Day 1 and 2 - Travelling and Arrival

Day 1/2 - Travelling and Arrival

After a sunny and successful Holiday Club send off celebration, the team made their way, with plenty of time, to London Heathrow - thank you again to Rosemary and John for providing the transport. The West Midlands team then joined us at check in lead by Lesley (Chris’ sister) and after a slightly stressful check in, we wandered around the airport waiting for take off. 10 hours, some chicken casserole, and some in-flight-entertainment later, we arrived safely at Johannesburg airport.

Hitting the tarmac at 15 degrees, the team had a slightly warmer welcome than last year where temperatures reached a shivering 3 degrees. After another slightly stressful bag collection and hire car collecting, we were off.

We travelled in convoy for 2.5 hours to Alzu where the team were greeted by rhinos, zebra, and a refuelling snack before we continued the journey to the Nelspruit to source supplies from an authentically South African ‘Pick N Pay.’ 27 hours from when they set off, the team arrived weary from their travels to an enthusiastic and warm welcome from the Hands team. 

We completed a quick briefing and orientation from Jill, one of the Hands volunteers, with basic living and kitchen information. We were then treated to a lovely dinner which was prepared by the Hands Team - boer sausages, mashed potato, and butternut squash. With cups of tea and rusks in hand, we had our first orientation and briefing with our hosts - Jo and Angie - who outlined the next couple of weeks and the communities that we would be visiting. 

Feeling prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to support and love, the team then packed ready for tomorrow, showered, and went to bed in preparation for the early drive to Oshoek in the morning.

We’d like to quickly take this opportunity to thank all those involved in our team, for your generosity and encouragement, and we can’t wait to share our time in South Africa with you!