SAASA VOLUNTEER

HANDBOOK

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Contents

Contents ............................................................................................................. 2

South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) .................................... 3

SAASA sanctuaries ........................................................................................... 4

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay ................................................................. 4 Birds of Eden .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay ................................................................................ 5

Where you will be based ................................................................................. 7

Visa Requirements ............................................................................................ 8

Your Health ........................................................................................................ 9

Courses or boosters usually advised: .............................................................................................. 9 Malaria .................................................................................................................................................................. 10 HIV/AIDS ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 Drinking Water ................................................................................................................................................ 11

Travel and Medical Insurance ...................................................................... 12

Volunteer Accommodation .......................................................................... 13

Arriving at your accommodation .................................................................................................. 15 By Air ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15 By Bus ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Volunteer Requirements ................................................................................ 17

What to expect from your volunteer placement ....................................... 17

Volunteer Code of Conduct ......................................................................... 18

Uniforms ............................................................................................................ 20

The Republic of South Africa (RSA) .............................................................. 21

About Plettenberg Bay .......................................................................................................................... 21 Climate ............................................................................................................................................................. 22 Money & expenses ................................................................................................................................... 22 Communication ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Social Media ................................................................................................................................................. 24 Other information of interest .............................................................................................................. 24 Suggested Packing List: ......................................................................................................................... 25

Contact Details ............................................................................................... 27

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South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) At SAASA, our vision is to maintain sustainable wildlife sanctuaries of various

species of wildlife, providing them with as natural a habitat as possible.

We strive to improve the lives of captive primates, birds and other wildlife. We

do this by relocating captive wild animals to our spacious sanctuaries. The

SAASA group is an active #HandsOffOurWildlife campaigner.

Our Mission Statement:

Conservation of wild animals, including primates, birds and apex cats;

Creation of safe natural habitats; and

Conservation education, both locally and internationally.

Our mission is one of education and promoting a greater understanding of

primates, apex cats and wild animals in general and the threats and

challenges they are facing. We strive for all guests to our sanctuaries to leave

with greater knowledge of and compassion for wild animals.

One of our main areas of focus is to educate the public about the adverse

effects of keeping wild animals as pets, in terms of both their physical and

psychological health.

Our objectives are:

To encourage understanding of and a commitment to the

conservation of wild animals, especially primates, birds and apex cats;

To communicate the need for healthy natural and spacious habitats;

and recognition of the wild animals’ need for interdependences of

people, their natural environment and its component resources;

To reach and engage the largest number of people possible to enable

them, through knowledge and understanding, to develop the

motivation and skills to make informed choices about their lives in

relation to the wise use of the natural resources around them.

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SAASA provides wild animals in our care with a stable environment, one with

permanence and where there is no exploitation. We oppose any form of

wildlife interaction.

At SAASA sanctuaries, care far exceeds what is required by the regulations

regarding animal welfare. All SAASA sanctuaries are, most importantly,

places that are conducive to the wellbeing and ultimately the physical and

emotional rehabilitation of the wild animals in our care.

At SAASA, we strive to achieve an effective balance between conservation

and economic reality. Our sanctuaries are therefore often tourism driven in

order to be financially sustainable. A safari at any of our sanctuaries is much

more than just an unforgettable forest and wildlife adventure, it is the vehicle

that allows you to become part of what we do for the wild animals in our

care.

SAASA sanctuaries

SAASA has three sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa’s Garden

Route – Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife

Sanctuary. A fourth sanctuary, MonkeylandKZN Primate Sanctuary will open

in KwaZulu Natal province in November 2018.

If you wish to add on a period of time volunteering at our sanctuary in

KwaZulu-Natal, please let our Volunteer Coordinator

(volunteer@monkeylandkzn.co.za) know so that this can be arranged for you.

