Active Learning with the SUU College of Health Sciences
Africa Adventure in Health and Wellness
Experience the rich and wonderful sites, animals, and people of Africa. Join SUU trip directors Dr. Jon Smith and Professor Anne Smith as we focus on exploring the connections of land and people with health and wellness in Africa, while contributing to SUU College of Health Sciences student scholarships.
As part of this adventure, your participation goes beyond exploration; you’ll be making a meaningful impact on the next generation of SUU students. A portion of the trip’s proceeds directly supports scholarships for students in the College of Health Sciences, helping them pursue hands-on learning opportunities and future careers in the Health Sciences. By joining this journey, you’re not only experiencing the beauty and culture of Africa but also giving back to the SUU community in a lasting and meaningful way.
Travel Information
Travelers will encounter the people, activities, culture, and wildlife of southern Africa in a safe, entertaining, and informative way. Enjoy health and wellness focused personalized activities and excursions led by Jon and Anne Smith who lived in Eswatini and have led over ten trips. They will share their knowledge and love of the landscape and help you to feel at home with the people who are their friends and colleagues and serve as local experts who will provide additional expertise on the culture and people of the area.
Dates: May 18 - May 28, 2026
11 days, 10 nights
- $3,499 Priority Deadline (before February 1, 2026)
- $3,699 Price increases after February 1, 2026
Based on double occupancy (single supplement available for additional $400)
Cost includes all lodging-cabins, lodges, hotels, beehive huts, transportation in large vans, open safari vehicles with drivers and guides, most entrance fees, events, most activities (see itinerary), and partial meals. Includes a donation to the College of Health Science scholarships.
- After February 1, 2026 the cost increases to $3,699
- A $500 deposit included in total-price--based on double occupancy.
Given the nature of this program, spots are limited. To secure your place as part of this adventure of a lifetime, your deposit is due by February 1st, 2026.
Additional Costs: Round-trip airfare to Johannesburg, South Africa, passport, immunizations, malaria medication, some meals, and tips.
Optional Costs: souvenirs, photography equipment, field-appropriate clothing (insect repellent-treated).
Add-on Optional Trips (inquire): South Africa/Cape Town, Durban, Botswana/Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Mozambique (whale watch/research, other), Johannesburg LDS Temple.
The Smiths are available and very willing to help travelers with their travel plans, including possible optional trips before or after the Africa Adventure trip
Deadlines
- $500 Deposit Due: by February 1, 2026
- Final Payment Due: March 1, 2026
- Full Refund: Before February 1, 2026
- 50% Refund: February 1 - March 1, 2026
Highlights of the Trip
Explore the African countries of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and South Africa to experience:
Health and Wellness
- Canopy Tour (11 ziplines and 1 rope bridge) or Wildlife Photography walk
- Hiking, biking, horseback riding
Agriculture and Nutrition
- Children and family nutrition service opportunity
- Family Homestead visit - learn about traditional nutrition and culture
Ecotourism and conservation
- Understanding the importance of ecotourism to local communities
- Experiencing a variety of accommodation types
- Game reserve visits (Kingdom of Eswatini national parks, world-renowned Kruger National Park)
- Sustainability visit to world-renowned community glass factory
Health and Safety
- Lifesaving community venomous snake interventions
- Traditional healers/Sangoma/use of traditional materials
- Effects of AIDS and current status visit
If you're interested in expanding your understanding of worldwide health and wellness and its connection to communities, this is the trip for you. Bring a sense of adventure and return with a lifetime of memories!
Travel Guides
For additional information or questions, please feel free to contact one of our travel guides.
Eswatini and South Africa at a Glance
Terms and Conditions
SUU College of Health Sciences is pleased to facilitate this Africa Adventure trip for travelers. These trips are designed to offer cultural and immersive experiences led by SUU experts. Please familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions included on this page.
A $500 deposit is required upon registration to secure your spot. The remaining payment is due at least 60 days prior to the departure date (Please see specifics for your program). If registration for a program occurs at or within 60 days prior to the program start, the entire program cost is due. Program price is based on rates in effect at the time the website/brochure is printed and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs, or fuel charges.
Refunds are available with terms specific to each program. Please see your program details for refund information. Payments are refundable up to 90 days prior to the departure date (minus a $100 per person administrative fee). Cancellations are calculated from the day written notice is received by Southern Utah University or its travel provider.
- Full Refund: Before February 1, 2026
- 50% Refund: February 1 - March 1, 2026
SUU College of Health Sciences (COHS), from time to time, may take photographs, videotape, film, or make audio recordings in the excursion setting and use such materials to promote SUU programs and for other non-commercial purposes. SUU will never sell or rent this material.
The University and COHS recommend recommend that you consider the purchase of optional travel accident and cancellation insurance. Terms of travel insurance can vary widely and policies should be reviewed with an insurance professional. Most travel insurance policies will not afford coverage due to government shutdowns caused by infectious disease or pandemic.
On international trips, COHS provides all registered travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy, CISI.
You must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention or that could create a hazard to you or other travelers must be reported in writing to the trip leaders at the time of final payment by emailing katiemurray@suu.edu when the reservation is made. CoHS reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip, and to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others. You are responsible for becoming familiar with the activities of travel and consulting with medical personnel to be sure you are fit for travel.
It is your responsibility to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U.S. State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407-4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location/s of the trip, should The Traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveler assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this catalog are subject to modification and change by the College of Health Sciences (COHS). Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the travelers. You are encouraged to purchase refundable airline tickets in case of trip cancellation. Airfare and any other costs incurred by participants beyond money paid to Southern Utah University will not be refundable under any circumstances.
If SUU has to cancel the trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the travelers, participants will get their money back in full.
Other Terms and Conditions may apply to some expeditions and will be provided with pre-tour mailings. By registering for this program with the SUU College of Health Sciences, the participant agrees to the Terms and Conditions herein.