Kruger to Coast Volunteer Adventure

Country Information

South Africa
South Africa is the southern most country on the African continent, stretching over 2500km along the coast, from Namibia to Mozambique. It is one of the most developed countries on the continent, with very good infrastructure and excellent facilities for travellers.

South Africa has it all; from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. Cape Town has long been a favourite spot for tourists. Overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.

South Africa was originally inhabited by the Bantu-speaking people who migrated across Southern Africa. It was first marked on the ’map’ in the 15th Century when the Portuguese explorers arrived on the shore of the Cape of Good Hope, making settlements and establishing trade routes. As a result of this, modern South Africa has huge diversity in all aspects of life, stemming from the traditional, tribal and European influence.

The recent history is a mixed affair. As a developed country with political ties to Europe, South Africa gallantly took part in both World Wars. However, only as recently as 1994 has South Africa ended the Apartheid regime. This was engineered by the minority White race and was a horrific and suppressing existence for all who opposed it. One can now hope for a just and democratic state.

Sadly, South Africa’s diversity extends to economics, with roughly half the population living below the poverty line in shantytowns and mud huts. South Africa has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world and also the highest number of patients being treated for HIV/ Aids in the world. The government has tripled it’s spending on HIV/Aids treatments, although it is doing little to reduce it’s prevalence. The average life expectancy for men is just 47 years old, with women outlasting them by only four years, to 51 years old.

Swaziland
Swaziland, named after the prominent Swazi tribe, is one of Africa’s smallest but wealthiest nations. It is landlocked in the very southeast of the continent by South Africa and Mozambique. Politically, Swaziland is a Monarchy, with the King as the Head of State. It is traditional for the King to reign alongside the Queen Mother, who is seen as the spiritual and national Head of State. The population, as of 2004, is 1.1 million, with a majority of people living in the capital Mbabane and the largest settlement Manzini. The majority of the population are of the Swazi tribe descent with a small number of Zulu and white African descent. 82.7% of them are Christians.

For such a small country, Swaziland has a pretty diverse geography, with mountains, savannah and rainforest – it also has a very progressive view towards conservation and there are many national parks to visit. Swaziland actually sued to be part of the British African colonies, but became independent in 1968.

Mozambique
The Republic of Mozambique is in the east of the African continent. It is bordered to the south by South Africa, Zambia to the west and Malawi and Tanzania to the north and northwest. For a long time Mozambique has been a favourite holiday destination for people from neighbouring South Africa as it is considered to be one of Africa’s true last untouched destinations. Mozambique has it all; from the picturesque beaches, to bustling metropolises, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular.

Like most countries in Africa, Mozambique has not escaped the devastation caused by AIDS. In 2004 it was estimated that half a million children had lost either one or both of their parents due to AIDS.

In contrast to the devastating effects of AIDS and flooding, Mozambique has some of the most beautiful coastline scenery in Africa and is one of the few remaining unspoiled destinations around.

Mozambique is now a relatively peaceful country. However, the devastating floods ruined much of its infrastructure in 2000/2001, killing large numbers and leaving many people homeless. This is because Mozambique is mostly coastal lowlands, making it vulnerable to the rising levels of the Zambezi River.

Getting There

You will need to arrange your travels to arrive at Manzini International Airport in Swaziland, via Johannesburg, on the start date of your tour, where your tour guide will meet you and take you to your accommodation. You will also depart from Manzini Airport after your tour. Your flight out should be booked on the day after the last day of the tour (day 29).

Climate

South Africa
The weather in South Africa is some of the most temperate in Africa. Winter is cooler and drier and great for hiking and wildlife watching, whereas summer is hot and can be sticky. In the North East of the country the summer is hot and dry, but there are occasional tropical storms. In the winter the days are sunny and warm. Please make sure you pack according to the weather!

Climate Chart for the Kruger National Park area:

Swaziland
Though Swaziland is a small country, the climate still varies from region to region. Altitude plays a major factor in the weather with the higher areas being cloudy, misty and cooler than the rest of the country. The western mountainous region of the country is humid and wet whereas the middle and lowland regions are much drier. As you get farther east the climate goes from sub tropical to more tropical. There are two distinct seasons – the rainy season, which runs from October to May and brings with it warm and wet weather. June to September brings much cooler and drier weather.

Mozambique
Southern East Africa has a very tropical climate, dominated by the wet and dry seasons. For both seasons, you will need to bring outdoor clothing preferably neutral in colour as well as a hat and sun block; the sun can be very harsh to your skin.

April-September: Dry Season: Nights and early mornings can be cold, especially during the winter months of May to August.

October-March: Wet Season: Days and nights can get very hot and sticky. You need light clothes although there might be a day the temperature drops so ensure you also bring a sweater. It’s a time of heavy rain, especially between mid-November and mid February so bring a raincoat, waterproof shoes and plenty of clothes you can change into just in case you get caught in the rain. It is a beautiful season; everything turns green and you may witness many young animals appearing.

Please ensure you pack according to the months that you travel!

Climate Chart for Maputo