BACKROUND OF THE ORGANISATION

About The Rehabilitation Project

The Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre based in Badplaas, South Africa. We are committed to the rehabilitation of indigenous wildlife and to working with the public to help avoid human-animal conflict. We take in injured, orphaned and displaced wild animals and rehabilitate them ready to be released back into protected areas in the wild. We also take in unwanted exotic animals which are victims of the exotic pet trade. The cruelty of this trade is that these exotic animals can never be returned to a life of freedom. The next best thing we can do for them is to provide them with the most natural, enriched life possible in

big enclosures to live out their lives with other animals of the same species.We are the only legally permitted primate centre in the province of Mpumlanaga and as such our work focuses on vervet monkeys. However previous intakes also include baboons, antelope, bushpigs, small

predators, owls and birds of prey. Indigenous wildlife at the centre varies throughout the year as our main aim is to release wildlife as soon as it is rehabilitated. The work at the project necessitates a team of local staff and volunteers from around the world. We are always in need of volunteers to help with the

wildlife.

BACKROUND OF THE PROJECT

The NGO started in 2006 when the need was identified to assist in the local impoverishedcommunities. Many communities, preschools and schools were unable to provide effective

programs due to lack of funding, resources and skill levels. With the assistance ofvolunteers, these shortcomings were addressed and the NGO slowly grew into a largeorganisation that now provides assistance to several communities across Africa. We now

also offer several wildlife conservation projects including pre-vet, white shark and wild cats. Our flagship projects in Cape Town have grown exponentially and we now run 10 highly successful projects

where these challenges are being addressed on a daily basis.

Project Highlights

Released back into the wild:Since founded we have successfully released troops of monkeys (the rehabilitation period for each troop is 3 years!), servals, mongoose troops, numerous antelope and bird species, several warthog and bushpig, porcupine,honey badger and a pole cat.

This Project was founded in 2010 to address the growing need for a rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga. The centrewas started by the founders who continue to run the project along with their young family and a dedicated team of

volunteers who work on site and abroad. From the first duiker we took in, in 2010, the centre has grown exponentially and we have had over 300 animals come through our doors. At any one time we have about 100

animals in our care. These are mainly vervet monkey troops that are going through the 3 year rehabilitation process but we also have, or have had, baboons, banded mongoose, water mongoose, small predators, birds, warthog and

antelope. Since founded we have successfully released troops of monkeys (the rehabilitation period for each troop is 3 years!), servals, mongoose troops, numerous antelope and bird species, several warthog and bushpig, porcupine,honeybadger and a pole cat. We have helped with relocation of animals that have been trapped in city areas or actually within shops at times! We have acquired the first primate permit in the province of Mpumalanga. Before this project was started, all primates that were rescued and taken to vets in the province were euthanized. We have done various

outreach programs with local schools to try and educate children about wildlife and how to respect it.

• You will be able to listen to the sounds of the animals throughout the night

• Not only will you be privileged to work with these beautiful animals, but your

accommodation is also situated in the middle of the project and surrounded by all the

enclosures.

• You will be accompanied by other people who are very passionate about animals.

• You will have the opportunity to work face to face, with all sorts of wildlife.

• Learn and experience how each animal behaves, reacts and what their characters are like

History of the Project

Volunteer Tasks

Volunteers are essential for every aspect of the day

to day running of the project. A positive attitude,

willingness to help and learn, and a sense of humour

are essential. Volunteers should expect to be dirty

and exhausted at the end of the day. There is no

typical day at the centre - today it could be building

swings and toys for primates and tomorrow it could

be planting indigenous trees into enclosures. What

we will ensure is that you will get involved and have

fun while learning new skills, meeting new people

and experiencing a new way of life all while making

a big difference. Our working hours are normally

7am - 5pm although you should expect to be on call

at all times for any animal emergencies. On arrival

volunteers must sign an indemnity form indicating

that you understand and accept that you are working

with wild animals and that all activities are

undertaken at your own risk. Activities for volunteers

will vary greatly and change throughout the year.

Average Working Day

Please note that from time to time there can be unavoidable changes to projects. These

can be caused by weather, conservation priorities, materials supply, or because ongoing

projects have progressed more quickly or slowly than originally planned. We ask you to

accept the changes – we are sure that you will enjoy the replacement projects just as

much..

There is no typical day at the centre –

today it could be building swings and toys for primates and tomorrow it could be planting

indigenous trees into enclosures. What we will ensure is that you will get involved and

have fun while learning new skills, meeting new people and experiencing a new way of

life all while making a big difference.

Duties that do not directly interact with the animals are still crucial to their well-being. General maintenance and cleaning of the

grounds (for example: cutting grass to ensure there are no ticks, fleas, snakes, and spiders, and poop scooping); are regular tasks on

the farm for the health and safety of all the animals in our care.

