NOTE: This is the proposed itinerary and is subject to change. The final itinerary will be confirmed before departure.
May 19th: Departure from Nazareth to Johannesburg
Overnight: On the plane!
The journey to the continent of Africa won't be a short one, but is well worth it! We will most likely depart mid-day on Monday, and arrive on Tuesday in the afternoon.
May 20th: Arrival & Welcome!
Overnight: Emerald Guest House or Backpackers Connection
A Kaya representative, your group leader for the duration of the trip, will meet you upon arrival at the Johannesburg airport. Together, we will travel to our lodgings for the night, settle in, and enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner!
May 21st: Apartheid Museum & Soweto Township Experience
Overnight: Emerald Guest House or Backpackers Connection
After breakfast, we will visit the Apartheid Museum and take part in cultural engagement activities in the Soweto Township, learning about the culture and history of Apartheid. We will have the chance to experience the Soweto culture, meet locals, try local food during lunch, and visit a local market.
May 22nd: Transfer to Eswatini
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
This morning, we will transfer to our lodgings in the Ezulwini Valley, the Zulu word for paradise, and settle in, readying ourselves for our projects! This road trip will take us through the rural areas of South Africa, across the land border, and into Eswatini where we will spend most of our time on this trip.
May 23rd: Orientation & Lobamba Village Tour
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
After a thorough program orientation, we will tour Lobamba village, the spiritual capital of the nation. This is where the Houses of Parliament are found, and where King Mswati III rules the Kingdom with his Queen Mother, or Ndlovukazi/She-Elephant. During our tour, we will learn about the history of Eswatini and its culture.
May 24th: Malolotja Nature Reserve
Overnight: Malolotja Nature Reserve Cabins
Today we will make our way for an overnight at Malolotja Nature Reserve, a picturesque highland reserve. On the way we will stop at Sibebe Rock (the second largest monolithic rock in the world and 3 billion years old) and the maguga Dam.We will end the day with a sunset walk, where we may see blesbok, zebra, blue wildebeest, antelope and more. It is also home to a wide variety of bird and plant species.
May 25th: Malolotja Canopy Tour
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
After breakfast we will have a canopy tour within Malolotja. We will zipline along the Sihlotswane Gorge and view the scenery and wildlife from above. After, we will make our way back to Lidwala Lodge.
May 26th-27th: Project Work
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
Today, we will begin the experiential service component of our program, simultaneously working on local nutrition, sports, and education initiatives and familiarizing ourselves with the community.
May 28th: Presentation and Local Craft Market Visit
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
After delivering presentations on our findings, we will walk to a nearby craft market to experience local life in action.
May 29th: Transfer to Savannah Research Center
Overnight: Savannah Research Center
Today, we will transfer to a research center that will provide views and a basecamp for our primary school visit tomorrow. On our way to the retreat, we will stop at Swazi Candles. On arrival to the Center, we will have lunch and an orientation of the next few days.
May 30th: Shewula Primary School Visit
Overnight: Savannah Research Center
Today, we will meet students at a local primary school, where we engage in presentations and discussions with the students. ** The topics will be decided prior to arrival to allow for any preparations to be made.
May 31: Hlane National Park
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
Today, we will visit Hlane National Park, Eswatini's largest protected area. The park is home to elephant, rhino,lions,and leopards all reintroduced to the conservation area. You may also see giraffe, zebra, hippos,impala, kudu, wildebeest, and over 300 bird species! After the drive, we will transfer back to Lidwala Lodge.
June 1: Sheba's Breast Hike & Free Time
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
Today, we will spend the morning hiking the Sheba's Breast trail, offering great views of the Ezulwini Valley. The afternoon will be free for students to relax or shop. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner.
June 2: Departure
Overnight: On the plane!
All good things must come to an end. It is time to say farewell to the locals we have met along the way. After breakfast at the lodge, we will transfer to the airport as a group and begin our journey home.
June 3: Arrival back to Nazareth
Depending on the departure time of our flight, we will arrive back to Nazareth sometime on Tuesday. Specific flight times will be shared with the group as soon as they are booked.