Monkey Sanctuary Volunteers

What's Not Included

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Accommodation

Staying in rustic style dormitories enveloped in unspoilt South African bush, you can wake up in the morning to native birdsong and drift off to sleep to the calming sounds of the African bush at night.

Rooms are based on 2-9 people sharing. Sexes are normally split, but within small groups volunteers often choose “mixed” dorms. Couples and single-occupancy rooms can also be accommodated (subject to availability and at an additional cost). Speak to your travel advisor for more information.

It’s worth noting that the standard of accommodation on this project is much higher than that of many other similar projects operating in the area. Facilities include European style flushing toilets, hot showers, and lights and power points in the dorms, none of which are standard in the region.

If you want to bring a laptop or notebook, you can access free Wi-Fi between 4 and 7 or 8pm. There are lockers for valuables available for you to use but you will need to bring your own padlock (number combination types are suggested rather than padlocks with keys)

Sheets, duvets and pillows will be provided and there are extra blankets available on request.

The staff will also do your laundry (one load included in your project fee), if you don’t want to hand wash your own clothes. Each dorm will have a set day for laundry, which the staff will inform you of when you arrive.

When you have completed your jobs for the day, you can relax at the river; bird watching and enjoying the colours of a true South African sunset. During the summer this picturesque scene truly comes alive at night, as the banks of the river are transformed by hundreds of fireflies.

Mosquito nets are not a necessity, but you are welcome to bring your own if you wish. They are cheaper to buy in South Africa than the UK.

Meals

Three meals a day, teas and coffees are included in the price of your monkey sanctuary experience. A semi-continental breakfast is served at 9am, with lunch at around 1pm normally consisting of breads and spreads.

Dinner is at 6pm and during weekends you’ll get the opportunity to experience South African braais (BBQ’s). 

You’ll also have the opportunity to pick up your favourite snacks, drinks, and groceries on our weekly town trip to the local greengrocer.

Please note: Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for on request. Please let us know of any dietary requirements before you travel. 

Arrival Information:

To get to the project you will need to book a flight to Hoedspruit Airport in South Africa. Most flights will have a connection via Johannesburg. When you land into Hoedspruit on your start date we will meet you and drive you to the project. The airport pick up is pre-arranged to coincide with your arrival.

Age & Eligibility:

You’ll need to be 18 or over to join this project.

Don’t worry if you haven’t had any previous experience working with animals, you will receive all the necessary training at the centre. You do however need to be healthy, fit and of course have a passion and love for animals! Volunteering on the centre is hard but rewarding. There’s plenty of lifting, carrying, sweating, and getting dirty so you need to be prepared for that!

You’ll also need to sign a code of conduct document on arrival, that states that you agree to abide by the project’s rules and that you understand any safety issues.

British citizens can travel to South Africa for any purpose for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer or have any other questions regarding visas, contact the South African commission.

Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Visa rules and regulations are subject to change. Please check the relevant embassy websites for the most up to date visa information.

Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >