BACKROUND OF THE ORGANISATION SAVE started in 2006 when the need was identified to assist in the local impoverished communities. Many communities, preschools and schools were unable to provide effective programs due to lack of funding, resources and skill levels. With the assistance of volunteers, these shortcomings were addressed and SAVE slowly grew into a large organisation that now provides assistance to several communities across Africa. We now also offer several wildlife conservation projects including pre-vet, white shark and wild cats. Our flagship projects in Cape Town have grown exponentially and we now run 10 highly successful projects where these challenges are being addressed on a daily basis. BACKROUND OF THE PROJECT This project is a combination of a wildlife project and a community project. Our wildlife conservation and rescue programme takes place over several different properties, helping monkeys, vultures, eagles, and other wild animals. The programme incorporates wild, rescued and rehabilitated animals to improve their living and environmental conditions. The main purpose of the projects we are involved in is to detect the needs and improve the living and environmental conditions of the various animals residing at these locations. On the community program we assist a local underprivileged community where we can. Volunteers will have the opportunity to interact with some of the animals that will be encountered in a respectful way and always under supervision. The program looks after wild and rescued animals, like monkeys, vultures, eagles, and other wild animals. Care is taken to ensure that animals are treated in the way they deserve, however, there are often times when animals cannot be released back into the wild and therefore we try to improve the conditions of these animals lives as best as we can in their captive environment. The projects that we are currently working on is detailed below.
Projects that Volunteers could be involved in: Monkey sanctuary Primates are under constant threat. They are hunted for meat, body parts or captured as pets and exported illegally to many locations worldwide. We assist with Monkeys that were kept as pets / rescued from circuses, and then become unwanted; they are rescued and released into a wild forest with waterfalls and mountain springs. It is very important to have a safe environment where monkeys can be rehabilitated and professionals and volunteers can take care of them. TASKS: The day begins with a tour of the elephant sanctuary next door, where interactions with the rescue elephants allow an incredible understanding and appreciation of their species, and why antipoaching efforts are so important. Following this, work in the monkey sanctuary involves care of the rescue exotic monkeys. Work on the 7 hectare sanctuary is usually physical although being surrounded by free-roaming monkeys always makes it exciting. Cheetah sanctuary The Centre is a rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, and research centre for cheetahs. It's mission is to ensure the continuous survival of our Cheetah population, as well as the stabilizing of the critically endangered African Wild Dog numbers. Founded in 1971, the centre has been nominated, and won, various local and international awards for the contribution to long term conservation goals with these species. TASKS: Work involves assisting with feeding and enclosure maintenance, as well as alien vegetation removal around the centre. Recently, the decision was made by the centre to stop all public interaction with the cheetahs, although you can still get up close and personal with them! Again, work is physical but rewarding when the lives of the animals are being improved in front of your eyes. (Volunteer involvement terminates in December 2017) Owl rescue centre Owl Rescue Centre is dedicated to protect owls, rescue owls that are in danger and rehabilitate and care for owls that have been injured, are sick, poisoned or orphaned and then release them back into their natural environment using specifically researched release methods. TASKS: Feeding of the rescue owls and maintenance of the aviaries is the main job, in a beautiful setting at the base of the Magaliesberg mountain range. Nature reserve The Magaliesberg Biosphere has been declared a reserve in June 2015. Different habitats of the area support an exceptional variety of wildlife and native flora, creating opportunities for many conservation activities. TASKS: Volunteer tasks include alien and invasive vegetation control, occasional capture, transfer and release of animals and/or birds, foot patrols for fence inspection, snare and trap location and removal, observation of behaviour, general maintenance and management of all facilities. As projects are changing and continually growing, tasks will change and grow as well. Optional community activities HAWS is a registered non-profit organization that provides welfare services for abandoned, neglected and abused pets as well as farm and wild animals. Under a unanimous decision from previous volunteers, the option to visit projects such as the animal welfare society allows the rescue dogs and cats from the local area to be given the attention and care they deserve. TASKS: Volunteers assist us in all aspects of sustaining the existence of the shelter, be it hands-on at the kennels or with HAWS fundraisers. Relieving pressure on the rescue centre by walking and bathing the dogs, as well as looking after the cats, improves the lives of the animals in kennels as well as helping the staff.
