ECOVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE RHINO RESCUE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES MKHAYA GAME RESERVE SWAZILAND, SOUTHERN - AFRICA

Transcription

1 ECOVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE RHINO RESCUE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES MKHAYA GAME RESERVE SWAZILAND, SOUTHERN - AFRICA 2010 You can freely download this project file and files on other projects from the homepages for each ecovolunteer project within the Ecovolunteer website: (or from the national ecovolunteer domains). As it is necessary for participants in this project to be able to communicate in English, this text is provided only in English. The text of this brochure is developed in cooperation with the project (staff); annually the text is updated. Nevertheless you may experience some changes in the field compared to the brochure text. It is inherent to wildlife conservation activities that during the operations incidental changes are necessary because of unexpected results, behaviour by the wildlife, etc. Be prepared and have an open mind and a flexible attitude for such changes. (Last update September 2009) Please help us: If you happen to find any of the information below no longer to be valid, or when you have useful additions, then kindly report so to: Ecovolunteer Program: info@ecovolunteer.org. That way we shall be able to provide better information to future participants. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 1

2 CONTENTS 1 PREFACE Rhinoceros Mkhaya Game Reserve Your activities INTRODUCTION BLACK RHINO Appearance Distribution Foraging behaviour Behaviour WHITE RHINO Appearance Distribution Behaviour Threats to rhinoceros SWAZILAND Geography and climate MKHAYA GAME RESERVE HOW YOU CAN HELP CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION YOUR PARTICIPATION CLIMATE NEUTRAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Price Last - minute charge Included in the donation Not included in the price Currency Accommodation Meals Attainability Flights Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 2

3 10.10 Transfers to and from the Matsapha airport Insurance Health Medical services Passport and visa Waiver / disclaimer Dangerous animals PERSONAL TRAVELING ACCESSORIES LITERATURE Swaziland Animal life Other USEFUL INFORMATION Electricity Health Money Climate Passport and visa Language Time Water and food Code of Conduct at the Project Safety measures INDEMNITY Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 3

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5 1 PREFACE The Kingdom of Swaziland is situated in the southern part of Africa. Mkhaya Game Reserve is one of the few reserves where the beautiful nature of Swaziland is protected. This Game Reserve plays an important part in the protection of endangered species, including black and white rhino. Activities performed to benefit the rhino will inevitably benefit other species and their habitats. 1.1 Rhinoceros Two of the five species of rhinoceroses that still exist, live in Africa: the white rhinoceros and the black rhinoceros. You can tell the species apart by among other features, the shape of their lips. The black rhinoceros has a triangular upper lip and is also called the hook lipped rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros has a wide mouth (also called square lipped rhinoceros.) The shape of the lips tells something about the way the animals forage: black rhinoceroses are browsers and white rhinoceroses are grazers. You can expect to see both species at the Mkhaya Game Reserve. Poaching is a great threat to the survival of the rhinoceroses. The animals are poached to obtain the horn that is used for many different purposes, including traditional Chinese medicine, ceremonial dagger (Jambias) handles and traditional African medicine. 1.2 Mkhaya Game Reserve The first priority of Mkhaya Game Reserve is to protect biodiversity and wildlife against poachers and unacceptable habitat modification. Biological and other management priorities are offered to black and white rhino and other endangered species, then to the more common species. As a visitor you can observe the rhinoceroses, elephants, zebras, antelopes and giraffes from up close. Mkhaya Game Reserve is in need of almost everything: equipment, personnel and finances. 1.3 Your activities If you are 18 years or older and speak the English language, you can support this experience by applying as a paying volunteer. At Mkhaya you can help with, for instance, maintenance work on the fences and roads and infrastructure or with wildlife management activities e.g. game counts, identifications, foot patrols, monitoring, etc. You may also assist in wildlife management activities e.g. game capture and translocations, (which is a seasonal activity) if this is being done during your stay. Game capture and translocations are only done when necessary as the wild animals and rhinos Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 5

6 particularly, do best when they are left alone to breed and live life undisturbed. You can also assist the rangers with some of their animal checking activities. Other activities may include assisting with development projects, e.g. building, fencing, pipelines etc., soil erosion control, fire control and control burning, alien vegetation eradication and control which has been identified as the single greatest threat to this area s biodiversity. It has also become a highly expensive and time consuming job. When you work at Mkhaya, you get the opportunity to actually walk among the game. Ecovolunteers are needed the whole year round. In the Southern African context - a person who conducts drives or walks with clients is generally referred to as a "ranger". However, in Swaziland, "wildlife police officers" are gazetted as "Game Rangers". And we call those who operate with tourists "guides". Whatever the case, you may spend time with both "guides" and "rangers". You will also spend time working with unskilled labour. The text should probably read "guide"/"ranger", but we refer to both in this text for reasons of convenience as "ranger". Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 6

