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FAQ
To make your search to the questions you need answered as simple as possible, we have categorized our FAQs. Click on one of the topics in the list below, and you will get an overview of all frequently asked questions regarding that topic, then click on the question you want to know the answer to and it will show up immediately!
TOPICS:
Choosing programs, application and payment:
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Kameleon and it's services:
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CHOOSING PROGRAMS, APPLICATION AND PAYMENT
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Can I combine projects?
Yes, you can! We encourage you to create your own program to suit your preferences and wishes. Of course, we are more than happy to help you to design your program.
Can I do one or several projects together with my friend or partner?
Yes, you can. Obviously this does depend on availability at the projects you want to go to, but in principle it is no problem. Do note though that it is possible that you will be sharing a bedroom together with others. For couples, the projects will try to make arrangements, but cannot guarantee that you will have a room to yourselves. Obviously, whether you come alone, with friends or your partner, the experience is made more memorable when socialising with other volunteers and/or guests at the projects!
I don't have a lot of time but I would really like to do a couple of the wildlife volunteer projects, can you help me?
We are more than happy to try and work out a program with you if you have a limited amount of time, please contact us to discuss it further.
How far in advance do I need to apply?
We advise you to book several months in advance, in order to secure a place on the project of your choice. This will also give you plenty of time to save up and to prepare your trip, which is never a bad thing! However it if you are able to be a bit more flexible and are only able to book at short notice then contact us and we will see what we are able to sort out for you. Whatever it is we are sure that you won't be disappointed!
Are there any requirements to apply for a project?
No previous experience is required, but an active and enquiring mind, a willingness to learn and to participate is essential. You need to be at least 18 years at the time of travel to be able to participate in any of Kameleon's projects. There is no maximum age on our wildlife projects. The work on most of the projects can be very physical and you will be working in the fierce African sunshine for most of the time so being healthy in body and mind is a definite advantage!
If you are interested in doing an internship, we will discuss this more fully with you at the time of application to understand your needs, what your college or university demands and the suitability of your chosen projects.
How do I apply?
You can book by filling out the appropriate form and either send it online, fax it or post it. We will send you a confirmation of your booking within 5 days of receiving your application.
I've returned the application form, is my place reserved now?
Upon receipt of your application, we will check with the projects to see whether a place is available and send you a confirmation of your booking. Your place is reserved as soon as you pay the non-refundable deposit, however, Kameleon reserves the right to offer your place to someone else if the full amount is not paid within the required time.
What does Kameleon do with the information provided on the application forms?
The information that you provide us with is for our own administration and for that of the project(s) you sign up for. We will not pass it on to any other organisation without your permission.
How do I pay for my program?
Within five days of receiving your application, we will send you confirmation of your placement and ask you to pay the non-refundable deposit. As soon as your deposit has cleared, we will send you our comprehensive Pre-Departure Pack and inform you of your outstanding balance. In order to secure your place, you will need to pay the balance at least 10 weeks before your program starts. Should you apply within the 10 weeks the full amount is payable immediately. Payments can be made by internet transfer, bank transfer, cheque or credit card.
I am not from the UK. Can I still apply?
Yes. Please contact us for more information. We are happy to help you!
How much of my fee goes into the projects?
Most of it! The bulk of your fee goes straight to the projects you attend to cover your itinerary, equipment, meals and accommodation. We take the projects, you and conservation very seriously. Obviously we are a business and have to take a certain amount out to cover our costs and to promote the projects, but it is more important to us that the projects are able to provide you with the experience that you are paying for and still have enough to put back into conservation and the animals that they are providing for. This is also why we decided to keep our running costs as low as possible to enable us to pay the projects more of your money than our competitors do. The projects get more, you still pay a competitive rate and we make enough to keep us going. We aim to make everybody happy!
KAMELEON AND IT'S SERVICES
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What is Kameleon's main aim?
