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SAASA VOLUNTEER
HANDBOOK
2
Contents
Contents ............................................................................................................. 2
South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) .................................... 3
SAASA sanctuaries ........................................................................................... 4
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay ................................................................. 4 Birds of Eden .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay ................................................................................ 5
Where you will be based ................................................................................. 7
Visa Requirements ............................................................................................ 8
Your Health ........................................................................................................ 9
Courses or boosters usually advised: .............................................................................................. 9 Malaria .................................................................................................................................................................. 10 HIV/AIDS ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 Drinking Water ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Travel and Medical Insurance ...................................................................... 12
Volunteer Accommodation .......................................................................... 13
Arriving at your accommodation .................................................................................................. 15 By Air ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15 By Bus ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Volunteer Requirements ................................................................................ 17
What to expect from your volunteer placement ....................................... 17
Volunteer Code of Conduct ......................................................................... 18
Uniforms ............................................................................................................ 20
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) .............................................................. 21
About Plettenberg Bay .......................................................................................................................... 21 Climate ............................................................................................................................................................. 22 Money & expenses ................................................................................................................................... 22 Communication ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Social Media ................................................................................................................................................. 24 Other information of interest .............................................................................................................. 24 Suggested Packing List: ......................................................................................................................... 25
Contact Details ............................................................................................... 27
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South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) At SAASA, our vision is to maintain sustainable wildlife sanctuaries of various
species of wildlife, providing them with as natural a habitat as possible.
We strive to improve the lives of captive primates, birds and other wildlife. We
do this by relocating captive wild animals to our spacious sanctuaries. The
SAASA group is an active #HandsOffOurWildlife campaigner.
Our Mission Statement:
Conservation of wild animals, including primates, birds and apex cats;
Creation of safe natural habitats; and
Conservation education, both locally and internationally.
Our mission is one of education and promoting a greater understanding of
primates, apex cats and wild animals in general and the threats and
challenges they are facing. We strive for all guests to our sanctuaries to leave
with greater knowledge of and compassion for wild animals.
One of our main areas of focus is to educate the public about the adverse
effects of keeping wild animals as pets, in terms of both their physical and
psychological health.
Our objectives are:
To encourage understanding of and a commitment to the
conservation of wild animals, especially primates, birds and apex cats;
To communicate the need for healthy natural and spacious habitats;
and recognition of the wild animals’ need for interdependences of
people, their natural environment and its component resources;
To reach and engage the largest number of people possible to enable
them, through knowledge and understanding, to develop the
motivation and skills to make informed choices about their lives in
relation to the wise use of the natural resources around them.
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SAASA provides wild animals in our care with a stable environment, one with
permanence and where there is no exploitation. We oppose any form of
wildlife interaction.
At SAASA sanctuaries, care far exceeds what is required by the regulations
regarding animal welfare. All SAASA sanctuaries are, most importantly,
places that are conducive to the wellbeing and ultimately the physical and
emotional rehabilitation of the wild animals in our care.
At SAASA, we strive to achieve an effective balance between conservation
and economic reality. Our sanctuaries are therefore often tourism driven in
order to be financially sustainable. A safari at any of our sanctuaries is much
more than just an unforgettable forest and wildlife adventure, it is the vehicle
that allows you to become part of what we do for the wild animals in our
care.
SAASA sanctuaries
SAASA has three sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa’s Garden
Route – Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife
Sanctuary. A fourth sanctuary, MonkeylandKZN Primate Sanctuary will open
in KwaZulu Natal province in November 2018.
If you wish to add on a period of time volunteering at our sanctuary in
KwaZulu-Natal, please let our Volunteer Coordinator
([email protected]) know so that this can be arranged for you.
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay
Monkeyland is SAASA’s first sanctuary and opened its doors to the public in
April 1998. It is one of the top eco-tourism attractions on the Garden Route,
capturing the hearts of visitors in its efforts to rehabilitate and free previously
caged primates. Eleven species of primates roam freely about Monkeyland’s
12-hectare forest - Black & White Ruffed Lemur, Ringtail Lemur, Red-backed
Bearded Saki, Black Howler Monkey, Bolivian Squirrel Monkey, Vervet Monkey,
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Spider Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Spectacled Langur, Lar Gibbon, Brown-
Tufted Capuchin.
