FAQs

1. What sort of person makes a good volunteer?

Attitude is more important than strength, skills or experience. Do pack your sense of humour, tolerance and flexibility (leopards do not necessarily read the daily program!)

2. Any age restrictions?

Anyone from 18 to 80 may be accepted at our discretion. Younger volunteers may be accepted if accompanied by a responsible older person.

3. What level of fitness is required?

Skilderkrantz is rugged and rather remote, and we do hard physical work, so to participate fully you will need a certain level of fitness and health. Having said that, not everyone necessarily needs to abseil from a helicopter wielding a huge chainsaw or lug the leopard cage up to the cave! Speak to us if you would like a gentler experience, as there is a lot to do in the Home Valley and around the gardens and guest houses. Maybe we can tailor something to your needs.

4. Why should I Pay for Volunteering?

Our project operates on very limited resources, and we simply do not have funds to subsidise volunteers. As you can imagine, our conservation work is very costly, and any profit made after ensuring you have a wonderful stay gets ploughed back into the project and to pay our permanent staff. So in more ways than one, your contribution ensures the survival of the work we are doing. Volunteers really are the lifeblood of projects such as ours.

5. Can I raise money to sponsor my trip?

By all means! Many volunteers have used creative means to raise the money for their experience. When sponsors realize the money is going towards conservation, they are often happy to contribute.

6. Do I need a Visa?

If you have a USA, Canadian, NZ, Australia or EU passport, you can enter the country for up to three months as a visitor without a visa. You will be granted a 3 months visitors permit on entering the country. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension (tourist visa, not working visa) at least 4 weeks before you require it. This can be done either at your nearest SA Consulate or from the Department of Home Affairs in SA. We recommend you get it before you come if possible, as Skilderkrantz is far from Port Elizabeth.

Visitors from other countries please enquire at your nearest SA consulate about obtaining a tourist visa.

7. How do I get to Skilderkrantz?

Fly to Cape Town or Johannesburg and then take a local flight to Port Elizabeth where we will collect you. If coming from Cape Town, you might also take a bus or coach trip along the Garden Route. Skilderkrantz is 2,5hrs drive from Port Elizabeth, 3 hours from George, the final 20km on a rough dirt road.

8.Can we volunteer as family groups, couples or friends?

Of course!! Just let us know what your requirements are.

9.What do I bring?

Documents: passport, vaccination certificates; driver’s licence if you have one; credit card; proof of comprehensive travel/medical insurance;

• bring preferably old or hard-wearing clothes to work in. Clothes do get worn and dirty. We suggest long light pants even in summer, as the vegetation can scratch your legs. Plus casual clothes for town trips.
• warm clothes (even in summer, nights can be chilly)
• raincoat
• small umbrella
• long-sleeved shirts for sun
• swimming costume and cool clothes
• hiking boots, sandals, socks
• sunglasses and hat, head-torch and batteries
• sunblock
• protective gloves
• sleeping bag , pad and linen inner sheath (for hot weather)
• tent (if coming for 4 weeks or longer)
• small daypack
• water bottle, towelsx2
• cheap watch/alarm
• pocket knife
• camera
• binoculars
• notebook and pens

10.What about personal toiletries?

At Skilderkrantz we try to use environmentally friendly, biodegradable toiletries as far as possible. We have delicious olive oil soap, shampoo and conditioner, laundry gel, and natural deodorant which you can buy here or bring your own. If, like me, you have hair that tangles easily, you may need to use small amounts of a “chemical” conditioner. We also still use chemical sunblock, as we have yet to find a good natural one. Citronella based products work well as insect repellants. Please bring your own. Otherwise please leave perfumes, sprays and other nasties etc at home, so as to disturb the aquatic life as little as possible when you swim! Hairdryers use a lot of power and your hair will survive fine without one, promise! OK, bring one if you insist!

• Personal medication.
• Old clothes etc to give to the local

11.Accommodation?

Is simple and rustic but clean and comfortable and depends on what is available. You may have your own room, or share with another, either in one of our guest houses or staff quarters. Ensuite or shared bathroom. Some houses have no electricity (we plan to install solar), so you cook on gas stoves and water is heated by gas/solar. Lighting is by means of gas or re-chargeable lamps.

12.What is Skilderkrantz’s smoking policy?

As Skilderkrantz is a place where people come to replenish their health, we would prefer no smoking at all. If you absolutely cannot do without, we ask that you roll handmade cigarettes during your stay and smoke in designated areas only. This is also from the point of view of fire hazard.

13.What about Food?

No, you will not have to fish and forage for berries, plentiful food is provided. We do try to eat healthy organic food as far as possible, and plan to grow much of our own. Volunteers prepare their own meals, although we do cook for you sometimes. Special dietary requirements by arrangement.

14.What is the weather like?

Generally our weather is very pleasant, not humid, but can get to 40°C in summer although never for days on end, and nights are usually comfortable. Winters can be frosty, especially at night, but then we have roaring fires and snug beds. We experience idyllic days year round, so the best is to relax and take what comes.

15.What is the best time to come?

Anytime is good, although for camping and swimming, mid September to March is best.

16.What hours will I work?

It is not our intention to work you to death, so there is time for day-dreaming and exploring too. Generally volunteers work Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm with one half day off in the week. Saturdays and Sundays are at leisure, unless there are plants that need watering for an hour or so on a Saturday, or leopard work if it crops up.

17.What other activities are included?

For those staying a month or longer, a 3 day camping trip in the Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve is included. If weather permits we camp under the stars, otherwise we stay in huts.

Town/Beach trips take place for those staying a month or longer once every two weeks or by arrangment.

18.What about Safety and Security?

Although Crime is prevalent in parts of South Africa and one needs to be sensible, we are blessed in that Skilderkrantz is a world apart in this respect. We live in a remote safe haven here, but are conscious of the extreme poverty surrounding us, so try to live simply and avoid leaving temptation lying about. Please leave your family jewels and designer wear at home. You will not need cash while at Skilderkrantz, and suggest you only draw what you need from the ATM on town trips.

When at Skilderkrantz you can relax: it is extremely safe here. When in town be relaxed but sensible: do not walk in unknown areas at night, even in daylight be aware and remember safety in numbers. Do not drape yourself with expensive jewellery, clothes and cameras. Look as if you know where you are going. Be alert at ATMs. Try not to draw cash at night. Lock car doors when stopping at traffic lights. Lock doors at night.

Never approach or corner wild or domestic animals and always follow instructions when working on the leopard project. Snakes do occur, but are just as keen to avoid you as you them. Ask about basic precautions.

Above all don’t worry!! We will be there to guide you and give advice

19.What about diseases?

The whole of the Eastern Cape is malaria free and generally there are no specific dangerous diseases to worry about. Rabies is extremely rare but does occur in wild and domestic animals, so never approach any unknown animal and report immediately if you are bitten or scratched.