7 2 INTRODUCTION Swaziland is a beautiful African country with a rich natural diversity and many species of wild animals. During the Stone Age, the Bushmen and later Bantu-speaking peoples lived here in harmony with nature. Later, the human influence on the landscape increased when the Bantu people who came from the north, practised agriculture and stock farming. The Europeans that came to Africa in the middle of the nineteenth century had even more impact on nature. Modern arms, modern agricultural methods, medicines, European cattle diseases, European hunters and an increasing human population took a heavy toll on nature. The big game was driven away and in the beginning of the 1900 s, the natural areas were put into use for extensive cattle farming. In the 1930 s, migrating gnus were shot with machine guns and their watering places were poisoned. That also killed many other endangered species, such as roan antelope, which became extinct in Swaziland. Agricultural development and poaching further decimated the remaining populations of wild animals between 1930 and 1960, such that most species of larger mammals had become locally extinct in Swaziland. In 1959 the late King Sobhuza II and Mr. Ted Reilly made it their task to restore the nature of Swaziland. Ted Reilly, the founder of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, transformed his family s farm into a Game Reserve. Several other areas followed, including Mkhaya Nature Reserve, now a beautiful wildlife area where the rhinoceros project is situated. Mkhaya Nature Reserve is one of the better locations in the world to see the endangered black rhino. It is probably the best location to see white rhino in their natural habitat. Mkhaya is dedicated to the protection of both rhinoceros species, elephants, roan antelopes, tsessebe, sable, oribi, suni and several more common species, such as giraffes, buffaloes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles and over a total of 20 other game species. Large predators like hyenas and leopards are also found in this Reserve in small numbers. Mkhaya Nature Reserve plays an important part in southern Africa where the conservation and reintroduction of endangered and locally extinct species is concerned. The rangers of Mkhaya were involved in the reintroduction of several species in Swaziland; for instance, the reintroduction of lions in Hlane Royal National Park in 1994 and the reintroduction of cheetahs in The trustees, Ted and Liz Reilly and their son Mickey Reilly and all staff members of Mkhaya are Swazi people. Working with these local people in the beautiful African surroundings will be a unique experience. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 7

8 3 BLACK RHINO 3.1 Appearance The thick skin of the black rhinoceros is in fact grey, with their visible colour dependent on the nature of the mud most recently wallowed in. The black rhinoceros, unlike the white rhinoceros, has no bump on its neck; rather the neck forms a curved crest. It carries two horns on top of its nose, of which the front one is normally the longest. The most characteristic feature of the black rhinoceros is its triangular upper lip, which distinguishes it from the white rhinoceros. When comparing it with the white rhino, one would be tempted to describe it as the sports model of rhinos! 3.2 Distribution Formerly the distribution of black rhinoceros stretched from the slopes of Table Mountain in the South African Cape Province almost right through Africa, covering most areas south of the Sahara. Nowadays the black rhino is a critically endangered species, even in countries like South Africa and Namibia where the game reserves are under strict protection. In the Kruger National Park and other game reserves the black rhino was reintroduced into its natural environment. By 1995 the total African population of black rhino was estimated at 2400 animals, 80% of which is found in the southern parts of the continent. Effective anti-poaching measures and a better understanding of black rhinos social and biological needs and management has now resulted in their population numbers to slowly increase again. The central eastern sub-species is believed to have gone extinct to poaching and lack of political will in Cameroon during 2005/ Foraging behaviour With its prehensile upper lip the black rhino is well equipped to browse on twigs and shoots. The black rhino lives and forages in thick bush. Water is an essential element in its habitat as a place to drink and bathe. Black rhino s need relatively large home ranges in order to be able to collect enough food. They feed in the morning, evening and at night and spend the heat of the day lying up in thick bush or in a mud wallow. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 8

9 3.4 Behaviour Black rhinos are normally solitary or in cow and calf combinations. Fierce fights, which can result in death, occur when males fight for dominance and thus the choice of females. The mother raises the young by herself, without the help of the male. Although rhinos look very plump and normally walk slowly, they can react and run very fast, particularly when they suspect danger. They have a well-developed sense of hearing and smell, but their eyesight is poor. When the youngsters become young adults they disperse and establish home ranges of their own. Territorial fights sometimes occur and often result in death of one or both of the combatants. As black rhinos often use the same paths and waterholes within their home ranges, it is easy for poachers to locate them. Black rhinos have the habit of defecating on these paths throughout their home ranges as a demarcation. Males in particular, inspect the faeces by spreading it out with their horns, smelling it, and scraping it along the ground with their hind feet. In this way the rhinos inform each other - and unfortunately the poachers - of their whereabouts. When there is danger, the youngsters run behind their mother. Mature black rhino approach an intruder in their territory with the head down and tail up while squealing and making a roaring sound. The footprints of black and white rhino differ; the print of the black rhino is smaller and rounder in shape while that of the white rhino is bigger and longer. Black rhino prefer to occupy heavily wooded areas with a high proportion of trees to browse up to 2 meters high. Their diet consists mainly of thorn trees, shrubs, herbs and some plants that are very poisonous to humans. White Rhino on the other hand prefer grassy areas with less bush and this makes them easier to find. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 9

