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Welcome to your program
Get ready to go on multiple safari drives and learn field research methods including wildlife tracking of elephants, big cats, and other South Africa wildlife. Selati Game Reserve is a Big 5 game reserve bordering Kruger National Park that is home to wild elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, and other African animal species.
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
Think glamping! Each tent will have 2-3 students with standing fans and ensuite bathrooms. There is a pool at the housing location overlooking the watering hole which giraffes and antelopes frequently visit.
Food
Breakfast will be your traditonal American breakfast, eggs, toast etc. Lunch is build your own sandwich with salads. Dinner will be a variety of food, pizza, bbq nights and more! Please bring whatever you need to supplement from home. Jerky, cheese, protein bars, tuna pouches, dried fruit, applesauce pouches, and nuts may be good options.
Flights: Coming soon!
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!
Suggested for this program
Warm clothes and layered clothing
Winter jacket or coat, gloves and hat for early morning game drives and evenings (it can be below freezing)
Travel coffee/tea mug (so you can take a hot drink on early morning game drives)
Swim suit *it is typically too cold to swim but there is a pool.
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
FAQ
IT IS COLD IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY TO AUGUST. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER AND PACK ACCORDINGLY.
WIFI: Students will have WiFi at the program location but the WiFi is not reliable. 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 are provided, but wash rags are not. We recommend bringing a luffa to use multiple times
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: Adapters like this are required like this one.
Dress Code: Your program takes place during winter in South Africa. Please check the weather and pack accordingly. There is no specific dress code for South African wildlife however bush colors like tans, greens, browns, etc. are better than bright colors for game drives. Plan to get dirty on this program! 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.
Money: Most students spend around $200 USD on a two-week program. 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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