Garden Route Rescue Sanctuary Project South Africa

Via Volunteers

We are passionate about ethical volunteering, and only support sustainable long term projects that are developed through genuine community and conservation needs.

Being an ethical volunteer is a mindset; it’s about having a realistic understanding of what you can achieve during your placement, and it’s about honestly appraising your own motivations for volunteering in the first place. With these considered, you will be able to make the most of your experience, and make an impact where it matters.

With more than 17 years’ experience organizing placements for thousands of volunteers from more than 60 countries, Via Volunteers is the ideal choice for volunteering in South Africa.

We will provide you with excellent pre-arrival support to help you prepare for every aspect of your journey, and will make sure you have all the information you need to plan your trip.

Every project includes airport transfers, accommodation, orientation, in-country support, and a certificate of appreciation as standard. Some projects also include meals, a name badge, and transport where needed.

During your stay, our team will be available to assist you with organizing activities, giving advice, getting you to a doctor if needed and lots more. We are parents ourselves, so we always treat volunteers the way we would like our children to be treated and cared for if they were overseas.

Will I need a visa to enter South Africa?- At this time, volunteers from USA, Canada, EU, Australia, and New Zealand do NOT need a visa before arrival. Volunteers from above mentioned locations will be granted a 90-day tourist visa on presenting your passport on arrival at the airport.

Volunteers from other countries should apply for a “tourist visa” NOT a “work visa” at your nearest South African embassy or consulate at least 4 weeks before your intended date of arrival in South Africa. We do strongly advise that you contact your local South African consulate as visa regulations and requirements are subject to change.

Airport Transfers: Airport transfers are provided on both arrival and departure days. The closest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport located in Port Elizabeth (now also called Gqeberha.)

On application we will advise availability and what arrival date will be best

Outline costs and what the costs include or don’t include (accomodation, food, transport etc) State costs in US$

14 days – $900

28 days – $1800

As a volunteer, you will be assisting in many different activities at our facility:

• Feeding
• Food and vitamin preparations
• Collection of donations
• Animal record keeping
• Maintaining of our enclosures
• Creating enrichment items
• Assisting in educational tours
• Perimeter fence checks
• Bush clearing and alien plant removal on the reserve
• Bush walks/monitoring of free roaming wildlife
• Assisting/observing veterinary procedures (should they happen during your stay)
• Overall assisting in the day to day running of the facility.

Morning

Each day will begin with a light breakfast of tea, coffee, toast, and cereals.

Work Time

Work time will vary be between 5-8 hours a day depending on the needs of the facility during your time with us. Each day there will be a 2-hour lunch break to ensure ample time to “refuel.” During the hot summer months, we may alter the schedule to eliminate any heavy work during the hottest times of the day.

**Important Note** You may be required to assist in the preparation of the big cats’ meals, which is often cow, horse, chicken, or antelope meat. This may also include removing meat from the bone and working with or around carcasses.

Evening

During the evenings, volunteers will have the opportunity to unwind and relax. It’s a great time to reconnect with family and friends from home or share stories with other volunteers around a fire about the day’s happenings. Having a South African “braai” is a favourite and an absolute must during your stay!

Meals

Food: Self-serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are self-catering, but food will be provided on a weekly basis. Once a week minimum “shop trips” will be done into town so volunteers can purchase any extra items they may want. **Please contact us about dietary restrictions, allergies, etc.

Your Accommodation

Accommodation is provided on site, and only a short walking distance from the lion enclosures. **BONUS** You may just hear the lions roaring at night!

Keep in mind that the reserve is home to various free roaming game, which means you could have some “wild” visitors. i.e. giraffe, zebra, vervet monkeys, kudu, impala, other various buck species, and more.

Accommodation is shared in same sex rooms in a tented camp that may vary pending availability.

Bed linens will be provided, but we do suggest bringing a travel sleeping bag or extra blanket/pillows based on individual preference.

An average “work week” is Monday-Friday. Volunteers will have an opportunity to use their weekends for local travel or straight relaxation! Our Sanctuary is located along the Garden Route of South Africa just outside Jeffreys Bay, so the opportunities are endless!

Here are a few examples of nearby activities within the area:

• Bungee jumping
• Whale watching
• Skydiving
• National Parks such as Tsitsikamma & Addo Elephant National Park
• Beach activities such as surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding
• Many amazing local restaurants and breweries

There are many reliable local transportation options that can be utilized for these opportunities. Should you wish to do a trip to a local tourist hot spot with staff from the Sanctuary, this can be arranged at a nominal fee.