Overview. What we do and why we would need you

Transcription

1 Overview In 2011, Kevin was approached by a businessman who had seen his documentaries, and the need for The Kingdom to expand in order to make it a sustainable entity. It was proposed that we move The Kingdom to a game farm that bordered Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve. The land owners next door trading as Welgedacht Game Reserve concurrently also saw a tremendous opportunity as a means to boost tourism within the Dinokeng area, and kindly offered a 100ha piece of land for the lions to dwell on, thus offering a greater tourism experience for both The Kingdom as a facility and Welgedacht Game Reserve. The two entities fit hand in glove, as they have the unique ability to attract people via Kevin s remarkable work with lions, as well as being involved in maintaining and restoring a big five game reserve. What we do and why we would need you The Dinokeng Game Reserve (DGR) is an initiative of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development which aims to expand the economy of the north-eastern region of Gauteng by encouraging the development of tourism, and attracting private sector investment in the area. It is hoped that tourism will become the key sector for economic growth in the area. After many years of preparation and development, the Dinokeng Game Reserve is now open and when the buffalo are introduced during this year, it will be the first free-roaming big five game reserve in Gauteng. As most of the reserve was previous farm land, there are many challenges in returning the land to it ideal condition. Volunteers will help to play an integral part in restoring the area to its former glory.

2 Not only will the volunteers be involved in the restoration and maintenance of the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve, but they will also assist in maintaining the sanctuary which was arranged by Kevin Richardson for the animals in his care. The farm (totalling currently hectares) and the many animals that call it home, all require maintenance, care and management. One of the things Kevin prides himself on is providing the animals with the best living conditions while in captive circumstances, as we are always looking for ways of ensuring that the animals lives are enriched as we aspire for them to receive the best care and love possible. Our staff in return, have their lives enriched, by being able to work with these remarkable animals as we are certain that after leaving us you will feel the same! Project Details Project Location The project is situated on a 1200 ha game farm known as Welgedacht, which lies within the perimeters of Dinokeng Game Reserve (18000 ha) situated in the Gauteng Province in South Africa. Project Duration Minimum 2 week to Maximum 4 weeks Project Rates GBP 750 for a 1 week stay, GBP 1000 for a 2 week stay OR GBP 1720 for a four week stay What is included in the rates Pre-departure information and advice. Airport pick-up on arrival and drop off on departure. O This however must be on the dates provided otherwise an additional cost will be incurred for a private transfer (Rate on request) O A mutual time for all volunteers arriving the same day will be arranged before your arrival.

3 O A staff member will be waiting for you at the international arrivals. If you come out of the terminal please walk right and look out for the Gauteng Tourism Information Desk. They will be waiting just in front of it with a sign with your name on it. In country assistance and support. Accommodation for the duration of your stay at the project. Tour with Kevin Richardson where you will get the opportunity to see Kevin interacting with the animals and ask him all the questions you have always wondered about lions and his unique ability to interact with them the way he does. Kindly note this is subject to Kevin being available. Two excursions to local attractions in the area. Refer to itinerary section for details What is not included in the rates Flights Visa costs (where applicable) Insurance costs (medical as well as personal items) Transport to any other destination during your stay other than the scheduled grocery shopping trips and two excursions included in our package rate. Accommodation The Volunteer Camp is situated at The Old Trading Post nestled in the heart of the Welgedacht Game Reserve. Welgedacht is situated on the South Eastern boundary of the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve. At any time you could potentially see any of the big five right where you are living. The camp is enclosed by a fence to keep unwanted visitors out but still leaves you with a true bush experience. The accommodation is outsourced to Welgedacht Game Reserve owners run by Gerald Howell whose attention to detail and warm South African hospitality ensures every volunteer has a comfortable and memorable stay.

