FAQ'S

1. How do I Get to Siyafunda?

The Siyafunda conservation Initiative is situated within the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, approximately 500km north of Johannesburg. The Siyafunda program is run independently of the Makalali Lodge. Arrival and departure points are Tzaneen or Hoedspruit only.

• By bus: Translux Express has a return bus service between Johannesburg and Tzaneen for ARRIVING to Siyafunda. For DEPARTURES from Siyafunda you book on to the City to City' bus. They can be contacted on Johannesburg (2711) 774-3333 or make your bookings through www.translux.co.za or www.computicket.com
• By air: You can fly direct to Hoedspruit's Eastgate Airport on South African Airways Airlink. Make your bookings through www.flysaa.com or www.flysax.co.za or enquire at Johannesburg International Airport.

2. Where will I be staying?

The Siyafunda Camp is basic and functional. The accommodation at SCI sleeps 2 persons per room and you will share a bathroom. All beds are single. All linen, except towels, are provided apart from mosquito nets. Accommodation at the BUSH CAMP is tented and there is no electricity or hot water, but linen and duvets are also provided.

3. Is the water safe to drink?

Fresh, drinkable water is available from the taps and absolutely safe to drink – we have our own borehole. Bottled water is also available for purchase from Hoedspruit when we do weekly town trips.

4. Should I take precautions against Malaria?

Malaria is endemic throughout the Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves including the Makalali Private Game Reserve, but pls note: This is a Malaria Low Risk Area we are in a. Peak transmission occurs between November to May, with little between June to October. Please consult your doctor with regards to a good, suitable malarial prophylactic. Best of all is to minimize your contact with mosquitoes by using repellent lotions, sticks or sprays such as 'Tabard' or 'Peaceful Sleep' You can find more information about malaria on the internet: www.southafricalogue.com/malaria-guide

5. What should I pack?

Siyafunda is situated within the Limpopo province which is characterised by very hot weather in summer (temperatures may exceed 40ºC in February) from September to April so cool clothing (preferably neutral in colour) and footwear is advisable. The cooler months are May to August (lowest temperatures are 5-6 ºC, with average day time temperature around 20ºC) and it gets cold at night and early in the mornings - especially on the back of the safari vehicle. (Check the actual weather for SA on www.waethersa.co.za .) However, the days are pleasant enough to wear shorts. In addition, the following items are essential:

• Hat/Cap
• Sunscreen/Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottle
• Binoculars
• Insect / tic repellent (DEET)
• Torch/Flashlight
• Working gloves
• Backpack (for walks)
• First Aid Kit (if you have one)
• Sleeping bag
• 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

6. What is the time difference?

The South African Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time.

7. What kind of people are volunteering at Siyafunda?

You don't have to be a wildlife expert to volunteer with us and we don't have an age limit either. You should be minimum of 18 years old (if you are younger - you need permission from your parents) ...and you should be reasonably fit to join in with our activities. With a little enthusiasm and the right frame of mind - you'll be perfect here.

8. What about electricity?

There is electricity at Siyafunda Conservation Initiative's Camp. South African electricity is 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles a second, plug outlets are 15 amp, three-pin (round). There are NO 2-point outlets for shavers.

9. Laundry:

There are two washing machines available for use at SCI, washing powder is supplied. Cloths are line-dried, no dryers available.

10. Cell phone reception:

Your cell phone will automatically switch on to the South African Vodacom-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.

11. Will I have internet access during my stay?

If you require internet access at SCI for special circumstances, you can arrange this for a small cost with the camp-manager.
On our weekly town trips, you have the opportunities for internet access at the internet café in Hoedspruit to check your emails and do bookings, etc.

12. Can I Send Post/Mail?

You may post mail from the post office situated in Hoedspruit and you can receive snail-mail...


Mail address:
Siyafunda Conservation Initiative Po Box 635
Hoedspruit - 1380
SOUTH AFRICA

Physical address:
Siyafunda Conservation Initiative
on 'GREATER MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE'
Harmony-Block 27
Gravelotte - 0885
SOUTH AFRICA

13. Beverages & Snacks:

Cordial fruit drink, tea and coffee are provided. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (beers & ciders) also snacks like chocolate are not available in camp but you can buy them on the weekly town trips.

14. Money / Credit Cards:

The South African currency is the Rand. For up to date currency conversions, visit www.xe.com . It is helpful to carry a small amount South African Rand (e.g. ZAR 500) with you, you will find a currency exchange bureau at the international airport or in Hoedspruit. In town you have also the opportunity to access ATMs with you credit card and purchase items with your savings card.

15. Security:

There is no concern about safety at SCI, our game reserve is guarded / fenced and town is also safe during our town trips. But like everywhere in the world security is everybody's responsibility.

16. VISA:

Most visitors to South Africa receive a 90 day tourist/travel visa. However check with the South African embassy before you leave your country. An international list of South African Embassies and their contact information can be found Here