Individuals – Additional Info
Travel
For international volunteers, flights to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport are recommended, with a connecting domestic flight to Polokwane. Y4C is happy to assist with flight bookings if required. Land transfers from Polokwane to the Botswana border are approximately 2.5 hours, and will be arranged on your behalf.
For SADC volunteers, flights to Polokwane airport are also recommended. However, flights from main centres to Lanseria airport in Johannesburg are also possible, with a six-hour land transfer to the Botswana border. This travel option is most suited to those travelling in small groups so the cost of the land transfer can be shared. More information on travel options can be discussed when booking.
The Botswana Team will collect participants from the border in their game-drive vehicles for the remaining journey to the camp.
BORDER REQUIREMENTS
All participants will require a passport that is valid for at least six months from date of entry. Any volunteer under the age of 18 will require an Unabridged Birth Certificate and Parent Consent Form. Y4C will provide assistance with the required documentation. Those with a foreign passport will also need to investigate visa requirements.
A TYPICAL DAY
Your daily adventure will include about six hours of volunteer work, split between early morning and late afternoon activities (in order to avoid the midday heat). Lunch and early afternoons are spent at your leisure, reading, relaxing, playing games or having a siesta! For those enthusiasts who require less ‘down-time’, there are always activities to do around camp (like download camera trap data, identify spoor and photograph birds and insects for identikits). Late afternoons often end with a beautiful sunset on a rocky outcrop and if the weather permits, the night sky is enjoyed around a campfire.
ITINERARY
A typical volunteer programme will include a range of research and conservation projects that provide a comprehensive wilderness experience. From physical activities like building a waterhole and removing alien invasive plants to research activities like mammal and bird surveys, you will be directly contributing to the conservation objectives of this wilderness area. Amidst your volunteer activities will be the opportunity to observe and feel the presence of African animals big and small. And no experience is complete without a bush sleep out, an unforgettable adventure under a starlit sky, serenaded by the nocturnal sounds of Africa.
DIETARY NEEDS
Special diets are catered for whenever possible. However, due to the remoteness of the location, some food substitutes may need to be brought from home, or a supplemental charge may be requested. This can be discussed further at booking.
PACKING LIST
This will be provided at the time of booking to assist with the dilemma of what to bring. Clothes are climate dependent but the general rule is ‘keep it neutral’.
You will be working in the bush so it is best to blend in!
HEALTH & MEDICAL
While malaria is considered low risk in the Tuli Block, all participants are required to obtain their own medical advice in terms of malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations. All volunteers are also required to have medical insurance in the case of an emergency.
ELECTRICITY
There is solar electricity at the camp with solar-powered lights and a charging station that can be used to charge camera batteries and other essentials. The electricity supply is 220v.