Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the E.G.Y students sleep?

In Kleinmond, Western Cape, South Africa is where the student accommodation is. Kleinmond is a coastal town that lies on a lagoon between Botriver and the Palmiet Mountain range. This town is within easy driving distance from Cape Town, roughly 1hr. Students will share rooms with one another. Some rooms have bunk beds, and others have multiple stand alone beds. It is important to note that boys and girls will not be sharing rooms. There is, however, a lot of travelling. For some parts of the year the student will sleep more in expedition tents, hammocks and cabins throughout the country than they will at home. The students are provided with a bed and mattress, but will need to bring or buy their own bedding and pillows.
What do the E.G.Y students eat?

Whilst at the student accommodation, student meals such as breakfast and dinner are catered for, from Monday-to-Friday. The way this works is that the total number of students are divided into 4 groups for responsibilities: Cooking duty Kitchen cleaning duty Lounge duty Bathroom duty The cooking team are given a budget for the week. With this budget they must plan a menu and purchase the ingredients they need. At lectures we provide tea, coffee, sugar and milk for the students. Lunches during the week and food over the weekend are left for the students to cater for themselves. This is because the weekends are generally free time where the students can explore, relax and have time to themselves. There are occasions where on expeditions, camping trips and excursions students will be required to cater for themselves. However, there are also instances where students are given expedition budgets where they plan the food and cooking teams. Both these scenarios are communicated in advance.
How do E.G.Y students get transported?

We have a bus and a 4x4 truck to get students from A to Z. Between trips and daily commutes, we ensure the students have ample opportunity to visit the shops and get the supplies they need. The shops in Kleinmond are also in walking distance. If a student needs to be transported to or from the airport or bus station, this can be arranged with Zane.
What if an E.G.Y student does not have all the equipment required?

Expedition Gap Year has access to the Venture Forth International warehouse, where all adventure gear is stored. As part of the program we ensure our students are well equipped for their trips. Before every trip we check if there is anything the student still needs, and we plan accordingly. We recommend that students arrive in the 1st term with minimal equipment, so as to test the various types of gear we have. (tents, sleeping bags, harnesses, helmets, camp cooking equipment, etc...) After settling in, students can either bring more of their gear from home, or purchase it from any outdoor shop in the area. We also have a 15% discount the students can use to purchase any adventure gear from our shop.
Is there an age limit for E.G.Y students?

Generally, this program is aimed at individuals between the ages of 18-30. However, the program does not exclude anyone who does not fall into that age category, with one exception. The student does need to be 16 or older to join. If the aspiring student is between the ages of 16 and 18, there will need to be a meeting arranged to ensure this program is a good fit for them.
Do E.G.Y students have off-days and holidays?

Yes, students will often have every other weekend off to enjoy, explore and relax in between courses. Some courses do fall on public holidays, but generally we try to structure the program so that the students have off on those days. Holidays: 2025 Easter Holiday, 9 days | Sat 29 March - Sun 6 April Winter Holiday, 23 days | Sat 28 June - Sun 20 July Spring Holiday, 9 days | Sat 4 October - Sun 12 October
When does E.G.Y begin?

Friday 24 January 2025 is the arrival and registration date. Parents are welcome to book a place to stay the weekend in Kleinmond, or they can drop their child off and enjoy their newfound peace and quiet, while we take care of the rest. Over the course of this weekend, we help the students get settled in and check that they have what they need for 'The Quest' which is an orientation expedition that begins on the following Monday.
What if an E.G.Y student gets injured?

On the registration weekend, the student will sign a code of conduct as well as a waiver. On the waiver, it states that the student permits the qualified guide to assist them if an injury occurs. All our guides are qualified in wilderness first aid, with others being registered paramedics and we have doctors on standby to assist. The costs, should the student require hospital care will be for the student's account and/or their medical aid.
If you are not from South Africa, how do you apply for E.G.Y?

Follow the same E.G.Y application process on this website and then apply for a Visa. Expedition Gap Year will assist you with letters or any communication that your Visa application requires. The button below is a link to the Apply For a Visa page on the South African Government website.
How do travel arrangements work for international E.G.Y students?

Zane, who leads the program and is in charge of logistics will organise that the student is welcomed and collected on time from Cape Town International Airport. The airport is 1 hour away from the student accommodation in Kleinmond. Students do not need their own vehicles, as there is a bus and various other company vehicles we use to drive around. There are, however, many options to rent vehicles should they want to.
Is it cheaper to live in South Africa?

For most citizens from countries around the world, they will find that their currency is strong when compared to the South African Rand. This is often quite enjoyed as luxuries and expensive things become more affordable.