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1. What is the size of the group?
Generally we prefer to limit the group size to 18, which greatly adds to the quality of your experience, helps with team building and reduces the impact on the wilderness areas we visit. However we can possibly make a plan with a larger group.
2. Is there an age limit?
From 18 to about 50, yet if you are older but still feel young at heart and physically able to handle the challenges of adventure travel... then hop on board. We have had a few people in their late 50's.
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. Contact us if you would like other volunteering suggestions.
4. How long in advance should we book?
The longer the better. Accommodation bookings and flights get booked up long in advance for certain seasons.
5. How do I book?
Drop us an email and we will take it from there.
6. Do I have to help with chores?
Definitely. 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 cleaning the truck.
7. What type of people go on these sort of trips?
People from all walks of life. Basically anyone who wants an adventure, wants to experience Africa, get a taste for short term missions and get involved with hands on projects, all the while making the love of Jesus known. Interestingly there do tend to be way more females on these trips.
8. What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation can vary from dorm-rooms in backpackers, to mud huts or camping.
9. Do we 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?
Winters (May till about September) can be a little chilly at night. Summers can be very hot, reaching late 30’s (celsius) and experience huge thunderstorms.
11. What about malaria?
Malaria is only found in the eastern side of South Africa, Northern KwaZulu Natal, Swaziland and along the Mozambique border. There is no malaria in the Eastern Cape, so 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.
12. How tough are these trips?
If climbing a ladder to get into the truck, sleeping on a mattress on a cow dung floor, swimming in rivers, hiking along empty beaches and getting your hands dirty on a building project doesn’t freak you out, then you should be fine. A little bit of stretching can be fantastic.
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.
It might sound obvious, but remember that Africa is different from home - that is one of the reasons you want to come. Patience and humility will get you a long way. Come prepared, then be prepared to go with the flow, expect the unexpected and be open to the diversity of this amazing corner of the continent.
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