Become a wildlife conservation volunteer with Africa’s famous and majestic Big 5 on a well established game reserve before hitting the road on a week long tour and soaking up the spectacular coastlines, adventure activities and lively nightlife that awaits you. Embrace South Africa at it’s very best on this two week, action packed adventure!
There is nowhere in the world quite like South Africa, with it’s immense natural diversity and spectacular landscapes it is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers alike. Pristine coastlines, subtropical forests and energetic cities are just a few of the reasons why you will fall in love with this intriguing country, and The Garden Route Adventure is the best way to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
This two week experience encompasses the best that South Africa has to offer, from immersing yourself in the African wildlife as a game reserve volunteer, to a road trip along the breathtaking coastline of the famous Garden Route. This action packed tour starts with a week of conservation volunteering at a Big 5 game reserve where you will gain a thorough understanding of South African wildlife and do your bit to help the sustainability of the natural landscape. After a weeks hard work it’s time to hit the road and have some more fun! Your week long road trip will begin in Port Elizabeth stopping off at some of South Africa’s best destinations and eventually ending up in the countries party capital, Cape Town.
Week One
Your first week will be spent getting to the heart of Africa’s spectacular wildlife as you become a wildlife conservation volunteer on an established private game reserve. The game reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife including the Big 5 (Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos and Leopards) as well as playful monkeys and baboons, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and antelope all roaming freely in your surroundings. Working alongside an experienced coordinator you will be given a hands on, practical role at the reserve from protecting the natural landscape to researching the animals through data collection.
You will get stuck into important conservation efforts such as the eradication of alien plant species; helping to care for orphaned animals such as lion cubs; assist in elephant training; help out in game captures; interacting with guests; accompanying the rangers on game drives and even feeding the predators!
Week Two
After all your hard work it’s time to hit the road and soak up some the best of South Africa’s coastline! This week will see you heading down the famous garden route starting off in bustling Port Elizabeth and finishing in the lively, fun filled city of Cape Town. There will be plenty of activities and adventures to keep you busy during this week as you stop off at some of the countries most exciting destinations and take in the beautiful landscape. Visit the Red location museum to gain a deeper understanding of South African history; enjoy a surf lesson on the famous Jeffrey’s bay or take a horse ride along the beach; trek the suspended bridge trail at Tsitsikamma national park; take a boat ride to the beautiful Knysna heads; get a guided tour around a crocodile ranch; take in the breathtaking scenery at table top mountain or visit the most southwesterly point of Africa at Cape Point and last but not least finish the week off with a ‘last supper’ in Cape Town where you can share memories with your new friends and make the most of the city's vibrant nightlife!
Highlights
1. Volunteer for a week alongside Africas Big 5 on an established game reserve
2. Visit the Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn
3. Surf lessons or horse riding along the beautiful Jeffrey's bay
4. Visit to the Red Location museum in Port Elizabeth
5. Boat ride along the breathtaking Knysna heads
6.Tour of Oudtshoorn crocodile ranch
7. Cable Cart to Table Mountain or Visit Cape Point
8. Exploring the suspended bridge trail of Tsitsikamma
9. Let your adventurous side out on a bungee jump, zip lining or rafting in Tsitsikamma
10. Last supper meal and night out in Cape Town
Your Gap Year and Career Break Garden Route Experience
Take part in this Garden Route adventure and have the trip of a lifetime whilst exploring the best that this magical country has to offer. From being a wildlife conservation volunteer at a Big 5 Game Reserve to a road trip along the sparkling southern coast, The Garden Route Adventure is the perfect opportunity for your gap year or career break.
Download the South Africa Country Info Brochure - Click Here!
Quick Facts
- Trip Name
- The Garden Route Adventure
- Trip Code
- ZATGR1
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- South Africa
- Airport
- Port Elizabeth (airport code PLZ)
- Minimum Duration
- 2 Weeks
- Minimum Age
- 18
- Trip Type
- Volunteering, Group Tours
- Activity
- Wildlife & Conservation, Adventure
- Cost
- From £945 for 2 Weeks
- Deposit
- £ 195.00
- Preferred Duration
- This is a 2 week tour only.
- Pre-requisites
- No prior conservation experience or qualifications are required. You will need to be healthy and of reasonable fitness to work on the game reserve.
- Ideal for
- Adventure Tours in South Africa; Garden Route Guided Tour; Game Reserve Experience; Port Elizabeth to Cape Town; Gap Year and Career Break Tours.
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Arrival Dates
We have monthly departures. Please contact us for specific dates.
Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa is they intend on staying over 90 days. Click here to check your eligibility or to get a tourist visa for visit over 90 days.
• • •
Included
- Accommodation
- Luxury dorm style accommodation is provided at the Game Reserve in your first week. In the second week you will be staying in dorm rooms in hostels and guesthouses along the route.
- Food
- Three meals a day whilst at the game reserve. Only breakfast is included during your second week.
- Airport Transfers
- You will be met at Port Elizabeth airport by a friendly Changing Worlds representative and taken to the project. Return transfers will be taken to Cape Town airport between 7-8 am on the last day of your project.
