DATES - Arrival on 31st of May, departure on 12th of June 2025

31st of May: Your arrival day is set aside for you to fly into Maputo International Airport. You will be collected from the airport and then will be able to spend the rest of the day recuperating after your journey at the accommodation. You’ll have the chance to meet your roommate and the other volunteers and staff members throughout the day and at the evening meal.

1st of June: On Sunday, we will travel to our field accomodation. During the afternoon, you will receive a thorough briefing to get you up to speed on how the project works, training on the WVS Data Collection App and of course you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions before we start!

2nd - 7th of June: These will be working days, spent vaccinating in Guija! We’ll have an early breakfast at the guesthouse before collecting your equipment and heading out into the field early to work when it's cool. You will be working in small teams with local staff, spending the whole day in the field, so lunch will be from a local restaurant.

We’ll head back to the base before it gets dark so that you can prepare your kit for the following day and synchronise your data collection App. Once everything is ready for the next day, it’s time to freshen up and have dinner as a team - the perfect time to catch up with the rest of the group and exchange stories about the people and dogs you have met that day!

8th of June: After 6 busy days of vaccinating, you will get to have a well-earned day off to rest! We can also provide suggestions from our in-country contact for sightseeing options.

9th - 10th of June: You will head back out to the field for 2 final days of vaccinating as we tally up the number of dogs we’ve been able to vaccinate!

11th of June: Today we will say a fond farewell to the area and make the journey back to Maputo.

12th of June: After one final night in Maputo, you are free to depart on 12/06. Those that are not continuing their travels in-country will be taken back to Maputo International Airport, ready to fly home with plenty of memories of your time working to protect the communities of Mozambique!

By coordinating ahead of time and building in contingency plans we strive to make the potentially challenging job of vaccinating hundreds of dogs a day, go as smoothly as possible. However, the nature of field work means that each day can be difficult to predict and being able to ‘go with the flow’ is therefore essential!

We want you to feel as prepared as possible for volunteering with us, we have therefore decided to highlight some of the potentially more challenging aspects of taking part in a Mission Rabies project below. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Transport - The standard of roads, vehicles and driving in Mozambique may be less than you are used to. We conduct vehicle safety and driver checks for all the vehicles we use but this is something you should be aware of.

Accommodation - The accommodation is basic but comfortable with all required amenities.

Sharing Rooms - To ensure we can get as many volunteers in the field as possible and keep the in-country costs low for you, you will be sharing a room with another volunteer of the same sex. If you specifically request to have a single room this may be possible to arrange, however this will be at an extra cost. In addition, if you are volunteering with a friend and would like to share we can accommodate this, so please mention this upon application.

Food - All meals are provided during the project. As an animal welfare project, we do not provide meat, but safe, clean, vegetarian food will be available for every meal. Please declare allergies and dietary requirements at the point of application so we can make arrangements accordingly. Water and soft drinks will be provided during the project. Alcoholic drinks are not covered by Mission Rabies but can be purchased at the accommodation.

Climate – Mozambique has a tropical to sub-tropical climate, as such it can be hot and humid. June is one of Mozambique's driest months (although it can still rain during this time). Temperatures in the South (Guija District is in the South-West) average between 17 and 28 degrees celcius (and above). It can get cooler at night so make sure you bring both high factor sun screen and a jumper. A sun hat is also a must as there will not always be much shade. Bringing a packable waterproof is also recommended just in case of any unseasonal weather. As it can get very hot make sure you drink plenty of water. Please bring a reusable water bottle, which we can fill; as this gives you access to safe, clean water on the go and saves a huge amount of plastic waste.  

Physical work and early starts - In order to reach 70% coverage of a dog population, we have to work very hard! A typical day starts at 6am to get into the field to start work at 7am. Overall, the days are long but rewarding. Each dog vaccinated is one more protected against rabies - which in turn saves the lives of local people. You must be comfortable walking at least 15km a day over rough hilly terrain and in hot sunny weather - sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. The actual process of vaccinating, handling, marking and data collection is also physical work.

Emotional Readiness for Field Experiences - Mission Rabies works closely with local partners and commuities around the world to promote animal welfare, create safer human-dog interactions and address animal suffering. There is a chance that you will witness suffering, be it human or animal, while on this project. You cannot know how you will react to seeing a dog with a terrible case of mange or with a fractured leg, seeing people in need or finding a personal bond has been shattered by illness. It may simply be alarming to see dogs who live chained outside or are handled roughly. It is important to be prepared for seeing these types of emotional cases, however, please know it is perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions in response to this. We can help support you with this so please do ensure that you speak to your project leader if you are struggling or have any specific concerns.

Mission Rabies is very aware of the fact that travelling internationally can be an overwhelming experience even for seasoned travellers and we want your volunteer experience to be as rewarding and comfortable as possible. Our staff are more than happy to answer any questions that you have before you travel and there will always be members from the Mission Rabies Leadership Team on the project to be your point of communication in-country. They will be on the ground working with your team, helping you get to grips with the tasks and activities of the project and will always be available if you have any questions, concerns, or particular needs throughout your time in Mozambique.

