FAQ’S

Plan for one luggage bag to check, and one backpack that the volunteer can carry onboard, filled with important items, i.e. medicine, wallet, passport, yellow card (vaccinations), glasses or contact lenses, camera, book to read, sweatshirt or anything else they may need on the plane or would need in case a flight is delayed. Bring (and wear) minimal jewelry as bulky accessories could be a hinderance in the bush.

Laundry will be washed twice during your stay at Nakavango Conservation Centre. We suggest that you not pack blue or black clothing – it attracts tsetse flies which are a biting insect. Also, please note that IT IS ILLEGAL for civilians to wear any form of camouflage clothing.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

• Short & long sleeve shirts (not blue or black or camouflage)
• Short and long pants (not blue or black or camouflage)
• Hiking boots and sneakers
• Sweatshirt/fleece top and windbreaker/rain jacket (not blue or black or camouflage)
• Backpack
• Warm hat & gloves
• Underwear & socks
• Toiletries
• Binoculars & camera (remember batteries)
• Sunscreen
• Personal medications in original containers with correct dosages and physician information if a prescription—enough for the entire trip
• International plug adaptors—voltage is 220V plugs: square 3-pin plug (as used in the UK)
• Sleeping bag and flashlight

The centre’s fee includes; all meals and snacks, and all programming components throughout the entire experience. Some examples of expenses not included in the fee are additional foods & drinks, movies & music on flights, souvenirs, Visa fee into Zimbabwe, medical expenses, weekend leisure activities and unforeseen travel changes due to illness or behavioural concerns, i.e. flu or homesickness.

Nakavango Conservation Centre has Wi-Fi internet access, therefore contact via email, skype, facebook etc is available.

The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve and Nakavango Conservation Centre site fall within a malarial area and the risk of contracting the disease is considered moderate. We recommend that you contact your local travel clinic/CDC to find out more about anti-malarial drugs suitable for this trip. Volunteers should bring an adequate supply of malaria pills as prescribed by a physician, and insect repellent. Polio and tetanus shots should be current, and while yellow fever is not required to enter Zimbabwe from the U.S., it is recommended in case a flight is delayed or rerouted into another country that does. Another vaccination you may want to consider and discuss with your physician  is Hepatitis A.

Keep in mind that when traveling overseas, items are not always readily accessible nor is the brand you may prefer. The centre staff will bring the most common over the counter medicines for day-to-day treatments: antacids, antihistamines, motion sickness relief, and routine aches & pains. Be sure to review and sign the. Nakavango Conservation Centre staff CANNOT DISPENSE ANY MEDICATIONS WITHOUT PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION. Especially for ladies, do plan to bring feminine hygiene products even if you do not anticipate needing them. Travel can alter the body’s normal routine.

Safety and security are of paramount importance to Nakavango Conservation Centre. The level of crime in Zimbabwe is no higher than many other countries around the world. The Nakavango team stays up to date with local issues and notes any potential problem areas to avoid.

There are doctors at the clinic in nearby Victoria Falls. For any serious emergencies, guests can be evacuated by air by the Medical Air Rescue Services to the nearest appropriate hospital. In case of any emergency, centre staff will communicate with parents just as quickly as phone service allows – we will have an international call enabled mobile phone with us – as to the nature of the illness/injury and treatment plan in action.

Zimbabwe is south of the equator, so the seasons are reversed from those in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasons are not extreme and the average daytime temperature is cool in July, at 57 degrees F. The weather is most comfortable just after the rainy season, in May and June, but the grass is also highest then and the animals more dispersed. July-September is the best time for both comfort and animal viewing. Bring jackets for evening wear – the cloudless skies allow the temperature to drop quickly.

The currency in Zimbabwe is the $US. In case of an emergency or other unforeseen event, we recommend sending a credit card and cash up to $250. Should it become necessary, a doctor or hospital visit will require immediate payment. The Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank are located in the nearest town, Victoria Falls.