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay

Monkeyland is SAASA’s first sanctuary and opened its doors to the public in

April 1998. It is one of the top eco-tourism attractions on the Garden Route,

capturing the hearts of visitors in its efforts to rehabilitate and free previously

caged primates. Eleven species of primates roam freely about Monkeyland’s

12-hectare forest - Black & White Ruffed Lemur, Ringtail Lemur, Red-backed

Bearded Saki, Black Howler Monkey, Bolivian Squirrel Monkey, Vervet Monkey,

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Spider Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Spectacled Langur, Lar Gibbon, Brown-

Tufted Capuchin.

Just outside the forest perimeter is a 13-hectare ‘greenbelt’ area that is

protected for indigenous chacma baboons, vervet monkeys and other

wildlife. The sanctuary is home to more than 550 primates.

Birds of Eden

Birds of Eden opened its doors to the public in December 2005. The decision

to develop Birds of Eden stemmed from the need to create a safe

environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds

and miniature monkeys. The sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to

release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation. The

sanctuary’s unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a

gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which

incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its ampitheatre,

which can seat over 200 visitors. Currently, over 3,500 birds live at the

sanctuary.

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary became part of SAASA in 2012 and opened its doors

to the public in August 2013.

At many wildlife facilities, large predatory species are kept as a way of

attracting visitors without regard for the animals’ physical and emotional

needs.

The Jukani approach is one of respect for what each animal represents. All

the female predator cats are on birth control and the sanctuary is a no-touch

facility.

For safety reasons, Jukani is our only sanctuary where you view the wildlife

from behind a fence rather than mingle amongst them. For this reason,

special ramps have been erected so that visitors can obtain an uninterrupted

view of the animals.

Jukani is currently home to big cats such as White and Tawny Lions, Cheetahs,

Siberian, Benegal and White Tigers, Spotted and Black Leopards, Jaguars,

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Pumas, Caracals, Serval Cats and other wildlife species such as Zebra, Wild

Dogs, Honey Badgers, Raccoons and various snake species that are housed

in individual viviariums.

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Where you will be based

South Africa is divided into nine provinces.

Plettenberg Bay is on the Garden Route in the Western Cape Province.

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Our sanctuaries are located around 20kms outside of Plettenberg Bay in an

area called The Crags. To the east is the quaint village of Nature’s Valley with

its beaches, lagoon and hiking trails; to the west, towards Plettenberg Bay,

are Keurbooms river and beaches.

Visa Requirements

A visitor visa allows a stay of a maximum of 90 days. For many countries, it is

not necessary to apply for this visa in advance. However, requirements for

entry differ from country to country and are subject to change. It is

imperative, therefore, that you make enquiries at the embassy in your home

country and/or visit the Department of Home Affairs at www.dha.gov.za for

more information.

Yellow Fever

If your journey starts or passes through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South

America, you must have a valid yellow fever certificate. Failure to show a

valid Yellow Fever Certificate could result in you being denied entry into South

Africa.

Please note: If your passport is going to expire within six months of your stay in

South Africa, you must renew it before you start your journey.

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Your Health

We have provided below general advice about immunisations that are

recommended for travel in South Africa. However, you should consult with

your doctor or nurse to ensure you have the latest advice available.

Courses or boosters usually advised:

Diphtheria - spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is

higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Hepatitis A: spread through consuming contaminated food and water or

person-to-person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where

personal hygiene and sanitation are poor.

Other vaccines to consider:

Cholera: spread through consumption of contaminated water and food.

More common during floods and after natural disasters, in areas with very

poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water. It would be unusual for

travellers to contract cholera if they take basic precautions with food and

water and maintain a good standard of hygiene.

Hepatitis B: spread through infected blood and blood products,

contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse.

Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel,

children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may

need, or request, surgical procedures abroad

Rabies: spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a

bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species,

but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not

be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite),

long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and

children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent

medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite.

Tetanus: spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with

tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of

tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually

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recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an

injury may not be readily available.

Typhoid: spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and

drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is

limited.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious, and sometimes fatal, disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

As shown in the malaria map above, the most of South Africa, including

where you will be staying, carry little to no risk of malaria.

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Only small areas of South Africa carry a risk of malaria. These are the low

altitude areas of Mpumalanga Province (including Kruger National Park)

and Limpopo Province.

