Ready to start preparing for your service trip to Eswatini? Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions trip participants have before their trip. If you have additional questions about your trip, please contact our Trip Coordinator.
Looking for more information on upcoming trips? Learn more about our scheduled trips here!
Financial Information
Your trip cost (with flights NOT included) will be based on dates, length of stay, lodging, and ground transportation needs. Total cost and funding deadlines can be found on each trip’s page. You can find trip pages here.
Flights are your responsibility to book, though we are happy to assist you. We will provide you with dates for departure and arrival upon registration. We kindly request that you review your flights with the Trip Coordinator before booking.
Please note that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not permit issuance of official tax receipts for payments made toward service trips. This will need to be communicated to anyone who financially supports your trip.
Our staff is here to help guide you with advice and best practices! Fundraising ideas can be found on the fundraising page.
Please note that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not permit issuance of official tax receipts for payments made toward service trips. This will need to be communicated to anyone who financially supports your trip.
- By credit card on your funding page. This link is provided to you after registering for a trip.
- By cheque made out to Heart for Africa and mailed to the US office:
Heart for Africa
P.O. Box 1308
Roswell, GA 30077
To ensure funds are attributed properly, cheque memo line must include participant name, trip month, and year. - By calling the Heart for Africa US office at 678-566-1589 to process your payment via credit card.
- Cash payments may be mailed to the US office as well.
Please note that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not permit issuance of official tax receipts for payments made toward service trips. This will need to be communicated to anyone who financially supports your trip.
We understand circumstances may arise that require you to cancel your involvement in a trip. We are committed to holding a participant’s trip funds until December of the following calendar year to be applied to a future trip in that time frame, less the $250 administration fee. Likewise, in the event Heart for Africa needs to cancel for any reason, all trip funds will be transferred to a future trip to be utilized in the time frame as noted above. For any questions regarding trip cancellations, please contact us at trips@heartforafrica.org. Please note that all monies are non-refundable.
Heart for Africa is a 501(c)3 charity and because of this, we cannot refund donations. The funds you raise must be solicited and donated with the understanding that Heart for Africa has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
Travel
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate anyone serving on Project Canaan outside of the scheduled trip dates. If you would like to explore before or after your trip, you will need to make those arrangements. For any self-booked travel plans or suggestions, please contact the Trip Coordinator at trips@heartforafrica.org before finalizing. Please note, you are responsible for meeting the group at the airport or hotel in Africa on the required dates.
Yes! Your passport must have at least 4 consecutive blank VISA pages (excluding the final endorsement page) and must be valid at least six months past your departure date from the country you are visiting. Click here for more information regarding passports.
A Visa is not required for travel to Eswatini if you are a Canadian citizen.
Travel Emergency Medical Insurance is provided by Heart for Africa. However, we recommend that each participant purchase their own additional insurance to cover cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to travel restrictions or illness.
Check with your doctor or visit the Public Health Agency website for more information.
The average flight to Johannesburg, South Africa is 16-18 hours from the east coast of the US. The drive from Johannesburg to Eswatini is approximately 5 to 6 hours, rest stops included.
All airlines vary, so please refer to your booked airline website or your tickets for complete information regarding baggage limitations.
To use your Frequent Flyer miles, you would need to self-book your flights. It is vital that your flight arrangements coincide with the required arrival and departure dates in and out of Africa for your trip. Again, please review your flight itinerary with the Trip Coordinator before finalizing purchase of your ticket.
To travel with a minor, you must complete the form located here and have it with you at all times. If the parent/legal guardian of the minor is not traveling, the parent/legal guardian must identify a temporary guardian of at least 25 years of age who is traveling with the minor. For further instructions on traveling with children that are citizens of Canada, click here. Please contact the Trips Coordinator at trips@heartforafrica.org for further support.
TRIP LOGISTICS
A sample trip description can be found here.
We ensure our teams stay in comfortable and safe accommodations in both Johannesburg and Eswatini, enabling you to rest and refresh each evening. All hotels have rooms with two twin beds or a single full bed with ensuite bath.
During registration, you can request either a double room or a single, private room (at an extra $500 fee). We will do our best to honor all requests, including roommate preferences. We have a policy of no male/female roommates unless you are married or family members.
All food and beverages are provided and are prepared in clean, food-safe environments. As the water is safe to drink, we ask that you bring a reusable water bottle with you to help us conserve resources.
You will have multiple opportunities to shop at Khutsala Artisans at Project Canaan. If time permits, you will visit Ngwenya Glass Shop on the drive back to Johannesburg at the conclusion of your trip.
CURRENCY, CLOTHING & COMMUNICATION
We encourage participants to travel with a major credit card for purchases and unforeseen emergencies. Except for American Express, credit cards are accepted in South Africa and Eswatini. (Please be sure to alert your credit card company of your travel plans before departure.)
As it relates to physical money, this is totally at your discretion. While we do collect funds at the end of the trip to provide tips for our Eswatini drivers and hotel staff, your participation in tipping is not mandatory.
We recommend that you exchange currency to South African Rand, which can be used in both South Africa and Eswatini, at a local bank at least 10 days prior to departing for your trip. Additionally, you can exchange currency at an airport kiosk or ATM outside of customs at the Johannesburg airport.
Check out our recommended packing list. Additionally, we suggest you pack some clothing, your must-haves, and any medication in your carry-on in the event your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced.
We try our very best to be respectful and sensitive to Swazi culture. Because Swazis value modesty, it is always the best policy. Please dress and pack accordingly. Check out our recommended packing list for further information!
Eswatini experiences rainy, hot summers and cold, dry winters.
The cooler months are April/May to August with average temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius in the morning and 25 Celsius in the afternoon.
The warmer months are September to March/April with average temperatures ranging from 25-30 Celsius.
Keep an eye on the weather app prior to your trip – search for Manzini, Eswatini or Sidvokodvo, Eswatini.
The short answer is YES – but only with the proper equipment.
The electricity at Project Canaan, and throughout Eswatini, is 240 Volts AC. To use electronic devices, you will need the appropriate plug adapter for Eswatini – Type M. You may also need a power converter if your device is not certified for input at AC 100V-240V. Please check the manufacturer’s label to determine the type of input your equipment can handle.
We encourage you to be fully present in Eswatini and “disconnect”, but we realize you might need to communicate with those back home. Always check international rates and coverage with your cell phone provider prior to departure.
Eswatini has a modern wireless cell phone system and internet is almost always available at hotels and Project Canaan. We recommend WhatsApp as a reliable means of communication once in Eswatini!
New or gently used clothing in child, teen and adult sizes are always appreciated. We love donations of coats, jackets, fleece, sweaters, umbrellas, socks and new underwear.
Bubbles, jump ropes, balls, soccer balls, frisbees, nail polish, and stickers are welcome for the homestead and church visits. Check out our Amazon Wish List for specific needs!
