You will travel along South Africa's stunning Garden Route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town discovering the world famous surfing mecca Jeffreys Bay, the rugged coastline and indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, the limestone caves and countryside of Oudtshoorn (ostrich capital of the world), Table Mountain and the exciting city of Cape Town. We will then fly to northern South Africa and explore the wildlife havens for elephant, lion, rhino and many other species at Kruger National Park, and take in the spectacular vistas of the Panoramic route around Blyde River Canyon. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

• Surfing at the world renowned Jeffeys Bay
• Horseback riding along deserted ivory colored sand beaches
• Discovering the wild coastline and waterfalls of Tsitsikamma National Park
• Exploring high in the treetop canopies of Outeniqua Yellowood trees
• Ocean kayaking among the Cape Fur seal colony in Plettenberg Bay
• Visiting Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world and exploring the countryside by bicycle
• Squeezing through tunnels and beholding the wonders of the limestone formations of the magnificent Cango Caves
• Bungy Jumping 216 m (648 ft) - the highest bridge bungy in the world!
• Rappelling from Table Mountain, overlooking the city of Cape Town
• Wildlife viewing via morning, afternoon and evening game drives in Kruger National Park
• Taking in the breathtaking views from the Panoramic Route nearby to Blyde River Canyon
• Visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years of his life
• Sandboarding in the Atlantis Nature Reserve
• Experiencing the fun nightlife in Cape Town including a cultural night of food, music and dance at Moyo African Village

Note: See ISV’s Tour Itinerary (below) which specifies the Program’s Included Activities and those provided in the ISV Optional Activity Package.

Adventure Tour Locations

"My experience with ISV has been a life changing experience. I have learned and experienced so many things here that I would never have done on my own. I would be happy to tour and work with ISV again in the future!" - Lindsay Poulin, University of Waterloo

Adventure Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Jeffreys Bay via Port Elizabeth: Travel to Port Elizabeth after your Volunteer Project and then drive south to Jeffreys Bay.  Unwind after the ISV Tour Orientation meeting with a Welcome Braai (BBQ) and Bonfire on the beach.

Day 2 – Jeffreys Bay (Surfing and Horseback Riding):An action-packed start to ISV's Adventure tour involving horseback riding (an ISV Included Activity) over coastal sand dunes and ivory colored beaches, followed by surf lessons by local expert instructors (part of the ISV Optional Activities Package). Jeffreys Bay is a surfer's paradise, and if the surf conditions are right, relax in the late afternoon and watch the experts show their stuff at 'Supertubes' break.

Day 3 – Storms River/Tsitsikamma National Park (Treetop Canopy Tour): After a fun morning of shopping at the Surfshop outlet stores, we will drive to Storms River to explore the enormous Outeniqua Yellowwood trees via a unique tree-top canopy tour experience (an ISV Included Activity). Using zip-lines (flying-fox cables), travel between multiple platforms set high in above the ground in the forest canopy. Learn about the amazing forest ecology from local knowledgeable guides. This evening, relax in our colonial village accommodations in the quaint town of Storms River.

Day 4 – Tsitsikamma National Park (Coastline and Waterfall Nature Hike): As part of the Optional Activity Package, explore the rugged coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park. Enjoy a three hour hike along the ocean’s edge to a waterfall that flows right into the sea. Swim in a tannin colored pool at the foot of the waterfall if you are brave enough to experience the ‘refreshing’ water! Participants without the OAP will have a free morning back at Storms River. After lunch, all thrill seeking participants have the additional option to try bungy jumping from the nearby Bloukrans Bridge (at your own expense). This is the highest bridge-bungy in the world, an astounding 216 m (648 ft)! There are alternative activities to choose from, or just watch your friends plummet towards the river below!

Day 5 – Oudtshoorn via Plettenberg Day (Ocean Kayaking): Get ready for the ultimate eco- adventure at Plettenberg Bay as we go ocean kayaking amongst the local Cape Fur Seal Colony (an ISV Included Activity). A unique and personal experience with hundreds of seals that play around your kayak and sunbathe on the nearby peninsula. We will then have lunch and have a little time to explore the town of Plettenberg Bay. This afternoon, watch the scenery drastically change as we travel inland to the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn.