4 Facilities are as follows: Four African contemporary farm style rooms (approximately 40/50m²) with a maximum of four single beds per room sharing en suite showers and toilets. A central living area with lounge, cooking and dining facilities All modern cooking equipment including fridge, microwave, toaster etc Fans in all rooms Hairdryer in all rooms Television and DVD player Swimming Pool for those hot summer days Braai (BBQ) facilities Open air boma for evening socialising around the fire Serviced a minimum of twice a week Staff living on site. Washing Machine available to do your own laundry with the exception of bedding which is washed once a week. Lock up facilities for your valuables

5 Meals A driver will take you to the grocery store weekly to purchase food and beverages. The first stop will be on your way back from the airport unless your flight is arriving late. The second trip will be on the following Monday. Breakfasts You can prepare and eat your breakfast at the Volunteer bush camp before you go to work. Lunches Lunch will be eaten on the farm not at the Volunteer Bush Camp so it will need to be prepared in advance and taken with you in the morning. There is a fridge to store the lunch and beverages until lunch time. Dinners Dinners will be eaten at the Volunteer Bush Camp Work Hours The Park trades Monday to Sunday Days off are structured based on the needs of the park at the time but one day will be given off each week. Work hours are from 08h00 to 17h30 excluding the travel time to and from work each day.

6 Being an animal facility we do have unexpected events which can occur and may require longer work hours. Transport To and from project A staff member will take you to and from work every day. Airport Collection and Drop Off A driver from our facility will collect you on arrival and drop you off on departure at the OR Tambo International Airport (Airport code JNB). Kindly note that should you not arrive / Depart on the same day as the scheduled transfer an additional charge will be charged for a private transfer. Other All other activities outside the park other will require your own transport. Our farm is out in the country and taxi cabs are not easily accessible. I would therefore recommend you either plan excursions through tour operators. Otherwise if you have an international driver s license you can hire a car from the nearby airport which will more than likely end up cheaper if you go in on it with a few other volunteers. Wonderboom airport is situated 35km from the farm. Health and Safety Vaccinations Visitors entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is widespread will need to present a yellow World Health Organisation (WHO) vaccination record card or other proof of vaccination when entering the country. Alternatively, visitors may be vaccinated on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport. Yellow fever vaccinations are usually valid for 10 years. Malaria Pretoria is a long way from the nearest malaria infected areas and no precautions are needed. This is what makes the area so attractive to tourists. Malaria is prevalent only in the North-Eastern parts of

7 South Africa, so if you are planning on travelling to one of our popular game parks after your stay you may need to take precautions. Insurance Travel insurance as well as health insurance is for your own accord so chat to your travel agent before you leave home. Eligibility and Skills Required No specific qualifications are required to volunteer and experience with animals is not required A genuine interest for the animal s welfare, enjoyment of wildlife and the outdoors is all you need. Due to the nature of our facility most of the animals are adults and the work is not always hands on. Breeding is controlled and youngsters often left with their parents so we do not always have youngsters at our nursery. When we do have youngsters volunteers will be able to get involved in the hand rearing. Our minimum age requirement is 18 years of age. An average physical fitness and willingness to get ones hands dirty is required The Kingdom is on a large farm known as Welgedacht which is made up of 1800ha of natural bush with varying terrain. Many of the daily tasks are done on foot covering large areas. Most of the duties are physical and not all are fun to do. The running of a sanctuary and greater game reserve of this size is 90% hard work and 10% fun with the animals. We ask you to please carefully read the duties and expectations of a volunteer so that you are prepared before you arrive for what to expect. Travel Requirements Visas A tourist visa is required for Commonwealth, European and US Citizens visiting South Africa. When booking your flights make sure to check with your travel agent if a visa is required and a letter for the application procedure can be provided to you on request. Flight Arrival Times A pick up will be arranged for all volunteers and where possible we would like to collect all volunteers at the same time due to the farm being some distance from the airport. A common meeting time will be arranged prior to your arrival which may result in a short wait at the airport or if you are unable to arrange a flight to get into OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg by that time, we would recommend you fly in a day earlier. An early airport pick-up and accommodation for that one night can be arranged for you (Rates on request) Flight Departure Times