10 4 WHITE RHINO 4.1 Appearance The skin of the white rhino is grey and is normally covered with mud or dust. The black and the white rhino cannot be told apart by the colour of their skin; however the white rhino can be seen to be considerably larger. The ears of the white rhino are large and pointed at the tip, unlike the more rounded ears of the black rhino. The mouth is wide and suitable for grazing. A white rhino has also has a muscular hump on the neck, which assists to carry the heavy elongated head, adapted for grazing close to the ground. 4.2 Distribution White rhino were found in the northern parts of the Savannah, west of the Bahr el Abiad and in the southern parts of the Savannah, south of the Zambezi. Nowadays the largest population of white rhino is found in southern Africa, but there is also a small population in East Africa. White rhino are grazers and live mainly on grassy savannahs. A small population of northern white rhino still exists in Zaire but is extremely vulnerable to poaching by warring factions between Zaire and Sudan. As you read this text, it is unlikely that a viable breeding group still exists in this area and this sub-species is on the very brink of extinction. 4.3 Behaviour White rhino are much more sociable than black rhino. As white rhino graze on open terrain it is much safer to live in groups, especially for the female and young who form little family groups of two to five individuals, sometimes more. Although the males are more territorial, subdominant males are tolerated in the territory of the dominant male as long as they remain subordinate to him. White rhino graze in the morning and evening, and on moonlit nights. Males and females mark their home ranges with heaps of faeces, which they scatter around similarly to the black rhino. When they feel threatened, white rhino snort and growl, keeping their heads down and swinging their horns above the ground. When the white rhino takes flight the youngsters run in front of the mother in contrast to the youngsters of the black rhinoceros, which run behind their mother. This gives the white rhino its siswati name of Umkhombe loosely translated as the one which shows the way referring to the calf. This behaviour gives the calf added protection from lions and hyenas. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 10

11 4.4 Threats to rhinoceros Rhinoceros are primarily poached for their horns. The solid horn, which is attached to the skin, is made of small, densely packed keratin filaments, which are joined together. The horn is attached to the skin and skull by ligaments and does not heave the bone growing into the horn, which is typical of antelope. Commercially, the horn is used to make drinking bowls, hilts for traditional daggers, and ornamental objects, but most of all it is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Due to this medicine trade in particular, both African and all 3 Asian rhino species are endangered. Several measures have been attempted to protect the rhinoceros from extinction, for instance, placing the animals in game reserves. A fence around these reserves and a guard of well trained, well motivated, paid and armed game rangers can help keep the poachers out. This can be financed with the money from the tourist industry. Tourism can also help emphasise the importance of nature conservation through education and multiplier benefits from tourists who go to Africa to experience wildlife but spend money on fuel, food, and curios etc, which are sold by local communities. Another less-known threat to rhinos and black rhinos in particular, is poor ecological management. Black rhinos have quite specific requirements. If these are ignored, the resultant poor breeding performance and higher mortality rates can be more damaging to the population than poaching. At Mkhaya, the aim is to minimise all these threats. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 11

12 5 SWAZILAND 5.1 Geography and climate The Kingdom of Swaziland is almost completely surrounded by South Africa and it is bound on the east by Mozambique. Swaziland measures 17,364 km squared and is the home of almost a million people. The country can be divided into four climatic regions: Highveld, Middleveld, Lowveld and Lubombo hills in the east marking the border with Mozambique. All four regions have their own specific landscapes: The Highveld is beautiful, a mountainous rough area with a mean altitude of 1200 meters. It covers about 29% of Swaziland. Some parts of the mountains are not suitable for agriculture. Heavy rainfall washes the minerals away and leaves an acid soil. Commercial forestry is the main agricultural industry of the Highveld. Middleveld (about 26% of the Swaziland territory) is open with an undulating landscape with a mean altitude around 700 meters. Most of the people in Swaziland live in this region and live from agriculture and stock-farming. The subsoil consists mainly of gneiss and granite and most of the soils are good for agriculture. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in this region. Lowveld, in the east, has a mean altitude of 250 meters. In this part of Swaziland (26% of the territory) you can find the real African savannah with typical bushveld (Acacia) vegetation. On these lowlands with igneous subsoil you find many sugarcane and cotton plantations. Lowveld is the region that included the Mkhaya Game Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park. This is the area that historically was big game country before human settlement and is often prone to droughts. The Lubombo Mountains in the east have a mean altitude of 600 meters and with their narrow, steep sides provide a magnificent viewpoint, overlooking the Lowveld. The many rivers that run through these hills have formed deep valleys. This is a very fertile area except for the rocky west facing slopes of the mountains. This mountain range forms the border with Mozambique. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 12

