Frequently Asked Questions

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Who can apply for the programs?

Wildlife veterinary experience

This program was designed to give hands-on veterinary experience with African wildlife.

However, prior experience in this field is necessary to be able to participate in this program.

If you are still unsure if this is a course for you, drop us an email!

In the bush

Anyone can apply to participate in this course.

If you are under 18 you must have a responsible adult chaperone with you for your stay with African Legends.

What animals will I work with?

Wildlife veterinary experience

You can expect to work with a range of African species. In the past our volunteers have assisted with giraffes, lions, buffalo, zebras and many different antelope species.

In the bush

Although you are not directly working with our African wildlife, with the work you will be doing you may unexpectedly be in close proximity with the wildlife as you will be working within their habitat.

What can I get from these programs?

Wildlife veterinary experience

This program is used as an experience for vet school and internship applications and can be added to your CV.

We can provide you with a reference letter if requested.

For those in the UK we are able to provide you with a QR code to gain 30 CPD hours for 1CPD.

African Legends will also provide you with an information pack with everything you will have covered in your program to take home.

 

In the bush

A unique experience used for those interested in field guiding, conservation and nature and can be used as experience on a CV.

We can provide you with a reference letter if requested.

African Legends will also provide you with an information pack with everything you will have covered in your program to take home.

What is the weather like?

Sunny days:

20 – 30 degrees C

Rainy days:

5-15 degrees C

Winter months in South Africa:

June – September

Nights/early morning:

0-10 degrees C

Body feeling in open cars:

-5-5 degrees C

What vaccinations will I need?

We recommend ensuring you have up to date:

  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B

Although not a requirement we highly recommend rabies work working with animals.

Typhoid is also highly recommended for all developing countries.

Eastern cape is a malaria-free and yellow fever-free area.

African Legends advise you visit your local GP/physician to book a travel clinic and discuss your vaccination status.

Do I need Insurance?

Private Travel & Medical Insurance are commissary requirements to attend this experience.

Please note working with wildlife can be dangerous. You are attending these courses under your own responsibility and understanding of the risks.

Please do not leave your country without MEDICAL and TRAVEL insurance.

In South Africa the public hospitals are not recommended and private health is expensive.

The African Legends indemnity form is required to be signed by the first day of the course, in addition game reserves and extra activities will often provide their own indemnity forms that require signing.

Do I need a visa?

Most volunteers traveling from other countries into South Africa recieve a free 90-day visitor visa.
These include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia.

You are responsible for visa requirements before departure.

African Legends are happy to help assist you with finding out this information.

See the Department of Home affairs’ list of countries exempt from South African visas.
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

What are the working requirements and times?

For both programs the working days will be monday – friday.

The time of day can vary depending on the activities so expect some early morning and late evening and even night time work.

Some of the work/activities with African Legends can be physically demanding so a fair level of fitness will be required.

What can I do on the weekends?

Weekends for our volunteers are free time, please see our additional activities page for some of our favourite free time activity recommendations.

African Legends will happily help you organise any of these activities, we kindly ask letting us know a few days in advance so there are no disappointments.

What should I pack?

Please download our packing suggestion list.

Download Volunteer Kit List

Download Safari Packing List

How do I get there?

When you reach your final destination of Port Elizabeth Airport PLZ (Gqebertha) one of our staff will be there to greet you.

The transfer to African Legends Reserve takes about 1.5 hours.

Depending on where you fly from when you land in either Cape Town or Johannesburg international airports you must collect your bags and re check them for customs clearance before your domestic flight to Port Elizabeth.

Is there phone signal?

Most international sim cards pick up signal in South Africa, however you may need to check your home tariff and charges as these can be expensive.

Sim cards can be acquired at the international airports (vodacom or MTN is preferable) but your smartphone will need to be unlocked to accept the forgein sim card.

We recommend downloading and activating ‘Whatsapp’ this is African Legends main form of communication on the projects and sharing photos.

You can contact us through this platform if there are any issues with your flights.
Most airports have limited free wifi for you to be able to contact us.

Wifi is available at the lodge.

What could you need money for during an African Legends course?

  • Extra meals/snacks
  • Additional activities
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Souvenirs

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