Major FAQ

Where is this project located?

This project is located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa – approximately 28 km from the Kruger National Park gate.

When and where should I arrive?

Volunteers should arrange their flights to arrive and depart from the Johannesburg International Airport (a.k.a. Tambo International Airport). Volunteers must book their flights to arrive in Johannesburg no later than their chosen start date. Any flights booked to arrive after the given start dates will result in volunteers missing the bus to the project, thus having to wait in Johannesburg for sometimes up to an additional two (2) days before being able to head out to the project site.

How far is the project from the airport and how do volunteers get there? Who will take them there?

The project is located approximately 500 km from the Johannesburg International Airport. Upon arrival volunteers are transported from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park area by bus. Volunteers are dropped off at the bus station by a representative from the backpacker’s lodge located in Johannesburg and are then collected on the other end by a project representative before being driven to the project.

Do I receive orientation prior to the start of the project?

Upon arrival to the project site, basic orientation is provided to all volunteers.

What about accommodations? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag? Mosquito nets? Anything else?

Volunteers are accommodated in log cabins with in-suite bathrooms. Linens are provided, but volunteers are suggested to bring their own sleeping bags in the event that they are participating in personal treks after or before their volunteer experience. Mosquito nets are recommended. Books and games are useful for when volunteers have free time.

What kinds of meals are offered? Who cooks the meals and what is the local cuisine like?

Three (3) meals a day are provided by the project. Breakfast includes yogurt, fruits, cereal, toast, eggs and bacon for breakfast. Lunch usually consists of toasted sandwiches, cold meats and salads, or a pasta dish. Dinners usually consist of barbeques, pastas and salads, etc. Meals are cooked by the project staff members.

How many days do volunteers work in a week? What can they do on the weekend?

Usually volunteers work from Monday – Friday, with the weekends available for leisure/personal time. During their “off-time,” volunteers have the option of going into town over the weekend for sight-seeing and/or shopping. Other activities could also include going to the local pub, watching soccer matches. These activities will be for the volunteer’s own choosing, but may be at the discretion of the project.

Is there internet available? Telecommunications? Medical facilities at the project sight?

Cell-phone reception is usually always available at the student camp, although it can be weak at times. Around the farm, the reception/signal can vary. Satellite internet access is also available.

How much extra money do I need?

We would say an amount of 150 Euros (approximately $200) a week to be more than sufficient unless volunteers wish to participate in extra optional tours or excursions which may require additional funds.

Do I need any vaccination and immunization?

Volunteers can have rabies and anti-tetanus injections, should they wish. Many areas pose a risk of malaria, so it is best to take some form of malaria prophylactic. Yellow Fever is a required injection, if coming from an endemic country. We suggest volunteers consult their personal doctor/health practitioner prior to departing from their respective home country.

Are there any other requirements?

The dress code for most projects should be natural-colored clothing. Rules of each project should be respected.

Wildlife rehabilitation is a sensitive program where wildlife specimens are encouraged to return to the wild (if possible). Therefore, contact with animals is often limited unless the animal is injured, orphaned or needing to be nursed.

The minimum age restriction is 18, with the maximum age limit being 45. Applicants are expected to be physically able to complete tasks and generally get involved with the rest of the younger volunteers.

Basic English is required and with the programs being open to anyone who has an interest in Africa and wildlife.

Our strong field support

Our local partner cares for our volunteers, humanity, wildlife, and the African continent and wishes to make the world a better place for all. We support our volunteers by:

• Running a 24-hour back-up service to volunteers any place any time while in Africa you can call our hotline for tips, assistance and a chat.
• Operating regular phone checks with you (where possible).
• Contacting your family and loved ones at home, and letting them know how you're doing (on request only. Please make request to the local coordinator).
• Assisting with bookings be it for tours, volunteer work flights etc.

RECOMMENDED CHECK LIST

Please be aware that your clothes are going to get dirty! Also it can get very cold during the evenings during the African winter so please bring a warm jacket and long trousers.

• Passport, Visas and medical/travel insurance documents, including extra copies stored separately
• Spending money in SA Rand – small denomination notes (change at airport upon arrival)
• Camera with enough film and batteries for the duration of your volunteer experience
• Notebook and pen
• Backpack
• Daypack large enough for: fleece, personal medical kit, binoculars, sunscreen and water bottle
• Waterproof & secure bag for documents and money
• Natural color clothing (not with camouflage design)
• Long trousers
• Fleece type pullover/warm clothing for winter months (May – August)
• Comfortable walking shoes, and thick socks
• Sandals for camp
• Clothing for horse-riding (boots, etc.) are recommended
• Raincoat
• Personal toiletries (enough for the duration of your volunteer experience)
• Personal medical first aid & hygiene kit, diarrhea & anti histamines & headache tablets
• Proof of recommended inoculations
• Swimwear and towel
• Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
• Hat and sunglasses
• Mosquito and insect repellent, and mosquito net (only if visiting a malaria risk area)
• Personal flashlight (preferably with head torch, spare bulb and batteries)
• Binoculars for game-viewing
• Water bottle (1 liter)
• Working gloves
• Sleeping bag (only if doing own private travels after volunteer experience)
• A “willingness to learn and participate" attitude