Malaria precautions are essential in any areas of risk. Avoid mosquito bites

by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers

especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when

necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.

Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets, you

will probably need these if you plan to Mpumalanga or Limpopo during

your time in South Africa.

HIV/AIDS The 2012 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around

5,700,000 adults aged 15 or over in South Africa were living with HIV; the

prevalence percentage was estimated at around 17.9 of the adult

population. The prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK is around

0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS:

- ALWAYS use a condom

- NEVER share needles, syringes or swabs within another person.

Remember that, you won’t be able to see if someone is infected with HIV.

Most people who contract HIV experience a short, flu-like illness 2 – 6 weeks

after HIV infection. This normally lasts for a week or two.

Once these symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any symptoms for many

years – you will not be able to know that someone has the HIV virus; many

people with HIV have no idea that they are infected.

Drinking Water

The tap water in South Africa undergoes treatment, in line with World Health

Organisation standards, which ensures it is free of any harmful micro-

organisms and contaminants. It is, therefore, perfectly safe to drink. In some

areas of South Africa the tap water is quite rich in minerals and may take a bit

of getting used to.

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You should not, however, drink water from streams or rivers, especially where

there is any human habitation, as these may carry water-borne diseases.

Please note that the tap water in the volunteer houses at Monkeyland and

Birds of Eden is not drinking water. You will collect drinking water from the

sanctuary farm.

Travel and Medical Insurance

Volunteers are required to have full travel insurance that includes emergency

medical evacuation. It is also recommended that you take out a

health/medical insurance policy. This would cover you for inpatient and

outpatient costs. Please ensure that you have enough money to pay for

hospitalisation and any other emergencies that may arise. You will normally

need to pay for medical services upfront and claim the money back from

your insurance company at a later date.

The Sanctuary Curator will assist you in getting to the doctors office or hospital

if you are unwell. The average cost of visiting a doctor during normal office

hours is R350. If you are unable to work for two consecutive days, you will

need to consult a doctor and obtain a medical certificate.

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Volunteer Costs / Donations

When you volunteer with the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance, you

are not asked to make any payment to our sanctuary. Any donations you

wish to make to our sanctuary from fundraising are gratefully received. If you

wish to donate items rather than money, please let us know so that we can

advise you as to our current needs.

Volunteers at Jukani and those staying for less than two months will need to

arrange accommodation with one of three local homestays. Volunteers will

book this directly with the homestay who will advise of costs.

Volunteer Accommodation

On-site volunteer houses

Volunteers who commit for a minimum of 2 months at Monkeyland or Birds of

Eden are eligible, subject to availability, to free self-catering housing in our

two on-site volunteer houses.

Each house has 1 twin & 1 triple room with linen provided, a communal living

room, kitchen and bathroom. You will be responsible for washing your own

clothes in the provided washing machine.

The volunteer housing is situated 22km from Plettenberg Bay. Although there is

a small supermarket and post office 2km from us, it is still very isolated. Each

house has a television and DVD player (so download shows & movies from

home). There is minimal internet access available at the sanctuary.

Volunteers staying at our on-site volunteer accommodation will be collected

from Plettenberg Bay airport or bus stop and taken grocery shopping en route

to the volunteer accommodation.

Homestay accommodation

Volunteers at Jukani and volunteers staying for less than 2 months will need to

book accommodation with one of three local homestays. The choice of

homestay is entirely the volunteer’s.

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Rocky Road Backpackers – www.rockyroadbackpackers.com

Rocky Road Backpackers is located in The Crags, just 3kms from Monkeyland

and Birds of Eden and 10kms from Jukani.

The price includes:

- Accommodation in one of the cottages, maximum 2 people per room

- Three meals per day – self-help cold breakfast, packed lunch and hot

evening meal;

- Laundry washed and folded;

- Internet;

- Use of the welcoming lounge with big screen TV with full cable

package;

- Daily transport to and from the sanctuary; and

- Weekly run to Plettenberg Bay for shopping.

To check availability and prices at Rocky Road Backpackers, volunteers

should contact Mac at info@wwisa.co.za with their intended dates.

