It is compulsory to subscribe to an international travel/medical insurance. We will ask for a copy of your insurance policy with their 24h/7 days contact details before your arrival at DAKTARI.
You should pack for generally warm weather so you will need a hat, sunglasses, and high factor sun lotion. You should also bring a warm fleece jacket, because it can get very cold at night. You will be working with animals or building camps, so please do not bring your best clothes!
We have free Wi-Fi available at the campsite.
You might choose not to eat some types of foods for different reasons. The reasons may be to do with religion, culture, where you live in the world, beliefs about what is food – and sometimes you cannot eat some foods because they make you sick. DAKTARI will cater for you if you are vegetarian or vegan, but please understand that gluten free and organic products are very expensive and difficult to source locally. We would strongly advise you to provide and/or bring any food replacement needed for any intolerance or allergy you may have.
At DAKTARI, the day starts with a dog walk and breakfast followed by animal-related jobs done by volunteers and rotating children. Lessons are led by volunteers before and after lunch, with 1-to-1 sessions to assist children with difficult subjects. The afternoon includes feeding the animals, swimming, and more lessons. Social talks addressing common issues and dinner follow, with educational games before bed. Despite the long days, volunteering at DAKTARI is rewarding and impactful for less privileged children.
You will be teaching local children because we believe that education is the only way to a better future, and therefore we have developed an educational program with special focus on the environment and wildlife. We have included lessons in life skills about relationships, substance abuse, safe sex, violence and respecting your environment. We also care for animals that are hurt, orphaned or too tame to be rehabilitated into the wild. We provide them with good facilities, care and love. They also serve as a great education medium for the children who assist in the daily care, cleaning and feeding of these anima
All arrivals and departures at DAKTARI are on a Saturday. We will pick you up at the Hoedspruit airport or in Hoedspruit town if it’s more convenient for you.
South Africa does not have the reputation of being very safe, like many other countries in the world. However, DAKTARI is out in the bush and far from other people. It takes one hour to drive to Hoedspruit, and it is a very safe destination.
DAKTARI is not on the National Grid to have electricity. Fortunately, over the years we could invest in solar power, but this energy is limited and only available when the SUN is up. You are able to charge your devices in the meeting area. This charging station works during daylight hours only from 7am to 4.30pm. Please note that you won’t be able to use your hair dryer or straighteners at camp.
The climate in DAKTARI is subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. Summers (October to March) are humid with occasional thunderstorms while winters (May to August) are dry with mild temperatures. Wildlife viewing and safaris are favorable throughout the year, but temperatures and conditions can vary by area and altitude.
You will be taken to and checked by an English-speaking doctor in Hoedspruit. Based upon his assessment with our project manager a decision will be made as to the next steps to take to ensure the volunteers health and well being. This may include: provision of medicine and rest, further medical checks, being admitted to a local hospital, in serious cases we work with the insurance provider regarding repatriating the individual.
You do not need any specific vaccinations to enter the country, but doctors would recommend taking an antimalarial treatment just incase (during the summer months) and get a tetanus injection for safety of course. Contact your doctor for advice.
The requirement for a visa to enter South Africa depends on the country of origin. Citizens of countries such as France, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the USA, and England do not need a visa to enter South Africa and will obtain a free tourist visa when entering the country. It is advisable to check with the relevant embassy to confirm the visa requirements.
Yes, the volunteers have free time between lessons and meals. Saturdays and sundays are free. It is time to enjot the trip to town and go on excursions.
We do have 4 mains chalets for volunteers at DAKTARI, each one offering a capacity of 3 to 5 single beds. Male and Female are not mixed in the same chalet unless specific requests. You will be provided with sheets and blankets and towels. You do not need to bring any with you. Your bed laundry will be cleaned and changed once a week. We do provide a mosquito net. Each chalet is equipped with one bathroom including a toilet, a sink and a shower with hot and cold water. Except for chalet 2 & the cabins that have an outsite absolution block.