

Trip Highlights
Trip Summary
See full itineraryThe South Africa Experience is an action packed two-week adventure encapsulating the best that South Africa has to offer. Spend a week as a wildlife conservation volunteer on a fantastic Big 5 private game reserve near Port Elizabeth; then after all that hard work it’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy the ride… travelling along the stunning Garden Route there are endless memories waiting to be made; rounding it all off in Cape Town, one of the greatest cities in the world!
You’ll get an inside view on what life is like to volunteer on a South African private game reserve, which also happens to be home to the Big 5 and an abundance of other fascinating creatures! You’ll be helping out with a selection of activities at the project which may include important reserve maintenance such as fence patrols, eradicating alien plant species and re-introducing native plant species and helping out with some of the day to day care of the amazing resident animals at the reserve.
Week two is when things really get exciting… the Garden route is sure to be a highlight of any trip to South Africa, as there is so much to see and do along the way! Ride the waves on a surfing lesson in Jeffrey’s bay, wander through the scenic forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, chill out at Knysna Quays, pay a visit to Oudsthoorn – the Ostrich capital of the world, head to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting) and sample some of Cape Town’s vibrant night life!
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 June 2013 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-985-4852 | |
| 15 July 2013 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 26 August 2013 | 2 weeks | $1,629 | Available | Book now | |
| 23 September 2013 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 October 2013 | 2 weeks | Now $1,368 Was $1,609 Save 15% | Available | Book now | |
| 11 November 2013 | 2 weeks | Now $1,368 Was $1,609 Save 15% | Available | Book now | |
| 20 January 2014 | 2 weeks | Now $1,368 Was $1,609 Save 15% | Available | Book now | |
| 10 February 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 March 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 April 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 May 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 July 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 25 August 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 22 September 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 13 October 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 November 2014 | 2 weeks | $1,609 | Available | Book now | |
Be a wildlife conservation volunteer (Days 1 - 7)
Jeffreys Bay & Tsitsikamma National Park (Days 8 - 11)
Knysna & Oudtshoorn (Days 12 - 13)
Cape Town (Days 14 - 15)
The South Africa experience rocks! This is a diverse, exhilarating, spectacular and varied country – and this journey starts off around Port Elizabeth, takes to Jeffrey’s Bay and then up the Garden Route, finishing off in the mother of all cities, Cape Town.
Never far from the news, South Africa’s a vast, modern, multicultural country, full of contradictions and full of interest. Not to mention all that has been accomplished since the years since apartheid was dismantled – it’s unique in the world.
The country offers everything from lush subtropics to deserts, savannah, scrubland and bush to stunning coastlines. You’ll love the wildlife reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
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.
The South Africa experience rocks! This is a diverse, exhilarating, spectacular and varied country – and this journey starts off around Port Elizabeth, takes to Jeffrey’s Bay and then up the Garden Route, finishing off in the mother of all cities, Cape Town.
Never far from the news, South Africa’s a vast, modern, multicultural country, full of contradictions and full of interest. Not to mention all that has been accomplished since the years since apartheid was dismantled – it’s unique in the world.
The country offers everything from lush subtropics to deserts, savannah, scrubland and bush to stunning coastlines. You’ll love the wildlife reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
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.
The South Africa experience rocks! This is a diverse, exhilarating, spectacular and varied country – and this journey starts off around Port Elizabeth, takes to Jeffrey’s Bay and then up the Garden Route, finishing off in the mother of all cities, Cape Town.
Never far from the news, South Africa’s a vast, modern, multicultural country, full of contradictions and full of interest. Not to mention all that has been accomplished since the years since apartheid was dismantled – it’s unique in the world.
The country offers everything from lush subtropics to deserts, savannah, scrubland and bush to stunning coastlines. You’ll love the wildlife reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
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.
The South Africa experience rocks! This is a diverse, exhilarating, spectacular and varied country – and this journey starts off around Port Elizabeth, takes to Jeffrey’s Bay and then up the Garden Route, finishing off in the mother of all cities, Cape Town.
Never far from the news, South Africa’s a vast, modern, multicultural country, full of contradictions and full of interest. Not to mention all that has been accomplished since the years since apartheid was dismantled – it’s unique in the world.