Just outside the forest perimeter is a 13-hectare ‘greenbelt’ area that is
protected for indigenous chacma baboons, vervet monkeys and other
wildlife. The sanctuary is home to more than 550 primates.
Birds of Eden
Birds of Eden opened its doors to the public in December 2005. The decision
to develop Birds of Eden stemmed from the need to create a safe
environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds
and miniature monkeys. The sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to
release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation. The
sanctuary’s unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a
gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which
incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its ampitheatre,
which can seat over 200 visitors. Currently, over 3,500 birds live at the
sanctuary.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary became part of SAASA in 2012 and opened its doors
to the public in August 2013.
At many wildlife facilities, large predatory species are kept as a way of
attracting visitors without regard for the animals’ physical and emotional
needs.
The Jukani approach is one of respect for what each animal represents. All
the female predator cats are on birth control and the sanctuary is a no-touch
facility.
For safety reasons, Jukani is our only sanctuary where you view the wildlife
from behind a fence rather than mingle amongst them. For this reason,
special ramps have been erected so that visitors can obtain an uninterrupted
view of the animals.
Jukani is currently home to big cats such as White and Tawny Lions, Cheetahs,
Siberian, Benegal and White Tigers, Spotted and Black Leopards, Jaguars,
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Pumas, Caracals, Serval Cats and other wildlife species such as Zebra, Wild
Dogs, Honey Badgers, Raccoons and various snake species that are housed
in individual viviariums.
7
Where you will be based
South Africa is divided into nine provinces.
Plettenberg Bay is on the Garden Route in the Western Cape Province.
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Our sanctuaries are located around 20kms outside of Plettenberg Bay in an
area called The Crags. To the east is the quaint village of Nature’s Valley with
its beaches, lagoon and hiking trails; to the west, towards Plettenberg Bay,
are Keurbooms river and beaches.
Visa Requirements
A visitor visa allows a stay of a maximum of 90 days. For many countries, it is
not necessary to apply for this visa in advance. However, requirements for
entry differ from country to country and are subject to change. It is
imperative, therefore, that you make enquiries at the embassy in your home
country and/or visit the Department of Home Affairs at www.dha.gov.za for
more information.
Yellow Fever
If your journey starts or passes through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South
America, you must have a valid yellow fever certificate. Failure to show a
valid Yellow Fever Certificate could result in you being denied entry into South
Africa.
Please note: If your passport is going to expire within six months of your stay in
South Africa, you must renew it before you start your journey.
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Your Health
We have provided below general advice about immunisations that are
recommended for travel in South Africa. However, you should consult with
your doctor or nurse to ensure you have the latest advice available.
Courses or boosters usually advised:
Diphtheria - spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is
higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.
Hepatitis A: spread through consuming contaminated food and water or
person-to-person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where
personal hygiene and sanitation are poor.
Other vaccines to consider:
Cholera: spread through consumption of contaminated water and food.
More common during floods and after natural disasters, in areas with very
poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water. It would be unusual for
travellers to contract cholera if they take basic precautions with food and
water and maintain a good standard of hygiene.
Hepatitis B: spread through infected blood and blood products,
contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse.
Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel,
children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may
need, or request, surgical procedures abroad
Rabies: spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a
bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species,
but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not
be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite),
long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and
children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent
medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite.
Tetanus: spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with
tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of
tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually
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recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an
injury may not be readily available.
Typhoid: spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and
drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is
limited.
Malaria
Malaria is a serious, and sometimes fatal, disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.
Malaria precautions
As shown in the malaria map above, the most of South Africa, including
where you will be staying, carry little to no risk of malaria.
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Only small areas of South Africa carry a risk of malaria. These are the low
altitude areas of Mpumalanga Province (including Kruger National Park)
and Limpopo Province.
