NOTE: This is the proposed itinerary and is subject to change. The final itinerary will be confirmed before departure.
Day 1: Monday, May 15 | 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.
Day 2: Tuesday, May 16 | Arrival & Welcome!
Overnight: 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!
Day 3: Wednesday, May 17 | Apartheid Museum & Soweto Township Tour
Overnight: 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 even partake in a cultural music lesson. Site visits include Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was drawn up, the home of former President Nelson Mandela, and the Hector Petersen Memorial Site.
Day 4: Thursday, May 18 | 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.
Day 5: Friday, May 19 | 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.
Day 6: Saturday, May 20 | 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 end the day with a sunset walk. While at Malolotja, we may see blesbok, zebra, blue wildebeest, antelope and more. It is also home to a wide variety of bird and plant species.
Day 7: Sunday, May 21 | 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.
Day 8-9: Monday-Tuesday, May 22-23 | 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.
Day 10: Wednesday, May 24 | 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.
Day 11: Thursday, May 25 | Transfer to Local Retreat
Overnight: Wide Horizons
Tucked away on the slopes of the majestic Makhungutsha Mountain, this mountain retreat provides views and a basecamp for our primary school visit tomorrow. On our way to the retreat, we will stop at Swazi Candles, and later, enjoy a bonfire.
Day 12: Friday, May 26 | St. Bernard's Primary School Visit
Overnight: Wide Horizons
Today, we will meet students at a local primary school, where we engage in presentations and discussions on relevant health topics. There is an additional pending opportunity for our music therapy students to have a discussion with education and health professionals at the school.
Day 13: Saturday, May 27 | Transfer to Lidwala and Bushfire Festival
Overnight: Lidwala Lodge
We will make our way back and freshen up at Lidwala Lodge before heading out to experience Bushfire tonight! Bushfire is a multicultural art festival that promotes "positive social and environmental change." A significant percentage of profits benefit local Swazi organizations focused on health, education, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental issues. #BRINGYOURFIRE
Day 14: Sunday, May 28 | 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.
Day 15: Monday, May 29 | 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.
Day 16: Tuesday, May 30 | 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.