Community project- A privately funded basic school has been funded by ourselves in an informal settlement, where the migrant children lack the right to a free education in the country. Teaching the children basic literacy and numeracy skills is incredibly rewarding, and often turns into a lot of play! To work alongside both the wildlife projects and help the community means the work is never boring. Project Highlights Learning more about animals through interactive hands-on projects Helping in a disadvantaged community Making a positive difference directly linked to wild/stray animals Working in a protected area for Wild Animals Living a genuine conservation lifestyle Developing and improving personal strengths and life skills Average Working Day Volunteers will work 5 days a week, Monday to Friday and have weekends off. You will cover different aspects of the conservation project and visit different projects. MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT/SUN Monkey Sanctuary Cheetah Sanctuary Owl Rescue Nature Reserve Comm Activities Off Off Community Project Off Community Project Off Off As the nature of the work varies we will place volunteers under the supervision of various staff members. We will have one member of our team assigned as team leader to facilitate the smooth operation of the volunteers stay and provide guidance where necessary. Care is taken to ensure that animals are treated in the way they deserve; however, there is often times when animals cannot be released back into the wild and therefore we try to improve the conditions of these animals lives as best as we can in their captive environment. Please note that from time to time there can be unavoidable changes to projects. These can be caused by weather, conservation priorities, materials supply, or because ongoing projects have progressed more quickly or slowly than originally planned. We ask you to accept the changes we are sure that you will enjoy the replacement projects just as much..
Project Details Arrival Day: Friday Time: Your flight can land anytime on Friday Airport: O R Tambo (JNB) International Airport Orientation: Friday - Saturday Project Starts: Sunday Departure Day: Sunday Departure time: You MUST take a late evening flight out of JNB, as the transport from the project only reaches the Airport in the late afternoon Min Age: 18 Max Age: N/A - Medium Level of fitness required NOTE: We can also collect you at any Hotel or place of accommodation on your arrival day, should it be within close radius of the City centre or Airport Volunteer Requirements Completed Application form Basic level of competency in English Copy of return flight itinerary Medium level of fitness Packing list Casual working clothes for hot and cold days Semi formal clothes for functions and for trips to town Jackets Sunscreen and hat Swimsuit and towel Personal toiletries and bath towels Raincoat and boots (gumboots) Insect repellent Laptop with own dvd s if desired Pocket money (drinks and souvenirs) Flashlight and batteries Notebook and pen Proof of all inoculations First aid kit and personal medication Water bottle PS The most important things to bring are a sense of humour, patience, an open mind and a positive attitude!
What s Included? Airport pick up & Drop off 2 Day Johannesburg Orientation Accommodation Three meals a day Weekly transport to town for shopping Transport to and from the project 24 hour support and supervision Donation to the project Certificate of appreciation Accommodation Meals Transport & Shuttles Transport Volunteers will be met at Johannesburg International airport and taken to their orientation venue, Homebase Melville. On the project start day, you will be collected and taken to the project location in Hartbeespoort. On your last day, you will be dropped off back at the airport in the late afternoon, so book your flights with enough time to check in and board. IMPORTANT: If you arrive or depart on dates outside of the project start and end dates listed above, please inform us and we will do our best to accommodate you. Additional fees may apply.