8 A drop off will be arranged for all volunteers and where possible we would like to drop all volunteers at the same time due to the farm being some distance from the airport. A common drop-off time will be arranged prior to your departure which may result in a short wait at the airport. What to bring? Due to the nature of the project we would appreciate it if volunteers can wear beige, green or khaki coloured clothing. Clothes should be comfortable and preferably clothes you don t mind getting torn or dirty. Comfortable walking shoes are a must due to working in an outdoor environment. Please make sure you have worn in your shoes and that they are not going to give you blisters and spoil your experience. A raincoat for those wet Highveld thunderstorms in our summer months (September - April) Sunscreen and a sun hat as it gets very hot in the summer months, where we can be as much as 2-3 Celsius hotter than Johannesburg temperatures. Swimming Costume

9 If you are travelling during the winter months (May-August) you will need warmer clothes as the early mornings and evenings can get chilly. International adaptor plug for charging electronic items. The facility does have some entertainment for your off days and evenings but you may want to bring your own books, playing cards or Ipods along. Bedding is provided so you do not have to bring a sleeping bag Camera Activities, Facilities and Duties Activities and Facilities A wide variety of extra activities and facilities you can make use of at your own leisure which are available for when you are off duty to make your stay a memorable and enjoyable one. After all we want you to leave feeling like you have had a holiday as well. Bird watching Mountain Biking. Walking. Dart Board. A variety of interesting books on wildlife and Kevin s Biography will be provided in the Volunteer Bush Camp for your use during your stay. Internet Facilities are available to make basic communication during your breaks at the main lodge. Connections can be disrupted as we are on a farm but we try our best where possible to have it up and running at all times. A landline is available at the main lodge and arrangements can be made to receive or make (at your own expense using a world call card) calls.

10 Duties General cleaning and maintenance on the farms includes the Main Lodge, Volunteer Bush Camp, roads, fences, water holes, vehicles and Predator enclosures. Greater farm in the big five area - Monitoring and Protection of Rhino from poachers - Fence checks and where necessary erecting of new fences or repairs to existing fences. - New roads and continuing road maintenance to get into previously in-accessible areas - The creation of walking trails and look out points for on-going game counting and monitoring -Removal of invader plant species. -Removal of cattle and game fences to create open plains for game traversing, as well as constant picking up of old wire and fencing from previously removed cattle fences. -River crossings and crossings through wetlands to create access for management purposes -Routine patrolling in the bush for snares -The creation and maintenance of fire breaks -The patrolling of fences Lion Enclosures - Bush cutting. - Cleaning and filing of water holes. - Cleaning of fly traps - Food preparation including cutting of meat and feeding for adult animals and pellets and milk for young animals if we have at the nursery at the time of your stay.

11 Kindly note that the meat we feed the lions comes in from donations in the form of whole carcasses which saves us a lot of money. Food preparation will require the skinning and cutting of meat which can be difficult for sensitive people. This is not a compulsory task however it is encouraged to try and do it as it gives you a true idea of what it takes to keep these predators healthy. - Bone and Faeces removal from enclosures (while the animals are locked away of course ). - For the handy men/ladies occasional building, painting or repair work for the animal night enclosures. - Weeding along fence lines. - Assistance on filming jobs for commercial or documentary work when they are taking place during your stay. - Animal enrichment including walking of adult lions (a real hit with previous volunteers) and building toys for stimulation. Main Lodge - Washing vehicles. -Packing and cleaning up the game viewing vehicles for guest tours - For the handy men/ladies occasional building, painting or repair work may be on the go at the time of your stay which you may want to get involved in. -Occasional office work on rainy days doing filing and/or data capturing of our feeding and health records. Due to the nature of our work we often have new situations arising with little or no notice, the list of activities available and duties to be performed may vary and we have tried to make the information provided as accurate as possible. Basic Volunteer Experience Outline for a Two Week Volunteer Stay

