1. What is the size of the group?
2. Is there an age limit?
3. Do I have to be a Christian to go on this trip?
4. How long in advance should I book?
5. How do I book?
6. Do I have to help with chores?
7. What sort of people go on these trips?
8. What is the accommodation like?
9. Do I have to have travel insurance?
10. When to go?
11. What about malaria?
12. How fit do I need to be?
13. What's the food like?

1. What is the size of the group?

We generally like to limit the group size to 16, which greatly adds to the quality of your experience, helps with team building and reduces the impact on the wilderness areas we visit.

2. Is there an age limit?

From 18 to about 50 but if you are older and yet still feel young at heart and physically able to handle the challenges of adventure travel... then hop on board.

3. Do I have to be a Christian do go on the trip?

Absolutely. If Jesus doesn't rock your world and you don't believe that he is the son of God, who died for our sins and rose from the dead, then this trip is not for you.
(see What We Believe)

4. How long in advance should I book?

The longer the better. Certain seasons fill up quicker than other. Final bookings close 30 days prior to a trip, so 8 weeks in advance is probably ideal.

5. How do I book?

Online. (click here). If you any problems drop us a mail.

6. Do I have to help with chores?

Absolutely. If you are expecting someone to make your bed, supply 3-ply scented toilet paper and pop a mint on your pillows, you are in for a surprise. Everyone is required to assist with the running of the trip, which involves everything from setting up your own tents, preparing meals (when it is your teams turn) and to cleaning the truck.

7. What people go on these sort of trips?

People from all walks of life. Basically anyone who wants an adventure, experience Africa, get a taste for short term missions and to get involved with hands on projects all the while making the love of Jesus known. Some people traveling alone, others in couples or small groups. There do tend to be more females on these sort of trips.

8. What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation can vary from dorm-rooms in backpackers, to huts or camping.

9. Do I have to have travel insurance?

We require that you have comprehensive travel insurance and will ask you for a copy before you join any trip with Cross Country, no exceptions. Your insurance needs to cover all necessary medical expenses and repatriation costs incurred overseas, should the need arise. Don't forget to specify that you may be involved in so-called 'hazardous activities', such as bungy jumping, white water tubing, horse/elephant/ostrich riding, mountain biking, abseiling (rappelling), canoeing, etc as some of these activities may be excluded from standard travel insurance policies. (Read the small print).

We recommend that you take out your travel insurance at the time of booking because the cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the date your policy is issued, whereas all other sections of the policy will commence from the start date of your policy. Which means that if you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as a medical emergency, you may be able to claim back payment made for pre-paid trip costs and flights, subject to the standard policy terms and conditions.

10. When to go?

We run seven trips a year, roughly every six to eight weeks.
In terms of season and weather, winters (May till about September) can be pretty chilly at night, especially in the mountainous areas like the Drakensberg. Summers can be very hot, reaching temperatures in the mid 30’s (centigrade). Other than the Western Cape, the rest of the country has a summer rainfall. For a more detailed review of the countries weather, log on to:
www.southafrica.info/plan_trip/travel_tips/questions/climate.htm

11. What about malaria?

Malaria is only found in the eastern side of South Africa, Northern KwaZulu Natal, Swaziland and along the Mozambique border. Our route is designed to avoid affected areas so there is no need for concern.

However, if you are traveling elsewhere (e.g Kruger National Park), either before or after your time with us, you might want to read up a little more about the disease. (click here)

12. How fit do I need to be?

If climbing a ladder to get into the truck, sleeping on a mattress on the floor and getting your hands dirty on a building project doesn’t freak you out, then you should be fine.

13. What's the food like?

Every effort is made to cater for special diets, however due to local supplies and remoteness of some of our locations, this is not always possible. Please ensure that you inform us beforehand if you have any specific dietary requirements. We promote a healthy diet as well as culturally-relevant cuisine.