Mafra - Wolf Conservation

In the morning of Monday, the local staff lead an interactive session (at the volunteer accommodation) that includes some ice-breaker activities and a presentation that covers a lot of useful information including: an introduction to Portugal and it's culture, the volunteer experience (setting expectations), an overview of our programs, practical information for getting around the city and beyond, and safety guidelines. In the afternoon, the volunteers are escorted into the city center for a special tour. They are also able to buy bus tickets, local sim cards and exchange money if necessary, all with a local staff member for support.

The next day is free to spend exploring Lisbon, head to the LX Factory or the Timeout market or if you just want to chill on the beach take a short train ride up the coast to Cascais.

On Wednesday, you will be taken to the Wolf Centre in Mafra by van, where you will stay throughout the rest of your program.

A typical weekday will look like this:

08:00 Breakfast at the volunteer house
09:00 Volunteer activities.
13:00 Cook lunch at your wooden house individually or together with the other local and international volunteers.
15:00 Volunteer activities.
19:00 Cook dinner at your house individually or with the other volunteers. After dinner, you can use your free time to relax or as you wish.

Please note that the actual schedule can change according to the shifts volunteers participate in.

Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to relax at the centre or spend some time exploring. There may be weekends where you will be asked to help.
You can visit Mafra, relax in the town’s beautiful parks, on its excellent beaches or take a short trip to Ericeira which is a world-renowned paradise for surfers.

- Accommodation
- Pick-up at the airport and transfer to the accommodation (On the Sunday prior to an Introduction Day)
- Transfer to project site in Mafra on Wednesday
- Materials for the volunteer activities.
- Free maps, city guides and the best tips to discover the city!
- Support 24/7 (365 days a year at anytime.)

Plus during the introduction days in Lisbon
- Three meals a day, everyday: breakast, lunch and dinner (Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request.)
- Responsible guided city tour (2 hours.)

Please bring clothes to work in the forest, such as boots and work gloves.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.