Nakavango Conservation Centre is a newly built dormitory style lodge, with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, swimming pool, presentation room and library. Each volunteer will have his/her own room, bedding provided, and will share a common bathroom with 2-3 other volunteers. Laundry service is provided and all clothing should be labelled. The facility is located within a “game area” and visitors are not permitted to exit the centre unless accompanied by centre staff.

The programme is run by field conservation specialists who are specifically trained to impart their skills and knowledge to volunteers.
The site we will be using as base camp in Zimbabwe, Africa is Nakavango Conservation Centre based at the Victoria Falls Private Game Preserve. The curriculum will focus on conservation research projects, as well as community development and sustainability. The site is about 10 minutes outside of the town of Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. While at Nakavango, volunteers will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in conservation management activities and research projects, and contribute to community development as participants in the “Children in the Wilderness” program, (CITW).

In Africa, the big five game animals are lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. The nearby national parks contain abundant wildlife including elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope. Lions and leopards are seen occasionally, while vervet monkeys and baboons are more common. The Zambezi River is populated by 39+ species of fish depending on whether above or below the falls, hippotamus, otters, Nile crocodiles, herons and waterfowl. And, 35 species of raptors call the river gorges home. The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is the only Big Five area in the vicinity and is recognized as an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) for black rhino.

There is so much to do in this vast country, and one should aim to spend more time in this wonderful part of the world. Should you wish to extend your placement you are also welcome to do so. Alternatively we can assist with placing you in an alternative reserve linked to our organization. Many volunteers tend to make their own plans once in the country and upon completion at the reserve of their choice, travel on exploring the rest of the country.

All funds generated goes to the benefit of the reserve and its upkeep. The work you will carry out, benefits programmes and organisations such as Children in the Wilderness, National Parks, the Natural History Museum , the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Tusk and the funds also contribute to the ongoing projects related to our research and conservation efforts on the Victoria Falls Game Reserve. To discuss any aspect of voluntary work contributions and/or our policies on the projects we support please do not hesitate to contact one of our directors.

There are 11 official languages spoken in Southern Africa. However, English is preferred as a common language because it is seen as neutral and prevents the favouring of any one particular dialect. It is advisable to have a basic understanding of the English language should you come from a foreign speaking country.

We have a representative at each destination who will meet you from your flight and transfer you to your placement. There you will be transported around in either open pick-ups (open trucks/bakkies) or in open 4×4 Land Rovers.

You will be provided three wholesome meals per day. Meals will include westernized dishes such as beef, chicken, pasta and lamb with vegetables as well as regular BBQ’s or braai’s as they are commonly known in our country. Breakfasts will include cereal, fruit, toasting during the week and full English breakfast on weekends. Those of you curious enough may even have the chance to tuck into our range of game meat offered on occasion. Vegetarians are catered for and our chefs will be advised according to your dietary requirements.

Certain parts of Southern Africa fall within malarial areas. We are a conservation placement that falls in a malarial area. It is advised that you contact your local travel clinic/ GP to find out more about anti-malarial drugs suitable for your travel. Please contact us for up to date advice on Malaria.Safe treated tap water can be drunk at our facility.

Yes, a passport and visa are required, and each person will need to have $60US (currently) in cash for the visa when coming through immigration since no credit or debit cards are accepted. CASH ONLY. Volunteers are to ensure that each passport and visa is stamped correctly.Allow at least 3 months to apply for a passport. All visitors traveling to Zimbabwe need to have a least 4 completely blank pages in their passports for use by immigration upon arrival. Passports must be valid for 6 months after the anticipated return date to your country of origin.

VISA FEES APPLICABLE TO INTERNATIONAL VISITORS:

Zambia:
Single entry US$50
Double entry US$80
Transit US$50
Day tripper US$20

Zimbabwe:
Single entry US$60
Double entry US$75
Multiple entry US$95

Canadian:
Single entry US$65
Multiple entry US$130

Irish:
Single entry US$75
Multiple entry US$125

UK :
Single entry US$55
Double entry US$ 70

USA:
Single entry US$30
Double entry US$ 45

If you have decided that you would like to take the next step and book a place on the Nakavango Conservation Programme , it couldn’t be easier. Simply complete the online application form on this website www.nakavango.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Volunteers may only make use of company equipment with the consent of, and under the direct supervision of the volunteer guide or operations manager, and are to use the equipment with care. Any concerns or faults regarding any equipment should be reported immediately to your volunteer guide.

