Vervet Monkey Sanctuary

When is the best time to volunteer?

As this project is based at a sanctuary, there are animals here year-round, however, there are two distinct seasons to be aware of:

November – February: This is considered baby season as it is when the majority of orphaned monkeys arrive at the sanctuary. It is during these months that volunteers are often involved in the hands-on care of these baby animals in preparation for their introduction to their vervet foster mothers.

This is also the hottest time of year, with average temperatures reaching highs of around 33°C (91°F) and lows of roughly 19°C (66°F), but is also the wettest time of year, although mostly with quick thunderstorms.

March – October: During these months the sanctuary team work to integrate the juveniles with their new troops and a lot of focus is on this introduction process and monitoring their progress. 

There is also varying weather throughout this period with March to May and September to October being perhaps the most comfortable times of year to volunteer, with daytime temperatures averaging around 29°C (84°F) before dropping to roughly 13°C (55°F) in the evening, and minimal rainfall during this period.

Winter is from June to August, and daytime temperatures range between 26-28°C (78-82°F) with lows of around 11°C (52°F). This is the driest time of year and is great for wildlife viewing and other excursions.

Getting There 

There are two main ways to get to the sanctuary; for both options, airport transfers are included in the price of the project, so it solely depends on your travel preferences:

Arrive at Hoedspruit Airport
You will need to book a flight that arrives into Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), arriving at any time on your project start date. You will then be met in the arrivals hall and take a private transfer to the sanctuary, which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Arrive at Johannesburg Airport
You will need to book a flight that arrives into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) before 8am on your project start date. A driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you to the shuttle bus station, a 1-hour drive away. At 9:45am, you will board a shuttle bus to Tzaneen, which will take approximately 4.5 hours. Once you arrive at the bus station in Tzaneen, you will be met by a project representative and be taken to the sanctuary, which will take around 25 minutes.

Visa Requirements

Most countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the majority of EU nations, do not require a visa to enter South Africa and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. To be allowed entry, you must have a passport with at least 2 blank pages for the immigration officials to use, and it must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.

If you're unsure about your specific visa requirements, we recommend contacting the South African embassy in your home country at least 2 months before your trip. It's important to note that obtaining a visa, should one be required, is your own responsibility.

Fitness & Skills

Prior experience is not required, but the project activities may involve some construction or maintenance work. Therefore, it is recommended that volunteers have a moderate level of fitness to contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in comfort. Working with infant animals can be demanding and may involve night shifts, so volunteers will need to be flexible and dedicated to the cause. The most important thing is to arrive with a positive attitude and willingness to work as a team. 

Vaccinations

To take part in this project, you must be vaccinated against Tetanus. Other vaccinations will depend on your medical history, and we recommend consulting your GP/Doctor regarding your own needs. We also recommend taking a look at the Fit for Travel website for more helpful information on how best to prepare for your experience.