Pre-flight Travel Information
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
Whether booking online, or by email, we will need you to complete a booking form, to help us collect a bit more information about you. You may not have all details, or have booked your flights yet, but please submit the general information 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 that you carry certain documentation with you when you cross any of its borders. We can assist with providing some of the necessary documents.
Mozambique Marine Project
For participants booking for Mozambique Marine Conservation 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 Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver 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
What to Pack
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)
- Personal first aid kit/ Painkillers
- Boots &/or sturdy trainers (not required in Mozambique)
- Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
- Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
- Light waterproof jacket
- Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes(You can easily buy toiletries on arrival in Swaziland & Cape Town)
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.
Staying Connected
Electricity
The South African 3 pin plug is commonly found in Swaziland & South Africa. Adapters are available locally for the European Round Pin plug. You are advised to bring an appropriate adapter for your electronic equipment. Please note that South African plugs rarely feature in ‘Worldwide travel adapters’ and an adapter specifically designed forSouth Africa is recommended.
Mozambique uses the European 2 pin plug and also the South African 3 pin plug.
PHONE & INTERNET
It is recommended that you bring a phone with you that is “unlocked” so you can purchase a local SIM card.
Data is most commonly purchased by the gigabyte through a local mobile network SIM card. You are advised to switch off automatic updates and notifications on your mobile device as this will reduce the number of gigabytes you will use. Wifi also generally available at accommodation establishments and restaurants, although please remember you will be volunteering in a developing country and therefore the wifi speed will not be at the level you are used to.
Swaziland has one mobile and Internet provider available which is MTN. You can purchase a SIM card very cheaply upon arrival within Swaziland and can purchase prepaid phone credit and mobile data to use whilst in Swaziland. (Do not buy a SIM card at the airport, it will NOT work when you arrive in Swaziland).
South Africa has three mobile and several Internet providers available. Mobile providers are MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C. You can purchase a SIM card very cheaply upon arrival within South Africa but you will need to produce your passport and most likely your letter of confirmation of volunteer project in order to comply with the RICA laws and can purchase prepaid phone credit and mobile data.
Mozambique has several mobile networks including Vodacom, Movitel, mCel, and MTN, and you can purchase a local SIM card and airtime cheaply but you will need to produce your passport.
ATM's & Currency
Visa and MasterCard are accepted in larger venues and shops In Swaziland & South Africa there are plenty of ATM’s available to withdraw local currency. Mozambique projects are based in Tofo, there is no ATM in the small town, the closest is a short Chappa (bus) ride away.
Swaziland’s currency is the Emalangeni, which is linked to the South African Rand. Rand notes can be used withinSwaziland as well as Emalangeni, but the Emalangeni can only be used within Swaziland.
South Africa’s currency is the Rand. Rand notes can be used within some bordering countries such as Swaziland, but only Rand is accepted in South Africa.
Mozambique’s currency is the Metical (meticais). Most small restaurants and shops will require cash. If you are on an All Out Africa tour your guide will help you exchangeSouth Africa Rands to Meticais at the border (Some small shops may accept Rand, Dollars, and Euros too).
How to book your flights
South Africa
BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Cape Town volunteer projects can commence on the first or the third Monday of the month, and this is when your transfer will be arranged and your accommodation booking will commence.
Airport transfers on this day are what is included as a part of your project fee. If you arrive on another day, additional charges may occur.)
If your project/expedition begins in South Africa (Cape Town) and you are travelling from abroad you will need to fly into Cape Town International Airport.
VISA FOR SOUTH AFRICA
It is your responsibility to check if you need a pre-arranged visa. Should you need a letter to assist with a visa, please let us know and we will happily assist. Most nationalities can obtain a 90-day tourist visa upon entry
ARRIVALS
You will be given an ‘International Arrival/Departure form’ on your flight – please fill this in on the plane before landing. When you are filling in the Arrival/Departure form please remember that participating with All Out Africa counts as ‘tourism’ for immigration purposes.
When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigration Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you should fill out. Your passport is stamped/ endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa. Please ask for a normal tourist visa.
For your destination details please write down All Out Africa / Dune Lodge and if asked for the postal address please put: 8 Edward Street, Hout Bay, Cape Town
You will then enter the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. Once you have your luggage make your way to the exit (signposted in English). There you will be met by a driver holding an All Out Africa sign and will be taken to the All Out volunteer accommodation.
If you do transit through Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport, you may need to proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage after clearing customs and immigration. From here you will proceed to Domestic Departures Terminal B in preparation for your flight to Cape Town.
IF FOR SOME REASON YOUR FLIGHT IS DELAYED CONTACT Greg (Cape Town Projects Coordinator) +27 79 267 9472
DEPARTURES
When you arrive a member of All Out Africa staff will request your flight departure time and will organize a transfer for you from Hout Bay to Cape Town International Airport.
Mozambique
BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
All our volunteer projects commence on the first MONDAY OF THE MONTH, as this is when your airport transfer will be arranged and when your accommodation booking will commence.
Airport transfers on this day are what is included as a part of your project fee. If you arrive on another day, additional charges may occur.
If your project/expedition begins in Mozambique you should fly to Inhambane. You may do this by flying to Johannesburg in South Africa or Maputo in Mozambique then take a connecting flight to Inhambane. To ensure your journey is fluid and easier, please try and book your connecting flight to Inhambane on the same day that your flight lands in OR Tambo or Maputo.
