South Africa: The Safari Experience
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To learn more about program dates and how to enroll in this particular program, please contact us for more information.
South Africa is rich in diversity in just about every sense you can imagine making it difficult to narrow down to a few options of what to see or do. From the inspiring leadership of Nelson Mandela to the vibrant culture, natural history, and intriguing wildlife, South Africa has something for everyone.
This South African: Safari Experience program introduces you to the endless jewels of the mysterious continent’s wildlife. You wouldn’t want to miss the seven-day Safari excursion along the coast of South Africa. We’ll experience the world’s most famous safari park – Kruger National Park, Durban’s sweeping waterfront promenade, the second largest canyon in Africa – Blyde River Canyon and so much more. If that’s not fulfilling enough, your cup will definitely run over during our week-long community service project. How about you reserve your program to South Africa and get an unforgettable experience that will enrich your life and the lives of others?
Excited, yet? You should be. We are certainly excited to see you in South Africa. What are you waiting for? Take the next step to becoming a global citizen.
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Program Destination:
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Program Date:
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Dress Code
Casual, comfortable and light -
Included:
AccommodationActivities & ExcursionsAirport TransferBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerCommunity Service HoursTravel Medical Insurance -
Not Included:
AirfareLanguage CertificatePersonal ExpensesPre-Departure TrainingTrip Cancellation Coverage
From our gallery
Take a look at our photographs from South Africa that'll convince you to book your flight today. From the Cape Town beach shores to the wildlife beauties, you'll experience stunning landscape views in this African country..
Program Plan
1
Johannesburg
Welcome! You will arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa where you’ll meet your favorite program leaders. A reserved shuttle will transfer the group to the designated accommodations to settle in. Once settled, you begin program orientation where you’ll get acclimated with your leaders, peers, and the program expectations. For dinner, you’ll experience a traditional South African braai (pronounced “bry” or barbecue in English) as a warm welcome before the long journey the following day.
2
Hazyview
The group will undergo a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route with stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window. You’ll continue to their reserved tented camp located near the Kruger National Park.
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Kruger National Park
On the first day in Kruger, you will enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive through Kruger National Park. You will take in the views of the abundant wildlife such as elephants, lions, and giraffes. In the late afternoon, the group will return to the lodge where you can relax on the deck with views of the surrounding area.
4
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
On this fourth day, you will continue your journey across the border from South Africa to Swaziland. During the evening the group will hop into an open-air safari vehicle to explore Mlilwane's nature-rich plains at sunrise or sunset.
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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
This morning, head out on foot to search for fascinating species that call Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary home during this guided walk. You’ll get a better feel for the landscape, animals, and birds of Swaziland. Later, the group will explore an interwoven network of 9 trails covering well over 20km traverse Mlilwane, all well marked and mapped for easy reference. The trails vary in length and difficulty, weaving together the plains, shallows, mountains, and forests.
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Durban
Departing Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the group will continue on the drive to Durban. Time permitting, you'll explore the beach and dive into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. During the evening, you'll also enjoy a traditional Durban meal of "bunny chow" (hollowed out bread filled with delicious curry).
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Chintsa
Bidding farewell to the beautiful city of Durband, you'll then travel south into the heartland of the Xhosa (pronounced kosa) people and on to Chintsa, a little piece of paradise with 15km (9.3 mi) of the beach.
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Chintsa
On the second day in Chintsa, the group will embark on a journey into the world of the African Elephant on a guided, unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures. You'll receive an educational information session as you witness the beautiful animals in action. Throughout the afternoon, you will endure true tranquility as you view the abundance of wildlife from open safari vehicles!
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Tsitsikamma
Departing Chintsa, the next stop on your journey is Tsitsikamma (pronounced sit-sit-kamma). Upon arrival, you will take advantage of the relaxing time before your adventurous day following.
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Tsitsikamma National Park
Your second day in Tsitsikamma, you will experience the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma Forest on a journey down the old Stormsriver Pass through the indigenous forest from the comfort of a specially-designed vehicle. Following the elephant migratory route, passing yellowwoods and stinkwoods, you'll learn more about the history of the area and the indigenous fauna and flora.
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Knysna
As the group travels further west to the town of Knysna, famous for the Knysna Lagoon and the "Heads" (sea cliffs) you'll stop at the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. There the group will embark on a 1 hour guided Wild Cat tour to discover more about the indigenous wild cats of South Africa. You'll see African Wild Cats, Servals, Caracals, Cheetahs, Lions, Leopards, as well as other wildlife such as meerkats marabou storks and much, much more!
