Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of possible questions. If you have any additional questions to ask us, please feel free to send us a message on our contact page.
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The Buffelsdrift Eco-Ambassador volunteer program has the following packages.
Rates:
The package rates will work as follow:
Oct 2023 – Sept 2024
4 Week Package Total: R 45 220.00
Oct 2024 – Sept 2025
4 Week Package Total: R 49 700.00
Oct 2025 – Sept 2026
4 Week Package Total: R 54 740.00
Accommodation is provided in a large, tented camp with up to four people (same gender) per tent. The accommodation is basic, but the single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (duvets and pillows). Showers and toilet facilities are on- suite. Power sockets for electrical items are available in each tent and in the communal area. Volunteers also have access to Wi-Fi in the tented camp.
The daily meals are prepared by a staff member assisted by the volunteers.
You can fly to George National Airport from Cape Town or from Johannesburg. There you will be picked up on selected days and transported along the 60-minute scenic drive to Buffelsdrift
The volunteer program runs all year round and kicks off every Tuesday. Volunteers are welcome to join the Eco-Ambassador Program, with a flexible commitment period ranging from a minimum of one week to a maximum of three months.
We are situated in an area where there are many opportunities for adventure and sight-seeing for volunteers to explore during their free time on weekends. These activities are for the volunteers own expense.
Adventures and activities in our area:
- Cango Caves
- Skydiving
- Kayaking
- Abseiling
- Nature walks
- Ostrich farm
- Zip lining
- Stargazing
- Horse riding
- Hiking
- Olive and wine tasting
- Day at the beach or surfing (the closest beaches are at Mossel Bay, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay – approximately 70 km travel distance)
The following is included in the volunteer package:
- Transfer to and from George on Tuesdays
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Support and assistance from program coordinator
- Foundation t-shirt & Water bottle
- Free Wi-Fi
The following is excluded in the volunteer package:
- All flights
- Visas
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional extra activities
- Who can apply? : Any person above the age of 17 years.
- Language requirement: We understand English and Afrikaans Hand gestures will be used where language barriers occur.
- Documents Required: Holiday Visa is required to enter South Africa and travel insurance for participating in this program.
Buffelsdrift is located in South Africa (in the Western Cape) approximately 6, 5 km outside the village of Oudtshoorn on route to the Cango Caves. This area is called the Klein Karoo. The farm is within a 60-minute drive of the popular area referred to as the Garden route and has an added benefit that it is a malaria-free area.
Skills you will acquire and develop from participating in this volunteer program:
- The proper use of telemetry tracking equipment
- The use of hand-held GPS devices
- How to identify wildlife species
- How to set up and use camera “traps” to monitor certain species
- How to track animals using traditional methods like the identification and following of animal spoor
- How to collect and analyse data
- An understanding of conservation and issues of human animal conflict
By taking on this Eco-Ambassador challenge you will increase confidence in your unique ability to make a difference. You will gain leadership, teamwork and relationship skills. Learn about self-management and learn to apply your present skills more effectively.
You will enjoy the benefits of communal living, meet people of different walks of life and also get the opportunity to make long-life friends
Just ensure it is unblocked should you have a contract phone. If you have a sim-cardless phone, it cannot be used in South Africa. If you have an older phone, it is recommended that you use that for day-to-day usage in South Africa and rather leave more expensive phones at home. You can purchase a cheap basic phone here under R400 – well worth keeping your iPhones safe.
You have to have health insurance (medical cover) prior to entering SA. Currently, some countries specify it has to be travel insurance taken out with a South African company, but we will assist you with that. Always make sure personal valuables are insured.
You can find out more about this volunteer program by visiting Buffelsdrift website: www.buffelsdriftfoundation.org or send them an email: volunteer@buffelsdriftfoundation.org
