Useful Information

How do I reach Askari?

You will first need to fly to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo international airport and then take either a connecting flight or a bus. We ask you to make your way to our nearest town, PHALABORWA, arriving on the start date of your project when we will collect you.
South African Airways run domestic flights on their airlink service
If taking the bus (approximately 6 hours) enquire with ‘Translux’. Although a cheaper option, the bus often adds on a day or two either side of your journey as you will need to board the Sunday morning bus in Johannesburg and stay a night in Phalaborwa ready for collection on the Monday.

Do I need a visa?

Most nationalities are granted a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival in Johannesburg. Please make sure you check the current requirements for the passport you hold with South African Home Affairs.

What is the time zone at Askari?

South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

What money do I need?

The currency of South Africa is the Rand (ZAR). A combination of cash in local rand, a debit card and/or credit card should cover all your needs. Travellers cheques can be changed in town but it can be a lengthy process. There is a tuck shop at the Askari house and you will have the opportunity to join town trip once a week. We also make a social outing to a local bush pub or restaurant every one or two weeks. You may also like to budget for local sightseeing or tours during your time off.

What should I bring?

Your laundry will be done for you twice a week. If possible bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty; a lot of trees have thorns which can rip clothing and work may involve painting etc so don’t bring your best gear!

Recommended items

● Tank tops & T shirts
● Shorts
● Long trousers
● Fleece/Jumper
● Casual clothes for town trip, weekend, pub/restaurant
● Hat, gloves, scarf for winter
● Waterproofs – Jacket & trousers
● Good walking boots or strong outdoor trainers
● Sock protectors/ankle gaiters
● Sandals/flip flops/comfortable shoes for use around house and on outings etc
● Sun hat (wide brimmed or baseball cap)
● Sunglasses
● Sun cream (high factor recommended)
● Towel & toiletries
● Sleeping bag (for use on sleep out)
● Water bottle
● First aid kit
● Insect repellent
● Plug adaptor for South African 3 pin system
● Torch
● Camera
● Swim wear
● Binoculars
● Watch/alarm clock
● Stationary/notebooks
● IPod/music player
● Books

You will be given a complimentary t-shirt, day pack and baseball cap on arrival. Askari fleeces are available to buy.

What will the weather be like?

The seasons in South Africa are opposite to those of the northern hemisphere. Summer is from October to April with temperatures peaking in December, January and February. But summer is also our rainy season and we get some BIG rains so remember your waterproofs. Winter is from May to September and is generally the dry season. We still recommend you to bring your waterproofs as it can rain occasionally in winter as well; the bush can be unpredictable. Do not underestimate how cold Africa can be! Mornings and evenings can be extremely cold (as low as 2°c) and remember you will be on an open game viewer. For winter please bring a coat and plenty of warm layers, hat, gloves and scarf. Daytime winter temperatures are still extremely warm so t shirts, shorts and sun protection are still required.

There is a weather station on the reserve and fairly reliable forecasts can be found at http://www.yr.no/place/South_Africa/Limpopo/Pidwa/

Communication at Askari

Email address: conservation@askariwcp.com

(Mail takes around 3 weeks to be delivered to/from our post box)

Phone number: +27 (0)15 318 4430
Emergency no: +27 (0)71 400 8564

Can I use my cell phone?

Unfortunately cell phone signal is poor but there are some spots where you can send and receive an SMS or attempt to make a call. There is good coverage in town when you visit during town trip. A new law has made it difficult for non South Africans to obtain a local sim card. You can still get one at Johannesburg airport but you pay over the odds. Alternatively use a tri-band phone with an international roaming sim to stay in touch.

Is there internet access?

Internet access is available at the house and can be used for a small fee; Skype facilities are available too. Please bear in mind that summer storms can damage our tower which may put it out of action for a number of days. High speed internet cafes are also available in town.

Will I get time off?

On a Saturday afternoon and Sunday, volunteers have time off. There are no specific activities organised and you can use this time to relax, play sports, use the pool etc; all meals are still provided. Many volunteers join together for local tours or hire a car to do some sightseeing. For car hire you must be over 21 with a valid licence and credit card in your name. Costs for weekend trips must be covered by you; some options for activities include…..
● A trip to the world famous ‘Kruger National Park’
● The Blyde river canyon; waterfalls & boat trips
● Horseback safaris in the bush
● Microlight flights over game reserves
● White water rafting & tubing
● Animal rehabilitation centres and tours
● Cultural tours

What wildlife will I see?

Here at Askari we pride ourselves on not just chasing the ‘Big 5’ but enjoying every aspect of what the African bush has to offer. While we hope to show you lions and elephants there is so much more to enjoy as well; so prepare to be introduced to a whole new world as we discover the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects that call Pidwa home. We boast 50 species on our mammal list including the weird and wonderful nocturnal species and more than 200 species of bird.

Click here for mammal list.