Thinking about coming to visit us at Kimbia Mission Academy? Here is some helpful information:

Flights:  Caribbean Airlines (BWIA)/Liat Air/Caribbean Star

             These are the major airlines that service Guyana. They can be booked directly or using a connecting flight.

             Fares vary from place of origin, so you will have to check with your local airlines. We recommend a

             minimum of a two week stay due to travel time. Don't forget to donate frequent flyer miles to KMA.

Travel Days:  Sunday or Wednesday

             Please plan to arrive on one of these two days as the boat into Kimbia leaves on Mondays and Thursdays

             ONLY!!! Other arrival days will mean your stay will be in Georgetown.

Port of Entry:  Georgetown-Cheddi Jaegan Airport

             Georgetown is the capital of Guyana which has a population of approximately 800,000 people and the

             only major airport.

Visa: Yes (some)

             Everyone will need a visa to enter this country except citizens of the United States, Canada, and any of              the Caribbean Islands.  Contact your nearest Guyana embassy for costs and requirements.

Vaccinations: Optional

             Yes we have misquitoes, but the malaria one is not in our area.  I would only recommend a tetanus for

             those possible construction-step on a rusty nail-type of accidents.

Language: English

             Guyana is the only english speaking country in South America.

Weather: Hot or Rainy

             The average year round temperature is approximately 80-90 degrees. The rainy season brings cooler

             nights and morning temperatures of about 55-60 degrees.  Rainy season is Nov/Dec and May/June.

             Be sure to bring an umbrella during these months.

Religions:  Christianity, Muslim, Hindu

             These are the three main religions, although others are present.  There are approximately 50,000

             Adventist in the country.

Currency:  Guyana Dollar

               The approximate exchange rate is $199.00 Guyana dollars to $1 US.  The Euro is approximately                 $260 Guyana to $1 Euro.  This rate fluctuates on a daily basis, but not drastically. Please

                convert all other currency to one of these to ensure the best exchange rate.

Travel time to Kimbia:  16-18 HOURS!

               No this is not a typograhphical error. From the Guyana airport to Georgetown is 1 hour (by taxi). 

               From town to the boat that takes you to Kimbia is 3 hours (by bus) . From the boat dock to Kimbia

               is 12-14 hours.  Relax-buy a hammock when you arrive and have a good nights rest on the boat.

               (hopefully). 

Shopping:  Shops in Georgetown/New Amsterdam

               There are no malls here. However, there is a variety of clothing, grocery, music and habadashery type

               stores in these 2 major towns-Georgetown hosting more.  Most stores are located along main streets

               and in buildings similar to flea markets, where produce can also be purchased.  Sorry, there are no

               Walmart, Cosco, Sams, or Lowes type of stores in the country and NONE of the above is available in

               Kimbia.

Food:  Rice, Vegetables and Fruits

               Rice is the main staple, although potatoes and potato types (eddo, dasheen, cassava) are available. 

               These are primarily served with a vegetable: cabbage, okra, pumpkin, squash, eggplant, etc.  There is        

               also a variety of seasonal fruits: mangoes, bananas, oranges, watermellon, guava, etc to name a

               few. Banana's are usually available year round, but at premium prices.

What to bring:  Pack Light

               Unless you are relocating, 8 outfits(including dressy church attire)of lightweight, easy dry, clothing is

               advised.  SKIRTS ONLY for females (yes even for traveling), and long shorts/pants for males. 

               NO sleeveless shirts and NO shirts with provacative sayings/pictures or that have any type of secular

               music advertisements are permitted on campus by either sex.

Toiletries:  For Sure!

               Unless you are relocating, a small quantity of deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. is required.

               YES we do bathe in the river. NO the water isn't clear. YES you do get clean-like Naaman.

               Don't forget the sheets, towels, and tissue for the outhouse (smile).

Shoes:  Optional (smile)

               Flip flop or slip on type shoes are best for campus roaming and bathing.  Work boots for males are also

               recommended.  Appropriate church shoes, however, must be worn on Sabbaths for church.

Equipment:  Required

                Bible, flashlight, batteries (rechargeable with charger for longer stays), water bottle (we drink rain water)

                and a camera (you will want pictures).  Laptops and musical instruments are optional.

What to bring us:  A willing, open, and working spirit (a must).

                Small hand tools are always welcomed (screw drivers, tape measures, hammers, saws, etc). School

                supplies (paper, pen,pencils,calculators only), board games, and balls (volley, soccer) are appreciated.

                Check out our website under "donations" for our larger item wish list.

Cost for staying:  Not much! (smile)

                E-mail us directly. Length of stay determines the cost of stay.

                                                            Hope to see you soon!