We have some great volunteers that help us with our donkeys and also in our small shop but are always grateful for anyone who would like to spare a few hours or days at our sanctuary. If you would like to come and help please contact us or come up to the sanctuary and we can explain what's involved.

Volunteers from other countries also come to us who want to have a 'Working Holiday' and we are always grateful for the extra help! If you would like to learn about donkeys and be part of the team who care for them, please contact us for more information.

Visiting Volunteers – a holiday with a difference!

We have had many people come and stay here for a working holdiay at the sanctuary. People have come from the UK, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and other places in Europe. One person stayed for two months! Its’a great way to learn about donkeys, spend time and get to know them and experience a different culture and climate. Also, it can be a great help to us to get the morning routine done more quickly so that we can spend more time grooming and walking our donkeys!

Everyone who has been with us ends up having their favourite donkey! As well as learning a lot about the work we do, we like to give Visiting Volunteers the opportunity to be involved in other regular things we do. Some of these activities are explained below.

Below are some frequently asked questions with answers to give you information about being a Visiting Volunteer. If you are interested in coming here after reading the information below, or you have any other questions, please contact us.

Is there a minimum age you need to be to work at the sanctuary?

Yes, 16, However, if you are accompanied by an adult you can be a little younger but please contact us to discuss this.

What does the work involve?

You would be involved in feeding and checking the donkeys, cleaning the paddocks, grooming and taking the donkeys for walks and general help around the sanctuary. Our vet visits twice a week and, if you wish, you can accompany him and ask questions as well as watch our farrier. If our Welfare Officer is doing an Outreach Project or a Welfare Check you may be able go with her. Depending on when you are here during the month, you can also help with the monthly weighing of the donkeys.

I have no equine experience. Does this matter?

Not at all! On your first day we will give you an induction which includes Health and Safety. Then you’ll work with one of our staff who will show you what to do and help you. It is hard physical work though so be prepared!!

What clothes should I bring?

The most important item is boots which ideally should be steel toe capped to protect your toes just in case a donkey stands on them. If you don’t have any please let us know in plenty of time before you arrive. Generally, between May and October you can be in shorts and lightweight tops. It is worth bringing a lightweight fleece or similar. As clothes that are washed will dry very quickly during the summer, you won’t need to bring much! During late autumn, and spring, the weather can be a bit unpredictable so bring a jumper or two and a waterptoof coat. In the winter, the late afternoon and night temperatures can be very cold. As we are over 800m up in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, it can occassionally go down to below freezing and we have had snow sometimes!

When is the best time to come to Cyprus?

Below is a chart showing the average temperatures and rainfall. We advise people not to come in July or August as the temperatures can sometimes get into the 40oCs. As we are located over 800m above sea level it tends not to be as humid as it is near the coast. We would recommend Spring, early Summer and Autumn.

Are there any dangers I should be aware of?

Well there are snakes here but it’s not often you see one as the noise of the donkeys walking aroun keeps them away. There are mosquitos and a few other very samll flying insects that can bite so buy some repellent. In the summer you will see lots of lizards or you might be lucky an see a chameleon! These are totally harmless though.

The main dangers in the summer are sunburn and heatstroke. When you are working outside and there is a breeze blowing, it is easy to get burnt without realising it until later.Use lots of high factor suncream and keep covered – we recommend wearing a poloor T-shirt when you are working. A wide brimmed hat is a good idea to keep the sun off your head and neck. Drink lots of water too throughout the day to avoid dehydration. You may be surprised at how much you get through in a day!

Where can I stay?

You may be able to stay with the Farm Manager and his wife but contact us first to confirm this. Just so that you are aware, they have two cats, a guinepig , a very friendly dog and it is a smoking house! We can find you other accommodation locally ir required and will advise you how much it will cost. If you are able to stay in the Farm Manager’s house, then we do ask for a contribution towards electricity etc and you would need to buy your own food. No need to bring towels, hairdryer etc but just ask us if we have anything you might need as it may save you packing some items.

Which airport do I fly into?

Either Paphos or Larnaca. Paphos is 45 minutes from the sanctuary and Larnaca is about an hour.

How do I get to Vouni?

Public transport is very random from Limassol and there are no trains on Cyprus. It is advisable to hire a car as this will also give you the opportunity to go sight seeing. Do get one with enough power to get you up the mountains though! We can arrange to collect you from the airports (Larnaca or Paphos) if needed and ask for a minimum donation of €20 each way to cover fuel costs.

More General Information

What is the minimum age for car hire? 25. There are one or two companies that have a 23 year minimum but these can be more expensive.

Which side ot the road do you drive on?

Left- same as the UK

What is the speed limit?

On the motorway it is 100km (65mph) except when driving through Limassol when it is 80km (50mph). In built up areas it is 50km (30mph). Other areas vary and are signed.

What language are the signs?

Greek and English. Do be aware though that Limassol will usually be written as Lemesos and Nicosia is Lefkosia!

If I do hire a car, how easy is it to find my way around?

Cyprus is a very small island with only one motorway from East to West so it is fairly difficult to get completely lost! Normal GPS doesn’twork here so it is best to get a map. Directions to the sanctuary are on this website.

I’ve hear the driving in Cyprus is dangerous!

We don’t think so although you should expect the unexpected! There is a tendancy not to indicate and drivers will sometimes stop in the road to talk to a friend!

Do many Cypriots speak English?

Yes, especially in the towns

What is the currency?

Euro

I’m vegetarian/vegan. Is it difficult to find suitable food?

No, especially if you cook for yourself.All of the supermarkets sell a wide range of foods including many UK products (these will be more expensive). Quorn/tofu products are available in most supermarkets and larger shops and fruit and vegetables are in abundance. Eating in some restaurants or tavernas can be a little restricted but don’t be afraid to ask for alterations to a meal.

How much money do I need to bring?

There are plenty of ATMs where you withdraw cash using VISA, VISA Debit Cards etc although the nearest to Vouni is 22km. As a very rough guide we would suggest a minimum of €150 if you are staying for a week and €200 for two weeks. This will cover our fuel costs if we collect you, a donation towards electricity if you stay with the Farm Manager and food. Obviously if you stay elsewhere, you will need more. Almost everyone who has stayed here has bought some presents (usually donkey related!), adopted a donkey and eaten out several times so bring extra for those!

I’d really like to come and work at the sanctuary. What do I do now?

Give us a call or contact us by email to have a chat with our Farm Manager. We’ll then send you two forms to complete and return to us. These are so we have a little more information about you such as who to contact in an emergency, any health issues we need to be aware of etc. All information is kept strictly confidential.