The country offers everything from lush subtropics to deserts, savannah, scrubland and bush to stunning coastlines. You’ll love the wildlife reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
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.
To get a detailed PDF of information for this trip including full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather, download our trip notes. By doing so you’ll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
Minimum age 18 years, maximum decided on participants health.
This trip requires minimum numbers to operate.
During the first week of your programme you will be staying in a comfortable volunteer lodge at the project site, in shared single sex dormitory bedrooms with bathrooms. The lodge is fully furnished and has a number of communal facilities including lounge area, kitchen, table tennis, table football, tennis court, cricket field and an entertainment room with satellite television.
After your volunteer placement you will be touring the Garden Route, throughout the journey from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town you will be staying in Backpackers Hostels, in shared dormitory rooms.
Throughout your first week you will be provided with 3 meals each day. Breakfast is on a self service basis and items such as milk, jam, eggs and bread etc will be provided for you. Lunch and dinner will be prepared for you and normally consists of rice, vegetables, pasta dishes, pap, beans and curries.
Vegetarians can be catered for on request. Please note that during the first week the project is an alcohol free environment.
Lunches and dinners are not included during the second week of your programme, but this is a great opportunity to sample the food in the local cafes and restaurants along the way.
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 staff at any time should you need to.
Groups sizes vary depending on the time of year, but can be anything between 5 and 20 fellow travelers.
If you are on a tight budget you can get away with £80 Per week. If you want to do lots of extra activities along the way then you will need a bit more.
The majority of participants on this program are aged between 18-30, however it is popular with travelers of all ages.
The majority of our participants are solo travelers, so you will be one of many in the same position. We e-mail out a buddy list 2-3 weeks before you start, so you can begin to get to know one another beforehand.
This trip requires a Police Check to be carried out - please contact us for further information on how to do this.
I've done this trip
Write reviewAmazing experience, did some unforgettable things, met new people and would happily do it all again.
I did an extra week volunteering at Kwantu- which I would recommend without a doubt as only 1 week there wouldn't have been long enough as you go to Port Elizabeth at the weekend. Surfing at Jbay was my highlight, or doing the Bungee at Tsitik National Park.
- Take a backpack not a suitcase or a rollbag - Always keep your passport and money is a safe place you know about - DO EVERYTHING!
- Either, remove the Oudtshoorn day (as i thought it wasn't worth it) and maybe go to Mossel Bay (shark diving), Stellenbosch or Hermanus instead. - Or just add an extra night at Jeffreys bay or Cape Town. - I also believe that the trip itself should be 3 weeks at least in total. So 2 weeks at Kwantu and then a week or so on the garden route.
Remove The Oudtshoorn Day; Cango Caves Were Interesting, But Not Amazing. The Ostrich Farm Really Wasn't Great, I Wouldn't Recommend It To Anyone And We Had To Pay For It. The Crocodile Ranch Was Interesting, But Very Zoo- Like, So If You've Been At Kwantu Then This Is A Waste Of An Afternoon And Pretty Tame. Other Than That Though, One Of The Greatest Experiences Of My Life!
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It was a dream come true to visit South Africa!
Doing the highest bridge bungee jump in the world, having a surfing lesson and going up Table Mountain!
Bring warm clothes as it gets chilly when the sun goes down. Be daring and brave as you'll regret it if you don't do things, especially the bungee jump! Be relaxed about the itinerary as it sometimes has to be changed but you'll still have a great time.
There were several things that people in the group wanted to try that weren't included, like shark cage diving and skydiving, bur tour guide, Victor, was great at letting us add whatever we wanted to the itinerary. Shark cage diving wasn't included, but he re-arranged some things for us and was able to book it :)
The Only Complaint I Have About The Trip Is That During The Garden Route Week The Accommodation Was Quite Poor. There Were Often Six Of Us Crammed Into Tiny Rooms That Weren't Always Very Clean! But It Didn't Really Matter As You Are Only There To Sleep, You're Out All Day.
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eyeopening, unforgetable, travelling alone is easier than i imagined!
coming face to trunk with elephants :) the highist bridge bungee in the world! surfing lol meeting different people & expirencing africa
- Take a rain coat or warm jumper, the weather can change from sun to storm within a minute! - Get involved in everything you possibly can - Dont go if your highlight is expecting to be hands on with the animals
maybe skip the day in port elizebeth and have an extra day in cape town.
