Travel with us

Use your hands and heart to make a difference. Travel with purpose, serve alongside others, and be part of life-changing work through volunteer trips.

Volunteers

0 +

Trips

0 -Day

When do you want to travel?

Travel FAQs

We want to make your journey as seamless as possible. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly: trips@heartforafrica.org

Financial Information

How much money do I need to raise?

Your trip ground cost (with flights NOT included) will be based on dates, length of stay, lodging, and ground transportation needs. Total cost and funding deadlines can be found on each trip’s page. Please see the trips listed above for specific trip information.

Flights are your responsibility to book, though we are happy to assist you. We will provide dates for departure and arrival to you upon registration. We kindly request that you review your flights with the Trip Coordinator before booking.

How do I raise the funds?

Our staff is here to help guide you with advice and best practices! Please reach out to us for further information.

How can donations be made?

By credit card on your funding page. This link is provided to you after registering for a trip.
By check made out to Heart for Africa and mailed to:
Heart for Africa
P.O. Box 474
Alpharetta, GA 30009
(To ensure funds are attributed properly, check memo line must include participant name with trip month and year.)
By calling Heart for Africa at (678) 566-1589 to donate via credit card.
Cash donations can be made, though they are NOT eligible to receive a tax receipt.

All tax receipts are mailed in January (just prior to tax time) for the previous year’s donations.

What is the trip cancellation policy?

We understand circumstances may arise that require you to cancel your involvement in a trip. We are committed to holding a participant’s trip funds until December of the following calendar year to be applied to a trip within that time frame, less the $250 administration fee. Likewise, in the event Heart for Africa needs to cancel for any reason, all trip funds will be transferred to a trip to be utilized within the time frame as noted above. Please note that all monies are non-refundable.

If I can't go, can I (and my supporters) get a refund?

Heart for Africa is a 501(c)3 charity registered in the United States and because of this, we cannot refund donations. The funds you raise must be solicited and donated with the understanding that Heart for Africa has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. For the funds donated to qualify as a tax deduction, they are not yours and are not contingent upon your ultimate participation in the trip, but rather are Heart for Africa’s funds to be used in furthering its charitable purposes.

Travel

Can I arrive early or stay later?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate anyone serving on Project Canaan outside of the scheduled trip dates. If you would like to plan travel before or after your trip, you will need to make those arrangements. For any self-booked travel plans or suggestions, please contact us at the email above before finalizing. Please note, you are responsible for meeting the group at the airport or hotel in Africa on the required dates.

Do I need a passport?

Yes! Your passport must have at least 4 consecutive blank VISA pages (excluding the final endorsement page) and must be valid at least six months past your departure date from the country you are visiting. Click here for more information regarding passports.

Do I need a VISA?

A Visa is not required for travel to Eswatini if you are a United States citizen.

Does Heart for Africa require that I have traveler's insurance?

Travel Emergency Medical Insurance is provided by Heart for Africa. However, each participant may decide on their own to purchase additional insurance to cover cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to travel restrictions or illness.

What vaccinations are recommended?

As we are not medical professionals, we cannot make recommendations on medical care. Please check with your doctor, health department, or visit the CDC website for more information.

How long does it take to get to Africa?

The average flight to Johannesburg, South Africa is 16-18 hours from the east coast of the US. The drive from Johannesburg to Eswatini is approximately 5 to 6 hours, rest stops included.

How many bags can I travel with?

All airlines vary, so please refer to your booked airline website or your tickets for complete information regarding baggage limitations.

Are there special instructions for traveling with minors?

To travel with a minor, you must complete the form located here and have it with you at all times. If the parent/legal guardian of the minor is not traveling, the parent/legal guardian must identify a temporary guardian of at least 25 years of age who is traveling with the minor. For further instructions on traveling with children that are citizens of the United States, click here.

Trip Logistics

What will I experience while on a Heart for Africa Trip?

Below is a sample trip itinerary. Please note that activities and dates may change depending upon the scheduling needs of the trip.

