CARTERTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SOUTH AFRICA 2028
Wild places. Life changing perspective.
Carterton Community College is launching an unforgettable 15-day expedition through South Africa and Eswatini in summer 2028.
From wildlife conservation in Kruger National Park to field research, community connections and adventure in the spectacular Blyde Canyon region, this is a chance to experience Southern Africa in a completely different way.
Register your interest to receive the full Carterton South Africa 2028 Adventure Guide and details of the Parent & Student Information Evening.
WHY SOUTH AFRICA?
THIS ISN'T JUST A SAFARI
Students won't simply visit Kruger - they'll experience it as a living classroom.
Wildlife encounters sit alongside conservation fieldwork, camera traps, bush activities and time with experienced local teams. The journey then continues into Eswatini for biodiversity research and cultural connection, before finishing with adventure and a shared physical challenge in the spectacular Blyde Canyon region.
Expect big wildlife, real adventure and plenty of stories to bring home.
PARENT & STUDENT INFORMATION EVENING
Come and find out more
Thursday 15 October 2026 | 6.30pm
Carterton Community College
Meet the team from Bolder, hear the full expedition plans, understand the costs and what's included, and ask any questions.
There's no obligation to commit. Come along, find out more and then take some time as a family to consider the opportunity.
FAQs
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Students don’t need to be experienced travellers or adventurers – but they do need to be motivated, open to new experiences and ready to play their part in the team.
This is a genuine expedition. There’ll be early starts, unfamiliar environments, active days and moments that take students outside their usual comfort zone. That’s part of what makes it such a rewarding experience.
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Bolder takes a structured and thorough approach to safety throughout every expedition.
The programme is carefully planned and fully risk assessed, with experienced leaders, trusted local partners and clear operating procedures in place throughout. This includes detailed planning around transport, accommodation, wildlife environments, activities, medical support and emergency arrangements.
Risk management continues throughout the expedition, with leaders and local partners monitoring conditions and adapting plans where required, backed by Bolder's industry-leading safety management system and 24/7 support.
It means students can get stuck into a genuine adventure, while schools and families can feel confident that the expedition is professionally planned, supported and managed from start to finish.
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The expedition is carefully planned and supported by experienced leaders, trusted local partners and Bolder’s industry-leading safety management system.
Every expedition is fully risk assessed, supported by experienced school staff and local teams, and backed by clear communication and 24/7 support while the group is travelling.
Students are guided throughout, with opportunities to take greater responsibility as their confidence and experience grow.
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Flight details are typically confirmed 6-10 months before departure.
As soon as they’re finalised, we’ll share the full flight itinerary, departure and arrival times, and airport meeting arrangements.
We keep communication clear and timely throughout the build-up to departure, so families know what to expect and when.
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Yes – preparation is an important part of the expedition.
Students will receive guidance covering fitness, kit, travel and what to expect, alongside appropriate pre-departure training and briefings.
This gives the team time to get to know one another, understand the adventure ahead and arrive in South Africa properly prepared.
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The price includes everything students will need whilst travelling on their adventure. However they may wish to budget for:
Drinks and snacks
Occasional extras or souvenirs
Please check your kit list where we’ll provide a clear recommended amount before departure.
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Travel insurance for the trip itself is included – but pre-departure cancellation cover is not. We strongly recommend that families check whether they have appropriate cancellation cover in place (for example through an annual travel policy), or consider arranging this separately.
The comprehensive travel insurance included as part of the trip, includes cover for:
Emergency medical support
Medical evacuation and assistance
Travel disruption
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A reasonable level of fitness will help students get the most from the expedition.
The programme includes walking, bush activities and a more active adventure phase around Blyde Canyon. Students should be comfortable being active for several hours and walking over uneven terrain.
There’s plenty of time to prepare, and Bolder will provide guidance on fitness, kit and training before departure so students can arrive feeling confident and ready.
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Accommodation will vary as the expedition moves through South Africa and Eswatini.
Students should expect a mixture of dormitory-style accommodation, simple research or field-centre accommodation and lodge or trail-based stays. Depending on the final programme and local conditions, the expedition may also include a supervised wilderness sleep-out or similar bush experience.
Facilities may sometimes be simple, but accommodation is carefully selected to work with the programme and the needs of the group.
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Entry requirements can change between now and departure in 2028 and can also depend on nationality.
Bolder will provide guidance to families during the preparation process. Parents and carers should also check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice for both South Africa and Eswatini and ensure passports meet the relevant requirements.
Students travelling on passports other than British passports may have different entry requirements.
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We recommend checking the latest NHS and Travel Health Pro guidance for South Africa and Eswatini before departure. Families should speak to their GP or travel clinic if they would like personalised medical advice or vaccinations.
Please allow enough time before departure if vaccinations are required.
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That’s part of adventure - and exactly where growth happens.
Our leaders are experienced in:
Supporting different ability levels
Adapting pace where needed
Helping students build confidence through challenge
Students are supported throughout the experience and leaders adapt pace and support where needed. In the unlikely event that a student cannot continue due to illness or injury, appropriate supervision arrangements will be put in place and they will rejoin the group as soon as possible.
“This experience... influenced my career choices and my view of the
future of conservation and education in South Africa. I wish that every
student, globally, could be involved in an expedition like this.”