Vervet Monkey Sanctuary - Volunteer Project Sheet · • Monitoring and report writing of monkeys ... After your project, we will escort you back to ... The summer season covers September

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QUICK FACTS Location Tzaneen - Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Pick up point Tzaneen - You can connect by coach from Johannesburg.

Duration Join this project for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 weeks.

Main activities Collecting, chopping and delivering food for monkeys, Hands-on care-giving of baby

monkeys, helping in our sickbay, Monitoring and report writing of monkeys around

the Sanctuary, Cleaning monkey cages, washing feed bowls.

Working routine You will be busy for 6 days each week.

Who can join? Anyone aged 18 years or older on arrival.

When can I join? Placements are scheduled throughout the year.

Please see our web site link below for available start dates & durations.

http://www.aviva-sa.com/vervet-monkey-sanctuary-tzaneen.php

WHAT’S INCLUDED? MyTrip™ Access to your personal online trip planner.

Fundraising Help Order your free AVIVA Fundraising Pack.

Transport Transfers between Tzaneen and the sanctuary, and all project based transport.

Orientation Comprehensive project brief on arrival with ongoing supervision & training.

Accommodation Basic wooden cabin in the volunteer village - max 2 per room..

Food All meals are provided at the sanctuary (a delicious vegetarian diet).

Support Full in-country support from the experienced AVIVA team.

Certificate You will receive a Certificate of Appreciation on completion of your placement.


PROJECT OVERVIEW

Would you like to experience living in the African bush rehabilitating the indigenous vervet monkey?

As a volunteer at the world’s largest centre for vervets, you will help to care for over 500 monkeys. You

may be involved with hand-rearing orphans (in baby season) and be lucky enough to see juniors venture

out into their new enclosures, watching them become real monkeys.

We have some ex-pets here that often need some time spent grooming from outside the cages before

they are ready to be integrated into troops. In addition you will help the monkeys further by building

new enclosures and maintaining the upkeep of the foundation.

Some of the project activities you could be involved in include:

• Collecting, chopping and delivering food for monkeys.

• Hands-on care-giving of baby monkeys, helping in our sickbay

• Monitoring and report writing of monkeys around the Sanctuary

• Cleaning monkey cages, washing feed bowls & plates and cleaning blankets

• Assisting with introductions and rehabilitation of new monkeys.

• Assisting with basic medical practices and administering medications.

• Clearing vegetation for fire breaks, looking after the volunteer village.

• Assisting with education outreach programs, such as Monkey Patrol

• Participating in our Vervet Census; you may even be trained to use a GPS

• Cooking at weekends for volunteers

This is an ideal project for anyone who has ever dreamed of working with monkeys. Be prepared to work

hard and experience working under the African sun with this threatened, intelligent and indigenous

primate of Africa - The vervet monkey.

WHO CAN JOIN?

• You must be 18 years or older on arrival and be in good health.

• You will not need any prior experience as we will teach you everything you need to know – just come

with enthusiasm and an interest in conservation.

• If you have any specific skills or interest we are happy to try and utilize them during your stay. No

matter what you do, you can expect that it is hot, dirty and hands on.

• On arrival at the project, all volunteers will have to sign an indemnity form indicating that you accept

and understand that you are working with wild animals and that your presence and all activities you

undertake at the centre are done so at your own risk.

• You must be ready and able to share living space with other volunteers.

• Flexibility and the ability to cope with basic living conditions are key.


HOW DO I GET THERE?

Getting there...

You should aim to arrive in Tzaneen by coach on your Monday start date. To do this, we would

recommend arriving in Johannesburg the day before, so that you will be ready to catch the coach to

Tzaneen on the Monday morning.

We can provide you with all the information you need to book this yourself, or you can add our optional

‘Johannesburg Arrival package’ to your project and we will arrange everything below for you:

• Johannesburg Airport transfers – When you land, there will be someone to meet you and escort

you to your overnight accommodation. After your project, we will escort you back to the airport

in time to check in for your International flight.

• Overnight accommodation in Johannesburg, before your project.

