Accommodation
African wildlife veterinary volunteer
Backing onto the steep cliffs of Marakele National Park, your centre of operations is a guest house based on a private, wildlife reserve. The accommodation grounds is covered by dense bushareas home to many animals. From here you will work and travel the surrounding area, from Marakele itself to nearby nature reserves.
About the Accommodation
Where
The Waterberg, northwest South Africa, this remote part of the country is home to hundreds of kilometres of pristine wilderness, river systems, mountains and savannah. With unique species of plants and animals, discovered a unique and unknown part of South Africa.
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The guest house and your accommodation
Owned by the prestigious Dr Wilhelm Schack, a veterinarian with decades experience who’s worked and pioneered conservation across Southern Africa as well as co-author of South Africa’s university veterinary curriculum, based and under his tutelage you’ll work with him and other vets across the area.
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The guest house is a private building hosting up to 6 people comfortably, it also has a variety of outdoor facilities including pools and braai (BBQ) areas.
Bedrooms
There are a few styles of room such as private rooms, shared and bunk rooms. Depending on availability you'll be able to request but every room is same sex and comes with mosquito nets, power sockets and fans.
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Toilets and bathrooms
The guest house has shared toilets and bathrooms, more than enough for the small and intimate groups you’ll be completing your placement and training with.
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Communal Area and Kitchen
Groups are very international and most volunteers spend their time in the communal areas, lounge or braai area (BBQ) when not taking part in vet activities or training.
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The kitchen is available and where as a group you cook together or take turns, it will also be stocked with snacks and lighter bites for you when its outside of meal times.
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Workshop and warehouse
There is also a veterinary workshop and equipment warehouse on site, here Dr Wilhelm prepares special equipment for his work with veterinary wildlife conservation. You might use some or all of this equipment during your placement.
On-site Amenities
​On-site Activities
You’ll be busy most days, but after training and activities there are TV and social area’s for you to relax and get to know your group mates. In addition, there are several hiking trails and sundown spots for you to explore and get to know.
Remote and out in the bush, TV and Wi-FI might not always be available so board and card games are great ideas to pass the time, feel free to bring your own.
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Phone and Wi-Fi
For those who wish to purchase their own South African SIM card and phone, you will have a chance to do so when ariving at the airport.
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Wi-Fi is also available for Facebook and WhatsApp.
Laundry
There is an on-site launderette which you will be able to access, so you can keep your clothes fresh and clean - and ready to get mucky again during activities
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Fencing and Security
The site is fully fenced off to keep a comfortable and safe environment.
Animals such as monkeys like to visit the lodge or wild snakes during the summer months. When this occurs, staff will explain any health and safety concerns to ensure that you are comfortable with their presence and understand how to co-exist with them.
Although the place is well illuminated at night, please do stay vigilant.
Rules and Respect
The site itself is your home, so please treat the place along with other guests and staff who share the accommodation with you with the respect they deserve, and you will be treated likewise.
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Equally, be mindful that you are in a protected area. Anyone found making a mess, damaging the environment or wildlife risk failing the course or being asked to leave.
