Designed specifically to inspire International Baccalaureate (IB) students,our Creativity Activity Service (CAS) field trips to southern Africa combine service learning with cultural immersion and real conservation work.
Under the tutorship of experienced ecologists, students will carry out meaningful hands-on wildlife conservation work, explore the wilderness of Africa, and debate complex issues surrounding African wildlife conservation, culture and politics.
Going beyond a normal field trip, your group will work together to make a real difference to Africa’s wildlife and learn through shared experiences - transforming students’ CAS program into something they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Having personally overseen the coordination of these field courses with colleagues at ACE for a number of years, I can testify that the service provided by the ground staff both in the UK and in southern Africa is second to none.
IB CAS expeditions - redefining educational travel
Discover the best way to transform the IB journey
Our CAS trips to Africa provide IB students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world impact. These expeditions go far beyond typical school travel - they place students at the forefront of critical conservation efforts, working hand-in-hand with local researchers, ecologists, and community leaders. Every activity is designed with purpose: from conducting wildlife surveys to removing invasive plant species, each task contributes directly to the protection and restoration of fragile ecosystems.
Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, living and learning in immersive settings that require collaboration, resilience and reflection. They’ll engage in fieldwork that challenges them physically and mentally, helping them grow as individuals and as members of a global community. Whether it’s debating the ethics of rhino horn trimming or understanding the socio-political roots of human-wildlife conflict, every moment is anchored in meaningful enquiry and personal development.
More than just a trip for IB schools to Africa, these experiences are structured to deliver on all CAS learning outcomes. Students will explore issues of global importance, reflect on their contributions, and discover their own capacity to drive change. And for teachers, it’s a chance to offer something truly transformative: an IB CAS expedition that stays with students long after they return home.
Learning outcomes of our CAS trips
Our CAS field trips are carefully designed to align with the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) framework, offering hands-on learning that supports every aspect of the IB curriculum. Through direct involvement in real conservation projects, such as habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring, students will apply and expand their knowledge in ways that foster ethical reflection, critical thinking, and global awareness.
By working closely with local communities, students gain a deeper understanding of the historical and social dynamics shaping modern conservation in Africa. They will explore the complex realities of balancing ecological priorities with human needs, and engage in structured discussions around controversial topics like trophy hunting, land-use trade-offs, and the illegal wildlife trade. These conversations are not just theoretical. They’re grounded in real case studies, guided by local experts who live and work on the front lines of conservation.
Every element of the trip supports core CAS principles: demonstrating perseverance, working collaboratively, and undertaking purposeful action. Whether it’s planning and executing multi-day fieldwork, living communally on a private field base camp, or reflecting on the ethical implications of their choices, students return not only with new skills, but with a stronger sense of identity, purpose, and global citizenship.
FAQs
What support do you offer to help the CAS trip get off the ground?
After our initial meeting, we will put together a detailed slide deck of your custom itinerary that you are welcome to use to present to your school leadership team, parents and guardians, and students. We would also be delighted to host information evenings to meet with parents, guardians and students to discuss and answer any questions about the trip!
What are your safeguarding procedures?
Safeguarding is paramount throughout the trip. On each day, students will always be in the presence of at least one teacher or school chaperone. We will never split the group into more vehicles than there are teachers or school chaperones. Students will share accommodation with other students of the same gender, while the teacher and school chaperone accommodation will be separate but nearby.
How do you assess risk on your CAS trips?
We use certified Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) practitioners to regularly assess every location, activity, and transfer. We are also very happy to provide a copy of our internal risk assessment for you to look through and assess for yourselves.
What is the procedure for dealing with medical emergencies for students?
A member of our in-country team will be with you at every step of your journey - from the moment you land to when you check in for your flight home. They will be on hand to deal with any emergencies, should they arise. In over two decades of running school, college and university field trips to Africa, there has never been an emergency that we have not been able to solve comprehensively.
Will I have access to the internet to keep in touch with parents, guardians, and my school?
Yes! All of our sites provide internet access. However, everyone is encouraged to disconnect and fully engage in life in the bush.
We also carry our own private router for your use in case of emergencies.
What if parents and guardians are still worried about travel to Africa?
It's natural. To put them at ease, we are one of the most trusted names in school, college and university travel to Africa. The health and safety of everyone present on our field trips is our top priority. With the expertise of our team and our comprehensive safety protocols, we’ve enabled hundreds to take part in school expeditions to Africa with confidence and peace of mind.
We're ABTA-accredited, ATOL-bonded, and follow strict UK and international travel standards. That means complete protection, legally and financially, for your booking. We also have our own on-the-ground support team, available 24/7. You can find more information on how people travel with confidence at the dedicated page.
We’re also happy to chat with parents and guardians directly, answer their questions, and give them peace of mind.
How will students support conservation efforts?
Depending on your itinerary, you may assist with wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, or animal care and husbandry.
We only partner with wildlife research projects in Africa that either support fully self-sustaining animal populations or follow an "assisted sustainable" model, where minimal human intervention supports long-term viability. All our partner animal rehabilitation centres strictly follow the animal welfare standards set by SATSA and ABTA, ensuring that animals live as naturally as possible while receiving the highest standards of care, ethical treatment, and conservation value. Both types of work align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we are also proud to be affiliated with leading global organisations like WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), so you know your contribution will be delivering high conservation value.
How do I start planning a CAS trip with you?
Take the first step by simply submitting an enquiry form. Our education experts will then be in touch to discuss the various opportunities we have available, tailoring the trip to your learning outcomes.
We can't wait to speak with you about the best CAS trips to Africa!