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Knysna
The second day in Knysna, you'll sit back and relax as you enjoy a scenic ride into the heart of one of the local forests. Arriving at some of the best hills before starting the adventure down into Garden Route National Park where you'll enjoy an exhilarating ride downhill on the Monster Mountain Scooter. Making your heart pound - you'll descend through the indigenous forest around sweeping bends on a single track. In the midst of this, the group should be on the lookout for local wildlife, like the majestic Knysna lourie, the shy bushbuck, and wild boar. The afternoon you'll continue on a close encounter Whale Watching excursion! Getting up close and personal with these noble giants that inhabit the vast and pristine Indian ocean.
13
Cape Town
The final day of your glorious thirteen-day safari adventure, the group will make their way to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you'll have the chance to relax, reflect, and recover before your life-changing community service project with Etafani.
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Day 14 - 21: Cape Town
During this concluding week in South Africa, you will begin a life-changing community service project. Globally Abroad has partnered with Etafani, providing them a helping hand with their needs. This will allow all participants an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
Program Location
South Africa is positioned as the southernmost country of Africa and covers 75,4637 miles of land. The program takes you on a safari experience through the eastern coast of South Africa originating in Johannesburg and settling in Cape Town where the life-changing community service project will begin.
History of the Country
South Africa is a growing country rich in culture and history that propelled itself onto the world stage. From the inspiring leadership of Nelson Mandela to the chronology of key events that explain migrations to the present day, there’s so much to explore. How about you book your program to South Africa and get an opportunity to learn the captivating and surprising insights of South Africa's location and history?Gallery
Take a look at our photographs from South Africa that'll convince you to book your flight today. From the Cape Town beach shores to the wildlife beauties, you'll experience stunning landscape views in this African country..
Housing
Each participant's accommodations throughout the thirteen-day safari offer an entirely distinct adventure. We will experience boutique hotels, cabins, luxurious huts, and glamping. As we settle in Cape Town, the accommodating hotel offers a close environment to the community service project. All participants will occupy a double room and will be matched with another participant of the same gender. GBA selects accommodations based on comfortability, ratings, and location security. For safety cares, we do not disclose the names or locations of participant accommodations, publicly. Each participant will have access to their accommodation information after the final confirmations and prior to program departure.Community Service Project
GBA has partnered with Etafani of Cape Town to offer volunteer support. Etafani has built a multi-purpose Day Care Centre in Nyanga which takes into account the needs of vulnerable children, the needs of those who care for them, and the needs of the community who will, of necessity, be their safety net. This particular GBA program offers participants to learn the importance of humanitarianism while reaching beyond their own situation as they bring love to others. Participants can preference: working with children (of all ages), community field support, the Etafani garden, or the kitchen. Note: All program participants must clear a local or state background check before the program start date.Program Terms and Conditions
Each participant must agree to the Program Terms & Conditions outlined here. Upon acceptance into a program, participants and or if the participant is a minor, then the parents/guardian must endorse it on their behalf.Program Payment & Refund
GBA accepts program tuition in full at any time. Payment options are also available to participants who require an extended amount of time. There is a two-month deadline for all program payments whether paying in full or paying with the following three (3) payment plans:1. Max10 - allows participants to secure ten monthly installments with the final installment paid no later than two months before the program start date.
2. Super5 - allows participants to secure five monthly installments with the final installment paid no later than two months before the program start date. 3. Accel4 - allows any participant who registers after the after five-month time frame and wishes to take advantage of a payment plan. This is an accelerated installment and all payments must be arranged biweekly to meet the final payment deadline. Upon completion of the application and enrollment fee, if a participant opts to pay the outstanding program amount in full, the entire amount must be paid no later than 30-days following program acceptance. For participants who would like to take advantage of the GBA's payment plans, the initial payment must be paid no later than 30-days following program acceptance. GBA accepts full-tuition enrollment after the two-month deadline upon availability.(For example: If the program start date is July 15th and a participant enrolls on or after April 15th, the entire program amount will be due upon acceptance).
Any enrollment made prior to January 30th is eligible for a full refund. After January 30th, the enrollment fee is non-refundable however is eligible for transfer to another program within the same year and up to the following year. Enrollment fees will no longer be transferable after one year. Program payments are refundable minus any non-refundable expenses paid on a participant's behalf. Non-refundable expenses may include but are not limited to an application fee, deposits made on accommodations, activities, transportation, meals, etc. Trip cancellation (by the participant) on or after the program start date is non-refundable. GBA recommends purchasing an extra layer of protection by acquiring trip cancellation coverage. Click here for more details. No refund is given for any unused program features, whether because of participant's choice, bad weather, or any other reason. Participants should understand that they are responsible for any costs if early program departure occurs, whether for medical reasons, participant dismissal, personal emergencies, or otherwise.