Our teams and visitors always have a huge impact on Pfunanane, our kids and families, local townships, and surrounding ministries - plus they have fun! For many people it is the experience of a lifetime, and the relationships they form in South Africa are lasting.
The price of a flight from the USA or Canada to Johannesburg is usually between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on the time of year. If your team requires transport during your stay, a van and a driver can be hired for you - otherwise, we can pick volunteers up at the airport ($150 covers gas and tolls for each 10-hour round trip - so to pick you up and drop you off would cost $300). We will work to arrange housing for visitors and volunteers - we just ask that you pay for your own food, and help by contributing $50 a week towards household expenses, as our budget is very tight.
We can arrange days off for tourist trips to Kruger Park or other nearby game parks for you, either through a tour or with us - the costs are usually around $200 for an overnight trip, including conservation fees, food, accommodation, gas, and costs of whoever takes you. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and visitors never regret going! There are also opportunities for souvenir shopping, and to visit cultural villages and the apartheid museum in Johannesburg.
Malaria is not a problem in our part of Africa - see your local health department for any shots they might recommend. Our water is clean to drink straight from the tap, and we do have flushing toilets and electricity! Adapters can be bought for around $7 when you get here, but leave your hair dryers and other heat appliances at home - the electricity fries them! (They can be bought inexpensively here if you need them) Money can be changed at the airport when you arrive, or be taken out of any ATM here - just arrange this with your bank first. You can see the current dollar to rand exchange rate by clicking here.
Limpopo is the safest province in South Africa, and our town is one of the safest in the province - the crime rate is very low, and while we can never guarantee anyone's safety, we have never had any problems. We trust God to take care of his servants!
We recommend raising support from your home church, friends, family, or through fund raisers - you will be amazed at how God provides when you follow His will!
Think God might be calling you to South Africa for a short term trip, a few months, or even longer? You can download our missionary application and reference forms here!
