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Where does my trip start?
South Africa begins in Johannesburg. You will most likely be traveling with other Moondance students and your instructors! We use Club Travel to coordinate all travel for international trips to ensure that students arrive as a group.
What happens in a typical day?
That depends on whether you are hiking, visiting a local village, working with endangered species, or rafting, but you can expect to laugh, see a beautiful part of South Africa, and learn a couple of things about each activity. Each morning, one cook group will prepare a feast for everyone to enjoy and then your group will start a day of adventure! After a morning and afternoon of telling stories, viewing Big Game or exploring Cape Town, your group will pick a great campsite, and, after setting up camp for the evening, enjoy a warm meal and a hot drink. Each night ends with "moonup;" a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.
What will visiting the Zulu Cultural Village be like?
Once you set foot in the Zulu village, you will feel as though you have stepped centuries into the past. The Zulu village is actually a family setup of huts dotting the hills and countryside of South Africa. You will meet a group of people who will welcome you with open arms and open your eyes to what is truly important in our lives. The Zulu people have almost none of the material possessions that we have, yet they are a happy, hard-working and creative people. We can learn a great deal from them.
What will we see in Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park is a legendary part of South Africa with unparalleled diversity. The amount of different species is almost mind-boggling: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals! Expect to see hundreds of unique creatures as well as bushman rock paintings and famous archeological sites such as Masorini and Thulamela. And you’re in luck – the best time for big game viewing is during Africa’s winter as vegetation and water are sparse and animals tend to gather around the rivers and water holes. Don’t forget your camera!
What is the weather like in South Africa?
South Africa is famous for its sunshine, but remember that you will be visiting during their winter months so don’t forget to pack a fleece for chilly nights. The climate in South Africa is relatively dry, but rainfall is the most frequent during the winter months. Temperatures are usually based upon ocean currents, elevation and terrain rather than the latitude.
Do I need to break in my boots?
Absolutely. The most common medical injury we face in the backcountry is blisters. Though that may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a hike into a nightmare if not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you properly and to wear them often to break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in, so start early! Once your trip starts, your leaders will show you how to care for your feet to avoid any unwanted blisters!
Are there any vaccinations I need for this trip?
The is no required vaccination for entry into South Africa. However, we have been requested by our South Africa outfitters and medical advisor with The Travel Clinic in Atlanta to make certain that all of our South Africa students have at least a current tetanus booster, a Hepatitis A vaccination and a typhoid vaccination. The clinics, doctors and the CDC also recommend contacting your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug in addition to the vaccinations listed above. We do strongly encourage that you contact your family physician and / or the CDC in Atlanta concerning these preventative health measures. For more detailed information, please visit www.cdc.gov/travel/safrica.htm on the web.
What will I learn by the end of my trip?
By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, how to communicate with people from a unique culture, or how to help navigate Class IV whitewater rapids. Most of all, you'll learn that life's lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging jungle trek and a heavy pack, the beauty of simple living found within the strong family ties of those you meet, or strangers that become family at the end of 21 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road. |