13 Climate data for Lowveld, Swaziland: Month Ja Fe Ma Ap Ma Jn Jl Au Se Oc No De Long-term Average Min Temp C Long-term Average Max. Temp C June, July and August is the winter season in Swaziland The many rivers of Swaziland make it the best irrigated area of Southern Africa. Although the whole country has a subtropical climate, there are large regional variations in temperature and precipitation caused by the differences in altitude. The Highveld has a cool climate with much precipitation (about 1165 mm a year.) The climate of the Middleveld and the Lubombo hills is warmer with less rainfall (820 mm a year) and the temperatures of the Lowveld can rise to 42 degrees Celsius in summer. In this region the average precipitation is only 600 mm a year. During the southern summer (November to March) the high temperatures in Swaziland can be oppressive. During the southern winter (May October) temperatures may drop to zero degrees Celsius at night. Snow is a rare occurrence in the Highveld region of Swaziland. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 13

14 6 MKHAYA GAME RESERVE Mkhaya Game Reserve is situated in the Lowveld east of the road between Manzini and Big Bend. The name is derived from the Acacia nigrescens or Knobthorn tree (called umkhaya in the local siswati language), which is prolific in the area. When the Reserve was founded in 1979, the main goal was to avert the extinction of Nguni cattle, an indigenous breed of African cattle which arrived in the area with the migrating Nguni people some 2000 years ago from which the Swazi people originated. Soon after founding the Reserve, the emphasis spread to nature conservation in a broader sense. The land has been bought at commercial prices from commercial cattle ranches and cattle fences etc have been removed to create suitable conditions for wildlife. All species indigenous to the area have now been re-introduced with the exception of wild dogs, lions, and cheetahs. Predators have not been re-introduced because of their impact on endangered species; hyenas and leopards have however found their own way back. At the moment the main goal of Mkhaya Game Reserve is the breeding up of and protection of the black rhinoceros, especially against poaching. Under the high security many other animal species have found a safe home at Mkhaya. Besides the black rhinoceros, you can find the white rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo and some rare antelope species, like the tsessebe, suni, oribi, the roan and the sable antelope. In the waterholes you can see crocodiles and hippopotamuses. Of course Mkhaya also provides a home for zebras, giraffes, monkeys, leopards, hyenas and many other species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. The Game Reserve offers guided tours to tourists, conducted by well-trained guides. It is also possible to make a tour with an overnight stay in the Reserve s stone and thatch safari camp. White water rafting can be arranged as an additional attraction in the nearby Bulunga Gorge. Those participating in such additional activities will need to arrange it with the reserve staff and if circumstances make it possible, the cost of these and other activities will be in addition to that of the project. By Participating In This Experience, Your Donation Helps In Numerous Ways. Your very meaningful donation is used to meet the needs of rhino and other endangered species on Mkhaya. Examples of these needs are ranger pickets, radio communications, water requirements, patrol and security equipment, day to day management and maintenance costs, animal care and veterinary costs and habitat management, as well as some National animal control and law enforcement responsibilities with are funded from the Parks own resources. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 14

15 7 HOW YOU CAN HELP Mkhaya Game Reserve is in need of almost anything: capital developments, operating equipment and finance to support high recurrent expenditure. Your participation supports this project in two ways: with your energy and with your donation. You have to be available for at least two weeks to participate in the following activities: 1. Monitoring of endangered species. Rangers monitor all of the specially protected wildlife on a daily basis. You can accompany these rangers and contribute to their monitoring, which provides the Reserve management with a day-today picture of the Reserve dynamics. 2. During the night, Rangers sometimes staff the watchtowers in and around the Reserve. They are on the lookout for flashlights of poachers, campfires, gunshots, etc. When you detect any poaching activities, you inform the security personnel by radio through your accompanying ranger. You are not allowed to accompany rangers on the antipoaching follow-ups as it can be extremely dangerous. 3. The fence that is enclosing the Game Reserve has to be checked and cleared regularly. Digging by animals and floods can cause tunnels underneath the fence and people sometimes deliberately make holes in the fence. These defects have to be repaired to keep the animals inside the Reserve, where they are protected from poachers and from the dangers of straying into unprotected areas and damaging the crops and property of neighbouring communities. 4. You can assist with animal and bird surveys (be aware: there is no formal research programme running.) During the dry season mornings, large numbers of animals travel to the watering places to drink. This gives you a perfect opportunity to see many different species and you can help with counting the animals and registering data if required. 5. Much maintenance work has to be done. You can help with repairing the roads, fences and infrastructure, maintaining water supplies, building various facilities and removing alien vegetation, which threatens the natural vegetation on which the animals depend. 6. In case there are rhinos and other animals in captivity, for instance, for reintroduction purposes, additional work may be necessary, like cutting grass for feeding these animals and cleaning out their boma s. Sometimes specific activities are not happening, or other activities are added to the programme, just according to the needs of management of the Reserve. Sometimes too, you may experience the work to be somewhat monotonous, often it is physically challenging, especially in the heat. In such cases, show initiative and ask for other activities. You will find the organisation quite responsive to your wishes, but it will be necessary for you to be explicit on these wishes. Sometimes things are happening or not happening, without you knowing why. Again, show initiative, and pose questions! Be very aware that the African way of working and planning is very different from what you may be used to. That is neither good nor bad, it is just different and if you are not prepared for that, or flexible, it could be frustrating. Regard it as part of the real Africa-experience. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 15