Volunteers are permitted to drink alcohol at the Nakavango Centre, provided the use of alcohol does not result in any unacceptable behaviour. Alcohol may not be consumed during working hours, or within two hours before a scheduled activity. Should a volunteer be found to be drinking alcohol outside of the appropriate times, he/she will be removed from the programme for the rest of the day and be required to remain at the property. Should alcohol consumption result in any form of unacceptable behaviour, the volunteer/s will undergo a disciplinary procedure, and as a result be removed from the programme and sent home.

Simple, minimal jewellery is acceptable during programme working hours. It is advised that wearing of jewellery in visible body piercings, other than ears should be avoided, as this may offend people of certain cultures.

If you take any form of prescribed drugs, please carry a note from your doctor with you stating the relevant information. The possession and/or use of narcotics and any other recreational drugs is illegal. Volunteers suspected of breaking this law will be removed from the programme and sent home.

Volunteers are please to be dressed neatly in a way that is not inappropriate or offensive, and to ensure that your clothes are clean.

First aid is available on site and during all activities, as your volunteer guides are first aid qualified. There are doctors and a clinic in Victoria Falls. For any serious emergencies, patients are evacuated by air by MARS (Medical Air Rescue Services) to the nearest, appropriate hospital. The Victoria Falls area is a malaria area; however, the risk of contracting malaria is moderate as the area is not a high risk area. Volunteers are advised to seek the advice of your doctor regarding anti-malaria precautions, and should bring insect repellent and an anti-histamine cream and tablets approved by your doctor.

Please ensure that your medical insurance while you are travelling is in order. You will need to pay cash to any doctor, clinic or hospital in the area should you need to make use of their services. You are advised to keep such receipts so that you can claim back from your insurance company after your trip.

It is very important that you include all necessary information, as per your booking form, regarding specific medical conditions.

HIV & AIDS: This disease is a huge problem all over the world, and in Africa especially; Victoria Falls is no exception.

To learn more about how it is affecting Africa, please visit the following website:

http://www.avert.org/aidssouthafrica.htm.

The tap water at the facility and in the surrounding areas is drinkable, but contains a bit of lime. Water on the Nakavango Estate is sourced from boreholes. Should you not enjoy the taste of the water, you are welcome to purchase bottled water.

Please ensure that you bring any medication specifically related to specific medical conditions, e.g. asthma, allergies, diabetes, etc. and ensure that you provide us with all necessary details of such conditions on your booking form.

Volunteers are not to exit the boundary of Nakavango, unless accompanied by your volunteer guide, or leaving with an arranged transfer – we are situated in a dangerous game area.

When visiting the town of Victoria Falls, it is unsafe to walk around at night, specifically due to dangerous wildlife that readily enter the town at night (and sometimes during the day!) Also, it is advised that volunteers do not engage with informal sellers of various goods in the streets as this invariably leads to harassment until the goods are purchased, and usually at unreasonable prices. There are tourism police readily available to escort you to various sites around town, and it is recommended that you make use of the services of the tourism police.

The tourist police are funded by private establishments in the Victoria Falls tourism community, and are easily recognisable by their navy blue police uniform and yellow bibs stating “Victoria Falls Tourism Police”. However, the people in the town are very friendly, and we make the above recommendation in the interest of your enjoyment of Victoria Falls. Please feel free to seek the advice on any topics, especially related to your health and safety, from your volunteer guide.

Obtaining cash from banks is difficult, and it is therefore advisable for volunteers to bring cash for small purchases and taxis.

The nearest town is the charming and vibrant Victoria Falls.