Schedule

SHONGWENI EXPERIENCE

14 – 21 May 2011

 

Day 1 (Sat 14 May)                                                                                                                                                                    Arrival    

The group will be met by an African Exposure representative on your arrival at Durban International Airport (from the airport it is a 30 minute drive to your accommodation venue).  On arrival at the accommodation venue you will be assisted with check in. The balance of the evening will be at leisure.

Day 2 (Sun 15 May)                                                         Shongweni Church Service                                                                             

This morning we will attend the church service in Shongweni. After the church service we will have some free time to shop, walk along the beach or simply relax.

At 17h30 we will congregate for an in country briefing.  The briefing will include safety on site, cultural considerations, what to expect from the week and the tasks that are planned for the group.  This is also an opportunity for group members to have any questions answered.

A traditional South African Braai at the pool will follow the briefing - weather permitting.  

Day 3 (Mon 16 May)                                                                                                                                                           Shongweni

The group will depart the accommodation venue, after breakfast at 08h00 and make your way to the Shongweni Valley and the Ntshongweni community.  On arrival you will begin work on the various projects set aside for the group.

At 15h50 group members will be asked to pack and tidy up the site in order to be ready to depart at 16h00 and return to the accommodation venue. 

On arrival at the hotel we will have a short de-briefing and question session for those interested - Venue to be confirmed.

This evening the group will depart the accommodation venue at 18h30 for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4 (Tues 17 May )                                                  Shongweni & Game Drive                                                                         

You will depart the hotel at 08h00 and head straight to the sites for another day of work and community interaction.

At 14h45 you will pack up and at 15h00 we will make our way across to the Tala Private Game Reserve for a game drive in an open game viewing vehicle with an experienced field guide.  On the drive you will have the opportunity to see some of Africa’s famous wildlife, including Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippo and numerous antelope species.  Part of the drive will be a night drive which gives you a chance to see some of our nocturnal species, such as genet, porcupine, bush babies and the African wildcat.

After the game drive there will be a stop in the reserve to enjoy a traditional ‘bush braai’ – a barbecue under the African sky surrounded by wild animals (weather permitting).

Return to the hotel at around 20h00.

Day 5 (Wed 18 May)                                                        Shongweni 

Depart the accommodation venue at 08h00 and head straight to Shongweni for another full day of work. At 15h50 we will pack up again and at 16h00 we will depart for the accommodation venue.

On arrival at the accommodation venue we will have a short de-briefing and question session for those interested - Venue to be confirmed.

This evening dinner will be served the accommodation venue at around 19h00.

Day 6 (Thurs 19 May)                                                     Shongweni & Community                                                                     

Depart the accommodation venue at 08h00 and head straight to Shongweni for another full day of work and community interaction.

At 15h50 we will pack up again and at 16h00 we will spend some time interacting with the local congregation and perhaps enjoy a quick sociable game of soccer with the local kids.  Then we will enjoy a traditional meal at the church / community centre which will be lovingly prepared by some of the local congregation. 

Day 7 (Fri 20 May)                                                           Shongweni                                                                                                   

Depart hotel at 08h00 and head up to the Valley for the final day of work.  Enjoy your last day in Shongweni and interacting with the people you have worked with over the week.

You will pack up for the last time at around 14h00 and after fond farewells you will depart the Shongweni Valley for the accommodation venue.

This evening we will depart the hotel at 18h30 and head into Durban for dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Day 8 (Sat 21 Oct)                                                             Home Time                                                                                                   

This morning an excursion will be arranged to the local Farmer’s Market in the area – a truly local experience, alternatively enjoy a nice sleep in on your day off. 

After the Farmers market we will return to the accommodation venue to freshen up, have breakfast and pack up before heading down to Durban to visit the Victoria Street Market, a local Indian and African Market.  We will then make our way our to Umhlanga 20 minutes north of Durban where you will have the opportunity to do some last minute shopping and enjoy a light lunch (for your own account) at the beach before making our way to the airport.