FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

THE BASICS

WHEN IS THE TRIP?

  • The April 2025 trip is from March 29 — April 12.

  • The October 2025 trip is from October 4 — 192.

The first date of the trip is the date you fly to Johannesburg (for example, October 2025 will depart from NYC/ATL on the 4th of October). Depending on where you are traveling from, this may mean you will depart the day before or the day after.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

  • Conservation Work: You will take part in real conservation work. This will include fieldwork on the reserve, bird ringing, performing biodiversity studies, a wildlife intervention, and more.

  • 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 several different wildlife reserves.

ARE THERE AGE LIMITS?
Anyone from the age of 18 and up are welcome to join our trips. We don’t have an upper age limit, although do ask that you are physically able to get in and out of a safari vehicle comfortably. 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 get a connecting flight from Johannesburg into Richards Bay Regional Airport. Wild Tomorrow’s Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is about a 1.5-hour drive North of Richards Bay.
 

PRICING

HOW MUCH IS THE TRIP?
The total price of the trip is $3950. This is broken down as follows: $1950 for costs (accommodation, food, transport, safari) and a $2000 donation towards the conservation work you will be a part of. This portion you can fundraise for if you choose as it is fully tax-deductible.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS PRICE?

  • Pick up and drop off from Richards Bay Regional Airport.

  • Thirteen nights of accommodation at 3-4 star lodges, tented accommodation, and/or beach cottages.

  • All meals including breakfasts, packed or picnic lunches, and evening meals.

  • Guided recreation including park entrance fees and conservation levies.

  • On-the-ground transportation.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

  • International Flights to South Africa and Domestic Flights to Richards Bay Regional Airport.

  • Any alcoholic beverages or additional snacks you may wish to have.

  • Spending and tip money.

  • Optional add-on activities such as scuba diving.

  • Personal travel insurance.

HOW MUCH ARE FLIGHTS? 
Return flights from the US to Johannesburg typically range from $900 to $1600 round trip depending on time of year.

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. You will also need about $100 for tipping.

HOW DO I PAY?
We require a deposit of $1000 to reserve your spot. The remainder of the money is payable 8 weeks before 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 Crowdrise page or you may consider using Instagram and/or Facebook to fundraise. Through your crowdfunding efforts, 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. If you’d like more info on crowdfunding, email Tori at tori@wildtomorrow.org.

IS THE TRIP TAX DEDUCTIBLE? 
The $2000 donation portion of your total payment is 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 may also be tax deductible. Here's the IRS link.

WHAT IS WILD TOMORROW'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 nine Conservation Experience guests on a full trip.

HOW DO I CONFIRM MY SPACE?
Please visit the Sign Up page on this site to reserve your space. You can also email tori@wildtomorrow.org or phone us any time at 917 952 3922.

ACCOMMODATION

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Your base camp will be at Wild Tomorrow Conservation Centre in one of our newly upgraded chalets. Each chalet is two stories with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchenette, a living area, and an outdoor verandah. 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.

Each trip varies, but you may also stay one or multiple nights at a tented camp in a wildlife reserve, a coastal cottage near the beach, and/or a luxury room at a safari lodge.

CANCELLATIONS

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.

CANCELLING MORE THAN THREE MONTHS OUT
If you let us know 3 months or more in advance that you can no longer make the trip, you have the option of your $1000 deposit being refunded (minus a $100 admin fee) OR your $1000 deposit being moved to another trip free of charge.

CANCELLING LESS THAN TWO MONTHS OUT
If you need to cancel your trip 2 months or less prior to departure, we will retain your initial deposit of $1000 that reserved your place to cover non-refundable costs already incurred.

CANCELLING LESS THAN SIX WEEKS OUT
If you need to cancel your trip 6 weeks or less from departure, there will be a cancellation fee of $500 plus your $1000 deposit. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

IS THE TRIP DANGEROUS?
Wild Tomorrow’s Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, where you'll be working, is not currently home to 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 exploring the African wilderness.

You will be visiting reserves with dangerous animals however you will remain in the safety of the vehicle at all times, or under the watchful eye and protection of rangers when out of vehicles.

DO I NEED INOCULATIONS?
Please check with your local doctor and take their advice. Our area is not in a malaria zone but it is 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 Winter (August), you should still 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.

• Fleece/Sweater (for cooler evenings and morning game drives)

• Hat/peak cap

• Lightweight waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers

• 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/back-up options.

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

• 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 at most lodges. Due to the nature of the trip, there may be some times without signal or WiFi.

WHAT ADAPTER SHALL I BRING?
South Africa takes a three-pronged adapter, Type M.

Here’s an example on Amazon.

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 nine spaces please fill out the form here.