WHEN is it on?
You are invited to join us from the 1st to 14th of April 2010, or any length of days within these two weeks.
WHERE does this happen?
The event will take place here in Manzamnyama. There is a camping area and you can simply pick a spot on the hilltop and plant your tent. Toilet, shower and cooking facilities (gas stove or fire) are available. If you don't have a tent but would like to come anyway, give us a shout and we'll work something out. There's the possibility of renting a village hut directly from the locals for the duration of your stay. Don't worry - it's cheap. There are not many shops in the area so make sure to bring enough food. Some basics can be aquired from local shops (like rice, milk, sugar etc.). Some drinking water would be advisable too, or pills to clean the water if you have a fussy stomach. Apart from that, the locals boys will surely be catching crayfish that you can buy from them, or fish from the fishermen. And if you're up for an adventure, we'll show where the best spot is to collect mussels - there are tons of them down at the beach!
WHAT is it all about?
Well that's simple: FUN, mainly! Combined with a good cause. The idea is to invite funky people who like to get their hands dirty to come and stay for a while and help with the project. There is lots to do! Anyone with a green thumb around? We are going to enlargen the organic gardens and need help with digging, creating, planting, watering etc. Anyone worked in the building trade yet? Here's your chance to show your skills: we need to make bricks to put up new buildings, lay foundations, construct and thatch roofs, build walls, anything to do with building. Anyone thinks he/she is strong? Fantastic! The road to the hilltop is a complete mess, it needs to be repaired, loads of stones have to be brought there and put into place to make the camping accessible for normal cars. And that is just the main three projects we will be working on - there is lots of other stuff to do. Be creative, be innovative! Anyone can help. We do ask you to work at least 4 hours a day, which is your contribution to the village for the free camping and spending a great holdiday. There is lots of time to meet people, make new friends, chat, have a braai ... or explore the stunnig coastal region, take a stroll to the beach, go skinny dipping at midnight ... SO much fun is awaiting you! Don't hesitate, book your flight now!
HOW do I get there?
Book a flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town. From there you can either take an inland flight to East London, then the bus to Mthatha, or you take a direct bus to Mthatha. From Mthatha we will organize transport to the village (it's another 2 hours drive), just let us know when you will be there so that we can arrange the pick-up. The other option is to rent a car, it's fairly cheap in South Africa and you will be more flexible to go and explore the coastal region - maybe visit Coffee Bay for a weekend. Contact details of airlines, bus companies and car rental agencies you find here: The Guide to Southern Africa - getting around. If you need more information/help for planning your trip, give us a shout! More detailed info about where we are and how to get there you find here.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up now!
E-mail us at couchsurf@mpame.co.za
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