FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHERE DO I START?

Venturing into the unknown is always exciting! 

Here is a list that will help guide you:

Make sure you have everything you require for entry into the country and to ensure a safe and comfortable stay in South Africa.

• Air tickets and insurance
• Visa and passport (must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after departure from South Africa – also make sure you have enough blank pages)
• Originals and copies of all documentation
• Enquire with your local health authority regarding vaccinations dependent on where you are traveling from
• We are in a malaria free area!
• Cash/credit card/travelers cheques
• Mobile phone (sim cards are cheap in SA just make sure your phone is not sim locked)
• Essential personal items and optional extras (camera, laptop etc)
• Rather buy an adapter for power points here
• Contact details for next of kin

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather on the Garden Route in South Africa is not the hot dusty savannah or tropical heat you many expect, although mountain winds can be dry and warm even in mid winter.  The weather is as variable as the topography itself and winter clothes can be worn in summer and vice-versa.  During the winter rainfall months (mid-winter being around August), it can drop to below 0° Celsius in the evening with 15° to 21° during the day. All year round the evenings are often quite chilly, the summer months are hot and sunny, although summer rainfall can be quite high bringing cooler temperatures.

South Africa is a land of Colors and contrasts climatically, geophysicaly and politically.

WHAT IS INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED?

Included;

1. Transport from George airport to your base and accommodation.
   
2. Shared accommodation and communal ablutions.
3. All meals, water and juices at base.
4. Transport whilst working on projects.
5. Project monies of 10% of your full payment, used by you as petty cash.
6. Course material for the Option 2 programme. (if you have a laptop BRING IT! – let’s save on paper and printing)
7. Cover letter for your volunteering visa.
8. Orientation on arrival.
9. Cheetah rehabilitation for two weeks on the Option 2 programme.

Excluded;

1. Air travel arrangements and any medical or personal insurance.
2. Personals of any nature, toiletries, curios etc.
3. Telephone and internet usage which are available at an extra cost.
4. Any meals off the property, except where stated ie; on excursions or wildlife management related work.
5. Laundry.
6. Personal drinks, etc.
7. Entry fees at any tourist attraction / adventure activity.  Subject to availability, we can arrange preferential rates for these outings.

WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIRMENTS?

1. For those coming in to volunteer for 90 days or less, immigration at your port of entry will require your passport and the covering letter from Life Skills in SA, which will confirm your accommodation and appointment in South Africa.
   
2. For those coming in to volunteer for longer than 90 days, we recommend applying for your visa through the South African embassy in your home country.  This Volunteer Visa can be valid for up to 3 years.
   
3. Once in South Africa, should you choose to stay longer, an extension of your visa must be applied for 1 month prior to your initial visa’s expiry date.
   
4. You may be required to show proof of personal funds, police clearance and medical approval – contact the South African embassy in your home country for information.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?

Essentials:

1. A hiking bag is preferable to a suitcase, a decent sleeping bag and a small tent is always handy for excursions into the wilderness you might enjoy on a weekend away from base.
   
2. Toiletries and personal medication.
   
3. Waterproof jacket and a warm winter jacket.
   
4. Hiking boots and trainers and 5 pairs of socks.
   
5. At least:
   • three pairs of jeans or long trousers
   • three pairs of shorts
   • t-shirts or vest tops
   • long sleeve or warm tops
     
6. Sandals / crocs.
   
7. Sunglasses and a hat.
   
8. Swimwear.
   
9. Camera.
   
10. Adaptors for any electrical equipment, such as mobile telephones, laptops, digital cameras ( South Africa has a 220 volt system )

Useful optional extras:

1. Hot water bottle for July to October specifically.
2. CD’s / DVD’s / IPOD
3. Wireless / blue tooth laptop, this is by far one of the most useful pieces of equipment to invest in, and will make your life a pleasure with your own independent communications platform and data / photo capturing abilities. (we are aiming for a carbon credit friendly environment free of a paper trail)

ARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MEDICATION AVAILABLE?

Prescription drugs  may go under different brand names in South Africa, if you are on medication of any kind, please make sure you bring the packet with you so a doctor can easily identify a similar or generic product.

CAN I MAKE DONATIONS?

• If you have access to any learning materials e.g. books, pencils etc. donations are always appreciated.
• Monetary donations for projects go a long way with the current favourable South Africa Rand exchange rate.

WHAT NOT TO BRING?

• South Africa stocks much of the same produce you use at home, so you will usually be able to find what you are looking for. Banking facilities, post and communications, shopping malls are located nearby.
• You will also find that clothes, in particular outdoor or camping equipment will be much cheaper here, so it is advisable to bring the money with you and buy what you need when you arrive.
• Assist in the development of the NEW South Africa and know that any purchases you make will benefit our beautiful country!