South Africa Journey

The South Africa Journey is a balanced travel experience based on the following elements:

• A Mission of Service
  The South Africa Journey includes a 5-day community service experience in the Cape Town region. Volunteer at local schools for disadvantaged children during the day and take part in community enhancement projects during the afternoon. Our service programming is organized in partnership with African Impact.
• Building Bridges with Local Jewish Teens
  South Africa is home to a thriving Jewish community with a fascinating history and rich traditions. As part of our experience, we spend a memorable Shabbat with Jewish teens from Cape Town. It is a wonderful opportunity to make connections with fellow teens at the other end of the world.
• An Authentic African Adventure
  Explore a whole new world of natural beauty and wildlife in South Africa. Look out on the Cape of Good Hope from atop Table Mountain National Park. Visit a Great White Shark research and conservation project. Observe penguins and seals in their natural habitat. Try your hand at “Sand Boarding” down massive sand dunes. Confront the “Big-5” (i.e. lions, elephants, buffalos, rhions and leopards) in a game reserve near Kruger National Park.
• Reflecting on a Story of Struggle & Reconciliation
  Learn about South Africa’s history of apartheid and the non-violence movement that rose up to overturn it. At the District Six Museum, we learn about the history of the apartheid movement and the legacy of “resettlement” policy. At Robben Island, we tour the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela and many others were incarcerated on account of their civil rights protests. Finally, learn about South Africa’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission – and how it ushered in a new era of equal rights, forgiveness, and healing.

Why South Africa?

Rich in natural beauty and colorful cultural traditions, South Africa is an ideal destination for Jewish teen travel. The South Africa Journey is based at hotels and country lodges set in some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Although our itinerary is designed with safety and security as a primary consideration, we travel with a guard/medic at all times for additional support. This experience is perfect for anyone with a spirit for adventure, a passion for service and cross-cultural bridge building.

BBYO Passport's South African Journey is operated locally in partnership with Kuchanga Travel.

Check out the sample itinerary for a fuller picture of what this experience is about...

• Observe African penguins in the wild at "Boulders"
• Try your hand at “Sand Boarding” down massive sand dunes
• Visit a Great White Shark research and conservation project
  
• Retrace the unique history of Jewish life in South Africa
  
• Go on safari in the Kruger National Park region; confront lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and more!
  
• View the Cape of Good Hope where the frigid Atlantic Ocean merges with the warm Indian Ocean
  
• Spend a memorable Shabbat with the local Jewish teens in Cape Town
  
• Participate in meaningful five-day community service project working with local children
  
• Understand the history of apartheid in South Africa and the non-violence movement that overthrew it.
  

Program Package

• Round-trip flights from NYC
• Accommodations (hotels and country lodging)
• All meals (kosher/vegetarian)
• Activities & entrance fees
• Deluxe motorcoach
• Dynamic staff team
• Security escort & monitoring
• Medical insurance (excludes pre-existing conditions)

Trip Links

• Program Itinerary
• Register Now for South Africa Journey

Check out the sample itinerary for a fuller picture of what this experience is about...

• WEEK #1 / Cape Town
  Land in Cape Town and start the adventure with a view across the Cape of Good Hope from high atop Table Mountain. Head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and learn about the legacy of apartheid at the District Six Museum. Try your hand sandboarding down a massive sand dune and observe African penguins at Boulders Beach. Cap off the week spending a memorable Shabbat with Jewish teens from Cape Town.
  
• WEEK #2 / Service Experience
  Spend five days volunteering in local community schools and communities to better their children's education and help build stronger local infrastructure. Spend your mornings helping the children with crafts, reading & games, and helping maintain the classrooms and gardens. In the afternoon you will be helping the local communities in various ways including small building projects, painting, and gardening. Finish the week with a relaxing Shabbat in Cape Town.
  
• WEEK #3 / Safari Adventure
  Hike Chapman's Peak and visit the Jewish Museum in Capetown. Visit a conservation site for great white sharks and for cheetahs. Finish the trip with three days of safari drives through South Africa's Kruger National Park. Confront lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and much more deep in the African wilderness.