We’ll be staying in Ballito, a small, bustling, modern village nestled between the rolling sugar cane hills and the warm Indian Ocean Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, situated just 30 minutes north of Durban, in the heart of the Dolphin Coast. 

You will be working in the village of Ndwedwe in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, 60 km north of Durban. The Zulu name means “long, bare table-land or ridge,” or “pensive,” referring to its peaceful setting in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

Build The Future is a small team and the work is big. There are tasks that require groups and that’s where YOU come in. Teams humbly come alongside and do big projects, like painting, digging, planting and building. It’s inspiring to see how much a group can accomplish in just a few short days.

And on every trip there is time to connect with the kids. It may look like helping to prepare and serve lunch, giving a teacher with a class of 30 kid a hand in the classroom. or just playing, but this opportunity to build relationships can create lasting change.

There’s always a cultural outing planned and no trip would be complete without a game drive!

Anyone with a heart for serving, interested in growing, experiencing a new culture or desiring to see one of the most beautiful places in the world while making a difference in some of the poorest communities.

The only requirement is that you are 18 years old or 10 years old with a parent or guardian. A background check for adults is required and included.

Teams headed to Durban stay at a condo complex on the beachfront in Ballito. The condos are usually three-bedroom, furnished in “beach house style” with stunning views over the warm Indian Ocean and “Granny’s Pool”- a small, semi-private beach.

Accommodations are booked double occupancy; everyone gets a roommate. Married couples and family members may room together. 

Mornings will be easy and flexible. We’ll start the day with a simple, continental-style breakfast at the condos or enjoy a morning walk to nearby coffee spots. Dinners will either be catered or we will explore and dine out at local restaurants, and we’re especially excited about hosting a traditional South African braai—a delightful barbecue experience that’s sure to be a highlight. For lunch, you’ll have a bagged lunch of PB&J sandwiches, fruit and chips. We are able to accommodate most dietary requests, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.

We will have two meetings leading up to the trip. During these meetings, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about South Africa, the trip, ask questions and meet other teammates. We also strongly suggest learning about Apartheid before you go (if you’ve never heard the word “Apartheid”, this especially means you). Google it. Even better, read “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” by The Daily Host, Trevor Noah. Bonus points; watch the movie “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”