When is the best time to volunteer?
As this project is based at a wildlife sanctuary, there are animals here year-round. The weather may play a part in choosing when you decide to volunteer, as you can see there are pros and cons to each season:
In Early September to November, also known as 'baby season,' the region can experience heavy rainfall but also welcomes new life. Sadly, this is also when animals are orphaned or abandoned and may arrive at the sanctuary. Vegetation is denser during this time, making wildlife harder to spot.
From Early December to Late February, the region experiences the hottest period of the year, with average temperatures reaching highs of around 33°C (91°F) and lows of roughly 19°C (66°F). This is also the wettest time of year, although mostly with quick thunderstorms.
Early March to Late May is perhaps the most comfortable time of year to volunteer, with daytime temperatures averaging around 29°C (84°F) before dropping to roughly 13°C (55°F) in the evening. There is minimal rain during this period.
From Early June to Late August, winter usually sees daytime temperatures ranging between 26-28°C (78-82°F) and lows of around 11°C (52°F). This is the driest time of year to volunteer, it's great for wildlife viewing and heading out on additional excursions!
Getting There
You will need to arrive at Hoedspruit on your project start date in the afternoon, where you will be met by a member of the team and transferred to the project site. The easiest way to reach Hoedspruit is by air, and there are daily flights via Johannesburg or Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS). The transfer from the airport to the project site takes approximately 40 minutes. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services are available exclusively on Mondays. Any other day of the week will require special arrangements and incur an additional fee.
Alternatively, you can choose to arrange your own transport to SanWild, such as self-driving, at your own expense. Johannesburg International Airport (OR Thambo) is approximately 400 km (248 mi) and takes roughly 5 hours to reach by car.
Visa Requirements
Most countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the majority of EU nations, do not require a visa to enter South Africa and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. To be allowed entry, you must have a passport with at least 2 blank pages for the immigration officials to use, and it must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
If you're unsure about your specific visa requirements, we recommend contacting the South African embassy in your home country at least 2 months before your trip. It's important to note that obtaining a visa is your own responsibility.
Fitness & Skills
While no prior experience is necessary, there is regular walking and possibly some construction or maintenance work involved, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended for participating in the project activities. This is to ensure that all volunteers can comfortably contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts. The most important thing is that you arrive with a positive attitude and a passion for the project's values.
Vaccinations
To ensure that you are fully protected and prepared for travel, we advise you to consult with your GP/Doctor about your personal vaccination requirements as they will vary depending on your medical history. We would also recommend that you check Fit for Travel's website for helpful information regarding suggested vaccinations for South Africa.