Plett Homestay – www.pletthomestay.co.za

Plett Homestay is a family home, with three dogs and a cat, a swimming pool

and an outside entertainment area. It is located in Plettenberg Bay, just 300m

from the nearest beach, 400m from a small shopping centre, including two

popular restaurants and 1.5kms from the centre of town.

The price includes:

- Accommodation in a twin room;

- Three meals per day – self-help cold breakfast and packed lunch and

a hot meal in the evening;

- Laundry washed and ironed;

- Internet;

- Use of the lounge with big screen satellite TV;

- Use of the swimming pool;

- Daily transport to and from the sanctuary;

To check availability and prices at Plett Homestay, volunteers should contact

Stephanie at info@pletthomestay.co.za with their intended dates.

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Stoneridge Farm

Stoneridge Farm is set on over 8 hectares and is located 5kms outside of

Plettenberg Bay. It is home to Chris and Michele Upton, their 4 children (Jake,

Cabe, Lael and Neve), 5 dogs, 3 cats, a parrot, 6 horses and a donkey!

Leatitia, a local girl, who looks after the horses and is part-time au-pair to the

children, also lives on site. She knows Plett very well and will be an excellent

guide for you.

Volunteers staying at Stoneridge Farm are housed in a separate cottage

adjacent to the main house. The price includes:

- Accommodation in a twin room or single room (the cottage has 3 twin

rooms and 1 single room);

- Three meals per day – breakfast, packed lunch and hot evening meal;

- All bed linen;

- A lockable cupboard for each volunteer;

- Laundry washed, dried and folded;

- Uncapped Wi-Fi;

- Satellite television;

- A lockable cupboard for each volunteer;

- Use of the cottage’s open-plan kitchen/lounge/dining area;

- Use of the undercover deck and private walled lawn;

- Use of the swimming pool;

- Daily transport to the sanctuary;

- Drop-off and pick-up in Plettenberg Bay available at scheduled times

every day.

To check availability and prices at Stoneridge Farm, volunteers should

contact Michele at michupton@gmail.com with their intended dates.

Arriving at your accommodation

By Air

There is a small airport in Plettenberg Bay with flights from Johannesburg and

Cape Town a few times per week. Please note that these are small 20-seater

planes.

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George Airport is serviced by South African Airlines, Kulula and Mango. The

airport is around 1.5 hour drive from Plettenberg Bay.

Port Elizabeth airport is serviced by South African Airlines, British Airways, Kulula

and Mongo. The airport is a 3 hour drive from Plettenberg Bay. Most

volunteers arriving in to Port Elizabeth choose to stay there overnight and

catch the Intercape or City to City bus to Plettenberg Bay the following day.

Volunteers staying at one of the homestay options should discuss airport

transfers with their host. These are normally arranged at an additional cost.

By Bus

The Intercape, City to City and Baz Bus all travel from Cape Town to

Plettenberg Bay. The bus arrives at Plettenberg Bay at around 2.30pm. You

will be collected from the bus stop by a member of the SAASA team or your

homestay host. There is an overnight bus from Cape Town but this arrives into

Plettenberg Bay at around 2am. If you take this bus, you will probably need

to spend the night at a backpackers as we only arrange collections from the

bus stop during the day.

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Volunteer Requirements

All volunteers will need a good level of English. You will also need to be hard

working, fast learning, enthusiastic and prepared to cheerfully fulfill tasks

requested of you. A genuine interest in primates and other wildlife is essential.

You will be expected to work 5 days per week, with the occasional extra day

during the peak season summer months. A normal workday lasts from 8am to

5pm, although this could be longer during the peak season summer months.

Please note: All SAASA sanctuaries are “hands off”, meaning that at no time

do we allow physical contact with our animals. If this rule is broken, you will

be asked to leave the volunteer programme immediately.

What to expect from your volunteer placement

Your duties whilst volunteering will depend on which of our sanctuaries you

have chosen to volunteer with, your length of stay, the type of volunteer role

you applied for and whether you have any specific skills or interests. Any

necessary training will be provided when you arrive.