Meals Volunteers will receive 3 meals a day: Breakfast consists of cereals, fruit, yoghurts, toast and spreads, Self Service. Lunch consists of bread, cold meats, salad, cheese, spreads and fruit Dinner consists of a hot meal such as a traditional South African BBQ (braai) or Potjie (Stew), casseroles, etc. All meals will consist of a meat, vegetable and a starch. NOTES: Tea and coffee will be available, all other drinks will be at own expense A generous amount of food will always be served. If snacks are desired there are several grocery stores nearby. There are refrigerators available for volunteers personal food and soft drinks Important reminder: Participants must advise SAVE of their dietary needs (e.g. if they are vegetarian or have any allergies) prior to their arrival. Participants with very specific dietary needs may be required to supplement their meals at their own expense. Accommodation Located in the beautiful, Magaliesberg mountain range, the shared volunteer house is located in a large, secure estate. Small herds of antelope roam freely, and waterfront access to the Hartbeespoort Dam allows for an excellent area to explore during time off. A team leader will be present at all time on projects and in the house. There is air-conditioning, a kitchen, lounge and recreational area, 3 swimming pools, squash courts, tennis courts, walking and running trails. The rooms sleep 2 6 volunteers each and there are plenty of shared bathrooms. Please note that the accommodation is not located at the same reserves that you would be doing your work. You get transported daily to and from each reserve where your volunteer tasks are performed. Laundry: There is laundry on-site. You have 3 options. 1. HouseKeeper can wash it for you for R40 per bag. 2. You can wash your own clothes if you provide your own washing powder or 3. You may have it dropped/collected from the laundromat weekly. Internet: There is WIFI available at this project for R70 per week. We do, however, recommend that you purchase a South African Sim card and load data on it while you are at your orientation in Johannesburg.
General Information Location: The area of Hartbeespoort is rich in cultural and historical value. We are nestled in the foothills of the 2.3 billion year old Magalies mountain range surrounded by natural beauty and encompassing the Hartbeespoort dam. Shops/Grocery Stores: You will receive weekly transport into town so that you can purchase essentials and food items ATMS: There are plenty of ATMS in Johannesburg where you will have your orientation. Once on project you will have the opportunity to withdraw money on your weekly shopping trip. Free time: You will receive 2 3 off days per week, usually over weekends (Saturday & Sunday). During this time there is a list of great activities you may participate in at your own expense. During your orientation you will be given access to a list of optional activities and you have 3 choices on how to book: 1. Rent a vehicle and do activities on your own 2. Make use of any online tour companies to do the activities with 3. Make use of the in-house tour company which would be arranged by the team leaders as below: Pre Paid - Activities 3 Day safari to a Private ³Big 5² Reserve (Includes 4 x 3hr open vehicle safaris, all meals, accommodation, return transfers & road taxes.) Full Day Pilanesberg National Park Full Day Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves Mountain Zip Line (lunch incl.) Lesedi Cultural Village (lunch or dinner incl.) Full Day Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve Horseback Safari in Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve Harties Cable Way 2hr Boat Excursion on Hartbeespoort Dam Price R4450 pp (min 2) R1200 pp R1000 pp R1100 pp R1000 pp R1000 pp R850 pp R400 pp R300 pp Minimum 3 participants required for all above tours. Surcharges may apply for smaller groups. All prices are per volunteer, and excludes staff. Prices can change without notice. Transfers & Shuttle Services Cinema & Night Life (18:00 midnight, R200/hr. extra) R300pp (min 4) Brits Village Mall R150 pp (min 3) Hartbeespoort Village Mall / Jasmyn Market R150 pp (min 3) Chameleon Village Craft Market R100 pp (min 3) Cradle Health Spa / Cheese Farm R80 pp (min 2) Sun City / Valley of the Waves (one way, per vehicle) Lanseria Airport (one way, per vehicle 08:00 20:00) Lanseria Airport (one way, per vehicle 20:00 08:00) R1300 R550 R1200