Malaria precautions are essential in any areas of risk. Avoid mosquito bites
by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers
especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when
necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets, you
will probably need these if you plan to Mpumalanga or Limpopo during
your time in South Africa.
HIV/AIDS The 2012 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around
5,700,000 adults aged 15 or over in South Africa were living with HIV; the
prevalence percentage was estimated at around 17.9 of the adult
population. The prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK is around
0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS:
- ALWAYS use a condom
- NEVER share needles, syringes or swabs within another person.
Remember that, you won’t be able to see if someone is infected with HIV.
Most people who contract HIV experience a short, flu-like illness 2 – 6 weeks
after HIV infection. This normally lasts for a week or two.
Once these symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any symptoms for many
years – you will not be able to know that someone has the HIV virus; many
people with HIV have no idea that they are infected.
Drinking Water
The tap water in South Africa undergoes treatment, in line with World Health
Organisation standards, which ensures it is free of any harmful micro-
organisms and contaminants. It is, therefore, perfectly safe to drink. In some
areas of South Africa the tap water is quite rich in minerals and may take a bit
of getting used to.
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You should not, however, drink water from streams or rivers, especially where
there is any human habitation, as these may carry water-borne diseases.
Please note that the tap water in the volunteer houses at Monkeyland and
Birds of Eden is not drinking water. You will collect drinking water from the
sanctuary farm.
Travel and Medical Insurance
Volunteers are required to have full travel insurance that includes emergency
medical evacuation. It is also recommended that you take out a
health/medical insurance policy. This would cover you for inpatient and
outpatient costs. Please ensure that you have enough money to pay for
hospitalisation and any other emergencies that may arise. You will normally
need to pay for medical services upfront and claim the money back from
your insurance company at a later date.
The Sanctuary Curator will assist you in getting to the doctors office or hospital
if you are unwell. The average cost of visiting a doctor during normal office
hours is R350. If you are unable to work for two consecutive days, you will
need to consult a doctor and obtain a medical certificate.
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Volunteer Costs / Donations
When you volunteer with the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance, you
are not asked to make any payment to our sanctuary. Any donations you
wish to make to our sanctuary from fundraising are gratefully received. If you
wish to donate items rather than money, please let us know so that we can
advise you as to our current needs.
Volunteers at Jukani and those staying for less than two months will need to
arrange accommodation with one of three local homestays. Volunteers will
book this directly with the homestay who will advise of costs.
Volunteer Accommodation
On-site volunteer houses
Volunteers who commit for a minimum of 2 months at Monkeyland or Birds of
Eden are eligible, subject to availability, to free self-catering housing in our
two on-site volunteer houses.
Each house has 1 twin & 1 triple room with linen provided, a communal living
room, kitchen and bathroom. You will be responsible for washing your own
clothes in the provided washing machine.
The volunteer housing is situated 22km from Plettenberg Bay. Although there is
a small supermarket and post office 2km from us, it is still very isolated. Each
house has a television and DVD player (so download shows & movies from
home). There is minimal internet access available at the sanctuary.
Volunteers staying at our on-site volunteer accommodation will be collected
from Plettenberg Bay airport or bus stop and taken grocery shopping en route
to the volunteer accommodation.
Homestay accommodation
Volunteers at Jukani and volunteers staying for less than 2 months will need to
book accommodation with one of three local homestays. The choice of
homestay is entirely the volunteer’s.
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Rocky Road Backpackers – www.rockyroadbackpackers.com
Rocky Road Backpackers is located in The Crags, just 3kms from Monkeyland
and Birds of Eden and 10kms from Jukani.
The price includes:
- Accommodation in one of the cottages, maximum 2 people per room
- Three meals per day – self-help cold breakfast, packed lunch and hot
evening meal;
- Laundry washed and folded;
- Internet;
- Use of the welcoming lounge with big screen TV with full cable
package;
- Daily transport to and from the sanctuary; and
- Weekly run to Plettenberg Bay for shopping.
To check availability and prices at Rocky Road Backpackers, volunteers
should contact Mac at [email protected] with their intended dates.
