GLSES CADETS
South Africa 2025
Trip Overview
This trip promises to be a transformative journey to South Africa, combining wildlife, conservation, community, culture, British military history, and personal growth. The group will experience unforgettable encounters with iconic wildlife, in their natural habitats, while gaining insight into critical conservation efforts that safeguard these species for future generations.
Phase 1 of your adventure begins in a renowned game reserve in KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa. Guided safari walks and drives at dawn and dusk give you the chance to witness Africa’s wildlife and learn from experienced rangers about the delicate balance of these ecosystems. The camp, nestled in the heart of the bush, creating a profound connection with nature.
Phase 2 is focused on British military history with a visit to the Anglo-Zulu War battlefields of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana. Where you can walk the battlefields, and gain inspiration from the bravery of both British and Zulu soldiers that fought for their countries so bravely. We will also complete a remembrance ceremony at both battlefields.
Phase 3 leads you to a remote bush camp in KwaZulu-Natal, where you’ll take part in giraffe field studies, gaining hands-on conservation experience. Visits to a Zulu community, a local school, and an orphanage provide meaningful opportunities to engage with South Africa’s vibrant culture and make a positive impact.
KwaZulu Natal Elephants
Tugela River Camp/ Zingela
Zululand Homestead
Location 1: St Lucia Wetland
Location 2: Isandlwana Battlefield
Wildlife in the operational areas of this venture.
There are no lions, elephants, rhino or buffalo in the Giraffe Field Study Location
These species and many others are resident in your Big 5 safari locations and we certainly hope
you will get a sighting of all of some or all of them during your walking and safari phases.
The African elephant, the world’s largest land animal, is known for its intelligence, complex social structures, and vital role in ecosystem maintenance.
The African rhino, comprising black and white species, is a majestic yet critically endangered animal, threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
The African lion, a powerful apex predator, thrives in savannas and grasslands, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
The African leopard is a powerful, solitary predator known for its adaptability, remarkable camouflage, and agility, thriving in diverse habitats across Africa.
The Cheetah, a swift predator, excels in speed, reaching up to 70 mph. It's distinguished by its spotted coat and slender build.
The Cape buffalo, known for its massive build and strength, is a highly social and resilient animal, often forming large herds for protection.
The Hippo is a massive, semi-aquatic mammal known for its powerful jaws, territorial behavior, and vital role in African freshwater ecosystems.
The Wildebeest, or gnu, is a large African antelope known for its massive annual migration, where millions cross savannas in search of grazing.
The Impala antelope is a graceful, agile African species known for leaping up to 10 feet high to evade predators on open savannas.
The Warthog, a wild African pig, is known for its distinctive facial warts, tusks, and ability to sprint swiftly to escape predators.
The Kudu is a large African antelope, notable for its impressive spiral horns and striking vertical stripes, inhabiting savannas and woodlands.
The Giraffe, Earth's tallest land animal, stands up to 18 feet tall, with long legs and a striking, patterned coat. Known for its elongated neck and gentle demeanor, the giraffe grazes on treetops and plays a crucial role in savanna ecosystems.
Hyenas are social carnivores known for their distinctive laugh-like vocalizations. They are skilled scavengers, often hunting in packs for food.
Zebras are distinctive striped mammals native to Africa, known for their social behavior, strong herd instincts, and adaptability to various habitats.
