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Welcome to your program
Six weeks, three locations, endless experience! This is a combo of South Africa Zoo Med, Big Cats, and Wildlife Research programs. You get amazing veterinary and wildlife experience as well as go on several game drives/safari near and in Kruger National Park, visit local culture villages, and lots more!
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 each program location is different, at each house, you will have 2-3 roommates with ensuite bathrooms. Lory Park and Salti do not have AC but will have fans in your room.
Food
Food will vary at each program location. All breakfast will be American-style breakfast. Depending on your location lunch and and dinner will consist of pizza, sandwiches pasta, hamburgers, and hot dogs. You will also have a South African-style dinner some nights.
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 of up to $500. If you choose to fly off the group flight, you must first contact admissions@loopabroad.com.
ALL FLIGHT INFO HERE
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, or light brown (Cango dress code) SEE COLOR PALETTE
Shirts and jacket: khaki, tan, or light brown (Cango dress code) SEE COLOR PALETTE
Flashlight or headlamp
Closed toed shoes
Refillable water bottle
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
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, pillow and blankets.
Towels: Towels are provided at some locations but not all. No locations provide wash cloths. We recommend bringing a microfiber towel and a luffa.
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 every two weeks 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. You may find it useful to bring detergent and wash small items in the sink.
Outlets: Outlets are different - you will need an adapter.
Dress Code: 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. Cango (big cats location) has a strict dress code of all khaki, tan, or light brown. Plan to get dirty on this program! On "Flamingo Day" at the zoo, we highly suggest bringing an outfit you don't mind donating- this is a super fun but very dirty activity! 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 Antartica. SO ONCE AGAIN, YOU WILL NEED WINTER CLOTHING. We suggest you bring some neutral, earth-tone clothing (brown, khaki, etc) which is best for game drives and some other animal activities.
Money: Most students spend around $400 USD on a summer semester. You’ll likely want to buy things like souvenirs, laundry, snacks or drinks. So you don’t NEED any money, but you’ll want to bring enough that you can buy some things to bring home. 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. Kruger National Park (where most students get souviniers) does accept credit cards.
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