Plett Homestay – www.pletthomestay.co.za
Plett Homestay is a family home, with three dogs and a cat, a swimming pool
and an outside entertainment area. It is located in Plettenberg Bay, just 300m
from the nearest beach, 400m from a small shopping centre, including two
popular restaurants and 1.5kms from the centre of town.
The price includes:
- Accommodation in a twin room;
- Three meals per day – self-help cold breakfast and packed lunch and
a hot meal in the evening;
- Laundry washed and ironed;
- Internet;
- Use of the lounge with big screen satellite TV;
- Use of the swimming pool;
- Daily transport to and from the sanctuary;
To check availability and prices at Plett Homestay, volunteers should contact
Stephanie at [email protected] with their intended dates.
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Stoneridge Farm
Stoneridge Farm is set on over 8 hectares and is located 5kms outside of
Plettenberg Bay. It is home to Chris and Michele Upton, their 4 children (Jake,
Cabe, Lael and Neve), 5 dogs, 3 cats, a parrot, 6 horses and a donkey!
Leatitia, a local girl, who looks after the horses and is part-time au-pair to the
children, also lives on site. She knows Plett very well and will be an excellent
guide for you.
Volunteers staying at Stoneridge Farm are housed in a separate cottage
adjacent to the main house. The price includes:
- Accommodation in a twin room or single room (the cottage has 3 twin
rooms and 1 single room);
- Three meals per day – breakfast, packed lunch and hot evening meal;
- All bed linen;
- A lockable cupboard for each volunteer;
- Laundry washed, dried and folded;
- Uncapped Wi-Fi;
- Satellite television;
- A lockable cupboard for each volunteer;
- Use of the cottage’s open-plan kitchen/lounge/dining area;
- Use of the undercover deck and private walled lawn;
- Use of the swimming pool;
- Daily transport to the sanctuary;
- Drop-off and pick-up in Plettenberg Bay available at scheduled times
every day.
To check availability and prices at Stoneridge Farm, volunteers should
contact Michele at [email protected] with their intended dates.
Arriving at your accommodation
By Air
There is a small airport in Plettenberg Bay with flights from Johannesburg and
Cape Town a few times per week. Please note that these are small 20-seater
planes.
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George Airport is serviced by South African Airlines, Kulula and Mango. The
airport is around 1.5 hour drive from Plettenberg Bay.
Port Elizabeth airport is serviced by South African Airlines, British Airways, Kulula
and Mongo. The airport is a 3 hour drive from Plettenberg Bay. Most
volunteers arriving in to Port Elizabeth choose to stay there overnight and
catch the Intercape or City to City bus to Plettenberg Bay the following day.
Volunteers staying at one of the homestay options should discuss airport
transfers with their host. These are normally arranged at an additional cost.
By Bus
The Intercape, City to City and Baz Bus all travel from Cape Town to
Plettenberg Bay. The bus arrives at Plettenberg Bay at around 2.30pm. You
will be collected from the bus stop by a member of the SAASA team or your
homestay host. There is an overnight bus from Cape Town but this arrives into
Plettenberg Bay at around 2am. If you take this bus, you will probably need
to spend the night at a backpackers as we only arrange collections from the
bus stop during the day.
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Volunteer Requirements
All volunteers will need a good level of English. You will also need to be hard
working, fast learning, enthusiastic and prepared to cheerfully fulfill tasks
requested of you. A genuine interest in primates and other wildlife is essential.
You will be expected to work 5 days per week, with the occasional extra day
during the peak season summer months. A normal workday lasts from 8am to
5pm, although this could be longer during the peak season summer months.
Please note: All SAASA sanctuaries are “hands off”, meaning that at no time
do we allow physical contact with our animals. If this rule is broken, you will
be asked to leave the volunteer programme immediately.
What to expect from your volunteer placement
Your duties whilst volunteering will depend on which of our sanctuaries you
have chosen to volunteer with, your length of stay, the type of volunteer role
you applied for and whether you have any specific skills or interests. Any
necessary training will be provided when you arrive.
General duties may include:
- Welcoming visitors to the sanctuary;
- Conducting informative guided tours;
- Cleaning and stocking feeding stations around the sanctuary;
- Maintaining the grounds, keeping them clear of litter;
- Assisting with marketing;
- Explaining sanctuary rules to visitors;
- Checking tickets;
- Supervising media visitors;
- Assisting visitors at the environmental theatre;
- Cleaning walkways and bridges; and
- Food preparation.
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Being a tourism organisation, we have slow and busy periods. The more you
get involved, the more you will get out of the experience. If you have an
idea for a special project, please speak to the Sanctuary Curator.
Volunteer Code of Conduct
This code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour that we expect of
our volunteers and is designed to help you achieve the most out of your
volunteering placement in a safe manner. It also ensures that the people we
work with are treated with respect and that consideration is given to other
cultural aspects during your stay with us. The code is in three sections:
General
At the project
At the volunteer accommodation/homestay
Please note that breaches of the code of conduct may result in your
placement being terminated without compensation.
General
You must:
Listen to and follow the advice or requests of the Sanctuary Curator.
Understand that you are a representative of your country of origin and act
accordingly.
Understand that whilst volunteering, you are a representative of the South
African Animal Sanctuary Alliance and act accordingly.
Realise that the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance and the
homestay owners have a zero tolerance policy towards the possession and
use of illegal substances. If you are found in possession of, or are under the
influence of such substances, you will have your volunteering stay with us
terminated immediately.
Respect, and seek to understand, the culture of South Africa.
Follow your project rules, respect the accommodation, your volunteer
colleagues and the local community regarding the consumption of
alcohol.
Treat all people with respect and dignity.
Not engage in political demonstrations or illegal activities.
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Keep your sanctuary supervisor and/or homestay host informed of your
plans regarding trips away.
At the Sanctuary
You must:
Endeavour to maintain a positive mental attitude throughout your
placement.
Act as a conscientious member of the project team - you are relied on as
a dedicated member of staff.
Abide by all the rules of the sanctuary and respect them as any other
member of staff. The most important of these rules is that you are not
permitted to touch or handle the animals in our care.
Not accept payment for the work that you are doing. By law, the
sanctuary is not permitted to pay salaries to volunteers.
Work hard to achieve not only your own personal goals but also those of
the project and the people and organisation that you are helping.
Listen to, and follow, the instructions of your contact/supervisor at the
sanctuary.
Inform your supervisor at the sanctuary if you are at any time unable to
fulfill the duties to which you have committed.
Treat with care any materials that you use during your volunteer
placement.
Volunteer accommodation / Homestay
You must:
Respect local custom and abide by the rules of the accommodation.
Check with the sanctuary supervisor or homestay host before inviting
anybody to your room.
Be aware that overnight visitors are not allowed at the volunteer
accommodation without the prior consent of the sanctuary supervisor.
Respect the accommodation and pay for any damage you may cause to
the property.
Keep your room clean and tidy.
Do not smoke inside the volunteer accommodation or homestay. Use the
ashtrays provided outside.
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Be aware that there will be no refunds for food/accommodation if you
decide to go on trips or leave early.
Uniforms
SAASA will provide you with two shirts, a set of epaulettes and a fleece/jersey.
Please bring your own khaki trousers (pants)/shorts/skirts as well as brown,
khaki or black shoes/boots.
On receipt of the uniform and any other items, e.g. keys to the volunteer
accommodation, you will need to pay a R800 deposit. This payment can be
made in cash or by credit card and will be returned to you when you return
your uniform and any other items.
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The Republic of South Africa (RSA)
It’s impossible for travellers to South Africa to remain oblivious to the fact that
racial inequality persists here. Black and coloured townships face problems
such as poverty, illness, including high levels of HIV/AIDs and xenophobic
tensions.
Nonetheless, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, funny and
welcoming people you’ll encounter anywhere in the world.
As a visitor to South Africa and a volunteer at the South African Animal
Sanctuary Alliance, it is important that you respect local customs and
cultures. We ask that you dress, behave and converse in a way that does not
cause offence.
