FAQ

All you need to know about your trip to Africa

 

1. How safe am I travelling to Africa?
The African Children's Choir rely on teams such as ours to travel to Uganda and Kenya to assist in their projects. 

The following stats will help put it into perspective:
 

• Teams such as ours have been travelling to Uganda since 1995.

• To date no-one has been lost and everyone has returned home safely.

• Teams are greeted upon arrival and are assigned a bus and our own personal  Host/Driver/Escort/Guide.

• The guides stay with the team every step of the way from arrival to departure even sleeping at the same accommodation.

• There is security at our accommodation 24 hrs a day. 

All travellers must make their own decision about whether they feel comfortable travelling to Africa. Travel insurance is ESSENTIAL and must cover volunteering overseas (check if your Credit Card Insurance covers volunteering overseas). 

2. To participate, do I have to belong to a choir?
No. You can join as an individual singer. if you do not wish to sing, we have plenty of activities to accommodate everyone.. 

3.  How much will the tour cost me and how do I pay? 

See costs. HERE

Payments can be made directly into ANZ bank account.
BSB: 014636
A/C: 269 063 557
NAME: Kwaya Australia

4. How much deposit do I need to confirm my spot. 
We ask for a AUD$500 non refundable deposit once you have been accepted to join the tour. 

5. Can partners/family come along ?
Partners and family members are welcome and can attend as a singer or helper.

6. Can I extend my own trip beyond the organised length?
Absolutely! However, please be in Uganda for our tour dates. You can stay past our return dates and we highly recommend one of the safaris we offer post tour. 

7. How much money do I have to fundraise for the projects?
Although the minimum amount raised to be a part of the tour is AUD$1000, we encourage participating members to attempt to fundraise more so we can make a real difference with the projects we have planned. The more you raise, the more we can do! We do guarantee that 100% of every dollar you contribute will go directly to the project.  Fundraising Ideas.

Travel costs are to be funded privately by participants. If you intend to fundraise for your tour costs, as a matter of law, it must be made very clear that that is what the funds will be used for when fundraising. 

 

Fundraising is a mandatory component of the tour. 

NOTE: All participants are required to become a member of Kwaya to legitimately fundraise for the project. Sign up HERE. 

8. What songs will we be singing when performing in Uganda?
We will be singing 2 songs. We provide learning tracks to all participants to learn the songs 3 months prior to leaving for Africa.

We tighten the performance as one group upon arrival in Uganda. 

9. Do I have to be a good singer?
If you are able to independently learn your singing part prior to the tour...you are welcome to register as a singer in the choir. 

10. I don't sing...can I still be a part of the tour?
Absolutely! 

11. Will I need vaccinations to travel to Uganda?
Yes. Some are compulsory. Check with your doctor. 

12. What is the weather like?
Uganda and Kenya has a typically tropical climate with little variation in temperature throughout the year. Distinctive wet and dry seasons characterise the climate of most of the country. The dry season is generally from December to February and mid-June to mid-August. The two rainy seasons are from March to May, and September to November. However we experienced 99% sunny days in September/October. 

 

Daily high temperatures are around 26°C, rarely falling below 24°C or exceeding 28°C.

Daily low temperatures are around 17°C, rarely falling below 16°C or exceeding 18°C

13. Do I need insurance?
Travel Insurance is compulsory. 

14. Is there mobile phone coverage in Uganda?
Yes. Good coverage if you are on international mobile roaming. There is also limited wi fi internet access at our accommodation. 

15. Do I need a visa to get into Uganda?
Yes. You will purchase a visa upon arrival. Approx US$100 (TBC before departure). You will also need a passport valid for three months beyond the date of entry.  

16. Can I exchange money in Uganda ?
For this tour, you may need a small amount of personal spending money. We visit a few local markets where you can buy souvenirs. When bringing AUD or US Dollars – they need to be 2003 or newer – clean – not heavily used or have tears on them.  Just clean and crisp dollars – also stick to 50 and 100 dollar bills – anything less will get you less in an exchange rate.

17. Where will I be staying and how about food?
Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the guesthouse and lunches will be arranged on site  by our hosts.  Your accommodation is basic style with twin rooms. (Singles available at extra cost.) Although there is no specific or individual catering for gluten free guests, past travellers have always have found something to eat as the Ugandan diet itself is virtually naturally gluten free.
 

18. What can I expect on tour? 
This will be life changing experience for all involved.  

19. What do I need to bring?
See HERE for details. 

20. How do I know my fundraising will go towards the project?
KwaYa is a fully registered charity and we are bound by law to direct funds towards the projects for which they are raised. We will be handing over funds whilst on tour to the organisation for the projects for which the funds were raised.

 

21. What happens if I cannot meet my fundraising target?

It is a condition of travel that the full amount of $1000 per traveller fundraising is met. 

22. Can I take some gifts for the African Childrens Choir?
Please check with Marsha for our WISH LIST.

23. Do I have to be religious to join the tour?
Although The African Children's Choir is a religious entity, they do not require volunteers to be of any particular religious persuasion. You will however  attend church services as required and sign an acknowledgment that you will respect their religious beliefs whilst being hosted by them.

24. Will I be allowed to take photos and videos? 
Yes! 

25. Will I have to have a blue card to work with the children? 
All participants will require a police clearance to work with children. In Australia, these can be obtained by applying online through the Australian Federal Police. They check to see that you don't have any sexual offences against  children. Blue Cards or WWC Cards are also acceptable.  Police Check Application Forms

26. Do I have to sign any waivers or agreements?
Yes. See HERE. 

27. What happens if I change my mind and want to cancel my trip?

You will forfeit your initial deposit of $500 and receive a refund of 70% of the balance of the KwaYa component of the package. (Safari refunds differ as they are through another company. Please check when booking.)

 

28. How old or young can I be on your tour?
We accept travellers from 18 to 80 years. Children from 12 to 17 years are accepted if accompanied by an adult.

29. How and when do I know I have a place on the tour? 
Once you have registered you will be notified of the results within three business days.