16 You will be working under the supervision of Mkhaya staff, and always together with a Swazi ranger, who has absolute authority. He will decide what you can and can not do and whether or not it is safe. The safety of people and animals is the first consideration during all activities. You will learn most things while doing them, but some knowledge of animals and birds is helpful. During your working hours, you will always be accompanied by a ranger. Together you can walk through the wilderness and see the animals from up close. Rangers typically work seven days a week, at variable working hours, both day and night. Most working days start before sunrise. Rangers are jacks-of-all-trades and the needs of the experience will decide what has to be done and when it has to be done. It is important that you have a flexible attitude towards the organisation, as ground-level management priorities change on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. You are permitted to request half or full days off from the work schedule in order to recover from fatigue - there is a lot of physical work! Under no circumstances may you handle any weapons. You should not try and make a ranger hand over one of his weapons. Also, for rangers alcoholic drinks are strictly forbidden. You are expected to respect this situation and should not offer any alcoholic drinks to a ranger. In fact, alcohol is also forbidden to volunteers on the project. In both cases, weapons as well as alcohol, the ranger will loose his job if he should do so, and then you will be expelled from the experience without any refund. The experience itself does not organise any specific excursions for you, though accommodation, when available, can be arranged at both Hlane Royal National Park and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to allow you the opportunity to explore these sister Parks to Mkhaya. Where possible, opportunities may be offered to you to participate in the guided game drives by open Land Rover, of which are organised for tourists on a regular basis on both Hlane and Mlilwane. These may be regarded as extra activities and these costs will be in addition to that of the project. Walking is the principal mode of travel while at Mkhaya. You must be prepared to walk long distances. It is the philosophy of the parks that people derive the maximum amount of experience from your time in the bush while you are walking as too much is missed while you are on a vehicle. Hopefully, this way you will learn to feel a better affinity with nature! Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 16

17 COLLECTION OF SOUVENIRS AND NATURAL OBJECTS In the past, some visitors have been tempted to collect some natural objects which they find while in the bush, to take home with them as souvenirs. Very often, this is done in ignorance and without realising just how serious such an action can turn out to be. In Swaziland, all forms of wildlife and plants and any natural object be it stone, bone, tusk, seeds, etc are protected by law, especially if it is within a Protected Area. The relevant laws carry some deterrent sentences if such items are found in one s possession. Quite apart from the Swazi laws, one would also need Veterinary Import Permits from your home country and a matching certificate from the Government of Swaziland before any of these objects are imported to your home country. This is to ensure that various diseases such as foot and mouth, rabies, anthrax, TB, etc are not transferred around the world. In addition to this, many species of animals and plants are protected by international treaties such as the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) and offences against the United Nations treaty may carry very severe consequences in your country or in a country you may transit. The safest and most environmentally friendly policy to follow when travelling to natural places abroad is to LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, TAKE NOTHING BUT GOOD MEMORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS! Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 17

18 8 CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION You can register the whole year round. The experience can accommodate a maximum of six participants at any time. Because of the nature of the experience it is necessary to fulfil the following conditions for participation: You must be in good physical condition, be able to walk long distances in rough terrain and be able to tolerate the heat. Preparation before arrival is advised. You must speak the English language. You must be 18 years or older. You must be available for at least two weeks. You must be prepared to abide by the specific rules and conditions laid down by the reserve (see the last chapter of this brochure.) This agreement has to be signed by all ecovolunteers on arrival in Swaziland failure to do so will automatically disqualify your participation. You must have a positive and flexible attitude towards working and living in a group and take the responsibilities that this way of life holds. Your stay at the reserve will be rather primitive and rustic with only basic requirements being provided. The idea is that your experience is similar to the working conditions of the field rangers. Smoking policy You may smoke in the camp, but you are not allowed to smoke in the veld when you are out or on the vehicles when you travel about. Souvenirs Any natural object is protected by law in Swaziland s Protected Areas (game reserves, etc). It is therefore against Swaziland s laws to remove any natural object (be it stone, seed, bone, feather, etc) without the valid licenses or permits. Volunteers and visitors to the parks are expected to abide by this. Anybody found with such items in their possession may find themselves having broken the laws of Swaziland, your home country, a transit country and the United Nations treaty CITES. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 18