• Transfers between your overnight accommodation & Johannesburg Coach Station

• A return coach trip between Johannesburg & Tzaneen.

The coach departs from Johannesburg at about 09:20, and arrives in Tzaneen at around 15:40. When you

arrive in Tzaneen, a member of the project team will be there to welcome you and escort you to the

Vervet Monkey Sanctuary.

If you are adding the optional Cape Town Week...

You should aim to arrive in Johannesburg on Sunday, a week before your chosen start date.

• In addition to the ‘Johannesburg Arrival package’ described above, your Cape Town Week

includes return flights between Johannesburg & Cape Town, so you will not need to worry about

finding your way around at any stage.

When you arrive in Cape Town, a member of the AVIVA team will be there to welcome you at the airport

and escort you to AVIVA House. After your week in Cape Town, we will fly you back to Johannesburg to

join the project.

FOOD & ACCOMMODATION

You will sleep in a wooden cabin, usually with 1 other volunteer. We provide a storage box, mattress,

table, pillow and sheets but please ensure you bring a sleeping bag. There is no electricity in the village

but accessories can be charged at the cottage.

All meals are provided at the sanctuary (a delicious vegetarian diet).

You may wish to bring a small battery powered or re-chargeable camping light to light up your cabin at

night for reading etc. The volunteer village houses a warm, gas-heated shower, eco-toilet (composting

toilet), washing sink, and a campfire, which is great for an evening under the stars or a traditional braai

(South African barbecue!).

Laundering is provided free of charge Monday to Friday. You can bring your own detergent for extra

hand washing of small items if you wish.

Internet Access is available for a small fee, and cell phone coverage is good too. You can also download

your digital photos at the centre.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• You will get one day off per week and we provide a lift into Tzaneen to purchase supplies, swim in

the public pool, spa or relax over cappuccino in the mall.

• Volunteers are also invited to take one touring day per week to visit local sights. Volunteers often

tour with new friends met at the sanctuary.

• When you are at the sanctuary, the project team can book tours for you through a local qualified

tour guide who will collect you directly from the centre.

• Popular tours include the world famous Kruger National Park (only 1 hour from here), Blyde River

Canyon, God’s Window, stunning waterfalls and of course, wildlife viewing.

HEALTH

• In the unlikely event that you become ill or are injured, we have very good medical and hospital

facilities in the local towns of Tzaneen & Letaba. We also have a refrigerator if you need to keep

medicines, such as insulin cool during your stay at the sanctuary.

• Although no compulsory inoculations are required for travel to South Africa, you must ensure your

Tetanus vaccination is in date prior to arrival.

• You will need to have a test for tuberculosis before working with monkeys; a chest x-ray can be done

on arrival for approx R330.

• Due to the nature of your work, handling the monkeys can result in the occasional scratch or “nip” as

they are still wild animals. Please note: a Rabies vaccination is not required.

• Although the sanctuary is in a low-risk malaria area, you may wish to take precaution against this.

Please contact your medical care provider for recommendations. The majority of permanent

residents in this area do not take medication, preferring to cover up in the evenings and early

morning or using mosquito repellent spray which is readily available in South Africa.

• If you are sick whilst here, you will not be allowed to work with monkeys for a period of time.

• Please note that you must still ensure that you have adequate medical/travel insurance for the

duration of your stay in South Africa; please see the FAQ page on our web site for more details.

WEATHER

The summer season covers September through to March when the sun is particularly intense, and the air

hot and humid, with average daily temperatures of 28°C, peaking at around 35°C.

A warm dry winter begins in April and ends in August. Although the days are generally sunny, the nights

and early mornings can be cooler so long sleeve tops will come in handy then. The average daily

maximum temperature is 15°C, with temperatures peaking at around 22°C


MORE ABOUT WORKING WITH VERVET MONKEYS

During the baby season (Nov – Feb) there is a possibility volunteers will work with baby monkeys, nearly

all orphaned and traumatised. We introduce them to foster mothers and crèche groups, ensuring each

baby is stabilised, healthy and able to drink from a bottle when handling them.

