Botswana and Zambia September 2007
At the beginning of September we took another group of 66 foreign students on
a 10 day overland adventure to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We had our most
successful trip yet with one group spotting lion and leopard while on a game
walk in the Okavango Delta, others seeing a lion kill and plenty of other game
sightings. It was also a definite improvement flying back from Zambia and thus
eliminating 2 long days of driving – a brilliant way to end an amazing trip!
Good friendships were forged over lots of laughs and
games of spades and famous people but we’ll let the students
tell you about their adventures themselves:
‘The 2 Way Travel Botswana trip was the best 10 days
of my life! Nothing will ever compare to it and I would
recommend it to anyone. Amazing company and great people.’
‘This trip tops the list of Best Weeks Of My Life. It
felt like the complete African experience – I immersed
myself in nature in the Okavango Delta, came face to
face with lions and elephants at Chobe, had my pick of
adventures in Victoria Falls, and between my driver,
chef, mokoro polers, and guides I had the chance to meet
and get to know people from all around Southern Africa.
By half way through the trip I was already thinking of
how to come back – this is the sort of experience I want
my best friends to experience, and someday my children.’
‘I had the perfect spring break trip. I feel like I
experienced a side of Africa beyond the traditional safari
but also felt safe throughout the trip.’
‘The Botswana overland tour was one of the best weeks
of my life. By traveling with 2 Way I was able to see
and experience amazing countries free of worry and hassle.
It always felt like a small, close group of travel companions
to share the experience with. Thank you so much for making
this the experience of a lifetime!’
‘The trip was so much fun. I met so many new people
and became friends with many of them that I think in
other circumstances I would not have become friends with.
This trip was an AMAZING experience and one that took
me out of my comfort zone and expanded it significantly.
The 2 Way Travel team handled everything so well, it
definitely gave me a much better experience in Africa
due to the organization and responsibility of the staff.’
‘2 Way Travel does an amazing job of creating a tourist
trip that includes a cultural experience that teaches
you so much about Africa. It truly does change your life
and is the most amazing trip.’
‘Best trip ever! I definitely learnt a lot and really
think I grew as a person. I learned a lot about different
customs and environments and also learned a lot about
others and myself! there is no way to be in South Africa
studying abroad and not go on a trip like this…you would
be cheating yourself! AWESOME trip and
staff!!!’
‘Althought cliched, it really was a “life changing”
experience. From the most avid outdoors men to the true
American princess, this trip will teach you about Africa,
others and most of all, yourself.’
Botswana Trip April 2007
During the Easter break, 2 Way Travel took another group
of adventurous foreign students on an 11 day overland
adventure of Botswana and Zambia. In spite of a number
of the group unfortunately getting sick after the Delta,
they still managed to have a good time and see amazing
African scenes. What better way to hear about the experience
than from the students themselves so this is what some
of them had to say:
‘The trip really makes you see what you can accomplish
without the comfort we are all used to. It makes you
find parts of yourself, especially during the camping
in the Delta, that you might not think you are capable
of. Overall, AMAZING and an unforgettable experience
that I will be talking about for the remainder of my
life.’
‘Enjoy the Botswana sunsets. Wear that sun block. Please
swim in the Delta. Befriend your driver & cook –
they’ll make your travelling experience extra nice. Do
bring musical instruments (we missed out on those). Keep
a positive attitude and a smile on your lips – the rain
only lasts so long.’
‘The meals were excellent. As a vegetarian I felt well
accommodated for.’
‘Roughing it in Southern Africa has never felt so good!’
‘The leaders were incredible the whole time keeping
positive spirits all along even with the sickness. The
staff was a great asset to the trip & they make the
experience great.’
‘Best week of my life. Could not have asked for a better
time. Love you guys!’
‘It was a truly incredible, unforgettable African experience.
I have never loved being so dirty so much in my life
and I have certainly improved my squat-popping abilities.
The staff is so up close and wonderful and it’s a great
way to get really personal with new and old friends.’
‘This trip was life changing. I saw things I’ve never
dreamed of seeing. It was well organised and led.’
‘At first I wanted to plan my own holiday. However,
I now realise that if I had, I would not only have spent
more money but wouldn’t have had half the experience
I had on this trip. THANKS SO MUCH!’
‘The trip was worth every single penny! Getting to know
the people of the Delta and their way of life was priceless
and Victoria Falls was the most beautiful and breathtaking
thing I have ever seen. I never thought I would enjoy
camping but it was way easier and more fun than I ever
imagined it could be!’
Peeler Family Volunteer Trip
For the 3rd consecutive year, the Peeler Family have
raised funds and come to Cape Town to volunteer their
time, energy and resources during their holiday time.
Only Jeff and Gordon could make it this year and they
only had 6 days to spare but this seemed to give them
even more motivation to work flat-out and make an invaluable
contribution towards some of the maintenance needs
of Baphumelele Children’s Home.
After arriving late on Sunday night, they got some rest
before heading out with the 2 Way team to the orphanage
first thing on Monday morning. They had a look at the
maintenance projects that they would be undertaking and
then stopped by the hardware store to get some final
supplies. From then on it was painting, edging, cleaning,
plastering, fitting, playing with kids and transforming
rooms.
The first project that the team undertook was painting
Felicia’s classroom. This was just the start of a classroom
makeover and by the end of the week they had freshly
painted walls, new blinds, a new carpet and a whole load
of much needed educational toys and resources.
The other big project that they undertook was to paint
the entire inside of Cluster House #1. Because this was
the first cluster house to have become operational, it
had taken quite a bit of abuse while the other houses
were being built. Jeff, Gordon and the 2 Way Team plastered
up holes and fixed edges before giving all the rooms
a fresh coat of colourful paint. We also put up new curtains,
laid a rug in the lounge, put throws on the couches and
added a number of other homely touches. A number of the
children enjoyed the opportunity to get dirty and paint
some walls (and the occasional windowsill and light switch!).
The 8 children who reside there with their carers now
have a fresh, new home to live in.
As a final project, the team gave one of the rooms in
the baby house a fresh coat of paint. This took a lot
longer than expected because of all the prep work that
was required to remove the pictures that had been glued
onto the walls but the team’s commitment transformed
the room into a beautiful pink room for the girls.
In all these projects, Jeff and Gordon took time to
play with the children and include them in some of the
painting. The kids loved having them around and being
able to make a contribution towards the rejuvenation
of their home. The teachers have also been given a much
needed boost of encouragement and appreciation thanks
to the make-over and new resources they received – certainly
well deserved for all the hard work that they do!
We are grateful for the huge effort and sacrifice that
the Peeler Family made to come out here and make such an
invaluable contribution to Baphumelele - Mandy did amazing
work behind the scenes raising funds and organising the
guys, while they put in all the muscle and slog. We look
forward to seeing Kelly here in August and hope that the
whole family can make it back here again next year!
Villanova University Volunteer Trip
After lots of preparation, fundraising and research,
19 students from Villanova University in Philadelphia,
USA landed at Cape Town International Airport on Saturday
30th December 2006. Despite the long journey, the group
was immediately committed to making the most of their
two weeks in South Africa. The first two days were spent
recovering from jetlag and becoming familiar with South
Africa and our many challenges as well as the riches
of this country. They hiked up Table Mountain, soaked
up some rays on our beautiful beaches and met a number
of local South Africans.
Day 3 saw the start of the real purpose of the trip
– serving at Baphumelele Children’s
Home in Khayelitsha. The group had the opportunity
to hear first hand stories of the mama’s experiences
of living in South Africa, including their experiences
of their first democratic vote in 1994.
During their time at Baphumelele, the team did a fantastic
job of cleaning the yards so that the children have better
and safer places to play. With the children still on
school holiday, the Villanova group put on a fun-filled
holiday programme. Some days were spent doing craft activities
at the home, including candle making, drawing, painting
t-shirts, making beaded spoons and much more. One day
was spent at a local park where the children were able
to play freely in between the mini Olympics activities
that were planned. On the weekend, we piled 46 children
into a bus and headed for the beach. Unfortunately the
weather didn’t play its part and was windy and cold.
The team got the children moving in fun games of limbo
stick and sand races but even this was not enough to
keep the cold and rain away. We eventually had to abort
the beach and head back to the orphanage to watch DVDs
on a big screen – a fun experience for the children.
The last day at Baphumelele was spent making musical
instruments and coming up with performances for a farewell
concert. With all the preparations done, we shared in
a celebratory lunch with everyone from the Home. With
tummies filled and excitement at its max, the show began.
We had 4 year olds singing about making melodies
in their hearts, teenagers displaying traditional
Xhosa dances and boys teaching some of the Villanovian
guys how to do gumboot dancing. Rosie, the founder of
Baphumelele even sang for us.
Fun was had by all, which made saying goodbye even harder
to do. All of the Villanovians formed meaningful relationships
with the children and will continue to support them from
back home in the United States. The group gave more than
just their time and have made significant contributions
to the home, which will continue in the coming year.
In between all of this, the group got to visit local
church services, meet South Africans over a traditional
braai (barbeque) and enjoy some local cuisine. They also
got to visit Robben Island, where they got to see former
President, Nelson Mandela’s cell for 17 years as a political
prisoner, while hearing our tour guides own first hand
encounters as a political prisoner.
The trip was rounded off with a 2 night home stay in
Kayamandi Township just outside Stellenbosch. This unique
experience provided further insights into the complexities
of South Africa’s diverse society.
This was a truly 2 Way experience with learning, sharing
and growth happening in and between people throughout
their time here. Seeds have been planted in lives that
will produce a fruit in years to come.
Quotes from some of the Villanova students:
‘I’m leaving my heart behind in South Africa. It was
an incredible experience and I wish it could last forever.’
‘This trip was more rewarding that I ever imagined.
I really feel that I am leaving South Africa with a completely
new perspective. I also definitely plan on coming back,
so keep your schedules open!!’
‘This trip has been life changing in so many ways and
I only wish I could stay longer! Thank you for all of
your hard work, I will NEVER forget you or South Africa!!!’
‘Projects were very well thought out and organised.
The kids really responded to the stimulation.’
‘The home stay experience was important to me to see
how the people really live.’
‘The home stay was such a unique and wonderful experience
and I’m so glad we had the opportunity to do them!!’
‘Everyone was so genuinely nice and accommodating, I
felt very welcomed and ‘at home’. I love that everyone
would answer any question thrown at them. I also really
think that Mike & Heather, you have both done such
incredible work and your faith and passion for helping
others is so inspiring!’
