Ultimate South Africa

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Johannesburg
• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: On this marvellous tour of South Africa and Swaziland you will travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town via Swaziland! Along the way you will play with lion cubs near Johannesburg, see Swazi culture and crafts in the Ezulwini valley of Swaziland, take a boat cruise through the St Lucia estuary, spend some time experiencing Zulu culture and the fantastic beaches of Durban, and head towards Cape Town via the famed "Garden Route", a passage lined with beautiful coastal villages set against the backdrop of ancient forests and rugged mountains. Along the "Garden Route " you will pause to take in the majestic scenery on a canopy tour through the Tsitsikama forest. Your tour comes to its conclusion in the vibrant city of Cape Town. You will spend your final week working with disadvantaged children in a nursery school near Cape Town. This action packed four week adventure is perfect for anyone looking to make some great new friends and see the best of what Southern Africa has to offer! You won't believe how much you can see and do in just four short weeks!

*Day 1: Arrive into Johannesburg and get settled
Please arrange your flights to arrive into Oliver Thambo Airport on the arrival day by 4pm. You will be met by i-to-I representative at the American Express counter in International Arrivals. You will transfer to a local 'backpackers' hostel where you'll have an i-to-i welcome orientation at 5pm on your arrival day followed by a traditional South African meal.

*Day 2: Play with lion cubs
You will spend a full day at the Lion Park near Johannesburg playing with cubs, feeding giraffes, taking photos of the naughty meer cats and visiting the big lions in a safari camp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 3: Swaziland
Departing Pretoria bright and early to travel to Swaziland you will have plenty of time to enjoy the views and catch up with your fellow travellers as you make the scenic drive to the Ezulwini Valley. You will stay overnight in a backpacker lodge in the Ezulwini valley of Swaziland in a shared dorm. Breakfast and dinner are included.

*Day 4 and 5: Swazi cultural village experience and Mantenga Nature Reserve
You will take a tour of the stunning Ezulwini valley to see all the highlights of this unique area. The tour includes visits to craft centres, the Swazi cultural village and Mantenga Nature Reserve. You will spend the night at the backpacker lodge in the Ezulwini valley. Breakfast and dinner are included.

*Day 6 to 9: Visit the St Lucia Greater Wetland Park, the former "Zululand" and Durban

You will say your goodbyes to Swaziland and travel back to South Africa to the region of Kwa-zulu Natal, formerly the kingdom of the Zulus. Here you will explore the St Lucia Greater Wetland Park, a world heritage site, and take a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary. Next you will take part in a Zulu cultural tour and will also have plenty of time to explore the vivacious city of Durban. Durban is known for its golden beaches and lively nightlife. You will stay in Durban at a backpacker lodge in shared dorm rooms. Breakfast and dinner are included.

*Day 10 to 12: Visit beaches and experience Xhosa culture
You will travel to the Wild Coast, known for its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and laid back rural communities. You will have the chance to relax on the beach, explore the coastal hills and experience Xhosa rural living at its best. Breakfast and dinner are included.

*Day 12 to 14: Garden route and Tsitsikama canopy tour
Next you will travel through the Garden route", famous for its beautiful coastal villages and set against the backdrop of ancient forests and rugged mountains. You will take a canopy tour through the Tsitsikama forest and also have the option to get your adrenaline pumping by doing the worlds highest bungee jump (bungee jump fee is not included in the tour fee). You may also choose to hike through some of the indigenous forests or visit some of the villages and shops. You will stay at backpacker lodges along the Garden route in shared dorm rooms. Breakfast and dinner are included.

*Day 15 to16: Cape Town
Finally you will travel to Cape Town where you will have the chance to experience the buzz of Africa's most sought after city. You can explore the bars and shops on Long Street or peruse the docks of the V&A waterfront. You will spend the night at a local backpackers lodge on Long Street, right in the center of Cape Town. Breakfast and dinner are included.

*Day 16: Fish Hoek
You will transfer to Fish Hoek, a relaxed coastal town about a hour from Cape Town. There you will meet the Cape Town i-to-i team and settle into the volunteer house where you will be staying for your final week. You will have the afternoon free to go grocery shopping, do some laundry, explore the local area at etc.

*Day 17 to 18: Fish Hoek
You have the weekend free to rest up or to explore Fish Hoek, Cape Town and beyond! The i-to-i team can help you organize trips including shark cage diving, table mountain visit, wine tours etc. These excursions are not included in the project fee.

*Day 19 to 23: Work at a children's center near Cape Town
You will spend the next five days working with disadvantaged children at a nursery school. You will be helping to take care of over 20 children between the ages of two and five. Most of the children attending the school come from parents with drug and alcohol abuse problems. The school staff takes care of the children affording their parents the opportunity to work full-time jobs. The school first started 15 years ago as a community center and was transformed into a nursery for the children in the area. The owner of the school works as a cleaner in order to fund the school's daily operating expenses. You will assist the small staff with a variety of activities including feeding, reading to, singing with and teaching new songs to the children - you may also be asked to keep a watchful eye on the little ones while they sleep!

*Day 24 to 25 - Fish Hoek
You have the weekend free to do whatever you please. It is time to buy those last minute souvenirs, take your final photos and say goodbye to your new friends.

*Day 26 - Departure
Today you will sadly leave the volunteer house and make your own way to the airport. Can you believe how fast these past four weeks have just flown by?

Highlights:
* Hanging out with Lions near Pretoria
* Visiting the stunning Ezulwini valley in the mountain Kingdom of Swaziland
* 3 days on the 'Wild Coast' of South Africa and the opportunity to experience real Xhosa culture
* Travelling along the world famous 'Garden Route' (and taking the option to do the world's highest bungee if you dare!)
* Working in a children's centre near Cape Town supporting disadvantaged children
* South Africa - a brilliant destination

Cost in US$: USD 2,965.00 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994