As a volunteer, you will be able to experience each of the various jobs on the farm; we rotate the tasks among the volunteers to ensure

each person has an opportunity to both help with farm maintenance and interact with the animals equally.

Project Details

Arrival Day: SaturdayTime: Your flight can land anytime on SaturdayAirport: O R Tambo (JNB) International AirportOrientation: Saturday - SundayProject Starts: Monday (arrival before 4 PM)Departure Day: MondayDeparture time: You MUST take a late evening flight out of JNB.Min Duration: 2 weeks (incl 2 day Orientation)Min Age: 18Max Age: N/A - Medium Level of fitness required

NOTE:We can also collect you at any Hotel or place of accommodation on your arrival day, should it be within close radius of the City centre or Airport

Volunteer Requirements● Completed Application form

● Basic level of competency in English

● Copy of return flight itinerary

● Medium level of fitness

Packing list• Torch - for walking around at night. We are out in the bush and there are no street lights.• Work Gloves - For building, maintenance, gardening projects• Suitable Closed Toe Shoes - It is safer to wear closed shoes when working with the

animals and for maintenance projects.• Work Clothes - Your clothes will get dirty, ruined, pooed on etc!! Please do not bring your

best! Rather bring things you are happy to leave behind. We do provide scrubs to wearover your own clothes if you prefer while working. Bring a waterproof jacket if you arecoming in summer

• Sandals/Flip Flops - For off time• Clothes for Off Times - lightweight shorts, t shirts etc for days off or evenings. Please

include jumpers, coats, hat and gloves if you are coming in winter.• Personal Toiletries - essentials are available in Badplaas but if you are set on a certain

brand then its best to bring from home.• Swimming costume, Sunscream, Sunhat, Camera, Plug adapter

PS – The most important things to bring are a sense of humour, patience, an open mind and a positive attitude!

What’s Included?

✓ Airport pick up from

Johannesburg

✓ 2 Day Orientation

✓ Accommodation

✓ Three meals a day

✓ Weekly transport to town for

shopping

✓ Transport to and from the

project

✓ 24 hour support and

supervision

✓ Donation to the project

✓ Certificate of appreciation

Meals

Transport

& Shuttles

Accommodation

TransportVolunteers will be met at Johannesburg

International airport and taken to their orientation

venue, Homebase Melville.

On the project start day, you will be taken to the

bus terminal to take your shuttle to project. Once

arrived, the project leader will collect you from the

bus stop. The same procedure in reverse happens

for your return journey.

IMPORTANT: There is an option to fly to and from Nelspruit instead of

taking the shuttles. This is at your own expense and should be

communicated with your bookings agent upon confirming your spot!

Meals

Volunteers will receive 3 meals a day:

Breakfast consists of cereals, fruit, yoghurts, toast and spreads

Lunch consists of sandwiches, pasta, salads, pies, omelette.

Dinner consists of Bulky filling meals such as pastas, stews, bolognaise, stir frys, rice

dishes etc.

Accommodation

●Volunteers will stay in volunteer chalets (1 - 4 people per room) including its own

bathroom

● All linen and a towel will be provided and cleaned twice a week

● The chalets are all individual units set apart from the main lodge area (about 100m)

where meals will be provided. There are no lockers in the rooms but if you have

valuables you would like to be locked up then you can make use of the main safe in the

lodge

● Swimming pool is available.

● The lodge also operates as a guest lodge for overnight visitors and tourists so there

will usually be other people on the property. We ask that volunteers are polite and

respectful towards outside guests as you are representing DIY Wild at all times. No

outside guests or visitors are allowed to access the volunteer accommodation at any time

- please remember you are sharing with other volunteers and do not bring in visitors out

of respect for them.

Laundry:The Volunteers are able to give in their laundry on site at the lodge to be washed at a cost of

±R20 per kg. This can be arranged at reception.

Internet: There is currently no wifi on site at the project. Please make sure you bring an unlocked phone

and buy a local sim card (Vodacom works best) at the airport. We have very good 3G signal in

the area.

NOTES:

● Tea and coffee will be available, all other drinks will be at own expense

● A generous amount of food will always be served. If snacks are desired there are

several grocery stores nearby.

● There are refrigerators available for volunteers’ personal food and soft drinks

Important reminder: Participants must advise the NGO of their dietary needs (e.g. if they are vegetarian or have any allergies) prior to their arrival. Participants with very specific dietary needs may be required to supplement their meals at their own expense.

Location:The farm is based in Badplaas - a very rural town in the Mpumalanga region (about 1.5

hours from our closest city of Nelspruit.) .

