Accommodation at the project is in a fully equipped tented camp in a magnificent setting in the middle of the reserve.
There are 2-6 person walk-in safari tents with bunk beds, sheets and pillows. Volunteers need to bring along their own towels and a sleeping bag for occasions when we sleep out for the night (summer lightweight sleeping bag, winter thicker warmer sleeping bag). There is no electricity in the camp but we do run solar-powered lights. Bathrooms are shared, with hot and cold showers and flush toilets. There is a common area for eating, relaxing and reading and a beautiful boma for fireside evenings. The kitchen is equipped with gas appliances and all meals are provided. Pizza nights are a highlight with the home-made pizza oven. You can charge cameras and mobiles using the solar power.
You do your own laundry in the camp. We expect you to keep your room and personal belongings tidy at all times and participate in any chores as required for the cleanliness of the shared facilities.
There is a plunge pool in the camp where volunteers can cool off.
After-hours entertainment
There are books and magazines and a number of puzzles and games which you can use. There is a plunge pool in the camp where volunteers can cool off. Evenings will be spent either around the camp fire in the boma, sleeping out at one of the hides or going out on a night game drive. We do not allow any alcohol on the Reserve.
Return transfers between Johannesburg and Polokwane are included. We can also collect you at any hotel or place of accommodation on the arrival day, should it be within close radius of the City centre or Airport
Getting to the Project
After the 2-day orientation in Johannesburg, you will be transported to the bus station in Johannesburg to catch the bus to the Polokwane station (approximately 6hrs to station). At the station you will meet your shuttle driver who will take you to the Botswana border to meet your project leader (approximately 3hrs drive to border). Alternatively, you can fly from JNB - Polokwane to skip the bus (at your own expense). From Polokwane/the border there is another 1 hour to the project.
Johannesburg to Polokwane on route Mainliner JHB-POL
Depart: 08:15 ZA | Arrive: 14:15 ZA
Leaving the Project
Departure time - You MUST take a late evening flight out of JNB, as the bus from Polokwane will only arrive in JNB in the late afternoon. Alternatively, you can fly from Polokwane - JNB if you wish to skip the bus (at your own expense).
Polokwane to Johannesburg on route Mainliner POL-JHB
Depart: 10:30 ZA | Arrive: 15:35 ZA
During the introduction weekend in Johannesburg you receive the following
Day 1- Welcome Dinner included
Day 2 - Breakfast and Dinner included (lunch at own expense)
Day 3 - Breakfast included, lunch stop enroute (own expense) dinner included at the project
All meals are provided for you whilst on the project and this is participative. We have a roster and all volunteers are expected to take their turn preparing meals, etc.. Much of the cooking can be done over a fire and we will teach you to bake breads and rolls. The camp has a kitchen with gas fridge, freezer and stove and is fully equipped with crockery, cutlery and glassware.
Meals are simple and wholesome. NOTE: Please do let us know up-front if you have any special needs regarding food.
- Breakfast is a simple: oats, breads, spread, cereals - self service.
- Lunches and Dinners are substantial home-cooked meals.
- Tea and coffee will be available all day.
There will be periodic visits to a local village where there is a small local shop to buy simple snacks, but we recommend you bring extra snacks from home or Johannesburg. A refrigerator is available for you to use for your personal food and drinks
Extra information
Internet
There is no WIFI at the camp itself, however there are areas on the farm where cellular signal is available, so if volunteers have cell phones which can access email, they will be able to. Should family need to get hold of a volunteer they are able to email or call us, and we will pass on the message. There is intermittent cellular signal on parts of the farm, but it is not guaranteed. Should we travel to Bobonong or Alldays, internet cafés are available there.
Shops/Grocery Stores:
When possible, trips to visit a local village will be scheduled to pick up basic snacks and cool drinks
ATMS:
There are plenty of ATMS in Johannesburg where you will have your orientation. Please exchange your foreign money in Johannesburg airport as it cost effective and safe. You will need PULA for Botswana and you would need to take this with you from Johannesburg or home.
Supervision/Co-Ordination
As the nature of the work varies we will place volunteers under the supervision of various staff members. We will have one member of our team assigned as “team leader” to facilitate the smooth operation of the volunteers stay and provide guidance where necessary.
Weather in Botswana
Botswana generally experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Dry Season (March to October):
This is the dry season with warm days and cooler evenings. During the winter months (June-August), temperatures can drop significantly at night and early morning. This is a lovely time of the year for wildlife viewing as animals tend to gather around waterholes.
Green Season (November to February):
This is the summer season with higher temperatures and the welcome of summer rains. While there can be rainy days over this time, afternoon rainstorms are most common, bringing a welcome relief to the heat. The landscape becomes lush and green, and this is when many of the baby animals arrive.
Packing list
DOCUMENTS
Passport (There should be at least 6 months validity left after the end of your trip. There should also be at least two blank pages.)
LUGGAGE
Suitcase or rucksack. One piece of luggage which does not exceed 80cm x 60cm x 30cm in size, and of a total mass (all luggage and goods combined) not exceeding 20kg.
Daypack for daily use
CLOTHING
Neutral-colored attire suitable for the bush, avoiding bright colors or neons
Lightweight shorts and tops for daytime activities
Long-sleeved tops and pants for evenings (to guard against mosquitoes)
Lightweight hoodie/jersey for summer and warm jacket for winter
Lightweight waterproof jacket (especially useful during the rainy season)
Pajamas, socks, and underwear
Sturdy closed shoes
Flip flops or sandals
Swimwear
Hat and sunglasses
Warm beanie for winter
Garden gloves (provided for activities like building waterholes or repairing fences)
Buff (multi-functional headwear)
GENERAL
Towel
Sleeping bag
Large water bottle
Head torch (a cell phone light may not be sufficiently bright for this purpose)
Sunscreen (ensure an ample amount for sun-exposed work)
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries (preferably eco-friendly)
Camera with necessary batteries and chargers
Binoculars (if available)
Journal/cards/games/art supplies as desired
Reading books and mammal/bird identification books (if available)
Basic first aid kit (plasters, headache tablets, antiseptic cream, etc.)
IMPORTANT
Please ensure you have all necessary personal medication and enough for your stay plus a couple of extra days. Obtaining medicine and prescriptions in the remote camp area may be challenging.
EXTRAS
Snacks if desired
Pocket money (for local purchases.)