Connect to Our World’s Cultural Riches on These Once in a Lifetime Journeys
In partnership with the International Folk Art Market, BJ Adventures provides travelers with a Passport to Folk Art — trips that provide a unique opportunity to meet and connect with master folk artists in their home countries. See how these artisans are creating a better future for their communities through folk art and experience their rich histories and traditions firsthand. Each trip provides a donation to the International Folk Art Market, as well, so it’s a win/win! Typically a maximum of 10 to 12 travelers are allowed on each adventure.
All Passport to Folk Art Trips are Fully Inclusive of:
All accommodations
Meals and local beverages
Ground transportation
Sightseeing and transfers
English-speaking guides and entrance fees
Gratuities
You as the Traveler Need Only to Pay For:
$500 donation to benefit the International Folk Art Market (required to secure your spot)
Airline tickets (BJ Adventures can help you with these)
Airport transfers, depending on the country
Required travel insurance
Personal expenses such as airport taxes, visas, camera fees, specialty beverages, etc.
Any optional activities (eg: spa, balloon ride, etc.)
Room service
Passport to Folk Art: Swaziland/Eswatini - August 31 to September 11, 2024
With Optional Safari Add-On at the Mkhaya Game Reserve!
$7,490/person (sharing) for 8 or $8,390/person (sharing) for 6; $1,150 single supplement
The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is bordered by Mozambique and South Africa. At no more than 120 miles north to south and 81 miles east to west, Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa. Despite this, its climate, topography, and offerings for visitors are diverse. Eswatini has managed to hold on to that “slow-down, this is Africa” feeling. On this adventure you will:
Tour Tintsaba Crafts, Swazi Candles, Gone Rural, Khokho Design, Baobab Batik, Coral Stephens Handweavers, Madwa Weaving, Malandela’s Lifestyle, Manzini Market, and Mantenga Lifestyle with their founders and managers to learn how their work is bringing beauty to the world and improving artisans lives.
Learn about the history of conservation efforts in the country from noted conservationist Ann Reilly and visit the country’s best known nature reserve, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to see the fruits of her family’s labor (and former farmland) first hand.
Go on a game drive for amazingly intimate encounters with animals like hippo, crocodile, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, impala, blesbok, reedbuck, warthog, grey duiker and three species of mongoose
Hear about the history and archaeology of the country from cultural heritage specialist Bob Forrester. Forrester designed and directed the complete reconstruction of the Swaziland National Museum and created the Bulembu Museum among other things.
And more!
Average to moderate fitness level needed as travelers will be asked to hike on uneven surfaces, stairs without handrails, slippery trails, and limited or no access to elevators, etc.
3-Day Safari Add-on at Mkhaya Game Reserve: Sept. 11 - 14, 2024
Enjoy a 3-day Swazi safari at the Mkhaya Game Reserve with this add-on. The Mkhaya Game Reserve is Eswatini’s most exclusive safari retreat focused on intimate encounters with some of Africa's icons. All travel within the reserve is guided, either in open Land Rovers or on foot, providing superb photographic opportunities and probably the best chance of seeing Black Rhino in the wild in Africa today.
Hear from Former Passport to Folk Art Travelers …
“... At the end of my of 3 years of retirement (with more to come), I am celebrating some of the most amazing travel experiences I have ever had! From Cuba to Indonesia to Nepal and Bhutan I have met IFAM artists who on their home turfs met and entertained us in great style and hospitality! ... Jean and Ahdina, these experiences could not have happened without your care and planning! ... So thanks so much to you guys at BJ Adventures! I am hooked!”
“... Kudos to BJ Adventures for arranging this trip. Ahdina and Jean, you are terrific! We were clearly the beneficiaries of your knowledge of Morocco and insider tips. Everything was so well thought out and organized that this was truly an easy vacation for both of us.
Thank you, thank you! ”
“We toured historic sites, part of the Silk Road, mosques and madrassas, forts and other museums, but the highlight was meeting with many of the fine folk artists that come to Santa Fe for the Folk Art Market in the summer. We saw their workshops, ate in their homes, met their families, saw how they are using the money they make in Santa Fe to expand their production, hire other folk artists, build schools to train artists, and build a better life for themselves and their communities. It was over the top interesting, and of course, we bought amazing works of art.”
“Traveling with BJ Adventures on a folk art trip to Colombia was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken. I’ve traveled a lot, to many countries, and for varying reasons (archaeological digs, art collections, just plain tourism, etc.), but this trip was an adventure. We saw great folk art and much more. Jean adapted to varying delays and problems with incredible ease. Her choice of a Colombian tour leader was excellent and added greatly to the trip. I’ve asked Jean to plan another trip to Colombia for me!”
To sign up for any of these trips, or to request a detailed brochure, contact:
Jean Zunkel
E jean.zunkel@bjadventures.com
T +1.505.466.2289
M +1.505.310.5110
Ahdina Zunkel
E ahdina@bjadventures.com
T +1.505.466.2289
M +1.505.670.5199
Gallery Photos: Oziel Gómez, Mustafa ezz, Roxanne Shewchuk, Tomáš Malčo, Samlro, IFAM, Carl Ottersen, Ekrem Canli, Davide Mauro.