General duties may include:

- Welcoming visitors to the sanctuary;

- Conducting informative guided tours;

- Cleaning and stocking feeding stations around the sanctuary;

- Maintaining the grounds, keeping them clear of litter;

- Assisting with marketing;

- Explaining sanctuary rules to visitors;

- Checking tickets;

- Supervising media visitors;

- Assisting visitors at the environmental theatre;

- Cleaning walkways and bridges; and

- Food preparation.

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Being a tourism organisation, we have slow and busy periods. The more you

get involved, the more you will get out of the experience. If you have an

idea for a special project, please speak to the Sanctuary Curator.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

This code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour that we expect of

our volunteers and is designed to help you achieve the most out of your

volunteering placement in a safe manner. It also ensures that the people we

work with are treated with respect and that consideration is given to other

cultural aspects during your stay with us. The code is in three sections:

General

At the project

At the volunteer accommodation/homestay

Please note that breaches of the code of conduct may result in your

placement being terminated without compensation.

General

You must:

Listen to and follow the advice or requests of the Sanctuary Curator.

Understand that you are a representative of your country of origin and act

accordingly.

Understand that whilst volunteering, you are a representative of the South

African Animal Sanctuary Alliance and act accordingly.

Realise that the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance and the

homestay owners have a zero tolerance policy towards the possession and

use of illegal substances. If you are found in possession of, or are under the

influence of such substances, you will have your volunteering stay with us

terminated immediately.

Respect, and seek to understand, the culture of South Africa.

Follow your project rules, respect the accommodation, your volunteer

colleagues and the local community regarding the consumption of

alcohol.

Treat all people with respect and dignity.

Not engage in political demonstrations or illegal activities.

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Keep your sanctuary supervisor and/or homestay host informed of your

plans regarding trips away.

At the Sanctuary

You must:

Endeavour to maintain a positive mental attitude throughout your

placement.

Act as a conscientious member of the project team - you are relied on as

a dedicated member of staff.

Abide by all the rules of the sanctuary and respect them as any other

member of staff. The most important of these rules is that you are not

permitted to touch or handle the animals in our care.

Not accept payment for the work that you are doing. By law, the

sanctuary is not permitted to pay salaries to volunteers.

Work hard to achieve not only your own personal goals but also those of

the project and the people and organisation that you are helping.

Listen to, and follow, the instructions of your contact/supervisor at the

sanctuary.

Inform your supervisor at the sanctuary if you are at any time unable to

fulfill the duties to which you have committed.

Treat with care any materials that you use during your volunteer

placement.

Volunteer accommodation / Homestay

You must:

Respect local custom and abide by the rules of the accommodation.

Check with the sanctuary supervisor or homestay host before inviting

anybody to your room.

Be aware that overnight visitors are not allowed at the volunteer

accommodation without the prior consent of the sanctuary supervisor.

Respect the accommodation and pay for any damage you may cause to

the property.

Keep your room clean and tidy.

Do not smoke inside the volunteer accommodation or homestay. Use the

ashtrays provided outside.

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Be aware that there will be no refunds for food/accommodation if you

decide to go on trips or leave early.

Uniforms

SAASA will provide you with two shirts, a set of epaulettes and a fleece/jersey.

Please bring your own khaki trousers (pants)/shorts/skirts as well as brown,

khaki or black shoes/boots.

On receipt of the uniform and any other items, e.g. keys to the volunteer

accommodation, you will need to pay a R800 deposit. This payment can be

made in cash or by credit card and will be returned to you when you return

your uniform and any other items.

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The Republic of South Africa (RSA)

It’s impossible for travellers to South Africa to remain oblivious to the fact that

racial inequality persists here. Black and coloured townships face problems

such as poverty, illness, including high levels of HIV/AIDs and xenophobic

tensions.

Nonetheless, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, funny and

welcoming people you’ll encounter anywhere in the world.

As a visitor to South Africa and a volunteer at the South African Animal

Sanctuary Alliance, it is important that you respect local customs and

cultures. We ask that you dress, behave and converse in a way that does not

cause offence.

