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South Africa - Nkundusi Creche
 SOUTH AFRICA
Join us for an African adventure to South Africa!
As an Ambassador for a sustainable future, you will see how your travel dollars are used for positive benefit.
After arriving from the US, you will rest four nights in Johannesburg.
Here you will hand deliver gifts to our
adopted children’s home - Sinethemba,
visit Mpumelelo Creche, tour a Squatter Camp,
and visit the Lion Park before your adventure in to the heart of KwaZulu Natal
Have an African Adventure!
You will fly into Richard’s Bay to begin an African safari with purpose. You will stay at the Hluhluwe River Lodge and join morning and evening game drives in Imfolozi Park, where you can see the BIG FIVE; (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo), as well as zebra, giraffe, baboons and more!
Take a cruise on the St. Lucia River to see crocodiles and hippos close up and visit the weaving and handcraft centre, Ilala Weavers.
Help Local People –
Zulu Village of Nkundusi
Travel by quad, horseback or Land Rover on a cultural tour of AAI’s “adopted” village of Nkundusi. You will visit the local school, meet with families in their homes, talk to a “sangoma” (healer) and learn firsthand about life and challenges of HIV, unemployment and access to water and food in Zulu culture.
Community leaders have asked for our help and you will deliver supplies and help refurbish the “creche” or day care center where we are providing food water, a playground, and supplies.
See the grateful faces and hear the songs
of the children you are helping.
South Africa Mission Itinerary
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Day 1 – Leave US for Johannesburg, S. Africa
You can leave from Washington DC or New York on South African Airways, or from Atlanta on Delta Airlines. You can also travel to Johannesburg via London on various airlines. Air transportation arrangements are the responsibility of each participant.
Day 2 – Johannesburg Arrival - Sinethemba
(Most flights leave from the US in the late afternoon or evening) US flights arrive in Johannesburg at 5:00PM – 7:00PM. Airport Welcome by your hostess Silviya Simmonds. Silviya will take you to the Afrika House, a local bed and breakfast so that you can get settled and refreshed after your long journey and enjoy dinner.
 Day 3 – Mpumelelo Creche
In the morning, you will shop for gifts for the crèche which provides shelter and love to children 3-6 years of age.
Later, you will visit the children and enjoy activities
and playing with the children.
The Kitchen at Mpumelelo Creche
Please click on the photo of the kitchen
to learn more about Mpumelelo Creche and how you can help
from our in-country coordinator, Silviya Simmonds.
In the afternoon, you will meet the children of Sinethemba and participate in an outing (movie and milkshake) and games. The evening will include a dinner at Sinethemba.
 Day 4 – Lion Park
Following breakfast, you will leave for the Lion Park. While there, you will enjoy close-up encounters with lions including interaction with cubs and picture-taking opportunities. And…if you’ve never fed a giraffe, this may be your only opportunity!
In the afternoon, you will leave for Daveyton and take a tour of the Squatter Camp there. You will have dinner at Sinethemba or a Johannesburg restaurant.
Day 5 - Elephant Sanctuary and Local Flea Market
This morning you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After breakfast, you will take a
morning visit to the Elephant Sanctuary.
While you are there, you will be able to touch, feel, feed and interact with the elephants - even get a "kiss" and have a walk -- trunk in hand. This is an amazing up close encounter with these magnificent animals and an unforgettable experience. Rides are optional - for the fit and adventurous!!
Day 6 – Depart for Hluhluwe
Enjoy breakfast – and depart mid morning for a flight to Richards Bay. You will be met at the airport by a guide from HluHluwe River Lodge, to begin your African Safari adventure. Stop for lunch in Zulu country and enjoy a cruise on the St. Lucia Reserve and see abundant wildlife including Hippos and Nile Crocodiles …Arrive at HluHluwe River Lodge and get settled in your chalet. http://www.hluhluwe.co.za Have dinner and meet your host Gavin Dickson. Lodge management will brief the AAI team on the itinerary and the humanitarian assistance project that they will perform on Day 3 of the Richard’s Bay portion of the trip.
 Day 7 – Safaris and Crocodiles, Crafts Market
Enjoy a pre-breakfast game drive at 5:30 am. Drive through Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest park in South Africa where you can see the Big 5 (this is an abundant habitat area for lion, elephant, water buffalo, rhino’s, giraffes, monkeys, and more). Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Midday, relax and some leisure time. Light lunch at 2:00 PM before leaving to a Zulu cultural village to experience Zulu cultural dance and historical lifestyle. Visit Ilala Weavers, an arts and crafts centre specializing in Zulu basket weaving and handcraft. Return to the lodge for a traditional “braai” barbeque.
Day 8 - Zulu Adventure
Following breakfast, depart (by quad, jeep or horseback) to visit Airline Ambassadors adopted Zulu village of Nkundusi and the Senzokuhle Creche -- or the Cwebeni Primary School (depending upon the pre-facilitated AAI project at the time).
This project will require some physical labor as well as interaction with the children and teachers.
Lunch is taken along and eaten during a work break. This is a full-day of humanitarian work before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and dinner!