Day 6 – Oudtshoorn (Cango Caves, Cycling Tour and Ostrich Farm): A fun and diversified day (with all activities Included!) which starts with an adventure experience in the Cango Caves, viewing the magnificent formations and then squeezing into tight tunnels and caves. After this we get on our bikes and cruise downhill through the scenic countryside. We will stop mid-way at an Ostrich farm for lunch and an informative and fun tour to learn about this remarkable species and its importance to South Africa. In the afternoon, continue your ride back to town and enjoy a free night out in Oudtshoorn.

Day 7 – Oudtshoorn to Cape Town: Today is a travel day as we drive through spectacular mountainous landscapes en route to the most popular tourist destination in all of South Africa, Cape Town; get ready for four exciting nights in the adventure capital of South Africa!

Day 8 – Cape Town (Cultural Extravaganza): Cape Town offers much by way of culture due to a fusion of settlers from Europe and indigenous tribes, and today we will learn about the history through a variety of culturally enriching activities. Start the experience by visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years of his life. Then, we will be given a guided tour of the highlights city centre including the fascinating museums of District Six and Slave Lodge which tell compelling parts of Cape Town’s history (ISV Included Activity). This evening, you may like to finish off this cultural day via the Moyo African Village experience which includes a buffet dinner, dance and music (part of the ISV Optional Activity Package).

Day 9 – Cape Town (Rappelling from Table Mountain): A must-do activity for those that like challenges and adrenaline! As part of the Optional Activity Package, take the Cable Car to the summit of Table Mountain where we will do a hike around the top checking out the diverse flora and fauna of Table Mountain National Park. From there, gather your courage as we rappel 112 m (336 ft)! Professional rappelling instructors will help you face your fears in a safe environment. After taking in the views form the top, return via the Cable Car to the bottom of the Mountain. Participants without the OAP will have a free day in Cape Town. Tonight is a free night; you might wish to seek out the Waterfront area with its multiple restaurants and bars.

Day 10 – Cape Town (Sandboarding): Sandboarding is like snowboarding, but on sand! As part of the Optional Activity Package, learn this exhilarating adventure activity which is suitable for beginners from the company that pioneered sandboarding in South Africa. Even if you are a total beginner, instructors will have you carving your turns in no time on the sand dunes of Atlantis Nature Reserve! With views of Table Mountain in the background and the ocean, this is an awesome combination of nature and adrenaline. This evening, hit the town and have fun exploring the nightlife in Cape Town.

Day 11 – Cape Town to Blyde River Canyon via Johannesburg:Today is a travel day, incorporating a domestic flight in the earlymorning from Cape Town to Johannesburg then a drive through postcard-stunning scenery to Blyde River Canyon. Soak up the surrounding mountain views and watch the local wildlife.

Day 12 – Blyde River Canyon to Kruger National Park (The Panoramic Route): Have your cameras ready as we drive the Panoramic Route through the Drakensberg escarpment. We will make a number of stops including the unique rock formations at Bourkes Luck Potholes and the magnificent views from God's Window. This evening we'll arrive at our accommodations in Skukusa Rest Camp which is situated right within Kruger National Park.

Day 13 – Kruger National Park (Game Drives): This morning we will explore the Park looking for wildlife! With luck we will see a diversity of game including elephant, rhino, hippos, springbok, lion, giraffe and many other species. We will return to our accommodations to rest and for lunch, then hit the road again in the afternoon (both drives are ISV Included Activities). If you are really keen, experience the Sunset Game Drive to look out for those animals which are more active at night (part of the ISV Optional Activity Package). The night drive offers much suspense and the reward of seeing animals at night is well worth the effort!

Day 14: – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg and Home: Depart Kruger in the morning and return to Johannesburg for an early evening return flight home. Say Goodbye to South Africa, the Adventure Ends!

Disclaimer: Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and included activities will be given to participants in the ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure. ISV reserves the right to change the ISV tour itinerary, accommodations and activities without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc.