Application

Who goes on this programme?

Male or female, eighteen or eighty, serious athlete or casual traveller, it really doesn’t matter! Our local partner welcomes hundreds of people each year, all from different walks of life and from all over the world. This provides for an enriching exchange opportunity during your arrival week. Ordinarily the projects will accept up to 5 volunteers at a time, so you can expect to live and work alongside other international volunteers.

Generally, most of the volunteers and activities are rather youth focused. The majority are aged 18-25. More mature applicants are welcome and on average 20% of the volunteers are aged 25+.

Do I need any qualifications or experience?

You will not need any specific qualifications. However, the types of work that you will become involved in will vary and volunteers who have appropriate environmental or zoological related experience may have the opportunity to become involved in some of the more specialised tasks.

We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic team players who are looking for a hands-on experience working in a game reserve/park environment.

What is the Orientation Interview?

At BUNAC we believe that each volunteer should be treated as an individual. All participants will undertake a one-to-one orientation interview (by phone). It’s not a formal interview, but a chance for us to get to know more about you and your reasons for volunteering. We’ll discuss your involvement in the programme and also cover topics such as health and security to help prepare you for your time in South Africa. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you might have.

When should I apply?

The latest date we can consider your application is 10 weeks before your UK departure date.

However, places are available on a first come first served basis so we recommend that you apply as soon as you can.

If my application is unsuccessful will I get my deposit back?

If BUNAC rejects your application at any stage you’ll receive a full refund. We also have a 7 day cooling off period, so if you feel that you’re not suited to the programme and you contact us within 7 days of the orientation interview you can cancel and receive a full refund (less £35 administration fee). More information regarding cancellation refunds is included within the Terms and Conditions.

What is a police check?

As part of our 'Responsible Approach', each participant must provide a police background check before they travel. For this programme the required check is called an ACPO Police Certificate. Information on how to apply for this can be found on the ACPO Police Certificates page. The check costs £35 for a 10 day process. Once received you should send the original document to BUNAC. If you already hold a CRB from an existing or recent employer issued within 3 months we can accept this as an alternative to the ACPO Certificate.

What medical advice does BUNAC offer?

BUNAC is pleased to partner with Interhealth, a charity which specialises in providing health advice for overseas workers. Your programme cost includes membership to Interhealth and as part of your application process you will complete an on-line medical screening to ensure that you are suitable for the challenge of volunteering in a developing country. Following the screening you will receive comprehensive medical advice regarding inoculations specific to your destination along with some general travel health advice. Your programme cost also includes post-trip clean bill of health screening and on going remote health care advice through Interhealth.

The inoculations you will require may vary depending on the places you decide to visit within South Africa and also your personal medical history so it is very difficult to provide a guide to the typical cost. However, please be aware that whilst some injections are relatively cheap others (specifically anti malarials) can be very expensive. Interhealth will provide you with further information following your screening.

The 3 projects that we work with are in what are considered “low risk” malaria areas. However, if you plan to travel to Kruger or other areas to the north of the country you will need to take appropriate malarial prophylaxes. Please discuss this with either Interhealth or your GP.

Flights, Visas & Insurance

Can I book my own flights?

BUNAC’s travel partner is STA Travel and they will help you to book your flights to and from your destination. We will discuss this during your interview. If you’d prefer to make alternative plans then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in time for the start of the orientation. Please make sure you provide BUNAC with proof of your return trip so that we can arrange your airport pick up.

Alternatively, if you’d like to arrange completely independent travel then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in Johannesburg for the start of the orientation.

Do I need to apply for a visa?

As a volunteer you'll be able to work under a tourist visa. A 90 day tourist visa will be issued on your arrival to South Africa. You can extend your stay beyond the 90 days whilst in South Africa, which currently costs approximately £35. Our local partner will be able to advise you on this.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. BUNAC’s fully comprehensive insurance policy has been arranged with Endsleigh, one of the UK’s leading insurance companies. The BUNAC policy is compulsory for this programme. You can find out more about the insurance here.

Volunteer Placement

How many hours will I work for?

Generally you can expect to be at your project 5 days a week and you’ll be volunteering for about 6 hours a day. During your time off you’ll be able to enjoy the facilities at the project. You may be able to join project staff on trips to the nearest town; most volunteers remain at the project for the duration of the programme and travel further afield after.

How much spending money should I take?

The programme includes food and accommodation, so it’s possible to get by with very little spending money. You may want to budget for some spending money during your time in Johannesburg, and also for any extra food or drink that you may want to buy on project but as your programme includes 3 prepared meals a day it needn’t be much.

If you are spending time travelling around South Africa after your Wildlife South Africa programme then we’d recommend that you budget for at least £150 per week (based on budget dormitory style accommodation and simple food). As part of the programme we’ll send you a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to South Africa. This has loads of useful information on things to do, places to visit and where to stay. You will be able to use this to help prepare a more accurate budget.

Can I extend my stay?

These projects are in high demand and it is unlikely that an in-country extension will be possible. You will be granted a 90 day stay on arrival to South Africa so you can certainly stay beyond your placement and explore this beautiful country.

How can I find out more?

If you have any further questions on Wildlife Conservation South Africa, please call the BUNAC Volunteer team on 020 7251 3386 or e-mail volunteer@bunac.org.uk