19 9 YOUR PARTICIPATION CLIMATE NEUTRAL The Ecovolunteer Program aims to offset all carbon dioxide emissions caused by your participation in the project. For this we cooperate with the Trees for Travel Foundation. The Trees for Travel Foundation finances the planting, regeneration and maintenance of forests that will lock up greenhouse gases. The Foundation does her work in collaboration with local people and organisations to not only create a greener planet but also to fight against poverty. So we keep the greenhouse effect in check by contributing a modest amount to Trees for Travel to compensate your greenhouse gas emissions while participating in the Ecovolunteer project. Thus you help to make the world a better place at the same time. The cost for climate compensation is not added to the price you pay, but is fully covered by the Ecovolunteer Program. Please note that we only care for making your participation in the project climate neutral. Your travelling from your home to the project is not included. We recommend that you yourself will make your travels climate neutral as well. You could ask your travel agent or your airline to do so, or you can arrange that directly yourself through the Trees for Travel Foundation: Website: Mail: info@treesfortravel.nl Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 19

20 10 TRAVEL INFORMATION 10.1 Price You can book for periods of two, three, four or five weeks. No applications for a stay of more than five weeks are accepted by the experience. Prices as mentioned in the Ecovolunteer website and in websites and brochures of the booking offices. For the booking offices in various countries, check out: Last - minute charge Beware, that last minute bookings may conflict with health-requirements on vaccinations and with availability of seats on flights to southern Africa Included in the donation Accommodation (see below) Basic meals (see below) Supervision Advice about personal travelling equipment and literature Transfers to and from Matsapha airport in Swaziland (see below) 10.4 Not included in the price Flights to and from Manzini and airport taxes (see below) Passport and visa Local taxes Travel and cancellation insurance (see below) Personal expenses such as telephone bills, souvenirs etc and medical expenses. Outings to the other parks, including travel, entry fees, accommodation, activities, etc. Medical expenses Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 20

21 10.5 Currency To avoid delays and inconvenience, you are advised to change foreign currency in Johannesburg. Swaziland accepts the South African Rand, which is equivalent to the Swaziland Emalangeni Accommodation You will stay in tents close to the area where you are working at any specific time. A simple coldwater shower and pit latrine will be available at the camps. A mattress, bedding, a table and chairs will be provided. When staying in a tent, the tents will have mosquito netting attached to the windows. You can borrow books from the ecovolunteer camp s small library. Sometimes, there may only be one volunteer on the project. When this happens, and various factors having been taken into consideration, it is possible that you will be accommodated away from the volunteer camp itself (e.g. at the Park Headquarters), but will still be involved in the activities of the reserve. This often gives you a chance to get involved in other, different activities of the reserve that might not be as easily attended from the location of the volunteer camp. You are responsible for doing your own laundry at the camp, as well as normal camping chores. Washing powder is provided Meals Cooking utensils and supplies will be made available. Cooking and cleaning tasks are rotated amongst ecovolunteers on a daily basis. The food that is provided is simple, but sufficient. You might find it a little monotonous, but it is possible to place an order for supplementary food which, if not a regularly supplied item will be at your own expense. Those with special dietary requirements and items outside the normal orders are required to make their own provisions for this through these supplementary orders. These orders are for your own expense. For any vegetarians a plan has to be made to try and get in more fresh vegetables and fruit on a regular basis, as there is no fridge at the eco camp. There is not a big selection of vegetable proteins in the shops in Swaziland but fish is available. Vegetarians may want to bring some supplements of dried vegetarian food. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 21

22 10.8 Attainability There is no telephone / fax / at Mkhaya so you should inform your family and friends at home that they cannot reach you directly. They can leave a message with your booking office, but it can take a couple of days before this message reaches you. If you are lucky, the message arrives the same day, but it easily may require several days. The booking agent will leave the message with a contact address in Swaziland and the people of Mkhaya go there to collect the messages every few days. Emergency contact addresses will be provided to you by your booking agency Flights Your booking agent will inform you on the flight connections to Swaziland, and may provide the necessary tickets for you Transfers to and from the Matsapha airport Your booking office can arrange for you to be met at the airport in Swaziland. An employee of the parks will meet you and arrange for your transfer without extra charge, provided that the information on day and time of arrival and the flight-number are sent to us at least two weeks before your arrival in the project. The airport is very small and you and the employee from the Parks should have no problem in identifying each other. Should your arrival information not be available in time to allow for proper planning, it will then be assumed that you will travel to the project by yourself, but it is really not recommended! Your booking office will provide you with instructions for this too Insurance All participants are required to carry both travel insurance and cancellation insurance. Your booking office is required to make sure that you fulfil this requirement. Neither the Ecovolunteer Program nor Mkhaya Game Reserve and their employees will accept any liabilities that could have been covered by travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance Health 1) The project is situated in a malaria area and although the incidence of malaria is predominantly in the wet, summer season, you are required to take full precautions. 2) There is a high incidence of tick-bite fever amongst people from foreign countries whose bodies have not developed a tolerance for tick bites. Although the fever can be quite severe, it is of a fairly short duration and is not normally life- Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 22