- Training
- Full Project induction and orientation on arrival
- Support
- Pre departure help and advice; local in country team; 24 hour emergency support
- Equipment and Medical Discounts
- Changing Worlds customers will receive 10% off Travel Equipment, Medical Supplies and Vaccinations from Nomad Travel Store.
• • •
Not Included
Flights, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations, spending money, lunch and dinner during the second week.
• • •
With seven world heritage sites, home to the Big 5, a absolute powerhouse in international sport, and birthplace of the great Nelson Mandela, South Africa is a truly diverse and captivating country. South Africa attracts many travellers from all over the world, from the rich and famous going to have a luxury safaris at Shamwari Game Reserve, or the adventure traveller looking for their own secluded piece of natural beauty on the Garden Route, South Africa is as diverse as it is large, and has a great deal to offer.
Five times the size of the United Kingdom, South Africa’s culture and landscape will inspire and amaze you, from wildlife safaris and wine tasting tours, to breathtaking surf beaches and cosmopolitan cities. South Africa will leave a lasting impression long after you return home.
Quick Facts
- Name
- Republic of South Africa
- Location
- Africa
- Bordering Countries
- Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
- Capital City
- Pretoria (official); Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative).
- Government
- Democratic Republic
- Population
- 53 million
- Language
- 11 official languages; English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu.
- Currency
- Rand (ZAR)
- Name
- Republic of South Africa
- Poverty
- 50% of population below the poverty line
- Main Exports
- Gold, diamonds, metals and minerals, cars, machinery.
- Climate
- Temperate: Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights
- Time Zone
- UTC +2
- Flag

Fun Facts
• Charlize Theron was the first South African to win an Oscar (Best Actress, Monster, 2004)
• Lekker means "cool" or "awesome"
• South Africa is the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup
Travel Highlights
• Big 5 Safari – the chance to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino
• Climb Table Mountain for spectacular views of Cape Town
• Wine Tour in the Stellenbosch Valley – find a new favourite in this famous region
• Walk in the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains
• Surf at Jeffrey's Bay - have a lesson with a professional surfer
Where is South Africa?
The Republic of South Africa lies at the very southern tip of Africa, flanked by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country is almost five times the size of the UK and shares southern Africa with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
History of South Africa
South Africa’s turbulent history is a blend of tribal warfare, racial struggle and political activity, the legacy of which lives on in the multicultural country that you see today. The Dutch were the first European settlers to land in South Africa, way back in the 17th century. They brought a new religion (the Dutch Reformed Church) and a new language (Afrikaans) which is still widely spoken throughout South Africa. The British, however, became increasingly prominent during the late 18th century and tensions soon led to the Anglo-Boer War. The conflict saw the Boers (Dutch farmers) and the British forces locked in battle from 1899-1902. The British were victorious and finally took control of the Boer regions of Transvaal and the Orange Free State (OFS) and ruled the country until 1910 when the Union of South Africa was created.
The Union of South Africa installed political power to the whites and, unsurprisingly, extreme racial segregation, better known as apartheid, was soon evident across the country. The Afrikaner National Party was especially renowned for upholding its strict racial regime from 1948 onwards. Blacks established their own political parties in response to this oppression, the most notable being the African National Congress (ANC), and black-led protests were met with unfettered violence. During the 1960s, the leaders of the ANC were imprisoned, including Nelson Mandela, and the country left the Commonwealth declaring itself a republic state. Racial tensions continued for many years and it was only in 1989, when FW de Klerk came to power, that South Africa gained a new hope for peace. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was freed from prison and became the first black president, winning the 1994 general election. Soon afterwards, South Africa returned to the Commonwealth.
South Africa has come a long way since the days of apartheid, but the division between whites and blacks still exists today. Fortunately, as one of the most democratic and well developed nations on the continent, South Africa can now be hopeful about finally resolving its turbulent and racially-loaded past.
Climate in South Africa
South Africa has an envious climate, with sunny weather being enjoyed throughout the year, although the temperatures in winter tend to be cool and mild. South Africa’s seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere and the winter months are therefore spread from June to August, with temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 20°C. The summer weather blazes from November to March, with temperatures reaching about 30°C, and spring is during September and October, with autumn between April and May.
Languages of South Africa
There are 11 official languages in South Africa but English is widely spoken, especially in the main cities. If travelling through South Africa, you will undoubtedly come across this variety of language. Afrikaans speakers usually speak English well, but this is not always the case in small towns and amongst the older generations. There are several African languages spoken, of which the most common are Zulu and Xhosa which uses a variety of clicks – hard to learn but will provide a source of intrigue for listeners.
Music in South Africa
Many people are familiar with the African sounds and choral beauty of the Lady Smith Black Mambazo band, most notably for their collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland project of 1986, winning fans throughout the world. Their music has also been used on TV commercials such as the Heinz baked beans TV advert in 1999. The Mambazo’s music has a recognizable sound (known as the Iscathamiya style of singing) but there is an array of other South African music which you should try to sample while in country, including Hip Hop, Reggae, Jazz and other contemporary styles.