During the juvenile season (Mar – Oct), you may be able to see juniors being integrated into a troop

within our rehabilitation programme.

Baby rehabilitation involves volunteers handling the babies in their outdoor playpen, mixing up bottles of

milk, preparing foods and administering medicine if required.

You will feed and monitor them throughout the day, constantly checking their progress.

Be aware these babies will defecate and urinate on you quite happily - this is unavoidable so old clothes

are recommended. You must remember the vervet monkeys are wild animals so expect a few ‘nips’

whilst they play!

You will be helping to rehabilitate vervet monkeys into viable troops for release into protected reserves,

integrating them back into their natural environment.

Main Feed

• Each “Main Feed” involves the daily preparation and distribution of food to all of the monkeys in

the sanctuary. As a volunteer your duty would be to prepare the food bowls. You will cut, wash

and share out the fruit and vegetables equally before distributing the food bowls to the vervets.

• Seed pods and fruits are also picked from our indigenous trees on a regular basis.

• Each and every day, volunteers and staff prepare bowls of food to feed over 500 vervets in our

rehabilitation programme.

• The food bowls consist of fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts and leaves, bought from local suppliers

and distributors in the Letaba area.

Monitoring

• This is a crucial and important job as you will monitor and observe each monkey within the

sanctuary, checking for any injuries, stress or sickness - reporting information back to “base” to

ensure the vervets are in the best of health.

• This task is done daily; you will usually have a 2-day to 3-day shift rotation whilst monitoring to

provide continuity of observation.

Volunteers often grow attached to individuals they have rehabilitated, many from birth until adulthood.

A deep understanding of the monkey’s welfare, conservation and their similar human emotions bonds

volunteers to their world. You can experience that same bond.

WORKING ROUTINE

• Volunteers will be expected to be on call at all times, including weekends. You should be prepared

for often challenging and hard work, based around a shift rota with other volunteers. A typical work

day is 8 hours per day depending on the time of year...

• You will be presented with a day off each week that you may use to travel to the local town of

Tzaneen to purchase supplies or to relax.

• Volunteering can be an altogether rewarding experience, working together with like minded

individuals. You will be able to see at firsthand how your actions are benefiting the vervet monkey

and the people striving to protect this threatened primate of Africa.

• Volunteers are the life blood of the sanctuary’s development. You will be involved in constructing

new enclosures and facilities, often painting, wire twisting, knot tying, digging, fastening or even

pouring cement. Each new enclosure or facility enables the sanctuary to do more for the monkeys in

their care.


WHY VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA?

South Africa is the perfect volunteering destination offering a vibrant mix of culture, wildlife, warm &

friendly people, sunshine, spectacular scenery, beaches and an endless variety of unique experiences and

adventures to suit every taste and pocket.

With a young and thriving democracy, South Africa is an exciting place to be, and as a volunteer you can

play an important role in our ongoing transformation towards a better life for our children, the

conservation of some of the world’s most important habitats, and the care and rehabilitation of

remarkable African wildlife.

South Africa offers you excellent value for money and whether it is relaxing in the wilderness, filling your

days with adventurous activities, or enjoying great South African food and hospitality, you will never be

short of things to do. For example - Table Mountain in Cape Town is one of the World's 7 Natural

Wonders - you can enjoy a stunning 2 hour hike to the top for FREE!

During your stay in South Africa you can...

• See 'really wild' wildlife in their natural environment...

• Enjoy a wide variety of exciting and authentic experiences in a unique setting...

• Relax on spectacular beaches...

• Interact with locals and hear their stories...

• Explore stunning landscapes unique to South Africa...

• Discover a mix of cultures old and new...

• Try shark cage diving, skydiving and the world's highest bungee jump...

• Enjoy Cape Town's vibrant nightlife socialising with new friends...

• Drink water straight from the tap - we have the world's 3rd best rated drinking water...

• Feed your soul in an enriching social environment...

• See the night sky and millions of stars like never before...

• Reawaken your senses in wide open spaces with warm weather and blue skies...

