FAQ
How is IMPACT Journeys different from other tours?
First it is not a tour – viewing sites from the windows of a bus, stopping only at expensive souvenir shops and the “touristy” sites. Instead, IMPACT Journeys offers meaningful trips where you will find yourself becoming part of communities across the world, giving back to local projects, and travelling responsibly. These cultural engagement experiences give you first-hand exposure to breathtaking Africa in a way not possible as a mere tourist. You will make a direct impact on the local communities, while enjoying the colourful heritage, cultures and traditions, plus the sights and activities South Africa offers. Engaging with locals can be very inspiring as you experience the resilience, hope, and ingenuity of these amazing people.
These trips focus on learning from others and incorporating these lessons into your own life to have a more joyful, purposeful existence. I will also host a post-travel teleseminar if you want to synthesize your learning experiences and put them into action in your own life. On these trips you will interact personally with the projects and inspiring people that have brought them to life. You will also engage in some hands-on volunteering to help make a difference in the lives of South Africans.
How was it decided what to include in the trips?
Much time and thought was put into designing an experience like no other. Projects were chosen for their breadth of social issues facing South Africans, their openness to welcoming foreigners, and the impact they are having. Activities that aid in the sustainability living are incorporated, such as visiting shops that create income for those in dire poverty and ones that are kind to the environment (have you seen items made from tea bags yet?). Cultural experiences such as Cape Malay cooking, drumming, Zulu dancing, safari, and eating at locals’ homes make for an authentically African experience.
How will I as a traveller have a positive impact?
As a traveller you will have positive impact in many ways, such as:
- you will be generating needed income for many locals as we use local suppliers and small businesses
- your CO2 for all in-country land travel will be offset through Food & Trees for Africa
- some of the transfers will be by Green Cab, which is a carbon-neutral company by using a B50 blend of BioDiesel (used cooking oil) and liqueified petroleum gas
- you will have the opportunity to purchase from shops with goods made by disadvantaged groups, which provides sustainable income as well profits are reinvested back to the community
- you will be supporting wineries that are socially responsible, and the ‘greenest’ winery on the continent which has carbon-neutral status
- wherever possible, we have used suppliers that give back (e.g. hippo/croc tour includes part of profit going to nature conservation; Gold Restaurant supports a children’s home, etc.)
- township tours create employment and provide a positive experience for locals as they have organized the trips
- donations made to all projects visited, and to our volunteer projects (see itineraries for details)
- volunteering your time and energy on projects identified as needed by the locals
- contributing to intercultural understanding and tolerance
What is the post-travel seminar about?
A couple of weeks after returning home and settling in, we will have a debriefing about the trip and discuss reverse culture shock and implementing lessons learned for a more fulfilling life. This seminar is an important part in making your journey meaningful and long-lasting.
Is the program open to anyone?
Participants must be of adult age (18+). Passports must be valid for a sufficient period to cover your intended stay, and have at least 2 blank pages.
Who should go?
If you have an open heart and positive attitude, are eager to learn and experience another culture, are flexible and generous with your time and energy, and are ready for challenges and excitement… this is for you! Our program is created for those who want to add more meaning to their lives and make a positive difference in our world. No special skills are required.
Our program is ideal for those who want to live with the amenities of a very developed region, while engaging with those in impoverished areas. It is also great for those who would like to have everything arranged for them and want to travel in a small group.
When is the best time to go?
South Africa is a year-round destination! The climate is described as Mediterranean, and the seasons are “upside down” from those in the Northern hemisphere, with winter running from June to August, summertime from November to February, and autumn in March and April. Over much of South Africa, summer is characterized by hot, sunny weather – often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly, leaving a warm, earthy, uniquely African smell in the air. The Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is the exception, getting its rain in winter.
Summer temperatures in Cape Town range from a pleasant 15 C (59 F) to highs of 27 C (81 F) and winter temperatures have mild lows of 7C (45F) to comfortable 18 C (64 F) in the day. In KwaZulu-Natal the temperatures average slightly higher.
Are any immunizations needed?
No international immunizations are needed when entering South Africa! The only exception is travellers entering South Africa within six days of leaving a country infected with yellow fever. In that case, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. It is always recommended that routine vaccinations be up-to-date, as well having inoculations against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. Another great advantage to this area is that the Western Cape (where Cape Town is located) is malaria-free! For those going on the Khusela Journey, part of the time will be spent in Zululand, where there is some malarial risk. To read more, please visit: www.malaria.org.za/Malaria_Risk/Risk_Maps/risk_maps.htm.
Some prefer to take anti-malarial pills, while others prefer to rely on long pants and repellent at dusk. It is best to discuss with your doctor which option you feel most comfortable making. For further information, go to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/south-africa.htm
How do I decide whether to go on the Ubuntu Journey (urban Cape Town), or the Khusela Journey (primarily rural in KwaZulu-Natal)?
If you can’t decide, do both! They are offered back-to-back so that you can do both trips easily. What could be better than spending 4 weeks in South Africa? If you are sticking with just 2 weeks, think about whether you prefer an urban or rural setting. Also, how do you feel about packing up and moving about vs. staying put? With the Ubuntu Journey, once you check into your accommodations that will be your “home” for the duration. With the Khusela Journey, you will be packing up every couple of days and moving about.
Both journeys offer a variety of community projects to visit and engagements with the local people, as well as two days of volunteer work. Both also offer something uniquely special: with the Ubuntu Journey it will be a tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, a day in the beautiful wine areas enjoying visits to several wineries, a visit to Boulder Beach where the penguins are plentiful, and a Cape Malay cooking experience. With the Khusela Journey you will go on a boat to see hippos and crocodiles up close, and spend a day doing a safari to see the amazing beautiful wild animals. You will also visit a sangoma (healer), see Zulu dancing, and visit a coffee farm. They are designed to be different enough so participants can enjoy a full 4 weeks, if they choose.
Do you have journeys to any other countries in the world?
Not yet but we will! Keep checking back and follow us on Twitter to keep apprised of new journeys that will be developed. Much thought and time are put into creating these journeys to be as fun, inspiring, and impactful as possible so be patient with us….it will be worth it! If you have a country and/or time of year you would like to see us create a journey, please let us know.
Can I put my own group together?
Absolutely! If there are at least 6 people in your group, then you can set the dates for your journey. Also, there may be some opportunity to customize the trip for you. Finally, as an added bonus there is a discount so please contact us for details!