Day 9 – Full-day Game Drive to Hluhluwe
Imfolozi Game Reserve with a picnic barbeque lunch in a beautiful setting in the Imfolozi area of the park. Your guides will lead you on an expansive tour of the 100,000 hectare game reserve. As you take in the African landscape, you may enjoy a moment unlike any other. You may spot a member of the “Big 5” - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino. In the late evening, you will return to the lodge, freshen-up, and attend a farewell dinner.
Day 10 – Depart for Home. Depart from Richards Bay for Johannesburg and the US after your amazing African Adventure.
Know Before You Go:
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a generally moderate climate, with sunny days and cool nights. There are adequate facilities in all areas most commonly visited by tourists.
Food and water are generally safe in major cities, and a
wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available. Best private health facilities in Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are comparable to those in industrialized countries. Medical care is substandard outside major cities. South Africa is a developing nation but is in the upper half of the world's economies.
VACCINES AND MALARIA
- Vaccines: No vaccinations necessary for South Africa. Hluhluwe not in malaria area so no tabs required. It is your personal choice as to whether you would like to inquire further with your own personal physician.
VISAs
Visa not required for USA citizens. Other applicants may need to meet specific requirements.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in South Africa
- U.S. Embassy: 877 Pretorius Street Arcadia in Pretoria (Tel.: 27-12-342-1048; Fax: 27-12-342-5504; Web: usembassy.state.gov/pretoria/).
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Responsibilities of Participants
Booking:
Flight to South Africa - Airline of choice.
Flight from JHB to Richards Bay return to JHB.
SA Express Airways (affiliated to SAA) www.flysax.com.
Dep time JHB 9.55am Dep time Richards Bay 11.50am.
Accommodation at Hluhluwe River Lodge (Days 6-9):
Contact Tanith at Hluhluwe Lodge (info@hluhluwe.co.za).
Visit the lodge's site http://www.hluhluwe.co.za.
You will book your room with Tanith. Deposit will be paid upfront at least
one week prior to the arrival date to confirm your reservations.
Arrange with Lodge - transport to and from Richards Bay Airport - extra cost.
Game drives and other activities on arrival - extra cost
(please see Package Price estimates below).
Notify missions@airlineamb.org and in-country coordinator, Silviya Simmonds, silvic@global.co.za of:
- Airline, dates and times of arrival in South Africa.
- If are interested in sharing a room or requesting a single.
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To Sign-Up:
- You must be a current AAI member.
Please visit our Membership Section to join or update your membership if necessary.
Airline Ambassadors International
418 California Avenue, PO Box 459
Moss Beach, CA 94038
- To register for the trip:
Assure a reservation with us. You may submit the $200 non-refundable deposit securely and online here or send a check to Airline Ambassadors (indicating South Africa Mission, dates of your trip).
Pay online using our secure server.
Select the Donate Button.
- Please take a copy of our Volunteer Donation Receipt with you on the trip and return a copy to our office when you return home. Your donations will be tax deductible!
Airline Ambassadors International
418 California Avenue, PO Box 459
Moss Beach, CA 94038
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Land arrangement for Johannesburg (Days 2-5) will be arranged by
in-country coordinator, Silviya Simmonds: silvic@global.co.za.
- Please let Silviya know airline, date and time of arrival in South Africa, and if you are willing to share a room during your stay in South Africa (single or shared accommodations).
- For confirmation of accommodations at the HluHluwe River Lodge (Days 6-9) ,
please contact Tanith at: info@hluhluwe.co.za and confirm that you will be participating in the mission.
Don't forget to visit the lodge's site at: http://www.hluhluwe.co.za to learn more about Hluhluwe Lodge.
Pricing Package for South Africa Trip |
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The total estimated ground cost
of the mission will be
** $1500.00 which includes
an in-country donation of $100.
This trip is pay-as-you-go.
** Airfare to South Africa is the responsibility of the participant and not included.
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All money and appropriate paperwork needs to be received two weeks
prior to mission departure.
Everything is tax deductible.
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For Your Information
(expected in-country expenses):
Accommodation for Days 2-5 (Johannesburg):
Bed and Breakfast
Excursions
Airport transfer
Meals (each)
**Souvenirs
**Water/snacks
Sinethemba and Mpumulelo shopping and visits |
single from
R430 - R540 pn ($46-$58 USD)
double R550 - R740 pn sharing
($59-$79 USD)
Lion Park
R470 pp ($50 USD)
Elephant Sanctuary
R1000 pp - including lunch ($107 USD)
R100 per trip ($11 USD)
R80 - R150 ($9-$16 USD)
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At your discretion (bring what you wish).
R50 ($5 - $6 USD)
Coordinator providing transport. Anyone wishing to contribute to petrol cost is most appreciated! |
SINETHEMBA—HOPE HOUSE NEEDS LIST
REGISTERED AS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION 026-625
REGISTERED WITH SARS UNDER SECTION 18A :
NUMBER 930 004 479 TELEPHONE : 011 963 0437
FAX/PHONE : 011 963 0382
CELL : 084 3544 114
 Wish List:
- Stickers, glue, coloring books
- Toys - puzzles, balls, blocks, educational, bubbles, dolls, cars, dressing up.
- Board/card games for teenagers
- Toiletries - any little personal things
- Food is always needed but best purchased in South Africa.
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