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, the group will be welcomed by local South African trip leader hosts before transferring to the Commodore Hotel, located at the famous V&A Waterfront with stunning views of Table Mountain and Cape Town Harbour.
The evening includes a welcome dinner at Kloof Street House, orientation session, and introduction to South Africa’s history, culture, and the transformational experiences ahead throughout the journey.
Included Meals: Breakfast (on plane), Dinner
Day 3 - Cape Town Culture & History
Experience the beauty and complexity of Cape Town through a guided exploration of some of the city’s most important historical and cultural sites. The day includes a cableway ride and guided walk atop Table Mountain followed by visits to Bo-Kaap, District Six Museum, and Company’s Garden.
Throughout the day, participants will learn about South Africa’s colonial history, apartheid-era forced removals, Cape Malay culture, a traditional Cape Malay lunch, and the country’s remarkable journey toward reconciliation and social transformation. The afternoon includes free time at the vibrant V&A Waterfront.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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 insight into South Africa’s struggle for equality, democracy, and human rights.
The afternoon includes a visit to the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, where participants will learn about the impact of slavery and human rights history in South Africa. The evening concludes with a special reflection dinner featuring discussion with a local historian or activist speaker focused on leadership, resilience, and global citizenship.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Community Engagement & Service Learning
Participants begin their service-learning experience working alongside local organizations focused on youth development, education, and community empowerment. Activities may include youth mentorship workshops, school support initiatives, and community development projects designed to foster meaningful cultural exchange and collaboration.
The afternoon includes dialogue sessions with local community leaders followed by an evening group reflection discussion over dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Learning Through Service
Continue community engagement activities through educational support programs, local partnership initiatives, and collaborative service-learning projects. Participants will gain deeper understanding through shared experiences, conversations, and meaningful interaction with local communities. Lunch included.
The evening includes free time at the V&A Waterfront to explore Cape Town’s restaurants, shops, and waterfront atmosphere.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Cultural Immersion & Community Connection
Participants continue their service-learning and community outreach initiatives while working alongside local organizations and engaging in shared learning experiences with community members and leaders.
The evening includes a special cultural dinner, Cape Town jazz evening experience featuring local cuisine, music, and cultural traditions.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - South African Safari Experience
Depart early for an unforgettable full-day safari experience at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Participants will enjoy a guided Big Five safari game drive led by professional ranger guides while experiencing South Africa’s extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty firsthand.
The experience includes a safari lunch at the reserve before returning to Cape Town in the evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Safari Lunch
Day 8 - Final Day of Service Learning
The final day of the service-learning program includes community celebration activities, reflection sessions, and opportunities for participants to discuss the impact of the week’s experiences. Participants will reflect on leadership, service, cultural understanding, and the relationships formed throughout the journey. Drumming & Cultural Dinner at Gold Restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Departure Day
Enjoy breakfast & free time in Cape Town before transferring to the airport for departure flights back to Chicago.
Outbound Flight: Ethiopian Airlines ET 844
Depart: Cape Town (CPT) 1:50 PM
Arrive: Addis Ababa (ADD) 9:15 PM
Ethiopian Airlines ET 574
Depart: Addis Ababa (ADD) 10:40 PM
Arrive: Chicago (ORD) 8:15 AM (March 29)
Participants return home with lasting memories, meaningful relationships, and a deeper global perspective shaped through service, cultural immersion, and shared experiences in South Africa.
Day 9 - Langa Township Cultural Immersion
Experience an authentic cultural immersion day in Langa Township, Cape Town’s oldest township and an important part of South Africa’s social and political history. Participants will take part in a guided community walk, visit local entrepreneurs and community projects, and engage in meaningful cultural dialogue and storytelling experiences.
The day also includes a traditional local lunch and concludes with an African drumming and cultural entertainment evening celebrating South African music, rhythm, and community traditions.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What’s Included
Airfare
Round trip airfare from Chicago to Cape Town as shown on the itinerary, in economy class, including taxes, fuel surcharges, and fees.
Accommodations
Accommodation each night at the Commodore Hotel in Cape Town, in double occupancy (single supplements available for an additional $1025 per person fee). *Note, if the group has an uneven number of guests, at least 1 single supplement is required.
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
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.
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