GENERAL FAQ's
Please contact us for any specific questions related to a project, lodge or excursion.
How do I book?
Use our Contact Form or email us directly at info@dreamwildadventures.com or emma@dreamwildadventures.com. We will then contact you back to discuss the best programme suited for you and then will confirm availability with the requested project(s)/programme(s)/lodge(s).
Once dates are checked and available we will send you an invoice. On receipt of payment your booking is confirmed.
For more information you can check our terms and conditions.
How do I pay?
You will be sent through an invoice which will include banking details. There may be alternative payment methods depending on your home currency, please don't hesitate to ask us.
Can I bring a friend or book for a group/family?
Yes. Please make this clear whilst making your booking and be aware of the age restrictions for some of the projects if planning on booking with young children.
How do I get to Dream Wild Adventure projects?
All our projects are accessible either by air, road, or bus. Volunteer projects usually have specific start days where they will pick you up from a designated nearby town/city. Please check the project pages for more details.
While Dream Wild Adventures cannot make your travel bookings for you, we are very happy to assist you and give advice that can help fit within your budget.
Should I take precautions against Malaria?
Please consult your doctor regarding their recommendations, preventative measures and suitable prophylactics. Though most of our projects are considered to be in "Low-Risk" Malaria zones.
Peak transmissions occur during the summer rainy months of November to May in Southern Africa.
You can find more information at www.southafricalogue.com/malaria-guide
What should I pack?
Check with your specified project and online for temperature guides. Be aware that African winters are June – August and can get very cold during the evenings with moderate/warm temperatures during the day.
The following items are essential for all volunteer projects:
•Hat/Cap
•Sunscreen/Sun-block
•Sunglasses
•Water Bottle/s 1Litre minimum
•Binoculars and Camera
•Insect repellent (DEET)
•Torch/Flashlight
•Working gloves
•Day Backpack (for walks)
•First Aid Kit (if you have one)
•Bath towels
•Raincoat (if you're coming during summer: Nov-March)
•Scarf and gloves (if you're coming during winter: June-Aug)
•Converter/Adapter
•Batteries and/or charger for cameras
What is the time difference?
The South African Standard Time (South Africa) and Central African Time (Namibia) are both 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
What kind of people are volunteering at Dream Wild Adventures?
You don't have to be a wildlife expert to volunteer with us and we don't have an age limit either – it will just depend on the project you choose. If travelling on your own you should be 18 years or older and you be reasonably fit to join in with our activities.
What about electricity?
South African and Namibian electricity is 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles a second, plug outlets are 15amp, three-pin (round). There are usually NO 2-point outlets for shavers.
Laundry?
You can do laundry at all of our projects. See details of each project for their policies.
Cell phone reception?
Your cell phone will automatically switch on to the South African Vodacom or MTN-service if you have international roaming activated before you leave home. Alternatively, you can purchase a South African SIM for your mobile phone or an international calling card. Different networks work better in different areas, please research (or ask us) before deciding which sim card to buy.
Will I have internet access during my stay?
There is internet access at all the projects (though be aware it could be slower than you are used to). You can arrange to access this for a small cost directly with the camp-manager.
Money / Credit Cards
South Africa - uses South African Rand (ZAR).
Namibia - uses Namibian Dollar (N$) but also accept South African Rand (ZAR).
For up to date currency conversions, visit www.xe.com
You will find a currency exchange bureau at the international or domestic airport. In town you also have the opportunity to access ATMs with your credit card and purchase items with your card.
Security
There is no concern about safety at the Dream Wild Adventures projects. Game reserves are guarded / fenced and town is also safe during town trips. But like everywhere in the world security is everybody's responsibility and please listen to project manager's recommendations.
Do I need a VISA?
Most visitors to South Africa and Namibia receive a 90 day tourist/travel visa as long as they can provide proof of outbound travel. However, please check with the relevant embassy before departing on your trip.
Do I need a work permit for volunteer projects?
No, as a volunteer you are not taking on paid work.
Will I need insurance?
It is always a good idea to have travel and/or medical insurance and we recommend you organise this before your departure. All our projects make this compulsory for all applicants.
Can I join more than one project?
Yes, many people choose to join a mixture of projects over the course of their stay. We can give you advice on your internal travel arrangements as well as other activities in South Africa and Namibia.
Do I need to know another language?
While South Africa has 11 official languages, English is the main language spoken at our South African projects and is used all over the country.
English is the official language of Namibia and the language used through out the volunteer projects therefore a good understanding and ability to communicate is key.