23 threatening. African tick bite fever is not Limes disease and it is easily cured. To prevent tick bites, you are encouraged to wear overalls or long pants at all times, (dull bush colours.) A good insect repellent also helps. 3) As in the rest of Africa, AIDS is prominent throughout Swaziland, so please be aware of this in all dealings with people and standard precautions should be practiced Medical services Medical services near Mkhaya are Ubombo Ranches, a small hospital (20 minutes away), Manzini Private Clinic and pharmacies (40 minutes away), Matsapha Health Care Clinic (1 hour away) and Mbabane Private Clinic (1.5 hours away) Passport and visa Your booking agent will inform you about the passport and visa requirements that are appropriate for your nationality. Alternatively, please enquire at your nearest Embassy / Consulate. However, usually the visa has not to be arranged on beforehand, but it is just a stamp that the customs will put in your passport on arrival at the airport. Visas into Swaziland are valid for a month only, but it is not a problem to extend it. You can just hand in your passport to the project management and they will get the necessary extension for you Waiver / disclaimer All participants on arrival in Mkhaya Game Reserve will have to sign a document entitled Rules of Participation and Agreement of Understanding. This is a waiver / disclaimer that will limit the liabilities of the Game Reserve. Without signing this waiver / disclaimer, it will not be possible to participate in the project. The text of the waiver is added at the end of this brochure Dangerous animals Be aware that rhino s as well as some other species of animals like some snakes, sometimes ostriches and others are potentially dangerous animals. Almost any animal can be dangerous if it feels threatened by people. The closest clinic where antidotes for snakebite are available is at Big Bend (24 km). However, if you carefully follow the instructions of the rangers, there is no need for concern. You must always show due respect for all animals, and it is always better to avoid injurious situations in the first place! Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 23

24 11 PERSONAL TRAVELING ACCESSORIES Below you will find a list of items we recommend you bring with you. It is important that you follow this advice because an insufficient or wrong outfit can ruin your trip and that of others. When you are well prepared you can enjoy your stay in Swaziland in the best possible way. The climate in Swaziland is subtropical, but there are large regional variations in temperature and precipitation. Highveld and Middleveld are much colder than Lowveld, where the project is situated. You should keep this in mind when you are packing your clothes, which must be neutral colours, i.e. green, brown or khaki. In wintertime (May October) temperatures can drop to zero degrees Celsius at night be prepared and bring some warm clothing. The following items are suggested, and those which are in capitals are essential. A print-out of this project file and a print-out of the additional information that you will receive after booking. A signed print-out of the indemnity form (last chapter of this project file) VALID PASSPORT, NECESSARY VISA DAY PACK/BAG SUN LOTION (high protection factor # 15 or total sun block; no baby-oil!) COMFORTABLE SHOES :- HIKING BOOTS sandals or gemskoene (for around camp) A PAIR OF WORKING GLOVES BROAD-BRIMMED HAT OR CAP (ALSO TO PROTECT YOUR NECK) PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT, INSECT REPELLENT PERSONAL ITEMS, including toiletries FLASHLIGHT (WITH SPARE BATTERIES) FLASK OR THERMOS AND A WATER BOTTLE SLEEPING BAG (most participants prefer to bring and use their own sleeping bags but there are sheets and blankets available should you not bring your own) this information brochure pocket money and money belt small rucksack / backpack sunglasses swimsuit cotton clothing, dull colours (cotton is airy and it protects you against UV-rays) Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 24

25 lightweight shorts airy shirts socks sweatshirt / jacket and balaclava in Swaziland s winter long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for the cool evenings waterproof clothes spare glasses for those who wear them towel pocket knife alarm clock waterproof / plastic bags camera and films. When you bring a (video) camera: it is not always possible to recharge batteries. If you stay for a long time, then you better bring extra batteries. binoculars notebook, pen, pencil games, books, magazines Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 25