VISA FOR MOZAMBIQUE
It is your responsibility to check if you need a pre-arranged visa. Should you need a letter to assist with a visa, please let us know and we will happily assist. Most nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day visa on entry for a minimal cost – with two 30-day extensions possible in-country - however there is a significant cost to extend beyond 30 days.
ARRIVALS
You will be given an ‘International Arrival/Departure form on your flight – please fill this in on the plane before landing. When you are filling in the Arrival/Departure form please remember that participating with All Out Africa counts as ‘tourism’ for immigration purposes.
If you transit through OR Tambo International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigrations Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you would have filled out on your flight. Your passport is stamped/endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa. You will then proceed to international departures to prepare for your flight to Inhambane.
If you transit through Maputo, Mozambique you will pass through the Immigration Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you would have filled out on your flight. Your passport is stamped/endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa. You will then proceed to domestic departures to prepare for your flight to Inhambane.
For your destination details please write down All Out Africa and if asked for the postal address please put: ALL OUT AFRICA, Tilak Lodge, Tofo Mozambique
You will then enter the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. Once you have your luggage make your way to the exit. There you will be met by a driver who will bring you to your accommodation.
IF FOR SOME REASON YOUR FLIGHT IS DELAYED CONTACT Jule (Mozambique Projects Coordinator) +258 876 738 334 only available for calling or +49 1515 3046810 for whatsapp.
DEPARTURES
When you arrive a member of All Out Africa staff will request your flight departure time and will organize a transfer for you from Tofo to the Inhambane airport.
The Kingdom Of Eswatini
BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
All our volunteer projects commence on the first MONDAY OF THE MONTH, as this is when All Out Africa staff can personally collect you from the airport. If your project/ expedition begins in Eswatini and you are traveling from abroad you will need to fly into Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport.
Airport transfers on this day are what is included as a part of your project fee. If you arrive on another day, additional charges may occur.
The bus leaves for Swaziland once all participants have arrived or at 13:00 at the latest, so please ensure you book a flight that arrives before 12:00 (allowing time to collect bags and pass through immigration).
If your flight arrives at a later time you will need to arrive a DAY EARLIER and stay overnight in Johannesburg. For these instances, we recommend that you book with our trusted backpackers in BACKPACKERS CONNECTION.
They can also collect you from the airport by arrangement. Let us know if you need assistance making a booking.
When you are returning home, the transfers leave in the morning, so please organize for your flight to depart OR Tambo after 16:00, or alternatively, you will have to travel the day before and spend a night at Backpackers Connection.
*Overnight accommodation in Johannesburg is not included. Payments will need to be made directly to the guest house.
VISA FOR ESWATINI
It is your responsibility to check if you need a pre-arranged visa. Should you need a letter to assist with a visa, please let us know and we will happily assist. Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry – with two 30-day extensions possible in-country
ARRIVALS
You will be given an ‘International Arrival/Departure form’ on your flight – please fill this in on the plane before landing (it is sensible to make sure you have a pen on the flight with you). When you are filling in the Arrival/Departure form please remember that participating with All Out Africa counts as ‘tourism’ for immigration purposes.
When you arrive at O.R Tambo International Airport, your first stop will be at the Immigrations Desk where you will have to hand them your passport and your Arrival/Departure form that you would have filled out on your flight. Your passport is stamped/ endorsed by the Immigration Officer and he/she will issue you with a visa. Please inform the Officer that you are traveling to Eswatini and they will usually give you a transit visa.
For your destination details please write down All Out Africa and if asked for postal address please put: ALL OUT AFRICA, Box 153, Lobamba, Swaziland
You will then enter the baggage reclaim area to collect your luggage. Once you have your luggage make your way to the exit (signposted in English). There you will be met by one of our staff (holding a sign and wearing a T-shirt with the All Out logo).
You will be accompanied by an All Out Africa Staff Member on your journey from Johannesburg in South Africa to your Accommodation in Eswatini. When it's time to pass through immigration upon entering Eswatini the All Out Africa staff member will assist you in getting the entry stamp and the visa you require.
IF FOR SOME REASON YOUR FLIGHT IS DELAYED CONTACT Tiphiwe (Bookings Coordinator) +268 7645 7832
DEPARTURES
When you arrive a member of All Out Africa staff will request your flight departure time and will organize a transfer for you from Eswatini to OR Tambo.
HOLIDAYS & WEATHER INTERUPTIONS
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & SCHOOL BREAKS
Many of our projects work with school-aged children. Because of this, our projects may vary from the project brief descriptions during public holidays and/or school breaks. Our project coordinators will arrange additional activities for volunteers to work on during this time or you may assist on another project during these times until work returns to the daily norm.
If you are concerned you have booked during one of these times, please let us know so we can check any overlap of these time frames with your booking.
WEATHER INTERRUPTIONS
In southern Africa, no matter your destination weather can play a role in daily activities. Unlike western countries, many people in the communities we work with depend on public transport or walking to get from place to place. The areas in which they live may even become difficult to navigate in poor weather situations. For this reason, please be flexible if plans change, meetings are canceled, or your schedule changes due to rain etc. Our project coordinators will ensure that you have activities to keep you busy if you are unable to go to your project site for any reason.
In Mozambique, many of our activities will be on the water. Safety is always our top priority and we will cancel any water activities if we consider the conditions to be unsafe. This could be due to rain, lightning, high winds, rough water (waves) or strong currents. We will do everything we can to make sure any missed activities are made up before the end of your experience, however, this will be based on availability.