There are eleven official languages of South Africa: Zulu (23%), Xhosa (16%),
Afrikaans (14%), English (9.6%), Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi,
Tswana, Tsonga and Venda. English is only the fourth most common first
language in the country but it is understood in most urban areas and is the
dominant language in government and the media.
About Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay, or ‘Plett’ as it’s more commonly known, is a popular seaside
town on South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route. It lies almost on the
border of the Eastern and Western Cape, around 600kms from Cape Town
and 210kms from Port Elizabeth. Its mountains, golden beaches and crystal-
blue water make it one of the country’s top local tourist spots. As a result, it
can be very busy in the middle of summer. Plett, though, somehow still
manages to retain a relaxed, friendly atmosphere all year round.
Whatever your interests, you will find plenty to do here on your off-days.
Adventure seekers can go ziplining, kayaking, horse riding, skydiving,
abseiling, kloofing or even bungee from the world’s highest commercial
bungee bridge. If you just want to enjoy the wonderful nature, lying on a
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beach, looking out for dolphins and whales, isn’t your only option. There are
three nature reserves close by – Keurboorms River Nature Reserve, Robberg
Nature Reserve and Goukamma Nature Reserve.
One of the largest seagull breeding colonies along the South African coast is
at the mouth of the Keurboorms River; the endangered African oystercatcher
lives along these shores and Robberg Peninsula, as well as offering fantastic
hiking trails, is home to a large Cape Fur Seal colony.
There is also a vast array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in the centre of
Plettenberg Bay. A larger mall and cinema is located at George just an hour
and a half’s drive away.
Climate
South Africa is famous for its sunshine. Being in the southern hemisphere, our
seasons are the exact opposite of those in Europe and North America. So,
yes, we spend Christmas on the beach!
The climate in Plettenberg Bay is warm and temperate. We have a lot of
rainfall throughout the year and the weather can change numerous times,
even in the one day!
During the summer months (December to March), daytime temperatures can
range from around 22° to 29°C. This region of South Africa is coldest during
July, when the average daytime temperature is around 19°C but during the
night it can drop to 7°C.
Money & expenses
The rand (R/ZAR), is the currency of South Africa. There are numerous banks in
Plettenberg Bay and most petrol stations have ATMs, including the one
located on the N2, 2kms from the Monkeyland/Birds of Eden volunteer
housing.
Meals are not provided at the on-site volunteer houses, but the
accommodation includes a fully equipped kitchen, and around R450 (about
$50) per week will be more than enough for food, toiletries and essentials if
you stick to the local farms and supermarkets.
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Meals, wifi, laundry and most transport are provided from the homestay
accommodation so you won’t need much spending money whilst you’re
here.
Besides the food costs for those staying at the on-site volunteer
accommodation, if you budget for around $100-$200 per month that should
be plenty for mobile phone airtime, toiletries, eating out, taxis, activities and
sightseeing around the province etc.
Examples of the cost of food and drink for eating out:-
Coffee: R15 – R24
Coke: R19 – R22
Beer/Cider: R20 – R28
Glass of wine: R30 – R50
Main meal R49 – R200
Communication
It is possible to use the internet at our sanctuaries with a 50MB daily limit. You
can buy a dongle and transfer phone credit into data as required. Please be
advised that the connection can be slow and is sometimes down.
Please speak to your telephone provider to ascertain if your mobile phone will
work in South Africa and to set up international roaming. You may also wish
to purchase a local sim-card if you are staying for an extended period and
want to talk to family and friends back home. Airtime credit can be
purchased from most petrol stations and supermarkets. It is important to
ensure that your phone is not sim-locked before leaving home.
The postal system is slow but cheap. There is a small Post Office outlet at the
petrol station on the N2, a post shop at Market Square and the main post
office is at the top end of Main Street in Plett central.
Your postal address for receiving letters or parcels is:
Monkeyland
Attn: your name
PO Box 1190
Plettenberg Bay
6600 South Africa
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Please note that if you are planning to receive letters or parcels, it can take
many weeks for them to arrive. When sending letters/parcels home, this tends
to be a lot quicker.