The main aim of our company is to recruit volunteers to take part in hugely valuable projects, not only so that you can benefit from the knowledge and rewarding work that the projects offer, but so that the projects themselves benefit from your participation. Your support is vital for the survival of many habitats and animals in Africa and each project has been handpicked by us for the quality of the educational program, the passion of the teams and their dedication to conservation and wildlife.
For more information on Kameleon, please go to About Us
What happens if there is an emergency?
Should something happen that requires any medical treatment the project leader or Kameleon will make sure that you get to a GP or hospital in the near vicinity if necessary. For any other problems, you can always contact us. We are more than willing to help you!
What support and guidance can I expect?
The very best! We have handpicked all the projects ourselves for their quality and dedication. We keep in close contact with them throughout the year and visit them regularly to ensure they are still up to scratch. As Kameleon is located in the direct vicinity of the projects, you have us as your contact person close by. A comforting thought for both you and your loved ones back home. You can always contact us directly as well, before, during or after your trip. We aim to provide you with all the necessary information and help you prepare for the time of your life!
Can you arrange my flights?
Unfortunately we are unable to book your flights for you, but we are more than happy to help you in finding the best deal possible! Please also check our helpful links on finding flights and much more.
Is South Africa a safe country to visit?
In any foreign country you will come in to contact with different people, habits and rules. This is part of the appeal, but is also something to keep in mind. South Africa might not have the best reputation when it comes to crime, however, levels of crime are no higher than in many other countries around the world including London and Amsterdam. As long as you are sensible and use your common sense you should have no problems. This means not flashing your camera, jewellery and cell phone around in big cities and exercising caution when withdrawing money from an ATM.
Our projects are all situated in the bush, around the little town of Hoedspruit, where the pace of life is definitely more relaxed than in big cities and where we really feel safe! Again, just be sensible and don't do things that you wouldn't do at home, such as walk anywhere at night on your own. Most of all don't forget there are more and more people coming to visit South Africa as tourists and having the time of their lives and you are going to be one of them!!
For more information, please check our useful links for e.g. the current situation in any country and for health advice.
Do I need insurance?
Absolutely, it is essential to have a medical and travel insurance. Please make sure that when looking for the best deal that it covers you for everything that you are planning on doing ie. horse riding, bungee jumping etc. It won't be any good having found the cheapest insurers possible if they don't cover you for what you are getting up to! Better to be safe than very sorry!
Do I need a Visa?
When arriving from the UK and staying in South Africa for less than 90 days, you will automatically receive a visa upon entering South Africa. If you intend to be in South Africa for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa at the South African Embassy in your own country prior to departure. Requirements depend on the nature of your visit. Please look at our links for more detailed information on visas.
Do I need any vaccines for South Africa?
Yes. For information on the exact vaccines and malaria medication necessary, please contact your local GP, health office or MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Traveller Abroad). Please note that the vaccines required can change over time and that the need for malaria medication depends on the time of year that you visit South Africa. So even if you have been to South Africa before please take the time to check it out! Also bear in mind that if you are intending to travel before or after your program with us you may need to bring extra medication.
When do I need to arrive in South Africa?
As a volunteer, you must arrive, at the latest, on the start date of your program. Depending on your choice of project, you need to fly either into HOEDSPRUIT EASTGATE airport or PHALABORWA airport where the project will meet you.
Please note that you will need to fly via the international airport of Johannesburg before flying onto Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa.
What do I need to take with me?
What you need to bring along depends on the project(s) you visit and the time of year you go to South Africa. As soon as we receive your deposit we will send you our comprehensive Pre-departure Pack. In it you will find a lot of information, including a detailed list of what to bring to the project(s), but to give you an idea, you should be packing the following items regardless of which project you attend:
- Natural coloured clothing and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Personal toiletries
- Sunscreen lotion
- Insect repellent
- Malaria tablets (if visiting the project(s) at a time of year when there is a malaria risk)
- Powerful flashlight (and batteries)
- Sunglasses
- Passport, medical and travel insurance documents
- Water bottle
- A big smile!!