Day 1 – Depart Home

Day 2 – Arrive Johannesburg, SA, spend night @ City Lodge

Day 3 – Ground transport to Nkonyeni Lodge, Eswatini

Day 4 – Tour of Project Canaan Farm & Activities on PC

Day 5 – Tour of PC Children’s Campus & Homestead visit

Day 6 – Project Canaan Activities

Day 7 – Project Canaan Activities

Day 8 – Game Drive @ Hlane Royal National Park

Day 9 – Church @ PC & Community Feeding Program

Day 10 – Ground transport to Johannesburg for return flight

Day 11 – Arrive Home

Where will I stay?

We ensure our teams stay in comfortable and safe accommodations in both Johannesburg and Eswatini, enabling you to rest and refresh each evening. All hotels have rooms with two twin beds or a single full bed with ensuite bath.

Will I have a roommate?

During registration, you can request either a double room or a single, private room (at an extra fee). We will do our best to honor all requests, including roommate preferences. We have a policy of no male/female roommates unless you are married or family members.

What meals will be provided?

From dinner on the day of your arrival in Johannesburg to lunch on your way back to the airport at the end of your trip, all meals are covered in the cost of your trip. All food and beverages are provided and are prepared in clean, food-safe environments. As the water is safe to drink, we ask that you bring a reusable water bottle with you to help us conserve resources.

What kind of shopping will I be able to do?

You will have multiple opportunities to shop at Khutsala Artisans on Project Canaan. If time permits, you will visit Ngwenya Glass Shop on the drive back to Johannesburg at the conclusion of your trip.

Currency, Clothing, Communication

Do I need to bring any money? How much?

We encourage participants to travel with a major credit card for purchases and unforeseen emergencies. Except for American Express, credit cards are accepted in South Africa and Eswatini. (Please be sure to alert your credit card company of your travel plans before departure.)

For physical money, we suggest having at least the equivalent of $30 USD in South African Rand for tipping purposes at the end of your trip. While we do collect funds at the end of the trip to provide tips for our Eswatini drivers and hotel staff, your participation in tipping is not mandatory.

Where can I exchange currency?

We recommend that you exchange currency to South African Rand, which can be used in both South Africa and Eswatini, at a local bank at least 10 days prior to departing for your trip. Additionally, you can exchange currency at an airport kiosk or ATM outside of customs at the Johannesburg airport.

What should I pack?

Check out our recommended packing list HERE. Additionally, we suggest you pack some clothing, your must-haves, and any medication in your carry-on in the event your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced.

What are the clothing requirements for men and women?

We try our very best to be respectful and sensitive to Swazi culture. Because Swazis value modesty, it is always the best policy. Please dress and pack accordingly. Check out our recommended packing list for further information.

What is the weather like in Eswatini?

Eswatini experiences rainy, hot summers and cold, dry winters. The cooler months are April/May to August with average temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) in the morning and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) in the afternoon. The warmer months are September to March/April with average temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (25-30 Celsius). Keep an eye on the weather app prior to your trip – search for Manzini, Eswatini or Sidvokodvo, Eswatini.

Can I use/charge my electronic devices?

The short answer is YES – but only with the proper equipment. The electricity at Project Canaan, and throughout Eswatini, is 240 Volts AC. To use electronic devices, you will need the appropriate plug adapter for Eswatini – Type M. You may also need a power converter if your device is not certified for input at AC 100V-240V. Please

How do I communicate with those back home?

We encourage you to be fully present in Eswatini and “disconnect”, but we realize you might need to communicate with those back home. Always check international rates and coverage with your cell phone provider prior to departure. Eswatini has a modern wireless cell phone system and internet is almost always available at hotels. We recommend WhatsApp as a reliable means of communication once in Eswatini.

What if I want to bring donated items to leave in Africa?

New or gently used clothing in child, teen and adult sizes are always appreciated. We love donations of coats, jackets, fleece, sweaters, umbrellas, socks and new underwear.

Bubbles, jump ropes, balls, soccer balls, frisbees, nail polish, and stickers are welcome for the homestead and church visits. Check out our Amazon Wish List for specific needs.