Vaccine Requirements - To participate in a Mission Rabies program, proof of rabies and tetanus vaccinations is mandatory. You are also responsible for consulting with a travel clinic or medical professional at least 6-8 weeks before the project start date to discuss any additional recommended vaccinations, and to ensure that all required doses and boosters are completed in time.

Rabies: Proof of rabies vaccination is required for all participants. Acceptable forms of proof include:

• Documentation of a recent primary vaccination course administered within the past 1-2 years, with the final dose completed no later than 14 days before field exposure.
• A rabies booster if your primary vaccination was administered over two years ago.
• Alternatively, a titre test result dated within three months before the project start date, which confirms adequate levels.

Tetanus: Valid proof of a recent tetanus vaccination is required to cover you for the duration of the trip.

Regarding other vaccines, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have contacted a medical professional or travel clinic before the project. You must ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations and that you get any boosters in sufficient time.

Yellow Fever - You will need proof of yellow fever vaccination if you have visited or transited for more than 12 hours in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Malaria - Malaria is endemic in Mozambique. We strongly recommend that you consult your physician and/or travel clinic to discuss options and indications for an adequate anti-malarial while you are in Mozambique. We also advise you to take measures to avoid getting bitten, such as wearing mosquito repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening.

Dengue Fever - Dengue Fever which is also transmitted by mosquitos is a risk, therefore taking precautions is essential since there is no treatment available. Using insect repellent is advised as a preventative measure - please ask your physician/ travel clinic about appropriate repellents.

Zika Virus - Mozambique is listed as being an area at risk of Zika virus on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. Please follow the advice on their website and discuss this with your doctor when considering participating in this project. 

Health Declaration - Please inform us of any medical conditions you have, or in case you have any questions about your ability to participate, so that we are aware and can discuss these with you and can then make any necessary provisions. The NHS has a helpful website for travelling that can be found here, which can provide you with advice, but this should only be used in conjunction with, and not instead of, seeking medical advice from your medical practitioner/local travel clinic.

Additional Vaccinations and Health Requirements - We advise you to review recommended vaccines and treatments with a medical professional or travel clinic. Although only proof of rabies and tetanus vaccination is required by us, further vaccinations may be advised for the trip, based on your travel health provider’s recommendations.

Food and Water Safety -There is always the risk of 'travellers' diarrhoea' when you travel due to different food and water. As a rule we recommend you only drink bottled or purified water and eat from reputable restaurants. With regard to food, we will provide clean, safe vegetarian food for each of your meals. Many people have said that steering clear of meat will go a long way in preventing illness; anecdotally this does appear to have been true for many of our previous volunteers. We recommend consulting your physician to discuss treatments that you can bring along and signs and symptoms to look out for when travelling.

Dog Bite Protocols - Mission Rabies takes dog bites and potential rabies exposure very seriously. We follow strict protocol in line with the latest WHO recommendations in the case of exposures. Post-exposure prophylaxis is readily available in Mozambique so injections can be obtained if they are needed. You will be briefed before you travel and in-country on our procedures for your own protection and there will always be a member of Mission Rabies staff to help.

Essential Clothing and Gear

• Practical Clothing:
• Lightweight, breathable clothes suitable for fieldwork (e.g. long walking trousers). You will be given Mission Rabies polo shirts to wear during the campaign.
• Warm Layer: A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
• Sun Protection:
• High-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong UV rays.
• A wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck.
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Footwear:
• Comfortable, sturdy shoes for long hours of work, ideally closed-toe for safety.

Health and Hygiene Essentials

• Towel: A quick-drying travel towel is useful for various situations.
• Personal Toiletries: Standard toiletries along with travel-sized hand sanitiser and biodegradable wet wipes.
• Medications: Bring a prescription and over-the-counter medications, including:
• Imodium, Paracetamol, and electrolyte tablets for hydration.

Additional Practical Items

• Bug Spray: Effective insect repellent to protect against bites, especially during dusk.
• Small rucksack/ waist bag for day to day storage of your essentials.
• Filter Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated while minimizing plastic waste; this allows access to clean drinking water on the go.
• Headlamp: Useful for navigating in low-light conditions during evenings.
• Earplugs and Eye Mask: To help you sleep better, particularly in noisy environments.
• Charging Adaptors: Ensure you bring the appropriate charging adaptors for your electronic devices. In Mozambique, the standard voltage is 220V, and the plug type is C, F and M, so pack accordingly to keep your devices charged​ (battery packs are a great fall back whilst in the field).

Hydration Tips

• Due to the heat, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Electrolyte tablets/powder can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat.  

You should arrive into Maputo International Airport, where a member of the Mission Rabies team will collect you and bring you to your accomodation for the night.

Please note that you are responsible for booking your own flights and that transfers are only included on the stated arrival and departure days, and only to and from the stated airport.

All other in-country travel during the campaign is organised by Mission Rabies.

Mission Rabies is well aware of the fact that travelling and experiencing new cultures can be an overwhelming experience even for seasoned travellers. We want your time with us to be as rewarding and comfortable as possible. Our team are more than happy to answer any questions you may have before you travel, and there will always be members from the Mission Rabies Leadership Team to be your point of communication in-country. They will be on the ground working with your team, helping you get to grips with the tasks and activities of the project and will always be available if you have any questions, concerns, or particular needs throughout your time in Mozambique.