An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
South Africa, known as the Rainbow Nation, is a country of stunning natural beauty with a fascinating history, not least the Apartheid years and the rise of Nelson Mandela – a true world legend. The country boasts a diverse population that speaks eleven different languages.
This cross-curricular school trip to South Africa offers the chance to explore Cape Town and visit Robben Island, Nelson Mandela’s prison for 18 years. You will also head to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views over the city.
In this itinerary, the opportunity to travel up north to the Gauteng region of South Africa allows you to see the industrial heart of the country, before heading across to the Kruger Park, steeped in legend and history. The iconic Kruger National Park has vast landscapes and spectacular African wildlife waiting to be explored.
Trip Highlights
Enjoy amazing views from the top of iconic Table Mountain
Explore Nelson Mandela’s cell for 18 years on Robben Island
Go in search of the ‘Big 5’ in stunning Kruger National Park
Meet local communities at the Winnie Mabaso Foundation
Recommended excursions
Table Mountain
Visit the most iconic landmark in South Africa, Table Mountain, where you will enjoy a cable car ride to the summit to enjoy fantastic views across Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island and more.
District Six Museum
District 6 in Cape Town CBD was destroyed by the apartheid government in the 1960s, and thus thousands of people were forcibly removed from the area. District Six Museum is a memorial containing maps, photographs and other reminders of this old vibrant neighbourhood. Site walks and tours in the Museum with ex-resident storytellers are also offered.
Robben Island
Take a ferry ride from the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the V&A Waterfront to the infamous Robben Island. It was here that Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years, along with other apartheid activists. The tour takes about 3 and half hours and is weather and sea-conditions dependant.
Langa Township Tour
Discover Langa Township on a walking tour, run by Eric Dilima and his team. Split into groups to go on a walking tour of Zone 1 in Langa. Learn about the history of Cape Town’s oldest township and the day-to-day life of the locals, and meet some of the local children.
Enjoy lunch at a family-run restaurant with traditional food and music.
Apartheid Museum
Learn about the history of the Rainbow Nation and the effects apartheid had, and still has today, on the country. Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th-century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.
Several leading architectural firms conceptualised the design of the building, a superb example of design, space and landscape.
Kruger Sunrise Game Drive
Head out in a 4 x 4 open vehicle for a game drive around Kruger National Park. An experienced guide will interpret the natural bush and offer further insight into the ways of the Kruger National Park. The drive will take 3 to 3.5 hours and you will be able to watch the sunrise over unspoilt bush as you go in search of the Big 5.
Kruger Sunset Game Drive
In the late afternoon, head out on a Sunset Game Drive lasting around three hours, where you will search for grazers in the cool afternoon and predators starting their nightly hunts. Sunset is a time when night animals emerge and a drive during this period is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of the bush as it changes from day to night.
Panorama Route
The Blyde River Canyon is a 26-kilometre-long valley and one of the most important natural wonders of South Africa. Viewpoints are situated all along the panoramic route, allowing views several hundred metres down into the canyon. Features include the Three Rondavels (huge rocks growing like mushrooms out of a mountain), Bourke’s Luck Potholes (a complex of smooth, cylindrical potholes and rock sculptures) and the spectacular viewpoint known as God’s Window.
Winnie Mabaso Foundation
The Winnie Mabaso Foundation supports a number of projects, including Meriting Village (a squatter camp south of Johannesburg), Ilamula House (a home for vulnerable and orphaned girls in Mid Ennerdale) and a Feeding Station. Here you will take part in some activities, including some sports activities, painting and building, and gardening work. You will meet the pre-schoolers and enjoy a home-cooked lunch.
Typical accommodation
Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge
Why groups like it:
The Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge specialises in touring groups with an excellent location within walking distance to the V & A Waterfront in Cape Towm.Facilities
- All rooms with Private facilities, TV and hair dryer
- Public space and meeting rooms
- Free Wifi
City Lodge Lynnwood
Why groups like it:
- Excellent location with plenty of restaurants right on the doorstep
- Lovely, gated community
Facilities
- All rooms with Private facilities TV, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi
- Public space and meeting rooms
- Fitness room & small swimming pool (no lifeguard but can be arranged at a supplement)
Pestana Kruger Lodge
A top quality 4-star hotel, situated just 70m from the southern entrance to Kruger National Park and only 800m from Malelane Gate, one of the most important access points to the park. The hotel is surrounded by marvellous gardens and offers a fantastic view of the Crocodile River, where hippos and several wildlife species can be seen. Game drives can be arranged to explore Kruger National Park.
Facilities
- Two outdoor swimming pools (no lifeguard but can be arranged at a supplement)
- Set in an extensive garden area and completely remodelled
- Deck with bar and restaurant on the Crocodile River, with its fascinating wildlife
Itinerary suggestion
1 Depart UK – Overnight flight to Cape Town (approx. 12 hrs)
1 Arrive Cape Town
2 Table Mountain
3 District Six Museum
4 Evening meal included. Overnight Cape Town
1 Breakfast at your accommodation included
2 Robben Island
3 Langa Township Tour. Lunch included
4 Evening meal included. Overnight Cape Town
1 Breakfast at your accommodation included
2 Transfer to airport – Flight Cape Town to Johannesburg
3 Apartheid Museum
4 Evening meal included. Overnight Pretoria
1 Breakfast at your accommodation included
2 Travel to Kruger National Park
3 Afternoon Game Drive
4 Evening meal included. Overnight Kruger area
1 Breakfast at your accommodation included
2 Panorama Route
3 Evening meal included. Overnight Kruger area
1 Breakfast at your accommodation included
2 Morning Game Drive
3 Coach transfer from Kruger area to Pretoria
4 Evening meal included. Overnight Pretoria
1 Breakfast at your accommodation included
2 Winnie Mabaso Foundation including lunch
3 Coach transfer to Johannesburg airport
4 Overnight flight
1 Arrive UK
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Explore a range of issues around citizenship and history
- Consider the significance of events, people and developments in their historical context and in the present day
- Consider what it was like to live under apartheid and its continuing effects today
- Learn about Truth and Reconciliation
- Evaluate the success of modern South Africa
- Engage with the work that is being done to support local communities.
- Experience amazing indigenous wildlife in its natural environment and learn about what is being done to protect it
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Have a better understanding of the complexities of South Africa’s modern history
- Understand the Geography and bio-diversity of South Africa
- Gain independence and self-confidence
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
- Identify the issues surrounding wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
“
There are no words to describe this trip other than amazing from start to finish, this was down to Travelbound and the exceptional team they now have in South Africa.
Both students and staff were overwhelmed by this incredible experience, and to quote from most of the students: ‘we have memories to last a lifetime’.
Hinchingbrooke School
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