Food in South Africa
South Africa offers traditional food spanning many different cultures, from Braais (barbeques) and biltong (dried meat), to Potjiekos (cooked meat and vegetable stew) and Mielie Pap (a stiff corn meal mix).
Travelling in South Africa
South Africa offers a reliable and affordable bus network that makes travelling the country by coach a convenient option. The journey from Cape Town (west coast) to Johannesburg (east coast) takes around 20 hours and there are a number of reputable companies to choose from, including Greyhound and Translux, as well as other hop-on, hop-off services that are targeted at the backpacker market. Travelling by bus is also a great way to explore the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth – a stunning coastal landscape rich with wildlife and flora.
Travelling by train is another affordable option, but often slightly more expensive than bus. Travel times tend to be shorter than bus, but not in every case. For example, the train journey from Cape Town (west coast) to Johannesburg (east coast) can take up to 30 hours as opposed to 20 hours by bus.
Renting a car gives you flexibility and is perhaps the best way to discover the areas of South Africa that the bus and train networks do not service. The roads are well kept and a number of major car rental companies operate in South Africa which makes car rental simple. You must, however, make sure you have a valid driver’s licence and are fully insured to drive in South Africa.
Flying is the most convenient way to travel between South Africa’s most popular areas and cities, including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Booking early will save you money and there are a number of domestic airlines to choose from.
South Africa is a haven for adventure with extreme sports, varied landscapes and famous surfing destinations, namely Jeffrey's Bay. There are also fantastic golf courses, scenic hiking routes (an ideal way of getting close to the natural environment and also an inexpensive way of exploring the country), places to parachute jump, go mountain biking, scuba dive and much more. You may want to include some of the following activities while in-country: mountain biking, camping, shark diving, bungee jumping, 4x4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, boogey boards, deep sea cruises, tennis, squash, kayaking, badminton, water skiing, coastal hiking and power kiting.
Sport in South Africa
South Africa has long been a respected and fearsome force in international sport with its rugby, cricket and football teams providing strong competition around the globe. South Africa is therefore a perfect destination for anyone who has a passion for sport, whether playing it, coaching it or watching it. However, behind South Africa’s sporting success, lies a lack of sporting opportunities for many of the children living in the townships and poorer communities.
Gap Years and Career Breaks in South Africa
South Africa is a fantastic destination for those who want a really varied gap year or career break. With opportunities to witness sporting drive and passion on another level, the experience of free falling from a platform high above the ground on the worlds tallest bungee jump, to getting up close with wildlife, and tracking the Big 5 in some of the worlds most famed game reserves. South Africa has something for everyone, so take this opportunity to make your trip truly memorable!
Some of you may be wondering where the money you pay towards your placement is actually going. As with any trip overseas, there are many things to consider that incur a cost, all of which are added benefits making the experience as memorable and fulfilling as possible!
Project Assessment
Before you see a tour on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. Many of our tours include volunteering activities so we see it as a crucial element to make sure that the volunteering activities are as beneficial to the local community as they are to you. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the tour. Only then do you get to see the tour on our website and book your place, safe in the knowledge that it is well-structured and guaranteed to be an amazing experience.
Help Choosing Which Tour
If you are not sure which tour or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right tour or destination for you. This makes the task of deciding to travel in a foreign country much less intimidating, and far more exciting.
Pre-departure Advice
Once you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”
Help with Flights and Insurance
We do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your tour. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.
Airport Pick-Up
Landing in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure our in-country staff are there to meet you on arrival. There’s nothing like seeing a friendly face when you walk out of a new airport. And once we have given you a warm welcome, the in-country staff will take you back to your accommodation where you can meet the rest of the people on your tour.
Arrival Induction
We will take you through a local orientation and tour induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, talk your through your tour itinerary, and it will also show you how to stay safe while travelling abroad.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is provided on all of our tours, you may have to pay extra for additional nights, however in most cases accommodation is included. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation, this is something that will be offered to you at different stages of your tour. We endeavour to supply food where we can on our tours, however in some cases this is not always possible. In many cases you will receive at least 1 meal a day, please see the trip itinerary on the Extra Info tab for further details.
In-Country Staff
Your safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you and guide you throughout your tour. Our staff can be reached 24-hours a day and will travel with you throughout your tour to ensure everything is running smoothly, and that you are happy.
24-Hour Emergency Support
In addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Giving Others Similar Travel Opportunities
In order to provide a reliable flow of participants on our tours overseas, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you to take part in these amazing experiences. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions!
There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.
Flights and Insurance
Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.
Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.
Browse or book flights using our search engine. Click here to access it.
Alternatively you can call them on 03300 585032 and mention you are considering or are going away with Changing Worlds and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.
Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.
Why are flights not included?
By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.
What happens when flights and insurance are booked?
When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.
There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.
Do I really need travel insurance?
We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.
Visas
Some of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.
Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.
Vaccinations
At least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.
Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.
Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!