12 This is a basic overview of the experience a more details roster will be given to you on arrival during your orientation at the Volunteer Bush Camp. Day 1 A representative from the Kingdom of the White Lion will be waiting at the airport to collect you and bring you through to the Volunteer Bush Camp where you will be staying. On route from the airport you will stop at the local grocery store to pick up supplies. You will be given a basic orientation on the project as well as your accommodation and what to expect on your first day at The Kingdom. Day 2 After breakfast you will be collected by one of our team members and transferred to the game farm where you will be given an orientation on the duties you will be performing while at the project followed by a tour of the facilities. Volunteers will be split into work teams and rosters given for your weekly work schedule. Now is the time to ask any questions you may have as well. Lunch and tea breaks are taken on the farm. Day 3-7 Volunteers will follow the work rosters that will be drawn up based on the needs at that particular time and duties could include anything from the list of possible duties to be performed that were provided. Day off Volunteers are welcome to take part in the arranged sight seeing tour on the day you are given off or enjoy just relaxing at the Volunteer Bush Camp. Tours included in the two week package include an excursion to the historical town of Cullinan to visit the mine where the Cullinan Diamond was found as well as a visit to the local community of Hammanskraal where traditional dancing, a tavern tour and a visit to the Mandela Village Cultural Centre. The Mandela Village Cultural Centre has arts and crafts by the local people displayed. Tours are limited to one visit to each facility per volunteer and repeat tours for those who wish to do the excursion again if they are staying longer can be arranged at an additional cost. Days 8 You will be taken shopping for the next week food and beverage supplies. Days 9-13 Volunteers will follow the work rosters that will be drawn up based on the needs at that particular time and duties could include anything from the list of possible duties to be performed that were provided. Day 14

13 Sadly you have come to the end of your stay. After breakfast you will be at leisure to pack up your belongings and prepare to be transported back to OR Tambo International for your flight. As previously mentioned due to the distance of our farm from the airport a suitable time will be arranged to drop all volunteers at the same time which may result in a short wait at the airport. We apologize for this and trust you understand. Booking Steps Things that need to be completed for our admin office The first step to your booking is to look at the available dates on the volunteer program and enquire about availability. After receiving confirmation of availability from our admin office you will be required to complete an application form. If you do not have your flight details as yet, they can be sent through at a later stage. After we receive your application form you will be issued with an invoice for a 50% deposit which is required to secure your placement. The final payment is required eight weeks prior to your project start date. Payment can be made using a credit card or Electronic Fund Transfers. The week prior to your arrival you will be contacted to arrange the airport pick-up time. Should you require any advice or support while planning your trip we will be available to help you. Things you need to do for yourself Book your flights. Arrange suitable travel insurance. Arrange your tourist visa if required. Read up on South Africa and how to make the most out of your trip on you re off days or if you plan on extending your stay.

14 Visit a travel clinic for advice on inoculations and malaria prevention if travelling to a malaria area after the project Available Dates For information on available dates kindly e mail Mandy at info@lionwhisperer.co.za. The program starts on a Monday and you are dropped off on a Monday (Minimum 14 nights and a maximum of 28 nights). Variations in arrival or departure dates will require a private transfer at an additional cost to the client. Cancellation Policy Where possible the client will be moved to another suitable date Cancellations done 60 days prior to the start date of the booking will be subject to a 50% fee of the total booking rate i.e. the package rate. The remaining 50% of the booking rate less an administration fee to cover bank charges will be refunded. Cancellations done 30 days prior to the start date of the booking will be subject to 100% fee of the total booking rate i.e. the package rate Cancellations done 61 days prior to the start date of the booking will be subject to an administration fee to cover the bank charges involved in refunding the client.