Current Package
We currently have a package that includes lodging, either alone for full price or sharing for a reduced rate. Also included are all meals, laundry services as well as an amazing trip to the famous Kruger National Park with one of our staff as a guide.
We have, on site, a bar lounge with a massive fire place, and two pools situated just outside of the bar and eating area, in all the glory of Hlumu, for those hard and hot days.
We have three permanent staff on-site at all times, supervising the projects and overseeing the care of the animals alongside the volunteers. We often have emergencies, whether it be a raging bush fire we need to put out, or an emergency call for an animal that has been found hurt.
There are plenty of volunteers that come through here, and please be reminded, this work is hard and will take its toll. While incredibly rewarding, it is also tough. We expect alot from our volunteers, because there is so much to do here. Do not be deterred, just aware of this aspect of the lodge. We all work hard, and we enjoy our evenings together, but if you do volunteer, be ready to be dropped into it.
Activities
Other than the day to day projects and animal care, there are a few things that can be done in the area:
Sightseeing:
Cradle of life
Kruger National Park to the north
Waterfalls
Beautiful hiking trails
Action activities:
Trail riding on bike
Fly fishing at one of the local companies
Paintballing
Other than the day to day projects and animal care, there are a few things that can be done in the area:
Sightseeing:
Cradle of life
Kruger National Park to the north
Waterfalls
Beautiful hiking trails
Action activities:
Trail riding on bike
Fly fishing at one of the local companies
Paintballing
Groups
If you are planning a volunteer project with a group of 4 or more people, please fill out our contact form or email us directly at diywildinfo@gmail.com, we may be able to reduce the price for you and also provide accomodation that has enough capacity to keep you all close together.
DIY Checklist
So, you are coming to Africa, and you just don't know what to bring? Here are some tips from our past volunteers that they wish they had thought of :)
Clothing: Pack atleast one warm jacket for the evenings, as it can get very cold, and one or two casual outfits for going to town and so on. The rest of the clothing you pack, be prepared to sacrifice it to nature. It can get incredibly messy here.
Pack a sturdy pair of working shoes, that can protect your shins and ankles properly, and a pair of gloves you are comfortable with. There are alot of activites here that can be hard on your feet and hands.
Medicine: Pack any crucial medicine you require for the entirety of your stay, there is no guarantee you will be able to find insulin, for example, at the local clinic. Make sure you have a few rehydrates, headache tablets and plasters and anti bacterial ointment. There have been days where we used our entire medical kit within hours.
Leisure: Pack a good book or two, your favorite music, laptop etc. for those rainy days, and pack your frisbee and bikini/trunks for those hot days around the pool. Feel free to bring a camera, we have an incredibly photogenic landscape.
Money, Id's Passports etc.: Before travelling, make sure that you have a little bit of the local currency (R500 will be enough for a basic hotel for a night, a taxi and food), your emergency numbers and information written down and that you know exactly who to contact upon landig on this side. Make sure you have a copy of your drivers license if you are hiring a car, and a method with which to pay the rental place. Inform your bank that you are leaving to South Africa, so that your card is not locked and disabled when you try to use it here. Make sure your phone is not SIM locked, and be aware of the RICA laws here in South Africa regarding sim card registration.
Miscellaneous: If you enjoy a outdoor hobby, you can always bring your equipment with, just ask us if it is something that you can do around the region and we will do some research for you. Also, please do not pack million dollar equipment on the plane without making sure it is labeled fragile and you have travel insurance :)
Heads Up!
Due to the remote nature of the Sanctuary, and that the nearest city is 1 and a half hours away, the staff seldom have time to drive around.
One massive benefit to yourself or your group would be to pitch in for a car hire for a few days where neccesary, cars can be hire here at really affordable prices, and will give you much freedom in terms of seeing the country side. But for long stays, it can get expensive. Our staff can, if pre arranged, organize trips for you as well :)
Be aware also, this is Africa. Be smart about how you carry yourself, don't get into fights, and obey the law completely, there are cases where tourists have been mugged for being silly. We wouldn't go into your dangerous areas of your country, do not think you can do so here.
FAQ.
Q: Do you have Wifi and good cellular reception?
A: Hlumu is quite out of the way, we have cellular reception at about 2 of 5 bars, wifi however is problematic, when it works, it works... Every day is an adventure, and you may experience a few days at a time without wifi. The wifi is currently restricted to the leisure areas for volunteers, as the property is massive and would be difficult to cover as a wifi zone. Your best option is to buy a data bundle for your mobile device, as the cellular reception is alot better than the wifi infrastructure setup here in this region of the country.
Q: Are there poisonous and dangerous animals roaming the area?
A: You may spot a leapord or two, or a snake here and there, a few prcupines, but no lions or rhino's are romaing the property :)
Q: Do we have off time?
A: Yes, generally we all share sundays, and saturday is a slow day, but if you want to organize a trip, we would be happy to accomodate your time off.
Q: Is there a hospital nearby?
A: We have a basic clinic in the nearby town, but we suggest you go through our DIY Checklist so you are prepared for any pumps or bruises you may stumble into while you are here. If there is a major injury, we will have to drive the victim to Nelspruit , about 1 and a half hours away to a private hospital to be cared for.
Q: Can you get badly injured working with the animals?
A: Yes. They are wild animals, we do however give guidance to the uttermost of our abilities and do not allow volunteers without experience to interact with dangerous rescues. We expect volunteers to use common sense when handling the animals, and respect their nature.
Q: Do all animals there get released?
A: No. Some animals here are unable to return to the wild due to injury, or simply because they have become too accustomed to their lifestyle in the rehab. We do release most animals, but it can be difficult to find places that will allow the release of some more specific wild animals on their land. People are weird that way, unfortunately.
Q: Do we need physical money there? And are there shops nearby?
A: If you are wanting to use cold hard cash at a shop, there is a wonderful resort just down the road where you can find shops, some activities and a spa, that have on-site Money withdrawel machines. The shops are about 5 mins away by car, and in a secure premises. But if you want to have cash at the sanctuary, we also have card facilities that you can pay bar tabs with, buy airtime for your cellular device and so on.
Q: Do we need a car to get there?
A: Check our contact us page, we have a small list of options on how to get to us :)