South Africa Experience

Day 1: Arrive Port Elizabeth Airport, South Africa
On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, you will be met by our project representatives and taken to the accommodation that you will be calling home for the next week, where you will meet you fellow travellers from around the world. Today you will also be given a detailed orientation by our local team to tell you all about the exciting 2 weeks ahead and you will also have the opportunity to ask all of those burning questions!

Day 2 – 7: Big 5 volunteering
For the first week of your programme you will be volunteering at a Private Game Reserve between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. This week you may have the opportunity to be involved in essential maintenance at the reserve including fence patrols, eradication of alien plant species, game monitoring and caring for the wonderful resident animals. The work is varied and will give you a true taste of life in the African bush.

As part of the Experience you will be able to take an Elephant Ride in a private reserve near Port Elizabeth, an opportunity not to be missed! During the evenings a number of activities will be laid on including a Braai, close encounter with some local Reptiles and even some star gazing of the beautiful African sky.

Day 8 - 9: Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth, with its long sandy beaches and fantastic nightlife will be your base for the next couple of days.

You'll have free time in Port Elizabeth, when you may like to take advantage of the best the city has to offer. Some of our recommendations include a stroll along the boardwalk, a township tour, a visit to the Bayworld complex of museums and other attractions, or a boat trip out to the Indian Ocean. For the evenings everyone heads out into town to enjoy some of the lively bars which are sure to make a great night out!

Day 10: Jeffreys Bay – Surfers Paradise
Just a short drive along the coast you arrive in Jeffreys Bay, a real surfers paradise! With huge sandy beaches and rolling waves this is the perfect place to try your hand at a spot of surfing (weather permitting). For those shopaholics, there will also be time for you to visit the Billabong and Quiksilver Factory shops to hunt out a bargain! After an action packed day you may like to enjoy a night out in the lively surfing town.

Day 11: Tsitsikamma area – Trekking and adventure

The Tsitsikamma National Park covers a huge area of coastline and ancient forests. You will be staying just outside the National Park in hostel accommodation. Your park entrance fee will be covered for you and as a group you'll be taken on some of the forest walking trails. There are a number of optional activities available in the park including numerous waterfalls, tree top safaris, white water rafting and the famous suspension bridge trail.

Day 12: Knysna – Chill out on the Quays
Today we travel to the beautiful town of Knysna, a real highlight of the garden route! Home to the famous Knysna Quays and picturesque lagoon; as a group we will take a boat trip (weather permitting) out to ‘The Heads’ which are two sandstone cliffs marking the point where the Noatzie River meets the Indian Ocean, we travel through the lagoon with many photo opportunities along the way!

After the boat trip, you will have free time to explore the quaint town, visit the famous Quays and get involved with some amazing optional adventure activities if you wish- why not try your hand at paragliding, get a bird’s eye view of this stunning section of the Garden Route; snorkelling in the Quays, guided nature walks, horse riding; or simply relaxing in one of the many cafes.

Day 13: Oudtshoorn – Lot's to explore

From Knysna, we travel inland to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich capital of the world! The group will have the choice of a spot of cave exploration in Cango Caves or taking a trip to the local Wildlife Ranch where you will be able to interact with some fascinating and endangered animals.

Please note that only one of the two activities will be included in the programme and it will be decided by the group at the time on a majority basis. You will have free time later on to do any other activities that you wish in Oudtshoorn at your own cost.

Day 14: Cape Town – The greatest city on Earth?
Today we leave Oudtshoorn and re-join the magnificent Garden Route driving to Cape Town, the Mother City. It is a long drive but the views and spectacular scenery along the way more than compensate and will no doubt be one of the highlights of the trip! From rocky outcrops and crashing ocean waves, to misty mountains and vast open plains, this is the Garden Route and is one of the great marvels that South Africa has to offer.

The majestic Table Mountain will probably be your first glimpse of Cape Town, towering above the city it is one of the city's most famous landmarks.

We will visit Table Mountain and take the cable car to the top for wonderful views across the city and if it is clear enough you may be able to catch a glimpse of Robben Island in the distance. (Please note that this excursion is subject to the cable car being operational - in the event that the cable car is closed an alternative excursion to Robben Island will arranged).  

As tonight will be your final night as a group, you may like to go for a farewell dinner in one of Cape Town’s many fantastic restaurants. This is usually followed by a night out on the town South African style.... Brannies and coke followed by a Mampoer chaser anyone?

Day 15: Cape Town – The final day

Today is the final day of what we hope has been a fun-filled 2 weeks, full of memories that will last for many years to come! You have free time today to take in some of the many sights that Cape Town has to offer, you may like to take a stroll around the V and A waterfront, take a trip to Robben Island, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, travel further afield and visit the Cape of Good Hope or grab some of those last minute souvenirs in one of the craft markets!

A transfer back to the airport is not included as you may like to stay on in Cape Town for a few more days to make the most of this impressive city has to offer. If you are travelling home today though, you will be able to arrange a transfer to the airport locally.