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Welcome to your program
Prepare for an exciting two-week adventure at Lory Park Zoo, where you'll engage in daily activities such as participating in zookeeper rounds, attending veterinary labs, and learning to properly handle captive animals. On the weekend, you'll take a trip to Kruger National Park and explore a local cultural village. Additionally, you'll have the chance to help save cheetahs one spot at a time by volunteering at a cheetah breeding and conservation facility at Cango Wildlife Ranch. Here, you will work with and observe cheetahs closely each day, gaining valuable experience with other big cats like lions and leopards as well.
This page will take you through everything you need to know about your program. You should READ every section. We've linked additional information under each topic as needed.
Housing
Housing at Cango Wildlife Park students will share rooms with 2-4 students with ensuite bathrooms. There is a common area down stairs in the lodge and an outdoor patio with a pool (although it is likely too cold to swim!). All rooms have central AC and heaters if needed. Housing at Lory Park Zoo students stay in a large, cozy house in the middle of the zoo with a kitchen, two living rooms with couches and a tv, an outdoor patio adjacent to one of the rooms. There are multiple multiple bedrooms with bunk beds and fans. There are four shared bathrooms. The lecture area in the photos above is where you will eat all of your meals and is right next to the house. It opens up to the tea garden where you can eat outisde if you'd like.
Food
Breakfast is your typical American-style breakfast. Students will order lunch each day from the ranch and dinner will be traditional South Africa meals. Students will have a chance to purchase snacks in town but many choose to bring their own jerky, cheese, protein bars, tuna pouches, dried fruit, applesauce pouches, and nuts as supplemental snacks.
Food at Lory Park Zoo is your typical American Food. For breakfast students have the option of eggs, toast, cereal, etc. For lunch and dinner students will have options like, hamburger, hot dogs, sandwiches, pasta etc. There are a few culture nights where traditional South African meals and Braiis, including pap, antelope, and stews. The zoo cafe also has snacks for purchase, such as chips, candy, chocolate, and soda.
Flights: posted in january
Taking the group flight is mandatory unless you live outside of the continental US. Solo fliers are subject to additional fees. If you choose to fly off the group flight, you must first contact admissions@loopabroad.com.
Packing
The only items you are required to bring are those on the “required” lists. General required items (like your passport) are found on the ALL PROGRAMS packing list above. Program specific required items are found below under the REQUIRED section. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from this list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on this list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Required for this program
Towel- Some students prefer a microfiber travel towel. You may want 2, as things can take a while to dry).
Work Pants: khaki, tan, light brown color
Shirts and jacket: khaki, tan, light brown color working clothes. SEE COLOR P
Warm clothes- You will be cold. Check the weather before you pack!
Suggested for this program
Binoculars (certainly not required, but helpful for spotting wildlife)
Field guide (certainly not required, but helpful for identifying wildlife)
A pair of work gloves or gardening gloves
Some students suggest they were happy to have sneakers, sandals with a strap (similar to Teva, Chaco or Keen), or other particular shoes; bring whatever makes you comfortable
Sweatshirt, fleece, or light jacket
Winter jacket or coat for evenings (it can be below freezing)
Gloves, a hat, and other warm gear for early mornings
Travel hand lotion/moisturizer
FAQ
IT IS COLD IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY TO AUGUST. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER AND PACK ACCORDINGLY. In the evenings, you may want a winter coat, hat, slippers, socks, gloves, and warm pajamas, such as sweatpants and a sweatshirt (it can be below freezing). Most students were happy to have a heavy jacket or coat for the evenings and early mornings. There is drinkable water for refilling water bottles.
WIFI: Students will have WiFi at the program location but in larger groups can be slow. If you are interested in a travel phone plan, please talk to your phone provider before your program starts.
Bedding: We will provide you with sheets, pillows and blankets.
Towels: Towels will be provided only at Cango Wildlife Park. Some students prefer bringing a microfiber travel towel and a washcloth.
Laundry: Laundry is available but we ask that you limit your washing. You are traveling during South Africa's drought season and our partners need to conserve their water. You should not need to use the machine more than once on a two-week trip and can share the load with fellow students. There is no charge for the washer and dryer but you do need to bring your own detergent.
Outlets: You will need an adaptor like this one!
Dress Code: Cango has a strict dress code of all khaki, tan, or light brown. Plan to get dirty on this program! Lory Park Zoo does not have a dress code. Most students like to bring T-shirts/tank tops with a jacket. On Safari days, you are riding in an open truck early in the winter morning, pack accordingly. In the evenings, you may want a winter coat, hat, slippers, socks, gloves, and warm pajamas, such as sweatpants and a sweatshirt (it can be below freezing). Most students were happy to have a heavy jacket or coat for the evenings and early mornings. The next thing below South Africa is a very cold ocean and then Antarctica. We suggest you bring some neutral, earth-tone clothing (brown, khaki, etc) which is best for game drives and some other animal activities. Plan to get dirty on this program! On "Flamingo Day" we highly suggest bringing an outfit you don't mind donating- this is a super fun but very dirty activity! Your program takes place during winter in South Africa. IT IS COLD IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY TO AUGUST. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER AND PACK ACCORDINGLY.
Money: Most students spend around $200 USD on a two-week program. Students will visit a variety of night markets for souvenirs, food vendors, and coffee shops. We HIGHLY recommend contacting your bank and ordering South African Rand before leaving for the program. There will be an ATM where students can withdraw money, and there is an ATM transaction fee each time.
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