How much pocket money will I need?
This obviously depends on what you want to do whilst you are at the projects and whether you are doing any pre- or post-travel. We advise you to take a look at the available excursions in the area to see if there are any that take your fancy! This is likely to be your biggest spending area. Apart from that, budget for emailing at the projects or internet shops (approx. 1 ZAR per minute), buying souvenirs and for going out to a restaurant and/or pub about once a week. Socialising is very cheap according to Western European standards, by the way!
What languages do I need to speak?
There are 11 official languages spoken in Southern Africa, so we won't expect you to be fluent in them all! It is advisable to have a basic understanding of the English language should you come from a foreign speaking country, as the project leaders will address you in English.
What kind of meals can I expect on the projects?
If your chosen project is self-catering then all the ingredients will be provided and the sky is the limit when it comes to imagination! For catered projects breakfast is often self-service and you can choose between toast and cereals. Lunch is usually a light snack of sandwiches or salads depending on the project that you are visiting. Dinner is a cooked meal and the South Africans are big meat eaters, so you can expect a variety of meat (beef, chicken, pork, lamb or game) as well as your veggies and potatoes, rice and pasta are also served frequently. Not forgetting the traditional South African Braai (BBQ) with 'pap' (a porridge made from corn flour) covered with a tomato and onion sauce. Of course, the projects cater for vegetarians too, as well as people with any other dietary requirements. Just make sure that fill out any requirements on your application form and we will make sure that we inform the projects.
Will I have access to a phone or the internet?
Yes. Several of the projects allow you to use their phone and internet facilities for a nominal fee. All project leaders will go to town at least once a week to stock up on supplies and you are welcome to join them and use the internet in one of the internet shops. Phoning overseas is possible as well in town. It is also a good idea to bring your cell phone along, you can buy a SIM card in Hoedspruit for next to nothing which makes texting and phoning much cheaper!
What is the best time of year to go to the projects?
The projects that we offer operate all year round. Naturally, the weather varies greatly throughout the year, which does effect the wildlife populations and the ease that you are able to spot them! Remember that in South Africa the seasons are the opposite of ours and being in the Lowveld, you will wonder what they mean by winter there... From approx May to September the temperature during the day usually varies between 20-30C, with some drops to 15C. At night, it can get really cold! This is the dry season, and especially towards September the bush looks dry and barren, however, this is the best time for spotting animals!
Summertime is from October to April with the temperatures climbing towards 40C+. This will certainly not happen everyday, but be aware if you go during these months that you will be in the heat and that the humidity is also extremely high as it is building up for rain. Night temps average around 20C. Going towards December the bush will become lush after the rains and an abundance of flowers spring from the soil. It does make spotting game a little more of a challenge, but when you do see game you will often be rewarded with looking at young babies as well as their parents.
In short, the best time to go totally depends on you!
Will I have any free time?
This varies depending on the project. At the Game Farm, one of our Wildlife Volunteer Projects, you should have ample time to relax, swim in the pool and get a nice tan! On other projects, the days may be fuller with working on and with the animals, but there too you will have some free time and the evenings are generally yours to relax and enjoy the sounds of the African night! The question is whether you want a lot of free time, with all these amazing things to do and happening around you?!!
Can I stay longer / Can I do any pre- or post-project travels?
If you discover that those two weeks at a certain volunteer project weren't enough, you can always extend your stay or come back! Providing of course, that there is still a place available. You can contact us to sort it out for you.
South Africa is a vast country of such variety and beauty that even months may not be enough to see it all. Our projects are situated in a stunning area, which many claim to be the most beautiful part of South Africa. However, there is more to see and we definitely recommend that you explore more of this country!
I have a couple of questions but I can't find the information on your website…
Should you have any questions or remarks after browsing through our website, you are more than welcome to contact us. You can find our contact details under 'Contact Us'.
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