Information for Parents

This section attempts to answer questions asked by parents, guardians and family members of the person embarking on an African expedition with Pathfinders. If you still have questions after reading this, please see our frequently asked questions section or contact us directly. We will be glad to assist you.

School groups & student travel

Pathfinders makes every effort to ensure that school groups and student travel expeditions are safe, easy and affordable. Schools arriving in the country of their choice are quickly put at ease by the Pathfinders team and you’ll learn not only to indulge in pure adventure, but to appreciate Africa’s unspoilt beauty.

Commonly asked questions by parents

The following commonly asked questions by parents are answered below.

Will my child be met at the airport?
What support network and emergency procedures are in place?
What if my child is homesick?
How do I know where my child will be?
What if my child falls ill?
How safe is it to go on the expedition?
How can I keep in contact with my child?
Are there any extra hidden costs for the expedition?
Are the countries in which the expeditions take place safe?

Will my child be met at the airport?

Yes. A member of the Pathfinders team will meet each and every school group, team member or individual at the airport or their point of arrival.

What support network and emergency procedures are in place?

Throughout your child’s trip, Pathfinders will provide support and guidance in the form of our experienced Pathfinders guides and expedition coordinators. Our guides and coordinators are part of our greater African Encounter support team, who will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance. As part of this support network, professional operators such as medical air rescue services and competent medical staff are available in the event of an emergency.

What if my child is homesick?

Many of the young people on our trips will be away from home for the first time and may experience homesickness on occasion. The Pathfinders team will make every effort to help them mix with other team members and will encourage them to participate fully in their expedition’s activities. In our experience, homesickness goes away pretty quickly when faced with the rush of adventure!

How do I know where my child will be?

Every Pathfinders expeditionary is given the full details of their destination and whereabouts before departure. This includes the address & contact telephone numbers of their accommodation and expedition location. Before departure, we’ll also give the details of the expedition coordinators who can be contacted in case of emergency. See our interactive map of Africa to see where the countries are in relation to one another - as well as to plan your family holiday!

What if my child falls ill?

Although this is by no means a regular occurrence, Pathfinders do sometimes get ill during their expedition. The Pathfinders guide on that particular expedition will make sure that your child receives immediate medical assistance. In the event of a serious illness or accident, each child will be covered by their insurance policy. This is why there is a strict requirements that all participants to have travel insurance with sufficient cover. In the event of your child’s illness, we’ll keep in contact with you to advise you of their progress.

How safe is it to go on the expedition?

We make every effort to ensure all Pathfinders are safe during their expeditions. Before departure, all participants will be comprehensively briefed about the area in which they are exploring. Obviously caution always needs to be taken when working in near confinement with wild animals. Our experienced Pathfinders guides will provide training and support throughout the expedition to ensure the safety of every Pathfinder.

How can I keep in contact with my child?

Although telephone number will always be available for you to call your family member/friend, please remember that communication to, or within Africa is not the same as it is in developed countries and can sometimes be slow and difficult. We encourage everyone to call home to let you know that they have arrived safely, and, when they get the chance, to phone or email to tell you about all the fun they are having.

Are there any extra hidden costs for the expedition?

All costs listed for our placements include transport to and from the expedition’s pick-up point, as well as all accommodation and meals. Your child should bring some extra money to pay for telephone calls and internet use, as well as for personal items such as toiletries or gifts.

Are the countries in which the expeditions take place safe?

Africa is a dynamic and exciting continent, and the flipside of this is that situations can sometimes arise that may give cause for concern, as they can in any country in the world. The Pathfinders team takes the safety of our expeditions very seriously indeed. Should an unexpected situation arise which calls for an expedition to be evacuated, we will do so immediately.

View all Pathfinders Volunteer Adventures and Wildlife Courses.

Information for Parents

School groups & student travel

Commonly asked questions by parents

Africa Newsletter