Join us in Swaziland to help the orphans of AIDS as you explore one of Africa's hidden treasures - and be there for Bush Fire, one of the hottest music festivals on the continent!
In 2010, Young Heroes Foundation introduced "Swazi Cycle." Together with eight cyclists, we rode from border-to-border across Swaziland and raised over $100,000 to help orphan families. It was more than a huge success for the orphans - the riders all agreed it was one of the most enjoyable and moving experiences they'd ever had.
Last year, we built on that success with "Swazi Challenge," which raised over $94,000 and added "Swazi Service," in which people who aren't committed cyclists built playgrounds at orphan care points.
This year, we'll be going on a "Swazi Adventure." We hope you'll join us for a bit of everything: building playgrounds, hiking, biking, working with Young Heroes in the field and at the fabulous Bush Fire festival -- and enjoying the wildlife in South Africa's renowned Kruger National Park.
To join us, you pay one all-inclusive cost and pledge to try to raise $10,000, a full 100% of which will go directly to programs for the children. All we ask is that you try to reach that goal. Even if you don't raise the full amount, you're welcome to join the Adventure. And we'll provide you with full support for your fund-raising, including a dedicated Web site that you can customize.
But to participate, you have to register now. Spots are limited, and they're already filling up with people who want to return after last year's trip! Questions? Send an email to steve@youngheroes.org.sz. If you're ready to register now, go to http://swaziadventure.dojiggy.com and let us know that you're ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
| Thursday, 5/24 | Fly New York City - Manzini, Swaziland via Johannesburg |
| Friday, 5/25 | Arrive at Mantegna Lodge in Swaziland, your home for the next 5 nights. Lunch/walk around Mlilwane Game Reserve. Dinner: A Mozambiquan feast at Kanimambo Restaurant |
| Saturday, 5/26 | Dance the day and night away to the biggest music stars of southern Africa and beyond at Bush Fire (http://www.bush-fire.com). All profits from the festival are donated to Young Heroes. |
| Sunday, 5/27 | Day 2 of Bush Fire - more music, more art and more dancing. |
| Monday, 5/28 | We'll all build playgrounds at orphan care points during the day. Over dinner, we'll get a full briefing on the work of Young Heroes. |
| Tuesday, 5/29 | Go into the field with Young Heroes to visit our orphan families to see our work first hand. After dinner, receive a briefing on the AIDS epidemic in Swaziland. |
| Wednesday, 5/30 - Saturday, 6/2 | We'll explore a part of Swaziland we haven't seen in previous trips as we bike and hike (your choice) in the Lumbombo Mountains of the kingdom's northeast, with overnights in Mlawulu Nature Reserve, Mbuluzi Nature Reserve and Shawulu Mountain Camp, a community-run venue where you'll become part of a rural Swazi village. |
| Sunday, 6/3 - Wednesday, 6/6 | As a special treat this year, we'll leave Swaziland for a few days and head for one of the world's great treasures: South Africa's Kruger National Park, where the Big Five are just the start of the natural wonders that await. For those who prefer more biking in Swaziland, we'll also offer another four-day ride! |
| Thursday, 6/7 | We'll drive back to Swaziland to stay at the incomparable Malandela's. Evening: Farewell dinner at House on Fire. |
| Friday, 6/8 | Return flight, Manzini - New York City via Johannesburg. |
PLEDGE: All participants are asked to pledge to try to raise $10,000 for the orphans. The amount raised is not mandatory (but your best effort is!). However much you raise to help the orphans of AIDS, you're welcome to join the adventure.
DEADLINE: We ask that reservations be made by January 31, 2012, as accommodations in Kruger fill up well in advance.
Spots are limited, so to reserve now - or for questions or more information - email steve@youngheroes.org.sz.
* Proposed itinerary, subject to modification as necessary.
.