Volunteer Preflight Travel Information

Give back to others, see spectacular sights and cultures and have fun on a life changing experience

A LITTLE BIT OF PAPER WORK

Most of our volunteer projects require a little bit of paperwork before your arrival. Please read through the below requirements to see if they apply to you!

  • BOOKING FORM

    The last page of this document is a booking form, that will help us collect a bit more information about you to prepare for your arrival, along with your flight information. You may not have your exact details yet, but please fill out the general information and return the form to us as soon as possible. Once your flights are booked, please email us so we can add it to your file.

  • POLICE CLEARANCE FORM

    Most of our programs work with children, if your program does, we require a police clearance form. This is usually easy to obtain on your government website or from your local police station.

  • UNDER AGE REQUIREMENTS

    If you are under 18 and are traveling to or through South Africa, please note that the South African Department of Home Affairs, requires certain documentation from you before letting you cross any of its borders

  • MOZAMBIQUE MARINE PROJECT

    For participants booking for Mozambique Marine Project, the following requirements are mandatory and will be checked upon booking:

    • You will need to be a capable swimmer (able to swim 100m unassisted) and snorkeler; being able to hold your breath to dive down would be an advantage
    • Participants who sign up for a 2-week project must have either their open or advanced water dive certification
    • Participants who have pre-existing medical conditions or are over 45 years of age must also bring a medical clearance letter permitting them to dive
    • Accredited divers must bring their dive cards (listing their last logged dive) with them to the project site

Please pack as lightly and compactly as possible as space and weight are limited. Ideally, you should not have more than 22kg of luggage and should be able to fit everything into a 60-liter backpack plus one small daypack. In order to help you prepare for your experience with us, we’ve put a recommended packing list together for you!

GENERAL ITEMS

  • Mobile phone with roaming OR “unlocked”(Buy local network SIM on arrival)
  • Sunglasses/Sun hat/Bandanna/Sun cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack/rucksack for everyday
  • Small torch (a head torch is preferable)
  • Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes(You can easily buy toiletries on arrival in Swaziland & Cape Town)
  • Personal first aid kit/ Painkillers
  • Boots &/or sturdy trainers
  • Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
  • Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
  • Light waterproof jacket

LADIES – A Knee-length skirt recommended to be packed. Nothing revealing on top or bottom for your project work.

GENTS – One pair of trousers for project work is recommended in case you are to meet chiefs or elders.

MOZAMBIQUE EXTRAS

  • Anti-seasickness tablets
    (Only if you suffer from seasickness and will be on the water)
  • Underwater Camera
  • Towel
  • Malaria Medication*

*Any volunteers taking Mefloquine, Lariam, Mephliam, Tropicure (or any other derivatives) as antimalarial treatment (prophylaxis) be warned it causes increased risk of sea sickness. Please talk to your doctor to find out which medicine works best for you. 

ADDITIONAL CLOTHING NOTES:

If your project involves working with local community members it is important to note a few cultural standards that can improve how you are received as a volunteer. In community areas, the way you dress sends a message. For men and women, hygiene and cleanliness are extremely important. Although many of the people you are working with may not have a lot, they will always dress in their best outfits, making sure they are clean and presentable. Please keep this in mind when venturing to local areas or schools.

For ladies in particular, it is very important to be aware of the social standards of dress. In the communities where you will be working it is very inappropriate for a woman to show any skin above the knee or mid-drift (stomach), this can even be considered disrespectful. To get the most out of your experience, keep safe and well respected in the communities you will be working in, please pack outfits that hold yourself to this standard. Leave your short shorts at home!

OOPS! I FORGOT SOMETHING

If you’re running out of room in your suitcase, or fear you may forget something important, don’t worry! In all of our destinations, you will be able to find essentials, comparable products (i.e. toothpaste, shampoo, soap, bug repellent etc).

Swaziland & South Africa has nearby shopping centers with a wide selection of brands and products to choose from. If you are looking to save space, you will have an opportunity in the first few days in-country to pick up any supplies you may need. Mozambique also has access to essentials, however, the variety of brands and types of products is far less.

OTHER PROJECTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN