Discover
South Africa

On Arrival, you will be met by your Gapforce Leader at the airport in Johannesburg. Your leader will then transfer the group to your accommodation to check-in and relax after your long flight, before dinner is served in the evening. 

After breakfast, take a two-hour cycle tour of Soweto that will take you to see some of the most interesting historical sites in the township including Nelson Mandela’s former home. You will end with a local lunch – “Kota” – a bread bun filled with delicious Soweto chicken or veggie stew. In the afternoon there is a visit to the Apartheid Museum. 

Depart the Johannesburg accommodation after breakfast, stop on route for lunch. Arrive at Malolotja in the afternoon and settle into the cosy wooden cabins. Time for a short hike before dinner to explore a little of the beautiful park and catch the setting sun. 

After breakfast, embark on an exciting and fun zipline activity in the park featuring eleven elevated forest platforms, ten slides and a 50 metre long suspension bridge that crosses the Majolomba River. Depart Malolotja taking in Sibebe Rock and Maguga dam. Arrive at Ezulwini accommodation in time for lunch. In the afternoon an orientation meeting to introduce the country and culture of Eswatini as well as the project work that lies ahead. 

The morning will consist of a guided walking tour around the local village community of Lobamba where the Swaziland National Museum is located. The tour finishes with a traditional barbecue lunch. The afternoon will be a visit to join in and assist with homework club for primary school children in the local area. Once the school work is completed, this usually concludes with some lively singing and dancing. 

Today the group will begin service work at one of our partner’s projects. This could involve building, maintenance, painting and upkeep or work on a community garden at one of the community centres, as per need at the time of visit 

Hike to the summit of Sheba’s Breast, the mountain above the lodge, with the trail starting on-site and rewarding you with stunning valley views. This steep, challenging climb is followed by a visit to Mantenga Cultural Village for a guided tour, traditional music, and lively dance performances. 

The next 3 days are spent on community projects. Various projects are available and the exact nature of the project work will be determined according to group preference and current need. A cultural exchange activity can be arranged for one afternoon. This could be a sports event with a local youths, or a chance to visit a local school and present an informative lecture to the children in attendance. 

Early start and transfer to Kruger National Park. On arrival at Crocodile Bridge, meet up with the Kruger Safari guides. You will immediately begin your safari adventure, spotting wildlife on entry to Kruger. You will enjoy time in the open safari vehicles looking out for wildlife including the South African Big 5 on your journey. Head to camp and get acquainted with your base for the next 3 nights. 

Two days of game drives with opportunity to spot wildlife and information from guides. There will be time during the day to relax at camp and use swimming pool. Guides cook dinner ready for you to enjoy around the campfire. 

After days packed with discovery, it’s time to journey home. As you make your way to the airport and reflect on all you’ve experienced – the challenges you embraced, the landscapes you explored, and the people you met – you’ll realise how much you’ve seen and achieved in a short time. 

This trip will broaden horizons, strengthen skills, and offer a deeper connection to the world. Students return not only with memories, but with perspectives and experiences that will continue to shape their futures.