Africa’s superpower is a land of inequalities, where mud huts stand next to mansions, and street-children rub shoulders with diamond-dealers.  Home to seven World Heritage sites, 11 official languages and almost 300 species of mammal, South Africa will open students’ eyes to the diversity, wonders and challenges of the African continent.

Study the Big Five in their natural habitats, investigate Zulu battle fields and visit the administrative capital of Pretoria. Climb Table Mountain and sketch the city-scape of Cape Town, or take a boat to Robben Island and be empowered by Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary optimism. Descend into diamond mines and tour the townships. Investigate the apartheid that suppressed the indigenous population for almost 50 years.

Challenging their perceptions of ‘Africa’, this country gives a moving insight into the power of politics and the strength of human will. Putting their own lives into a new context, South Africa will astound and inspire students, encouraging them to debate the protection of endangered species and the vulnerability of marginal communities. Students will gain a wider appreciation of the mechanisms which shape a country and the responsibilities faced by international society.

Key Information

Travel: STS offers tours to South Africa by air, with flight times of 11-12 hours from the UK. In-country transport routes are generally very good.

Accommodation: STS offers accommodation in comfortable hotels and lodges across South Africa.

Spending money: Students will enjoy spending their Rand on South African snacks and souvenirs.

Weather: South Africa generally experiences warm days and cool nights, making it a year-round destination. Across the country, temperatures peak in the summer months (November to March) and cool during the drier winter months (June to September).