South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary
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South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Trip code: SACH

This is an extremely exciting project, allowing you the opportunity to volunteer and train alongside our closest relative, the chimpanzee. This programme is endorsed by Jane Goodall, a leading pioneer in primate research and offers you the chance to work at a large and internationally recognised rehabilitation sanctuary for chimpanzees.


Overview
from £649
Location:

A private wildlife reserve, close to the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Duration & Price:

2 weeks £649, 4 weeks £1149, 8 weeks £2149, 12 weeks £3149.

Deposit:

£195 (balance due 12 wks before departure)

Accommodation:

Purpose built volunteer camp.

Meals:

3 meals a day.

Dates:

Starts 1st Monday of each month.

South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Orientation

On arrival at the programme you will be taken to meet your fellow volunteers and project staff and have some time to settle in. You will then begin your project orientation, which will cover important issues and also provide you with important information about the programme itself, such as:

  • An orientation of the programme location
  • Introduction to the team
  • A briefing on the programme and what will be happening over the next month
  • Health and safety Camp rules

Accommodation and Meals

Your accommodation during the programme will be in comfortable wooden chalets at an excellent purpose built camp, which is fully equipped to make your stay extremely secure and relaxing. Your Boma is an outside area that serves as an entertainment and open-air dining area, set on a hill and overlooking the unspoilt bush of the reserve, in a peaceful setting away from the lodge and Chimpanzee centre.

The bedrooms are based on two people sharing and are well equipped with pine-framed beds with duvets and linen, cupboards and chairs. The rooms are serviced daily and laundry can be done for you at a small charge. There are separate bathroom facilities with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. From time to time you will be able to access the internet.

You will be provided with 3 meals a day, all prepared for you by the chefs working at the nearby guest lodge. The food is therefore of a good standard and will brought to the camp each day.

These meals will usually consist of:

  • Breakfast – Selection of fruit, cereals, toast, spreads and coffee and tea
  • Lunch – Light meals ranging from cold meat and salads to burgers and sandwiches
  • Dinner – A variety of wholesome, cooked meals ranging from curries, BBQs and traditional Potjies.

Free Time

Located so close to the infamous Kruger National Park, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the stunning scenery around you and also spot the African Big 5, as you take part in the a free weekend tour and Kruger safari, included in the cost of this project.

You will have your Saturday afternoons and Sundays as free time to explore the area and try some of the fantastic optional excursions that this project offers you, such as:

  • Quad biking and mountain biking tours
  • River rafting
  • Scenic panorama tours and open vehicle safari
  • Hot air ballooning, Helicopter and microlight flights
  • Horseback trails
  • Endangered species and mammal rehabilitation tours, snake parks and cheetah project

These excursions can easily be arranged with your project coordinator during your time in South Africa, at your own extra cost. If you do not wish to take part in any excursions you are more than welcome to simply sit back and relax around the camp.

Being in South Africa means that you are close to Johannesburg, which is a major transport hub for overland tours. We have a number of different tours to choose from which, for example, could take you up into Botswana, through Zambia and Zimbabwe to the mighty Victoria falls and even take you all the way to Nairobi: We have tours that last from 7 days to 56. Please contact us to enquire about these options and we will be happy to send you further details and help you explore Africa in a safe and adventurous way.

You will also have a tour of Cape Town, visit a few local areas of interest and have an introductory BBQ.

Programme Support

Throughout your stay in South Africa you will have the support and guidance of the sanctuary manager and his team of guides and handlers. They will provide you with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you many need during your stay. In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Project Age Limit

Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participant’s health.

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