● Shops/Grocery Stores and ATMS: There are regular trips to the local shops in

Badplaas which you may be able to join by arrangement. There is a small supermarket, a

pharmacy and ATMs. Specialised items may only be available in Nelspruit and branded

items may be more expensive than at home so its advisable to bring essentials with you.

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.

General Information

Free time:

Options for this day are extra activities you can arrange with the project. These

activities will be for your own account. Please request the price from the project

leader when you decide to book. Optional Extra Excursions may be available during

your time with us however depend on the number of volunteers at the time:

Activities: (Please note these are subject to availability and can change at anytime)

• Kruger National Park - We offer 3 day/2 night trips to the park

• Swaziland - The boarder to Swaziland is just 45 minutes drive from us. Once in

Swaziland you can visit the famous glass blowing centre at Ngwenya and numerous

beautiful waterfalls and dams.

• Forever Resorts - The resort borders our property and is ideal for a day trip on

your day off. They have natural hot spring pools, a water park, a spa and activities

such as quad biking and horse riding. A R50 fee is required to cover petrol to drop

you off and pick you up.

General Information

General:● Participants must conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner at all times

● Hitchhiking is not permitted at any time and travelling alone in the dark is not

recommended

● Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave your belongings unattended

● Never give beggars money - speak to your coordinator if you would like to make

donations

● Do not look like a tourist with your camera around your neck or walk and text

● Do not carry large amount of cash on you that people can see – Cards are accepted in

most places

● Lock your room to ensure all your valuables, passport and money stay safe

NB!! Safety Tips

Animals:● Some animals DO NOT like direct contact. If they do approach you just remain calm

and stand still.

● If you do not feel comfortable in certain places with the animals inform your team

leader for assistance.

● Even if the animals appear tame we MUST still respect them at all times.

●We recommend you get all you get all your inoculations in case

Camps:● Never enter the big cats’ enclosure without staff supervision

● To enter a small enclosure there must be a guide/team leader present

● All gates to all camps must be locked and checked daily to make sure they are in a

working condition

● Be aware of the electric fences at all times

Water:Water is safe to drink. However, please be aware that there may be a shortage during

dry season. Use water sparingly and have short showers or baths.

Power:South African electrical power is 240 volts AC. Appliances from North America will burn

out if they are not switched over or have a properly-rated power transformer (not just a

plug converter) attached. Think twice about that hair dryer! South Africa is also prone to

electricity cuts (load shedding) due to short supply. Please turn off lights and heaters

when not in the room. The plug adapter needed for South Africa plugs is very difficult to

find in your home country, we suggest you buy the adapter in South Africa.

Laws in South Africa

● You can only drive from the age of 18, with a valid driving license. International licenses are requiredfor vehicle rental in order to drive in South Africa● People under 18 years may not drink or buy alcohol● Drinking alcohol in a public place is illegal (this includes drinking on the beach)● It is legal to smoke cigarettes in public places, but shopping malls, businesses, public transport andrestaurants have no-smoking policies. Smoking is permitted inside places where permission is granted.● It is illegal to carry, buy or use drugs, including marijuana● The age of sexual consent is 16, and having sex with anyone under 16 is illegal

Health and Safety

All participants should have informed the NGO of any medical information, including

allergies, prescribed medications, or any known medical condition. It is advisable to

remind your volunteer leaders again during orientation!

Insurance

All participants must have medical, travel and trip cancellation insurance for the duration of their program. The NGO must receive proof of insurance prior to arrival.

Drugs

The NGO has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs. Offenders will be removed from

the program immediately without refund.

Smoking

No smoking is allowed during project hours.

Alcohol

A responsible level of drinking (for volunteers of legal age) during free time is allowed. However in these limited situations:

● Alcohol is never to be consumed during project hours or on any SAVE Premises.

● Participants are never to be intoxicated during project hours

● No hangovers will be tolerated on project so please keep drinking to off days

Failure to comply will be treated as a serious matter. The NGO reserves the right to

remove a participant from the project without refund if they disregard this policy.

Participants who endanger their safety or the safety of others through irresponsible

drinking of alcohol or negligence may be removed from the program without refund.

Important points to read

What is the difference between volunteering and regular tourism?

In regular tourism the emphasis is on the tourist who expects to receive excellent service on their trip

(great hotel, good food and all excursions working according to a timetable). The place and local

community becomes less important with the tourist becoming the center of attention. In volunteer tourism

(or “voluntourism”) the emphasis shifts to work contribution, goals of the program and helping the local

community. It is the success of the program and the atmosphere between the community and the

volunteers that helps make the trip unforgettable – not the level of service or the quality of the hotel.

Many programs are underfunded and staffed so inevitably there will be some difficulties; however it is

the overcoming of any challenges which creates a sense of achievement and satisfaction not

found in regular tourism.

Will there be any surprises?