General Information Water: Water is safe to drink. However, please be aware that there may be a shortage during dry season. Use water sparingly and have short showers or baths. Power: South African electrical power is 240 volts AC. Appliances from North America will burn out if they are not switched over or have a properly-rated power transformer (not just a plug converter) attached. Think twice about that hair dryer! South Africa is also prone to electricity cuts (load shedding) due to short supply. Please turn off lights and heaters when not in the room. The plug adapter needed for South Africa plugs is very difficult to find in your home country, we suggest you buy the adapter in South Africa. NB!! Safety Tips Animals: Some animals DO NOT like direct contact. If they do approach you just remain calm and stand still. If you do not feel comfortable in certain places with the animals inform your team leader for assistance. Even if the animals appear tame we MUST still respect them at all times. We recommend you get all your inoculations in case Camps: Never enter the big cats enclosure without staff supervision To enter a small enclosure there must be a guide/team leader present All gates to all camps must be locked and checked daily to make sure they are in a working condition Be aware of the electric fences at all times General: Participants must conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner at all times Hitchhiking is not permitted at any time and travelling alone in the dark is not recommended Always be aware of your surroundings and don t leave your belongings unattended Never give beggars money - speak to your coordinator if you would like to make donations Do not look like a tourist with your camera around your neck or walk and text Do not carry large amount of cash on you that people can see Cards are accepted in most places Lock your room to ensure all your valuables, passport and money stay safe
Laws in South Africa You can only drive from the age of 18, with a valid driving license. International licenses are required for vehicle rental in order to drive in South Africa People under 18 years may not drink or buy alcohol Drinking alcohol in a public place is illegal (this includes drinking on the beach) It is legal to smoke cigarettes in public places, but shopping malls, businesses, public transport and restaurants have no-smoking policies. Smoking is permitted inside places where permission is granted. It is illegal to carry, buy or use drugs, including marijuana The age of sexual consent is 16, and having sex with anyone under 16 is illegal Health and Safety All participants should have informed SAVE of any medical information, including allergies, prescribed medications, or any known medical condition. It is advisable to remind your volunteer leaders again during orientation! Insurance All SAVE participants must have medical, travel and trip cancellation insurance for the duration of their program. SAVE must receive proof of insurance prior to arrival. Drugs SAVE has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs. Offenders will be removed from the program immediately without refund. Smoking No smoking is allowed during project hours. Alcohol A responsible level of drinking (for volunteers of legal age) during free time is allowed. However in these limited situations: Alcohol is never to be consumed during project hours or on any SAVE Premises. Participants are never to be intoxicated during project hours No hangovers will be tolerated on project so please keep drinking to off days Failure to comply will be treated as a serious matter. SAVE reserves the right to remove a participant from the project without refund if they disregard this policy. Participants who endanger their safety or the safety of others through irresponsible drinking of alcohol or negligence may be removed from the program without refund.
Important points to read What is the difference between volunteering and regular tourism? In regular tourism the emphasis is on the tourist who expects to receive excellent service on their trip (great hotel, good food and all excursions working according to a timetable). The place and local community becomes less important with the tourist becoming the center of attention. In volunteer tourism (or voluntourism ) the emphasis shifts to work contribution, goals of the program and helping the local community. It is the success of the program and the atmosphere between the community and the volunteers that helps make the trip unforgettable not the level of service or the quality of the hotel. Many programs are underfunded and staffed so inevitably there will be some difficulties; however it is the overcoming of any challenges which creates a sense of achievement and satisfaction not found in regular tourism. Will there be any surprises? Volunteer tourism can be unpredictable! While SAVE does the utmost to stick to timetables and examples of type of work needed by the volunteer, there are many factors that can impact these plans. For example, the weather and seasons, local holidays, mood of the wildlife and immediate needs of the programs. The information you will receive from the program is important and valuable however things can change and we urge you to use it as a guideline and expect the unexpected this is what makes volunteer tourism so diverse and exciting. It is important that you arrive with a flexible attitude and remember that just by being at the project you will be contributing to its running, growth and success. Many of these programs are in cultures very different than yours and as such the type and length of work given may or may not seem important to you but it will be for the program. The first few days These are the most important and can be the most difficult ones. You have just arrived off a long flight in a strange location and are living with new people. Even