Social Media
SAASA does not allow interaction with animals and we do not want to be
associated with any activity that does. Therefore, we request that during your
time you with us you do NOT post any photos on social media of you
touching/feeding animals as we feel this sends the wrong message about
volunteering with our sanctuaries. This may include images taken at the
Special Monkey Home, during veterinary procedures or at other local wildlife
facilities. Termination will result if volunteers are found to not abide by this
policy.
If film crews and/or journalists covering stories about SAASA visit our sanctuary,
you may be asked to be included in their footage/photos. If you are asked
to take part, the Sanctuary Curator will brief you about your role.
Other information of interest
It is not unusual for people in South Africa to ask for money or belongings from
you. If you politely say no, this is not considered rude. SAASA strongly
discourages you from giving money or gifts directly to people as this practice
creates a distorted perception of visitors and can result in future visitors being
greeted by outstretched hands. If you wish to leave things or give money to
support people, it is best you do so through the Sanctuary Curator so that it
may be appropriately distributed to those in need.
Cell phones should not be used in view of visitors to our sanctuaries. If you
need to use your cell phone, please go to the smoking area.
Smoking in uniform must only occur in the designated smoking area. You
must not smoke whilst working with the animals, local community or school
groups.
We ask you to please be a considerate smoker – don’t throw cigarette butts
on the ground and ensure those around you are not affected by your
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smoking.
The use of alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substances by volunteers is
prohibited whilst working at our sanctuary and whilst staying at the volunteer
accommodation. Reporting to work with alcohol, intoxicants and/or
controlled substances, including those drugs prescribed by a physician which
might impair your ability to perform your duties, is prohibited and you will be
asked to immediately leave the sanctuary.
Illegal drug taking is totally prohibited and will result in instant dismissal from
the volunteer programme.
Suggested Packing List:
Clothing for work:
- any khaki-coloured clothing
- sturdy khaki/brown or black shoes
- dark coloured rain jacket
Other clothing Items:
The locals of Plett are generally well presented but casual so there’s no need
to pack any fancy clothes, a pretty dress or a nice shirt with jeans or
lightweight cargo pants will more than suffice for even a fancy dinner! During
the summer months (December to March), opt for clothing that is light in
weight.
- shorts, skirts, tops, T-shirts, trousers and summer dresses that are cool
and comfortable
- comfortable walking shoes
- a lightweight jacket or fleece.
Remember that houses in South Africa are often open plan and not designed
for cooler weather – we generally don’t have any central heating here! You
might, therefore, find the following items useful, particularly during the winter
months of June to September:
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- Tracksuit or heavier weight trousers for being warm and cosy at home
- Socks
- Waterproof, wind-proof lightweight coat for the evenings
- long-sleeved shirts/T-Shirts;
- warm, waterproof walking shoes/boots
Considering the changeable weather we can have in Plettenberg Bay, it’s a
good idea, whatever time of year you come, to layer your outfits so that you
can add or take away as the day cools and warms.
Plus:
- sleep wear
- warm jacket/jumper – it can be a little chilly in the early mornings and
late evenings
- swimming costumes
Other items:
- Copies of all documents – passport, travel and health insurance and
vaccinations
- Beach towel (bath towels are generally provided, but do check with
your accommodation first)
- Sunscreen (even though the Plettenberg Bay weather is very
moderate, the African sun can be very strong. The CANSA
organisation of South Africa recommends a sun protection factor (SPF)
of between 20 and 50).
- Hat and protective sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
- Alarm clock
- Good flashlight or head torch
- Water bottle
- Personal toiletries
- First Aid Kit
- Travel adaptors for electrical items
- Books
- Photographic equipment
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- Laptop (for personal use or if you are undertaking a
marketing/photography/filmography volunteer placement)
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes
- Mobile phone.
Contact Details
If you have any questions before you depart for South Africa, please don’t
hesitate to contact Paula Hallam, our Volunteer Coordinator:
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +27 (0)66 479 6138