THE BASICS

WHEN IS THE TRIP?
The Conservation Photography Trip is from the 26th of March to the 9th of April, 2022.
The Conservation Experience Trip is from August 6th to the 20th, 2022.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Conservation Work: On both trips, you will take part in real conservation work. This will include rhino dehorning, bird ringing, and performing biodiversity studies.
Conservation Education: In addition to the fieldwork, you will also learn about conservation issues and challenges from our team of ecologists and conservationists.
Safaris: There’ll also be plenty of time to relax and experience African wildlife on safari. You’ll have the chance to encounter elephants, rhinos, lions, and many other species at a number of different wildlife reserves.

ARE THERE AGE LIMITS?
Anyone from the ages of 18 to 70 is welcome to join us. Children over 14 are also welcome if accompanied by a supervising adult.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
You don't need to be able to run a marathon but some work is a little physical. There'll also be a lot of walking.
 

LOCATION

WHERE AM I GOING?
You will be based in the province of Kwazulu-Natal (Zululand), on the east coast of South Africa. You'll fly into Durban or Richards Bay Airport (we will let you know upon booking). Wild Tomorrow Fund’s conservancies and Hluhluwe Bush Camp are about a three-hour drive from Durban.
 

PRICING

HOW MUCH IS THE TRIP?
The total price of the Photography Conservation Experience Trip is $3950 (in March/April) and the Conservation Experience Trip is $3500 (in August).

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS PRICE?
- Pick-up and drop-off from Durban airport
- 11 to 12 nights of accommodation at Hluhluwe Bush Camp
- 1 to 2 nights of accommodation at tented camps
- 1 night at a luxury safari lodge
- Breakfast and evening meals
- Packed lunches
- Guided recreation

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
- Flights to Durban, South Africa
- Alcohol
- Spending money
- Additional activities such as scuba diving
- Personal insurance

HOW MUCH ARE THE FLIGHTS? 
Return flights from the US to Durban typically range from $1200 to $1600.  

HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY SHALL I BRING?
That depends on how expensive your tastes are, but count on bringing around $200 for souvenirs and incidentals.

HOW DO I PAY?
We require a deposit of $1000 to reserve your spot. The remainder of the money is payable before 6 weeks to departure. Payments can be made via our PayPal account, credit card, or personal check. If you're using our crowdfunding platform, the money will be sent to us from them. More on this in the question below.

WHAT IF I WANT TO RAISE THE MONEY THROUGH DONATIONS?
That's a great way to pay for your trip. For those that would like to do this, we'll provide you with your very own page on crowdrise.com. On your Crowdrise page, you'll be able to reach out to your friends and family, describe what you'll be doing, and tell them why it is so important that they donate to your trip. 

IS THE TRIP TAX DEDUCTIBLE? 
While we are not able to offer tax advice, the following link from the IRS states that your travel expenses, including airfare, lodging, and meals are tax-deductible. Here's the IRS link.

WHAT IS WILD TOMORROW FUND'S TAX ID? 
Our Tax ID (Employee Identification Number) is 47-2756880. 
 

AVAILABILITY

HOW MANY GUESTS ARE ON THE TRIP?
You will be one of ten Conservation Experience guests.

HOW DO I CONFIRM MY SPACE?
Please visit the Sign Up page on this site to reserve your space. No payment is required. You can also tori@wildtomorrowfund.org or phone us at any time at 917 952 3922.

ACCOMMODATION

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
You will stay ten of the thirteen nights at Hluhluwe Bush Camp in one of their spacious, luxury tents. Each luxury tent sleeps two guests comfortably. If you know someone else that's going you're welcome to share with them. If you're traveling alone, we'll team you up with someone of the same sex. During your stay at the lodge, you will eat breakfast and dinner at the farmstall. Packed lunches will be provided. There's also an honesty bar and pool!

You'll spend one night at tented camps in a wildlife reserve. Safari tents hold two people and contain beds, an outdoor toilet, a shower, and a kitchenette. We'll provide food for you which will include braais (barbecues) around an open fire. You will also spend one night along the coast in a beachy cottage, as well as an upscale safari lodge for one night.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?
We take the potential spread of COVID-19 very seriously. Please read our COVID-19 document.

IS THE TRIP DANGEROUS?
Wild Tomorrow Fund’s two conservancies, where you'll be working, do not have dangerous animals like elephants, rhinos, lions, and buffalo. That being said, you should strictly follow the safety training we give you on your first day. The chances of you getting into trouble are incredibly slim but remember, you are working in the African wilderness.

You will be visiting reserves with dangerous animals however you will remain on the safety of the vehicle at all times.

DO I NEED INOCULATIONS?
Please check with your local doctor and take their advice. Our area is not in a malaria zone but it your decision whether to inoculate yourself. It is also recommended that you bring a small first-aid kit with your regular medication and general items you might require while away from home – speak to your pharmacist about suggestions.

DO I NEED MY OWN INSURANCE?
Yes, you must have personal travel insurance for your trip. Please make sure it covers you for your entire trip. We recommend World Nomads (we are an affiliate and it covers adventure activities) and Allianz. Whatever policy you choose, it’s important to let your provider know the nature of your trip, and make sure that your policy covers you for safari based activities such as game viewing or walking safaris, has high medical coverage limits and covers emergency evacuation and care that is separate from your medical coverage. 

SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

WHAT SHALL I PACK?
We recommend that in addition to your normal clothes, you bring the following:

• Comfortable 'bush clothing'

• If you are joining us during the African summer (December through March), you should bring shorts/cropped pants and t-shirts, since it will be hot at midday. Be aware you will need to cover up or use plenty of sunscreen and a hat. If you are joining us during the African winter (June to August), it will still get quite warm during the day - so be sure to pack some shorts - but also longs and jackets for the chilly evenings.

• Fleece/Sweater (for cooler evenings)

• Hat/peak cap

• Lightweight waterproof jacket

• Lightweight long-sleeved cotton tops and long trousers (to keep mosquitoes off).

• Walking/hiking shoes (comfortable, waterproof if possible). High socks are recommended.

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Sunscreen lotion (factor 40 or higher) and a lip balm with SPF.

• Sunglasses

• Large water bottles and for those who love caffeine, we recommend a thermos to take your coffee with you on early morning drives.

• A small rucksack to take with you on road trips to hold your sunscreen, snacks, water bottle, hand sanitizer, camera, etc.

• Camera and lots of film or a large memory card. We recommend a camera with a big zoom. The bigger the better for wildlife photos!

• Binoculars if you own any

• A torch/flashlight/headlamp

• Spare batteries (for your torch/camera etc.) We encourage the use of rechargeable batteries

• Mosquito and tick repellent

• Cream to soothe mosquito and insect bites (e.g. Anthisan or any mepyramine cream).

• A basic personal supply of first aid items (such as plasters for blisters, painkillers, eye drops, cold capsules, allergy meds, diarrhea/nausea tablets, etc).

• Your personal toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/soap/toothpaste etc).

• Any medications you may require

• If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it is advisable to bring spare/backup options.

• A travel journal, should you wish to record your experiences.

• Towels for swimming etc. (All bed linens and towels are provided in the accommodation)

• Cell phone if you have one (with charger). We recommend you purchase a SIM in South Africa if you plan to post and check social media! It will be much more affordable to use the local telecom providers. If you have an iPhone it needs to be unlocked for you to use a South African SIM (ie paid in full for most providers). You can pre-order a SIM for pickup at Durban airport here: https://b4i.travel/za/

WHAT SHALL I WEAR WHEN I'M WORKING? 
We strongly recommend that you bring old, light and comfortable clothes to work in. Bear in mind that the activities are quite physical and will be done outdoors. Bring a lightweight raincoat and sunblock. Closed, comfortable shoes are a must!

WHAT SHALL I WEAR AT THE LODGE?
There is no dress code however we ask you to wear neat and presentable clothes when you are at the lodge.
 

ELECTRONICS

IS THERE CELL SERVICE?
Mobile phones operate with full reception and it is recommended that you bring one with you. Speak to your carriers about plans. SIM cards are also a cheap and readily available option (you will need to ensure your phone is unlocked to use a different SIM card).

IS THERE WIFI?
There is wifi at the lodge reception and bar area.

WHAT ADAPTER SHALL I BRING?
South Africa takes a three-pronged adapter. Make sure to get the large one. There's a similar smaller pronged one that does not work. We once made this mistake. 

CANCELATIONS

CAN I CANCEL MY TRIP AFTER I HAVE SIGNED UP?
Yes, but we hope you understand that we must charge a cancellation fee as it may be too late for us to find a replacement volunteer.

CANCELING MORE THAN SIX WEEKS OUT
If you need to cancel your trip any time before 6 weeks departure, we will retain your initial deposit of $1000 you reserved your place.

CANCELING LESS THAN SIX WEEKS OUT
If you need to cancel your trip less than six weeks from departure, there will be a cancelation fee of $500 plus your $1000 deposit. 

If you have any other questions please email us or call on +1 917 952 3922.

If you're ready to reserve one of the ten spaces please fill out the form here.