if the first impression might not be as you had expected. Please give yourself a couple of days to acclimatize and give the project the help it needs. Volunteer work some examples It is important to realize that not all the work will be easy or 'romantic'. A lot of the time you will need to roll up your sleeves and get dirty with tasks such as: Animal projects: working with raw meat, cage cleaning, removing ticks, etc. Environmental projects: manual labor, carrying heavy items, getting dirty, working in the rain, etc. Humanitarian projects: cleaning up after the kids, kitchen duty, changing diapers, wiping runny noses, etc. Building projects: mixing concrete manually, picking up garbage off site, removing vegetation, etc. Keep a positive attitude and note that even boring tasks contribute and are also very important to the program. Also remember boring tasks are not given to you on purpose but they form a part of the overall volunteer experience as it takes care of the needs of the overall project. Sticking to a timetable Each program asks its volunteers to stick to a timetable which helps the program run smoothly. Please follow the instructions from the program managers. However, please note that volunteer programs are usually underfunded and understaffed which can lead to multiple changes in the program timetable. Volunteer work needs to be flexible for various reasons and should not be seen as a nine to five office job even if some changes do not make sense to the volunteer. Flexibility and an 'expect the unexpected attitude' are needed however never forget that by volunteering you are contributing immensely to the program.
Important points to read Before you leave for project Please look after yourselves and listen to the Leaders and the program staff you are visiting. Drink lots of fluids and remember your sunscreen. Volunteer trips are what you make of them and coming with an open mind and listening to the program managers/leaders will help you experience an unforgettable trip. Please also remember that this is an English speaking project. In order to be inclusive and for everyone to have a positive experience, we ask that volunteers speak English at all times. The Volunteer Leader Most programs will have a volunteer leader. This person is usually a volunteer who is on a long term contract or has volunteered on the same project in the past. The volunteer leader can be of great assistance when a problem arises though please approach them at a convenient time outside of busy working hours. It is important that you listen to the volunteer leader and cooperate with them. Culture shock The volunteers you will be working with come from all over the world and may be from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteering is also a cultural experience where you can learn about different cultures, please be both tolerant and patient. Do not be shy in sharing your experiences, recipes, songs and traditions it will just add to the overall group cohesion. For example, children may be raised in ways that are very different to what you are used to. If you are ever unsure about a certain issues, please feel free to discuss it with your volunteer leader. Extra expenses Please take into account additional expenses like tours, trips, telephone, restaurants and bars. It is a good idea to have different types of payment available to you like: cash, credit cards, debit cards and traveller's cheques. If there are any problems during the program please speak to the volunteer leader. It is important to initially raise and discuss the issue in the program as most can be solved in this manner. The organisation and projects rely on each and every volunteer, if you leave the program in the middle (or leave unhappy and disgruntled) it could seriously damage the hard work being undertaken. Approaching us directly will help us to resolve the issues for future volunteers or for the sustainability of the project. We want to make it an unforgettable experience for you and all others. We also want our projects to continue receiving the much needed volunteers we can only help if we know what the concerns are! If the problem is not resolved within 24 hours, please feel free to approach the SAVE manager. If, within a further 24 hours, you still feel the problem has not been dealt with, you should contact bookings@volunteering.org.za or +27 73 333 4338 and we will do our best to sort out the problem.
References and Suggested Readings It is strongly recommended that all participants read and print out areas of interest from the websites and reference materials listed below as these will provide valuable background information and help to put project goals and activities into context. Cape Town tourism: www.tourismcapetown.co.za Saltycrax Adventures: www.saltycrax.com South African Weather: www.weathersa.com SAVE volunteering www.volunteering.org.za Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela SAVE Foundation: www.savefoundation.org.za The more positive you are, the more positive your memories will be! Your time on project will be over sooner than you know, what would you like to think back on later in your life?