Explorica Summer Academy - Southern Africa Conservation Safari

Description: Step into South Africa's mystery and beauty for three weeks of amazing summer teen travel and adventure, including volunteer work with local communities. You'll learn about conservation efforts for Africa's endangered animals, and you'll also see one of the most beautiful countries in the world through walks, cruises, motorized bike rides, and game drives. It's a modern-day adventure: swoop over wildlife in airplanes, help bring modern conveniences to local communities. And an ancient twist: walk through the oldest traces of civilization, prehistoric landscapes, untouched savanna. That's not enough for you? Then we'll even throw in a day in London.

Highlights:
London guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed local guide for an in-depth look at London, from the royal haunt of Buckingham Palace (the official London residence of Queen Elizabeth II) to the slightly more democratic Speakers Corner of Hyde Park, where anyone can pull up a soapbox and orate to his hearts content. You'll see the changing of the guard (season permitting), the clock tower of Big Ben with its 14-ton bell, and Westminster Abbey, where almost every English king and queen since William the Conqueror has been crowned. After a stop at the Houses of Parliament, continue on to the magnificent St. Pauls Cathedral, the masterpiece of London architect Christopher Wren.

Kruger National Park full-day guided sightseeing visit
"The Lion King," up close and personal (and a bit less animated). Kruger National Park, South Africas largest wildlife refuge, is unbeatable for sighting The Big Five: lions, rhinos, buffalos, leopards, and elephants. See giraffes stretching up to grab the last leaf from an acacia tree and antelope leaping toward the horizon, or photograph zebras contemplating their striped reflections as they drink from pools of water. A licensed ranger will help you spot these magnificent animals, as well as a few lesser-known creatures. Watch out for the roadrunner-like kori bustardat over forty pounds, its the heaviest flying bird in the world, and it looks ready to fall out of the sky at any minute.

Help the local Sepupa community in building & development
The village of Sepupa stands in near the Tsodillo Hills, known for their preponderance of ancient Bush paintings. You'll spend five days in this area, working with local communities to help build and develop the resources and structures they need.

Mahango National Park game drive - optional
Though devastated by poaching in the 1970s and 80s, this panhandle of game reserve combines grassland, woodland, floodplains, and forests to support over 60 mammal and nearly 350 bird species. During the dry season it is also a great place to see elephants.

Victoria Falls visit
Words cannot describe the beauty, wonder, and sheer size of Victoria Falls. Twice as high as Niagara Falls, these magnificent waterfalls create an enormous column of water that's unexpected within the quiet of the surrounding forest.

Cost in US$: Starting at $5313

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to - Multi-Country Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of up to 30 students

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Explorica Summer Academy's Mission Statement: Explorica Summer Academy stemmed from the idea that students should have opportunities for in-depth cultural exploration outside the classroom. So with a management team that boasts 150 years of combined industry experience, Explorica offers high-quality, road-tested tours for adventurous students and teachers. Our three-week programs let high-school students from across the country, ages 14 to 18 years old, combine international travel, study, and adventure as they learn about the world from teachers and from each other. And each three-week tour presents unique learning opportunities with accredited institutions, from French schools on the Cote d' Azur to conservation organizations in Costa Rica or South Africa.