Leo Smith South Africa 2027
Cultural & Service Learning Experience
March 18-29, 2027
About the Trip
This South Africa Cultural & Service Learning Experience trip is designed to provide participants with a meaningful and immersive educational experience through cultural exploration, community engagement, leadership development, and service learning in Cape Town, South Africa.
Throughout the program, participants will explore some of South Africa’s most historically significant and culturally important sites, including Table Mountain, Robben Island, Bo-Kaap, District Six, and Langa Township. Guided experiences and reflection sessions will help participants better understand South Africa’s complex history, diverse cultures, and journey toward reconciliation and social transformation.
A major focus of the program is the four-day community service initiative, where participants will work alongside local organizations on projects centered around education, youth development, and community engagement. These experiences are designed to encourage meaningful cultural exchange, shared learning, and personal growth while building lasting connections with local communities.
The journey concludes with a memorable Big Five safari experience, offering participants the opportunity to experience South Africa’s extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty firsthand.
More than just a trip, this program is an opportunity to grow as leaders, expand global perspectives, and create meaningful experiences that will leave a lasting impact long after returning home.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel to Cape Town
Outbound Flight: Ethiopian Airlines ET 575
Depart: Chicago (ORD) 10:15 AM
Arrive: Addis Ababa (ADD) 8:00 AM (+1 Day)
Ethiopian Airlines ET 847
Depart: Addis Ababa (ADD) 9:05 AM (March 19)
Arrive: Cape Town (CPT) 2:35 PM (March 19)
Day 2- Arrival in Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Cape Town, participants will meet their local hosts and transfer to the group hotel near the famous V&A Waterfront. The evening includes a welcome dinner and orientation introducing the experiences ahead as the group begins an unforgettable journey of cultural immersion, service, and discovery.
Included Meals: Breakfast (on plane), Dinner
Day 3 - Cape Town Culture & History
Experience the beauty and complexity of Cape Town through visits to Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, District Six, and Company’s Garden. Throughout the day, participants will gain insight into South Africa’s diverse cultures, difficult history, and remarkable social transformation while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Free time at the V&A Waterfront in the afternoon.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Robben Island & Historical Reflection
Travel by ferry to historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years during apartheid. Guided by former political prisoners, this powerful experience offers firsthand perspective into South Africa’s fight for equality and freedom. The day also includes a visit to the Iziko Slave Lodge followed by an evening reflection and discussion session with a local historian or activist speaker.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Community Engagement Begins
Participants begin their service-learning experience working alongside local organizations focused on youth development, education, and community support initiatives. The day emphasizes relationship-building, cultural exchange, and learning through meaningful interaction with local communities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Learning Through Service
Continue community engagement activities while working collaboratively with local partners on projects designed to support education and youth empowerment. Participants will gain deeper understanding through shared experiences, conversations, and cultural connection. Evening free time at the V&A Waterfront.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Cultural Immersion & Connection
Participants continue their service initiatives while learning more about daily life, culture, and community in South Africa through interaction with local leaders and residents. The evening includes a cultural dinner or local jazz experience in Cape Town.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - South African Safari Experience
Travel to a private game reserve for a full-day safari experience featuring guided game drives and the opportunity to encounter South Africa’s famous Big Five wildlife. This unforgettable day highlights the country’s extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity while providing participants with a true African safari experience.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Safari Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Final Day of Service Learning
The final day of the service-learning program includes community celebrations, reflection activities, and opportunities to discuss the impact of the week’s experiences. Participants will reflect on leadership, service, cultural understanding, and the connections formed throughout the journey.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Departure Day
Enjoy final moments in Cape Town before transferring to the airport for the group’s departure flight home. Participants return with lasting memories, meaningful relationships, and a broader global perspective shaped through travel, service, and cultural immersion.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Langa Township Cultural Experience
Visit Langa Township, Cape Town’s oldest township, for an immersive cultural experience focused on community, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and local traditions. Through guided visits and conversations with local residents, participants will gain authentic insight into modern South African life and culture. The evening features African drumming and cultural entertainment experiences.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Traditional Local Lunch, Dinner
What’s Included
Airfare
Round trip airfare in economy class, including taxes, fuel surcharges, and fees.
Accommodations
Accommodation each night at hotels shown in the itinerary in double occupancy (single supplements available for an additional fee).
Guided Tours/Activities
All guided tours/activities (including entrance fees) to cultural/historic sites and other points of interest as listed are included throughout the tour.
Service Related Expenses
All service related expenses for experiences shown on the itinerary
Ground Transportation
All ground transportation costs upon arrival (including fuel surcharges, tolls, and parking).
Trip Leader Services
Full-time Local South African Tour Leaders assigned to your group for the duration of the trip and available to answer questions, handle emergencies, etc.
Two Meals a Day
Breakfast at your hotel each day, and a either lunch or dinner each day are included.
Other Meals
One meal per day is not included to provide you with the opportunity to explore and select your own food.
What’s Not Included
Gratuity
Tips for local tour leaders, bus drivers, and/or local guides.
Incidentals
All incidentals including, but not limited to, phone calls, laundry, shopping, and additional sightseeing not on the itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is available through our partner, Travel Guard, at an additional cost. Click here for more information.
Contact us.
We may already have the answer to your question; see our FAQs page for more details.
groups@astravel.world
(207) 466-1036
ActivSport Travel 250 Wolfes Neck Rd.
Freeport, ME 04032 U.S.A.