There are eleven official languages of South Africa: Zulu (23%), Xhosa (16%),

Afrikaans (14%), English (9.6%), Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi,

Tswana, Tsonga and Venda. English is only the fourth most common first

language in the country but it is understood in most urban areas and is the

dominant language in government and the media.

About Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, or ‘Plett’ as it’s more commonly known, is a popular seaside

town on South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route. It lies almost on the

border of the Eastern and Western Cape, around 600kms from Cape Town

and 210kms from Port Elizabeth. Its mountains, golden beaches and crystal-

blue water make it one of the country’s top local tourist spots. As a result, it

can be very busy in the middle of summer. Plett, though, somehow still

manages to retain a relaxed, friendly atmosphere all year round.

Whatever your interests, you will find plenty to do here on your off-days.

Adventure seekers can go ziplining, kayaking, horse riding, skydiving,

abseiling, kloofing or even bungee from the world’s highest commercial

bungee bridge. If you just want to enjoy the wonderful nature, lying on a

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beach, looking out for dolphins and whales, isn’t your only option. There are

three nature reserves close by – Keurboorms River Nature Reserve, Robberg

Nature Reserve and Goukamma Nature Reserve.

One of the largest seagull breeding colonies along the South African coast is

at the mouth of the Keurboorms River; the endangered African oystercatcher

lives along these shores and Robberg Peninsula, as well as offering fantastic

hiking trails, is home to a large Cape Fur Seal colony.

There is also a vast array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in the centre of

Plettenberg Bay. A larger mall and cinema is located at George just an hour

and a half’s drive away.

Climate

South Africa is famous for its sunshine. Being in the southern hemisphere, our

seasons are the exact opposite of those in Europe and North America. So,

yes, we spend Christmas on the beach!

The climate in Plettenberg Bay is warm and temperate. We have a lot of

rainfall throughout the year and the weather can change numerous times,

even in the one day!

During the summer months (December to March), daytime temperatures can

range from around 22° to 29°C. This region of South Africa is coldest during

July, when the average daytime temperature is around 19°C but during the

night it can drop to 7°C.

Money & expenses

The rand (R/ZAR), is the currency of South Africa. There are numerous banks in

Plettenberg Bay and most petrol stations have ATMs, including the one

located on the N2, 2kms from the Monkeyland/Birds of Eden volunteer

housing.

Meals are not provided at the on-site volunteer houses, but the

accommodation includes a fully equipped kitchen, and around R450 (about

$50) per week will be more than enough for food, toiletries and essentials if

you stick to the local farms and supermarkets.

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Meals, wifi, laundry and most transport are provided from the homestay

accommodation so you won’t need much spending money whilst you’re

here.

Besides the food costs for those staying at the on-site volunteer

accommodation, if you budget for around $100-$200 per month that should

be plenty for mobile phone airtime, toiletries, eating out, taxis, activities and

sightseeing around the province etc.

Examples of the cost of food and drink for eating out:-

Coffee: R15 – R24

Coke: R19 – R22

Beer/Cider: R20 – R28

Glass of wine: R30 – R50

Main meal R49 – R200

Communication

It is possible to use the internet at our sanctuaries with a 50MB daily limit. You

can buy a dongle and transfer phone credit into data as required. Please be

advised that the connection can be slow and is sometimes down.

Please speak to your telephone provider to ascertain if your mobile phone will

work in South Africa and to set up international roaming. You may also wish

to purchase a local sim-card if you are staying for an extended period and

want to talk to family and friends back home. Airtime credit can be

purchased from most petrol stations and supermarkets. It is important to

ensure that your phone is not sim-locked before leaving home.

The postal system is slow but cheap. There is a small Post Office outlet at the

petrol station on the N2, a post shop at Market Square and the main post

office is at the top end of Main Street in Plett central.

Your postal address for receiving letters or parcels is:

Monkeyland

Attn: your name

PO Box 1190

Plettenberg Bay

6600 South Africa

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Please note that if you are planning to receive letters or parcels, it can take

many weeks for them to arrive. When sending letters/parcels home, this tends

to be a lot quicker.

