Amakhala Conservation Project

When is the best time to volunteer?

Nearly all the activities take place year-round except for the community-based projects, as schools are closed in South Africa between mid-December and early January. Therefore, if you are keen to get involved with the community projects, you should avoid volunteering during this time. The only other factor that may impact your preference of when to volunteer is the weather.

Due to its position on the Eastern Cape, the reserve typically enjoys mild, pleasant weather throughout the year with occasional rain (but no distinct wet season). There are 2 seasons which are explained below:

Summer (November - April): During these months, daytime temperatures average 25–30°C (77-86°F), but can occasionally go up to 35°C (95°F) with January and February being the hottest months of the year. At night, it stays relatively warm, averaging 15°C (59°F).

Winter (May – October): This time of year is still very pleasant during the day with temperatures between 20–25°C (68-77°F), however, it can get very cold at night with temperatures falling to 5-10°C (41-50°F).

Getting There

For this project, you will need to arrive into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) on your start date and transfer to the project site from there. The transfer from the airport to the project site takes approximately 1 hour and while it is not included, it can be provided for an additional cost. We offer two airport transfer options; the first is a shared transfer which departs at 3pm, meaning you would need a flight that arrives into the airport by 2pm to allow time for you to get through security and collect your luggage. The second is a private transfer which we can arrange for any time between 9am and 5pm. The shared transfer costs $63 each way and the private transfer costs $125 each way.

For your return journey back to Port Elizabeth Airport from the project site, the shared transfer departs at 7am and arrives at approximately 8am. If you take this transfer, we recommend booking a flight that departs Port Elizabeth no earlier than 10:30am. Alternatively, you can take a private transfer on your project end date at any time between 9am and 5pm.

If you are staying in Port Elizabeth before your project start date, please contact us and we may be able to arrange a pickup from your accommodation instead of the airport. If this is not possible, you will need to make your way to Port Elizabeth Airport in time for your transfer.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of most countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and most of those within the EU, do not need to obtain a visa to enter South Africa and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. You will, however, need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the immigration officials to use and your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from your date of entry.

If you are unsure of your individual visa requirements, we recommend speaking to your local South African embassy at least 2 months prior to travel.

Fitness and Skills

While there are no specific skills required to take part in this project, we do recommend that you arrive with a moderate level of fitness as your days can be long and some tasks (such as alien plant removal) can be quite physically demanding. Otherwise, all that we ask is that you arrive with a willingness to get involved with all activities and that you are willing to work as part of a team!

Vaccinations

The vaccinations required will depend on the individual medical history of each volunteer. We recommend that you consult with your GP regarding your own immunisation needs as this will ensure you are protected and prepared to travel. In conjunction with this, we would recommend that you check Fit for Travel’s website for more helpful information on what you need to do before your departure.