Getting to Us

Getting to South Africa

There are a variety of airlines that fly to South Africa. The closest international airport is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

We currently do not recommend flying with South African Airways as the future of this airline is not certain.

Getting to the Research Centre

Volunteers and students must arrive at the research centre on the first Sunday or third Sunday of each month as of 2022, except for Easter weekend, unless your dates have already been confirmed by the research centre. Please see the bottom for specific dates.

International arrivals will fly into Johannesburg and take a bus or shuttle service to Polokwane where you will then be picked up by a member of staff and transferred to the research centre in Alldays. Select flights that arrive early enough to catch a shuttle between 12-4 PM (depending on the service) from OR Tambo Airport. If flights arrive too late, we recommend arriving the day before and staying overnight in Johannesburg. Please do not book flights until we have confirmed you can arrive on your desired date!

Overnighting

If your flight does not arrive in time to catch the bus on Sunday morning/afternoon, you will need to arrive the day before and stay overnight. We recommend booking accommodation that provides airport transports.

Due to the current Covid-19 situation hostel and hotel availability is constantly changing so please contact us for the most up to date information.

Getting from Johannesburg/Pretoria to Polokwane

Once in Johannesburg you will need to take a bus or shuttle to Polokwane (also known as Pietersburg), this is approximately 5 hours. Due to the current Covid-19 situation bus and shuttle availability is constantly changing so please contact us for the most up to date information regarding your travel.

Getting from Polokwane to the Research Centre

When you arrive in Polokwane on the Sunday we will pick you up and transport you to the research centre, approximately 2 hours drive. This transfer is included in the rent you pay, and has no additional cost. If time permits, you will have the opportunity to do grocery shopping before you get to the research centre. If not, you can create a grocery list and a member of staff will go into Alldays and get these items for you.

Arrival Dates for 2022:

Jan 2	Jan 16	Feb 6	Feb 20	Mar 6	Mar 20	Apr 3	Apr 13*
May 1	May 15	Jun 5	Jun 12	Jul 3	Jul 24	Aug 7	Aug 21
Sep 4	Sep 18	Oct 2	Oct 16	Nov 6	Nov 20	Dec 4	Dec 18