Volunteer tourism can be unpredictable! While SAVE does the utmost to stick to timetables and examples of

type of work needed by the volunteer, there are many factors that can impact these plans. For example, the

weather and seasons, local holidays, mood of the wildlife and immediate needs of the programs.

The information you will receive from the program is important and valuable however things can change

and we urge you to use it as a guideline and expect the unexpected – this is what makes volunteer tourism so

diverse and exciting. It is important that you arrive with a flexible attitude and remember that just by being

at the project you will be contributing to its running, growth and success. Many of these programs are in

cultures very different than yours and as such the type and length of work given may or may not seem

important to you but it will be for the program.

The first few days

These are the most important and can be the most difficult ones. You have just arrived off a long flight in a

strange location and are living with new people. Even if the first impression might not be as you had

expected. Please give yourself a couple of days to acclimatize and give the project the help it needs.

Volunteer work – some examples

It is important to realize that not all the work will be easy or 'romantic'. A lot of the time

you will need to roll up your sleeves and get dirty with tasks such as:

● Animal projects: working with raw meat, cage cleaning, removing ticks, etc.

● Environmental projects: manual labor, carrying heavy items, getting dirty, working in the rain, etc.

● Humanitarian projects: cleaning up after the kids, kitchen duty, changing diapers, wiping runny noses,

etc.

● Building projects: mixing concrete manually, picking up garbage off site, removing

vegetation, etc.

Keep a positive attitude and note that even ‘boring’ tasks contribute and are also very

important to the program. Also remember ‘boring’ tasks are not given to you on purpose

but they form a part of the overall volunteer experience as it takes care of the needs of the

overall project.

Sticking to a timetable

Each program asks its volunteers to stick to a timetable which helps the program run smoothly. Please

follow the instructions from the program managers. However, please note that volunteer programs are

usually underfunded and understaffed which can lead to multiple changes in the program timetable.

Volunteer work needs to be flexible for various reasons and should not be seen as a nine to five office

job even if some changes do not make sense to the volunteer. Flexibility and an 'expect the unexpected

attitude' are needed – however never forget that by volunteering you are contributing immensely to the

program.

Important points to read

Before you leave for project

Please look after yourselves and listen to the Leaders and the program staff you are visiting. Drink lots of

fluids and remember your sunscreen. Volunteer trips are what you make of them and coming with an

open mind and listening to the program managers/Leaders will help you experience an unforgettable

trip. Please also remember that this is an English speaking project. In order to be inclusive and for

everyone to have a positive experience, we ask that volunteers speak English at all times.

The Volunteer Leader

Most programs will have a volunteer leader. This person is usually a volunteer who is on a long term

contract or has volunteered on the same project in the past. The volunteer leader can be of great

assistance when a problem arises though please approach them at a convenient time outside of busy

working hours. It is important that you listen to the volunteer leader and cooperate with them.

Culture shock

The volunteers you will be working with come from all over the world and may be from different

religious and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteering is also a cultural experience where you can learn

about different cultures, please be both tolerant and patient. Do not be shy in sharing your

experiences, recipes, songs and traditions it will just add to the overall group cohesion. For

example, children may be raised in ways that are very different to what you are used to. If you are

ever unsure about a certain issues, please feel free to discuss it with your volunteer leader.

Extra expenses

Please take into account additional expenses like tours, trips, telephone, restaurants and bars. It is a

good idea to have different types of payment available to you like: cash, credit cards, debit cards and

traveller's cheques.

If there are any problems during the

program please speak to the volunteer

leader. It is important to initially raise and

discuss the issue in the program as most

can be solved in this manner. The

organisation and projects rely on each

and every volunteer, if you leave the

program in the middle (or leave unhappy

and disgruntled) it could seriously

damage the hard work being undertaken.

Approaching us directly will help us to resolve the issues for future volunteers or for the

sustainability of the project. We want to make it an unforgettable experience for you and

all others. We also want our projects to continue receiving the much needed volunteers –

we can only help if we know what the concerns are!

If the problem is not resolved within 24 hours, please feel free to approach the SAVE

manager. If, within a further 24 hours, you still feel the problem has not been dealt with,

you should contact bookings@volunteering.org.za or +27 73 333 4338

and we will do our best to sort out the problem.

References and Suggested Readings

It is strongly recommended that all participants read and print out areas of

interest from the websites and reference materials listed below as these will

provide valuable background information and help to put project goals and

activities into context.

● Website: www.freepackers.fr● Instagram: www.instagram.com/freepackers/● Facebook: www.facebook.com/freepackers/● Email: reservations@freepackers.com● Phone: +33631961240

The more positive you are, the more

positive your memories will be! Your

time on project will be over sooner than

you know, what would you like to think

back on later in your life?