These are just some of the experiences and memories that you can take home from your trip to South

Africa, not to mention new friends made, photographs and stories to share with family and friends back

home, and a new found sense of self that will stay with you long after your journey ends...


WHAT CAN I DO IN CAPE TOWN?

Without doubt, Cape Town is South Africa's most beautiful, romantic and popular city and recently came

1st in the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Destination Awards.

Dominated by the world famous landmark of Table Mountain and blessed with a spectacular coastline

and a Mediterranean-type climate, Cape Town has a variety of attractions to appeal to every visitor.

When you arrive in Cape Town you will have access to a wealth of resources with the assistance of the

AVIVA team and an excellent tourist information centre in the City. There is so much to see and do that

you will probably struggle to fit everything into your schedule.

We will happily assist you with recommendations, bookings and advice on everything from Shark Diving

to Sky Diving, so if you've been hankering to abseil off Table Mountain or want to see Nelson Mandela's

cell on Robben Island, you won't be disappointed.

Before you arrive you might like to check out the web pages below for a few ideas:

• www.aviva-sa.com/frequently-asked-questions-detail.php?id=13

• www.capetown.travel/

Cape Town Tours...

If you are adding extra time in Cape Town, you also have the option of joining the following day tours.

We can book these for you at the best rates and each tour includes pick-up and drop-off from AVIVA

House:

• Cape Peninsula - A full-day Peninsula Tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak

Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day

rich with history and some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.

• Cultural - A half-day Cultural Tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa’s recent political history

before and after Apartheid, includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa’s second largest township

after Soweto.

• Winelands - A full-day tour to the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands including the Paarl,

Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Wine tastings and lunch are included.

Whatever you want to do, your Volunteer Coordinator at AVIVA House will be very happy to assist you

with bookings and useful advice on the best local service providers.


ACCOMMODATION @ AVIVA HOUSE

AVIVA House in Table View (a suburb of Cape Town) provides a safe, secure home from home for

volunteers who are working at local projects or taking time-out from projects further afield to explore

Cape Town and the Western Cape. This will be your home during the optional Cape Town Week.

AVIVA House is close to the main MyCiti Bus route for cheap reliable access to the centre of Cape Town &

the V&A Waterfront. In Table View you will find a wide range of shops and restaurants, and of course,

some great beaches with scenic views of Table Mountain and Cape Town across the bay.

With great shopping facilities and a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, Table View is a popular

destination for locals throughout Cape Town.

A laundrette offering a drop-off and collect service is only 5 minutes walk from AVIVA House. Laundry is

charged at approx R50 per 5kg load, and includes washing, powder, dry and fold.

AVIVA House is comfortably furnished with all the facilities you might expect to help make your stay as

enjoyable as possible.

Facilities:

• A full-time Volunteer Coordinator (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm), who is also available for emergencies during

evenings, weekends and Public Holidays.

• Separate Male and Female dormitory accommodation - spacious with good quality mattresses,

bedding and linen provided. A Twin Room is also available at extra cost, please ask about availability.

• Full kitchen facilities - Oven, fridges, microwave, toaster, kettle and everything you need for

preparing meals.

• Milk, tea, coffee and sugar are provided.

• A telephone for incoming calls.

• Comfortable lounge with a Hi-Fi and Satellite TV.

• A lockable cupboard for your valuables and groceries.

• Shower and toilet facilities.

• Premises are cleaned and inspected daily (Mon-Fri)

• A large private garden for entertainment/relaxation complete with breakfast tables, a built in braai (A

South African style BBQ) and a large pool.

• A Wi-Fi Hotspot and computer are available for you to access the Internet at very cheap rates (approx

20c per Mb). You can also logon to the Internet if you bring a Wi-Fi enabled laptop.

• Extra storage cupboards for luggage and personal items.

• AVIVA House is safe and secure with electrical fencing and a magnetic lock on the entrance gate.

You will be issued with a coded magnet key to allow you to come and go 24 hours a day.

