Frequent visitors to our web site will see that we have changed our Vervet Project.  The reason for this is the very sad sudden death of Arthur Hunt from the Vervet Sanctuary.  As we can not be sure of the future for our volunteers we will be placing volunteers in another Vervet program – the Vervet Monkey Rehabilition Centre.

Bush Direct is very privileged to work with this Rehabilitation Centre which has been approved by both the British and the South African Governments.

The Centre has been operating for 16 years specializing in Vervet monkeys but now has baboons and a bushbaby whilst other animals which come into the centre are treated and then released back into the wild when ready.  The Centre does NOT keep the animals in cages if they can be rehabilitated and released.

Work at the Centre will include the following:

Washing and preparing food, feeding monkeys, washing and making baby bottles during baby season, feeding babies, cleaning cages, preparing and assisting with the main daily feed, daily monitoring of monkeys for any illnesses or changes, assisting and caring for sick and injured monkeys, construction of new facilities and
re-habilitation cages, assisting handlers with trapping and re-locating monkeys, assisting with medication for monkeys and planting vegetables for the monkeys' food.

During baby season volunteers will need to sleep overnight with the orphans to give 24 hour care, teaching them to feed properly and to ensure their well-being.

With the junior monkeys volunteers will play with them during the day and therefore this is one of the most ‘hands-on’ projects available for volunteers.

Volunteers also can get involved in constructing new enclosures or facilities including painting, woodwork, digging etc.

Volunteers will receive a certificate at the end of their stay provided they have completed the program
 satisfactorily.

Volunteers will be on call 24 hours a day but duties commence at 7.00am.  Meals are at 9am, 1pm and 6pm.  The nocturnal animals (if there are any) are then fed at about 7.30pm.

Depending on the work load volunteers can go on excursions to the Kruger Park, Graskop, Waterfalls, Moholoholo Rehab Centre, and so on. Many excursions are also organised by the Centre at a small extra charge.

Special Skills
The Vervet Monkey project should be of particular interest to volunteers who are studying Animal Behaviour or Animal Management courses. Those studying Veterinary courses may possibly be able to use their skills in minor operations or attending to sick and injured monkeys. Those studying or involved in Construction courses should also be able to use their skills in building and constructing enclosures and other facilities.

Volunteers may also have the opportunity to join in community projects as the centre is actively involved in environmental education.

Living Conditions
Accommodation is in huts with volunteers sharing.  Each volunteer has a bed with sheets, duvets and pillows provided and cupboard space for clothes plus a bedside table.

Mosquito nets aren’t really necessary but some volunteers prefer one.  A sleeping bag can also be used for the winter season (May – Aug)

There are flushing toilets and lovely hot showers open to the sky!  A real Bush experience! Sometimes at night you find hippos wandering into the camp and there is also a zebra who often puts in an appearance.

Laundry is done for a nominal charge to cover electricity and washing powder.  There is a small kitchen and bar available for volunteers with a BBQ and open fire too.  Volunteers will eat their main meals in the main kitchen, not at the camp and the food has be rated by past volunteers as excellent and some of the best available on volunteer program
s!

There is a river where volunteers can swim and also a swimming pool.

How to get there
The Rehabilitation Centre is based about 30km from the town of Tzaneen in the Limpopo province – about one hour from Kruger Park.  Volunteers should fly to Johannesburg and then either travel to Tzaneen or Phalaborwa by bus where they will be met by Centre staff or fly to Phalaborwa for the transfer to the Centre. The transfer to the Centre from Phalaborwa will cost R300 each way (about £20).

Course Dates
There are no set dates but the Sanctuary prefers volunteers to come for 4 weeks although 2 weeks is also a possibility for those who do not have the time for 4. Longer stays are also possible at discounted prices – please contact us direct if you are interested in this.
Arrivals and departures are usually on a Monday or Tuesday, to coincide with weekly town trips to collect food etc.

Volunteer Contributions:
2 weeks 595 pounds
3 weeks 795 pounds
4 weeks 975 pounds

What is included: Accommodation, 3 meals a day, any project materials during your stay, Certificate,  full support and assistance of project staff. Transfer from Tzaneen (if you choose not to fly/go by bus to Phalaborwa.)

What is NOT included: Flights, Travel/Medical insurance, Transport from Johannesburg to Tzaneen or Phalaborwa.  Transport from Phalaborwa at a cost of R300 (about £20) each way.

Additional spending money will be needed for personal purchases, (alcohol, chocolates, luxury items etc), social excursions, trips on days off such as car hire and additional activities.

MONKEY PICS CLICK HERE!