FAQs – Your Conservation Safari Questions, Answered
Laundry
There are laundry facilities at the camp. Washing can be provided to all guests for a small additional fee as and when needed.
Towels And Linen
We will supply you with towels during your stay. Linen is provided at the camp, and guests are not required to bring their own.
Plugs And Adaptors
South Africa uses two and three pin plugs on a 220V electrical standard. Adapter plugs are available for purchase at the airport.
Hot Water
Yes. Hot water is generally available at all times whilst at the camp.
Electricity
Yes. However, the supply of electricity can sometimes be interrupted.
Time Off
You are welcome to enjoy time off if you should prefer this over a particular activity.
Why Join Our Mission? The Impact of Your Conservation Safari
Our conservation safaris aren’t just about incredible wildlife encounters – they’re about joining a passionate community dedicated to protecting Africa’s natural heritage. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of wildlife ambassadors, empowered with hands-on knowledge and experiences to take home and share with the world. Through immersive education from our expert team, you’ll understand the challenges and triumphs of Kalahari conservation firsthand. We welcome your feedback and ideas, fostering a true collaboration. Our small group approach ensures meaningful connections, and our ethical focus sets us apart. This isn’t just a trip, it’s a place where you belong in the fight for a wilder, healthier future. Our aim is to make this your home in a place far from home!
More FAQ’s
Activities – How much do these cost?
Nothing!
Our wildlife monitoring and research takes place 365 days a year irrespective of guests in camp. You therefore do not need to pay to join them and all lodge guests are welcome to voluntarily join our wildlife monitoring/research team for free when out on their daily activities. You can view our accommodation rates on our Pricing page and the Activities we engage in.
Age – How old do I need to be?
No children under the age of 12 years unless the camp is reserved exclusively.
As above, children under the age of 3 years stay free, 3-12 years at 50% of regular rate.
Whilst there is no maximum age restriction, to join working with wildlife does require some physical activity however, you are not required to be Olympic athletes.
How long can I participate for?
There are no time limits! Given the distances travelled to/from the reserve, we advise a minimum stay of 3 nights. In order to experience a greater variety of activities, we recommend staying for a week.
Are meals included?
Catered and self-catered options are available.
Catered option includes 3 meals daily plus snacks on drives (excludes alcoholic beverages and soft drinks)
What about my dietary requirements?
Special dietary requirements (gluten free, vegan, dairy free) are available at an additional $10 p.p.p.n (Severe allergies cannot be catered for and those guests will need to self-cater).
Are flights included in the price?
No. The advertised prices include your accommodation, meals, daily conservation fees (21%) and taxes (15%) only.
Check in/Check out times
Check-in 2pm/Check-out 11am
Vaccinations
As a guest, you may come in contact with wild animals and therefore, it is important that you have an up-to date tetanus vaccination (within the past 10 years). Please seek professional medical advice rather than our FAQs regarding any other vaccinations that you wish to get before travelling to the project.
Malaria?
This project is not situated in a malaria area. However, we do recommend that you consult with a qualified medical practitioner before travelling. We do recommend that guests bring with DEET spray to assist in preventing mosquito/tick bites, even though our mosquito and tick densities are comparatively very low. You can read more about the area and the reserve on our About page.
Travel insurance?
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our guests and an important FAQ. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate a guest that does not comply. We do require that you forward your policy details to us before joining the project so we can have this on record in the event of an emergency. Please make sure that your travel insurance policy covers you for working with wildlife in South Africa, and helicopter transport in the event of an emergency.
Visa requirements?
Please visit the following site to see if you require a VISA before joining the project: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/countries-exempt-from-sa-visas
How will I get to and from the project?
You can either make your own way to the camp, or (*NOT INCLUSIVE) transfers can be arranged to/from O.R Thambo International Airport at an additional rate. The same shuttle can be arranged to take you back to O.R Thambo International Airport at the end of your stay!(*NOT INCLUSIVE) Private chartered flights can also be arranged at an additional cost
Deposit?
All guests are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of your total booking fee. The remainder of the balance is to be paid at least 60 days before your scheduled arrival at the project.
How can I pay you?
EFT – We will forward you our payment details so that payment can be transferred to our South African bank via a swift code. PayPal – Payment can also be made via PayPal. This does not necessarily require you to have PayPal, as payment can also be made via VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diner’s Club, and EnRoute. However, if PayPal is chosen as the preferred method of payment, we will be required to add 6% to the total price in order to cover the transaction fees. PayBridge – Bookings made through our Book Now page can be processed via a secure payment gateway (PayBridge) at no additional rate using all common card options.
What is the accommodation like?
Guests are placed in shared rooms whilst attending the project. Each room has two single beds and/or a Queen bed for couples. All tents are en-suite with a toilet and shower. Please visit our “About” page for pictures of the accommodation at the camp. Single supplement rates are available.
When can I attend the project?
Wildlife doesn’t stop and take a break, so why should we? The project runs 365 days of the year. Please Contact us for availability, or to book, you can visit our Book Now page.
Spending money?
Guests can draw money at the ATM’s or Banks at the airport prior to departing. We recommend that guests exchange money into South African Rands (ZAR) as other currencies are not widely accepted. The camps has a small shop offering essential items and a few perishables. Please note that the shops accepts cash only.
Snakes/Spiders/Scorpions/Ticks?
This project is located in the heart of the Kalahari and as a result, encounters with snakes, scorpions, spiders, and ticks are indeed possible. Whilst a conscious effort is made to remove those that pose a threat to guests and staff, it is impossible to prevent such encounters entirely. We urge guests to be mindful of this, and advise guests to use a flashlight at night and to always wear closed shoes. Please make sure that your travel insurance policy covers you for working with wildlife in South Africa, and helicopter transport in the event of an emergency.
Passports?
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining, and has at least one blank page available (excluding the last page).
Sim cards?
South African sim cards can be obtained at the airport upon arrival or in town at a later time. We recommend that guests choose MTN as their network coverage is the best whilst at the camp.
Health and Safety?
The nearest reputable hospital to the reserve is located in Vryburg which is approximately 250km away! However, the camp does have a first aid kit and a qualified first aider on site. Please make sure that your travel insurance policy covers you for working with wildlife.
Alcohol and drugs?
We are not opposed to guests enjoying a sundowner or a few drinks with/after dinner, but we do encourage guests to consume alcohol in moderation. Drugs are strictly prohibited.
Internet?
Some might argue this to be the most important of all the FAQs. We do have Wi-Fi at camp, and there are certain spots at the camp where internet coverage is available with your cellular provider. We recommend that guests make use of the MTN network. Please understand that the reserve is extremely remote, and that internet coverage is not always guaranteed.
Weather?
A common FAQ. The Kalahari Desert has some of the biggest temperature variations around the world. Summer is generally extremely hot (~40°C) during the daytime, whilst evening winter temperatures can drop below freezing. We base our activities around the weather, and will relax in the shade when it’s too hot!
Ready to start your South African Kalahari conservation experience? Contact us today!
More questions, read our FAQs or our Testimonials.