You can view photos of AVIVA House here:

• www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.363473283667192.104914.164552156892640&type=3


PACKING FOR MY TRIP

For the winter months you are advised to bring some warm clothes as the early mornings and late

evenings can be very cold then. Sunscreen is an absolute must at any time of year, along with a hat and

UV protected sunglasses.

You should bring comfortable old clothes such as t-shirts, shorts and long pants that you don’t mind

getting dirty or torn. You can also bring a separate set of clothes for evening use or travelling. Avoid

synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Medium weight, broken-in hiking boots are

also useful.

If you are bringing your mobile phone and would like to take advantage of cheaper local call rates in

South Africa, you can purchase a South African Sim card and Airtime Vouchers here. Please remember to

unlock your phone before you leave home, and don’t forget your Sim Unblocking Pin Code.

Hand Baggage: Normal limit 5-7kg depending on airline

Passport

Visa (if required for stays of more than 90 days)

Tickets

Insurance Policy

Mobile Phone & charger

Contact Numbers & a copy of your Travel Itinerary (print from MyTrip™)

Wallet/Purse

Approx R500 in cash for initial spending money

Credit Cards (Don’t forget your PIN’s)

Photo ID Driving Licence (if you plan to hire a car at any time, or are willing to help with driving duties)

Toiletries/Make-up – Be aware of limits on the quantities of fluids that can be carried in hand baggage.

Personal Medication (if required)

Books/Magazine for the flight & spare time on the reserve

Camera, Film/Card, Rechargeable Batteries & Charger

Binoculars – 8x42 or 10x42 are ideal for wildlife, birds, whale watching etc.

iPod / mp3 player – don’t forget your charger

UV Filter Sunglasses - if you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring an extra pair.

Suitcase: Normal limit 20Kg depending on airline

Casual / long trousers / Jeans

Shorts / Skirts / Beach-shorts / Bikini / Underwear

Long sleeve Sweater / Blouse / Shirts / Polo / T-Shirts

Lightweight waterproof jacket

Trainers / Walking shoes / boots / Beach Sandals / Flip flops

Electric Razor/Hairdryer

Washing Gear & Toiletry bag, Toothbrush, Paste & Towels

Water bottle, Alarm Clock and Watch

Sunhat with wide brim (dull colour)

Work gloves (optional)

Mosquito Net – You can hang this on the hook provided above your bed

Personal First Aid Kit (e.g. antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhoea tablets, re hydration drinks, headache tablets,

hand sanitizer etc)

Your own adaptor for charging equipment (3 rounded pin system)

Sleeping bag & liner

A hand held torch or head torch, and a camping light for your cabin (battery operated or rechargeable)


HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

1 Read this project sheet for information about your activities and much more.

2 Check for available Start Dates and Durations on our web site using this link here:

http://www.aviva-sa.com/vervet-monkey-sanctuary-tzaneen.php

3 Apply online – Our Booking Form is very easy to complete and there is no obligation.

4 We will provisionally reserve your placement and reply to you by email the next working day.

5 Login to MyTrip™ with the Username & Password we send to you and check your handy

‘To Do List’, detailed itinerary & payment schedule.

You can login as often as you like.

6 When you are happy, you can login to MyTrip™ to pay your deposit.

Congratulations, your placement is now confirmed!

7 ‘Like’ our Facebook Page to keep up to date with all the latest photos, tips and news:

http://www.facebook.com/AVIVA.Volunteer.In.South.Africa

8 Our friendly, professional team in Cape Town have a wealth of experience and will provide you

with full support and assistance before you travel.

WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO?

We believe that it is important for you to know how your money is spent and ensure that your fee is

structured to give you maximum value for money.

As you will see from the chart and fee breakdown below, the majority of your fee goes towards your

project experience, food & accommodation. All prices are shown in South African Rands (R).

For a 2-week stay @ R7250

R5250 Project Fee

R600 Marketing

R800 Administration

R600 VAT & Banking

Project

Marketing

Admin

Banking & VAT

Documents

Vervet Monkey Sanctuary - Volunteer Project Sheet · • Monitoring and report writing of monkeys ... After your project, we will escort you back to ... The summer season covers September