I Think Its Great For First Time Travellers Or Travelling Alone. Ill Remember This Trip For The Rest Of My Life And Im Extreamly Glad I Threw Myself Into It. Id Be Happy To Answer Any Questions For Future Travellers. X
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Amazing experience, Amazing people, Amazing Country, everything was amazing
Volunteering at Kwantu game reseve, game drives, bush walks, feeding and riding elephants, seeing all the amazing animals, can't forget the road maintenance and weeding which was good fun! Surfing and Horse riding in Jeffreys Bay, cage shark Diving, swimming with wild seals, sunset cruise in Knysna, Table Mountain, Cape Town and meeting some amazing people.
Take Clothes for all weather as it can change very quickly Take lots of photos Enjoy!!
Another week at the reserve and longer in Jeffreys Bay and Cape Town
One Of The Best Experiences Of My Life
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Amazing experience, dream come true, new friends and great memories!
The volunteering was absolutely amazing! We were extremely fortunate to see all the Big 5 animals as well as so much more! Visiting the elephant sanctuary is a once in a lifetime experience - and to get up so close and interact with them was a dream come true. The Garden Route was a completely different experience - but in no way a bad thing! Make sure you budget enough to do all the activities including the Bungee Jump, Great White shark cage diving and everything else! The surfing and horse-riding in Jeffery's Bay was so much fun too! You'll regret it if you don't do it!
- If you go in the Winter/Spring months - take WARM clothes! It can get so cold - especially in the early mornings/early evenings! - Do the Bungee Jump! - Make sure you research what you want to do and let the tour guide know!
So much we wanted to do - but not enough time to do it!
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Awesome, made some great friends, amazingly unforgettable experience, crazy, fun!
The first week in Kwantu was amazing - we did so much and were lucky enough to see all the animals. The second week felt like a completely separate holiday - highlights have to be the bungee jump, cage diving with great whites and horse riding along the beach!
Take warmer clothing - its quite cold in South Africa. For the first week, make sure you take gloves!!! Get involved in all the activities and take plenty of money.
there was so much we wouldn't have had time to do it!
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Amazing, best two weeks of my life!
Going to a african school, seeing the big five, going to the elephant sanctuary and meeting the most amazing people!
1. Take lots of memory cards for your camera 2. Do everything involved, you'll regret not doing it! 3. Mossie repellent!!
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New friends, great staff, definitely worthwhile!!
Volunteering in the Private Game Reserve - the staff were so friendly and I didnt want to leave!
Bring DVD's for the evenings whilst at Kwantu! Otherwise evening entertainment is fairly limited
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crazy fun, awkward turtle, new friends, nights out, lots to do
Shark Diving, Meeting all the people, Volunteering, Visiting the School, Playing with lion, cheetah and tiger cubs
Take what you need, be prepared for changeable weather and have an awesome time
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Working with lions and tigers at Kwantu. Bungee jumping along the Garden Route. Meeting loads of lovely people. The friendly people of South Africa!!
working on the game reserve and pretty much all the activities on the Garden route. Also, I've made some real good friends from that trip.
Meeting new people and making new friends, experiencing South Africa for the first time.. the Country really does live up to expectations and I dont think ive ever been to a more welcoming country
- dont be shy, be the first to say hello - soak up every part of your experience - do the Bungee Jump
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Amazing - diverse & beautiful country; Made new friends; Trip needs improvement !!
* Kwantu Game Reserve volunteering week, * Surf lesson at Jeffreys Bay, * Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves, * Cape Town...
* Make sure to pack a first aid / mini medical kit; * Remain flexible, as the content of the tour may change at the last moment due ot unforseen circumstances; * Be polite to local staff (it's nice to be able to speak a few words in the local language) & to fellow travellers.
Amazing experience, so fun, made new friends, totally worth it!!
The hands on animal bit was particularly good (ie playing with the tiger cubs), but the whole volunteering (Big 5 and Community) in general was a really great experience. The South Africa Experience was also really fun, and I would recommend it to anyone!
Take more warmer clothes like jumpers than you think you'll need if you're going in the Autumn/Winter months. Take more batteries than you think you'll need! Make sure you know exactly what the volunteering is and entails that you have booked.
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