useful information

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Climate

Summer – Dec; Jan; Feb
Expect intense heat in the daytime with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon. Vegetation is dense and lush because of summer rains, and the bush teems with newborn animals. A very good time for bird watching.

Autumn – Mar; Apr; May
At the end of the summer rains the water holes are full. Temperatures begin to drop at night and the vegetation starts to change colour.

Winter  - Jun; Jul; Aug
Daytime temperatures are pleasant and nights are cold. Visibility in the bush is very good, making winter an excellent time for game viewing.

Spring – Sept; Oct; Nov
The dull bush changes to lively green vegetation at the start of the rainy season. Temperatures are pleasant.

Credit Cards:

All major credit cards are accepted as a valid form of payment at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.

Currency:

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. There are 100c to every rand. Foreign exchange may be arranged at the airports, or in major centres / cities. It is not recommended that travellers carry large sums of cash. Rather keep a reasonable amount on hand, and primarily use credit cards. Travellers cheques are also welcome.
There are many road-side vendors along the major routes in the country selling local hand-crafted products. These vendors trade in cash only.
It is highly recommended that you do not stop in informal settlements along your journey.

Direct dial telephones:

Similarly, laptop computers may be connected to the internet via telephone lines. Students can connect wireless at the HESC tourists facilities.
Cellular reception is limited and not of a very good quality.

Drinking water:

The tap (faucet) water in the camp is purified to the highest standards and is perfectly safe to drink. Ample stocks of still and sparkling mineral water are also available.

Health Risks:

There are a number of health issues that you should be aware of, especially if you are from the northern hemisphere. Immunisation: When entering South Africa, no international immunisation is required. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 21 years of age if they enter South Africa within 6 days of leaving an infected country. Our advice: Visit your local (travel) doctor to get up-to-date information about requirements when travelling. DTP inoculation (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) is essential. Many people have this inoculation as a child, but a booster tetanus shot is a very good idea.

HIV/Aids in South Africa : As in other countries, HIV/Aids is a serious concern in South Africa and one you must be aware of. You should at all times be careful when dealing with an injured person to avoid the risk of infection. Always take necessary precautions and avoid sexual contact.

Malaria: The Western Cape Province is malaria and bilharzia free - protection would only be required if you travel further afield, e.g. to parts of the Kruger Park, the Northern Province, Mpumalanga, northern KwaZulu Natal and Zululand. The risk of contracting the disease is negligible provided you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent and particularly in the evening, long-sleeved shirts and mosquito coils are advisable precautions. Website reference

Sun:

We have a warm sunny climate and you should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are out of doors during the day, particularly between 10am and 4pm - regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not. Even if you have a dark complexion, you can still get sunburned if you are from a cooler climate and have not had much exposure to the sun. Sunglasses are also recommended, as the glare of the African sun can be very strong.

Insurance

Personal travel insurance is compulsory. Travel insurance does not need to be expensive and there are many good deals available for backpackers etc.

Always be sure to check the insurance plan details and ensure that you are covered for theft, loss, illness and injury.
Check to see if your medical benefits are paid out as they incur or on your return home - long-term medical treatment out of your own pocket could be devastating.

Also, automatic coverage received when booking your flight by credit card will not be sufficient.

Passport Requirements

It can take up to 6 weeks to obtain a passport - remember to start this process timeously.
Important: Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after you return to your home country.

Visa Requirements

At present, a temporary visitor’s permit, valid for up to 90 days is granted for nationals from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This is granted on presentation of your passport at arrival.

If you are intending to stay for longer than 90 days, it is recommended that you apply for a visa at your local South African Consulate.

The latest visa requirements are available at this link: (http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_detail.asp)
Remember: As a volunteer, you are not paid to work and should therefore declare your purpose of visit as ‘vacation’, ‘holiday’ or ‘tourism’. Do not use the words ‘working as a volunteer’.

What to bring:

• Light clothing for daylight hours, especially during summer
• Light sweater for winter days
• Very warm clothing for winter evenings (windbreaker, “beanie” and gloves will be appreciated during evening game drives!)
• Old clothes
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Torch
• Sleeping Bag
• Comfortable walking boots
• Swimming costume
• Camera and plenty of memory space or film.’
• Insect Repellent
• Malaria tablets – consult your medical practitioner
• Book, or similar, to occupy yourself after hours
• Sun block