26 12 LITERATURE Many books are written about South Africa, and in travelling guides to Southern Africa you will often find a chapter on Swaziland. We advise you to read some of them before you leave. At the project there are also books available that you can borrow. Much of the literature that is published in South Africa is much cheaper to purchase in South Africa or Swaziland than in Europe. The Mlilwane Story, a History of Nature Conservation in the Kingdom of Swaziland and Fund Raising Appeal, by Terrence E. Reilly, Published by the Mlilwane Trust, Swaziland, The Lion Roars Again, A reflection of the history and significance of Hlane Royal National Park and other conservation achievements of the Monarchy in the Kingdom of Swaziland, by Ted and Liz Reilly assisted by Darron Raw, published by Hlane Royal National Park, Swaziland Turco, Marco, Visitor s Guide to Swaziland, Southern Book Publishers, Halfweghuis, 1994, ISBN Lonely Planet Travel, South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland, Lonely Planet Publications, 1993, ISBN South Africa, Insight Guide Peter J. Gosnell, Big Bend, a history of the Swaziland Bushveld, ISBN Peter Shark, Shared secrets Swaziland, ISBN Animal life Newman, Kenneth, Newman s Birds of Southern Africa, Expanded Edition. Southern Boekuitgewers, Halfweghuis, 1984, ISBN Parker, 1994, Swaziland Bird Atlas, Websters, 274 pages. Sinclair, I.P Hokey & W Tarboton, Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa. 426 pages. Stuart s, Chris en Tilde Stuart s, Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa, Struik Publishers Ltd, Cape Town, 1993, ISBN Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 26

27 CRISTINA KESSLER All the Kings Animals the return of Endangered wildlife to Swaziland. Boyd Mills Press, ISBN Raymond Van Der Meer De Neushoorn, Elmar ISBN Stuart, C & T Stuart, 1996, Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa. New Holland 320 pages. Signs of the Wild, Clive Walker, ISBN Vincent Caruthers, The Wildlife of Southern Africa A field guide to the animals and plants of the region, ISBN pages Wild Swaziland common animals and plants R. Boycott, B. Forrester, L. Loffler, A. Monadjem. ISBN CTP Book Printers, Cape Town 12.3 Other Balfour & Balfour, 1991, Rhino: The story of the Rhinoceros and a plea for its conservation. New Holland, 176 pages. (A hard hitting expose, beautifully illustrated with 100 colour photos.) Ben - Eric van Wyk, Bosch van Oudshoorn. Nigel Gericke, 1997, Medicinal Plants of South Africa, Briza Publications, ISBN Braam Van Wyk & Piet Van Wyk Field guide to Trees of Southern Africa, ISBN Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 27

28 13 USEFUL INFORMATION (greeting) Sanibonani! Good day! (Response) Yebo! Yes, good day! (Greeting) Ninjani? How are you? (Response) Sikhona, ninjani nine? We are well, how are you? (Response) Sikhona, ninjani nine? We are also well! (Appreciation) Siyabonga We thank you (Appreciation) Ngiyabonga I thank you (Farewell) Salakahle! Stay well (Farewell) Hambakahle! Go well 13.1 Electricity Swaziland: 220 volt, 50Hz. There is NO electricity at all at Mkhaya Game Reserve Health You will probably need some vaccinations and tablets when you go to Swaziland, to help prevent diseases such as diphtheria, typhoid, jaundice, and malaria. Please contact the relevant health authorities in your own country about this. Medical authorities in different countries, and even different authorities within one country, regretfully are known not always to provide the same medical advice Money You may experience problems with the use of traveller s cheques in Swaziland. When you have arrived in Swaziland without the bank's original list of cheques (counterfoil) then the Swazi banks will not cash in travellers cheques without this ORIGINAL list. So be prepared and do not forget this. Most businesses accept Visa and Master cards. It s safest to draw money off your credit card within a bank, instead of ATM s as many machines are not compatible. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 28

29 13.4 Climate The climate in Swaziland is subtropical. The average precipitation at the project is only 600 mm yearly. In the southern summer (September to March, so that is when it is winter in the northern hemisphere) the temperature at the project can rise to 42 degrees Celsius. The southern winter temperatures can occasionally drop to 0 degrees along the river courses at night, and therefore you should bring some warm clothing. This is especially necessary between May and October Passport and visa Your booking office will advise you about the passport and visa requirements appropriate for your nationality Language The official languages are siswati and English. The Zulu language is related to siswati Time Swaziland time is 1 hour ahead of Central European Time Water and food Most water on the Park is drinkable but if you feel the need, then you can boil the tap water or add water purification tablets to the water before drinking it. However, it is suggested that outside the Park, only drink bottled water. Do not drink fresh or uncooked milk or eat raw meat, chicken, fish or shellfish. Be careful with raw vegetables and ice-cubes, as they are often washed in or made out of uncooked tap water Code of Conduct at the Project You will work with the Swazi Rangers who have full responsibility and authority: they will decide what you can and cannot do and whether or not it is safe to do something. You are not allowed to carry or use weapons, alcohol or habit-forming drugs/substances. Please, do not try to talk the Rangers into lending out their weapons and taking alcohol or any habit-forming drug - it will endanger their employment and may result in their prosecution. Rhino Rescue / Swaziland 2010 Page 29