique, also the beds already have nets on them so you dont need to buy one but you may want to take your own anyway.
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made new friends, unforgettable experience, breath-taking scenery, lots of variety
scuba diving and seeing the whale sharks and mantaray in Mozambique. seeing the big 5 and leopards in kruger Swaziland as a whole was amazing due to the people we met and the work we did.
take a really warm coat or jumper ... so cold at night. go to kruger in africas winter because you get to see more.
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Swaziland an amazing country, big five, beautiful beach, fun people.
Seeing the big 5 in Kruger. The kids at the ncps.
Always carry tissues and hand sanitiser! Wear a watch Chat to the locals when working on projects and get involved.
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New faces and personalities that changed my life. Best Month.
Meeting so many like minded people a similar age to me. Seeing and experiencing some amazing new things and getting to know the children and falling completely in love with quite a few of them.
Good bug spray. Enough washing powder. At least 2 bikinis.
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A truly beautiful, rewarding and life changing experience
Biggest highlight was the orphan care experience, caring for the same 15 children for 5 weeks (i extended my trip whilst out there) and totally falling in love with them and really feeling like i made a difference. Kruger and Mozambique were amazing experiences too and rounded the trip of well.
Prepare for white clothes to be binned! Take antihistamine tablets in case of bad reaction to mozzy bites - they are a godsend. Seriously do not underestimate the strength of the sun at any time of day. Factor 30 minimum!! And yes, you can get burnt in the shade!
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amazing, made friends for life, would do again in an instant, accomidation fantastic, food was great, leaders there helpful, weather perfect, description of progame does no justice, AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!!
being soo well looked after while out there in Africa. Being so close to the local community
sun cream comfortable clothes diary
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| Monday - Thursday: | 9am - 7pm |
|---|---|
| Friday: | 9am - 5:30pm |