Social Media

SAASA does not allow interaction with animals and we do not want to be

associated with any activity that does. Therefore, we request that during your

time you with us you do NOT post any photos on social media of you

touching/feeding animals as we feel this sends the wrong message about

volunteering with our sanctuaries. This may include images taken at the

Special Monkey Home, during veterinary procedures or at other local wildlife

facilities. Termination will result if volunteers are found to not abide by this

policy.

If film crews and/or journalists covering stories about SAASA visit our sanctuary,

you may be asked to be included in their footage/photos. If you are asked

to take part, the Sanctuary Curator will brief you about your role.

Other information of interest

It is not unusual for people in South Africa to ask for money or belongings from

you. If you politely say no, this is not considered rude. SAASA strongly

discourages you from giving money or gifts directly to people as this practice

creates a distorted perception of visitors and can result in future visitors being

greeted by outstretched hands. If you wish to leave things or give money to

support people, it is best you do so through the Sanctuary Curator so that it

may be appropriately distributed to those in need.

Cell phones should not be used in view of visitors to our sanctuaries. If you

need to use your cell phone, please go to the smoking area.

Smoking in uniform must only occur in the designated smoking area. You

must not smoke whilst working with the animals, local community or school

groups.

We ask you to please be a considerate smoker – don’t throw cigarette butts

on the ground and ensure those around you are not affected by your

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smoking.

The use of alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substances by volunteers is

prohibited whilst working at our sanctuary and whilst staying at the volunteer

accommodation. Reporting to work with alcohol, intoxicants and/or

controlled substances, including those drugs prescribed by a physician which

might impair your ability to perform your duties, is prohibited and you will be

asked to immediately leave the sanctuary.

Illegal drug taking is totally prohibited and will result in instant dismissal from

the volunteer programme.

Suggested Packing List:

Clothing for work:

- any khaki-coloured clothing

- sturdy khaki/brown or black shoes

- dark coloured rain jacket

Other clothing Items:

The locals of Plett are generally well presented but casual so there’s no need

to pack any fancy clothes, a pretty dress or a nice shirt with jeans or

lightweight cargo pants will more than suffice for even a fancy dinner! During

the summer months (December to March), opt for clothing that is light in

weight.

- shorts, skirts, tops, T-shirts, trousers and summer dresses that are cool

and comfortable

- comfortable walking shoes

- a lightweight jacket or fleece.

Remember that houses in South Africa are often open plan and not designed

for cooler weather – we generally don’t have any central heating here! You

might, therefore, find the following items useful, particularly during the winter

months of June to September:

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- Tracksuit or heavier weight trousers for being warm and cosy at home

- Socks

- Waterproof, wind-proof lightweight coat for the evenings

- long-sleeved shirts/T-Shirts;

- warm, waterproof walking shoes/boots

Considering the changeable weather we can have in Plettenberg Bay, it’s a

good idea, whatever time of year you come, to layer your outfits so that you

can add or take away as the day cools and warms.

Plus:

- sleep wear

- warm jacket/jumper – it can be a little chilly in the early mornings and

late evenings

- swimming costumes

Other items:

- Copies of all documents – passport, travel and health insurance and

vaccinations

- Beach towel (bath towels are generally provided, but do check with

your accommodation first)

- Sunscreen (even though the Plettenberg Bay weather is very

moderate, the African sun can be very strong. The CANSA

organisation of South Africa recommends a sun protection factor (SPF)

of between 20 and 50).

- Hat and protective sunglasses

- Mosquito repellent

- Alarm clock

- Good flashlight or head torch

- Water bottle

- Personal toiletries

- First Aid Kit

- Travel adaptors for electrical items

- Books

- Photographic equipment

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- Laptop (for personal use or if you are undertaking a

marketing/photography/filmography volunteer placement)

- Anti-bacterial hand wipes

- Mobile phone.

Contact Details

If you have any questions before you depart for South Africa, please don’t

hesitate to contact Paula Hallam, our Volunteer Coordinator:

Email: volunteer@saasa.org.za

Cell: +27 (0)66 479 6138