Experience life on an African Game Reserve

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Rural Areas

Dates: Ongoing throughout the year

Description: With an exciting orientation program, all transfers, meals and stunning accommodation set amongst lagoon dune forest and African bush, this project offers volunteers an amazing South African experience.

As a volunteer, you will also be actively involved in the reserve's lion cub rearing program and will have up close and personal interactions with the reserve's trained elephants.

With a varied and stimulating practical experience, these are just some of the activities you will be involved in:

- Bush walks and game drives: species identification and interpretation
- Camping out in the African bush
- Preparing a catalogue of the birds, numbers and breeding status in the reserve
- Fence patrols for snares and other threats to wildlife
- Game counts, mammal research and monitoring
- Alien vegetation control

Volunteer Testimonial from Laura Jane Robinson - 20 from the UK
"I loved every minute of my time here, it was an amazing project to be involved in. Being at Inkwenkwezi has made me realise I have definitely chosen the right career path in choosing to study zoology at University. It was an incredible and sometimes unbelievable experience." Read more testimonials

* Please note: For volunteers with limited time, a special 2-week version of the project is available which will immerse you quickly into game reserve life and provide you with a wide variety of informative, physical and fun activities. As a 2-week volunteer, you will have a reduced orientation period and will join Inkwenkwezi on the first Monday of your placement to maximise your time on the reserve.

Highlights: The following orientation activities are included:

* History of South Africa; a broad overview.
* Understanding Apartheid and the dawn of a new democracy.
* Socio-political developments in South Africa.
* Introduction to basic Xhosa and understanding of local customs.
* Overview of the various biomes within South Africa specific to the Eastern Cape.
* Rocky shores marine life and our coastal systems.
* The fragile eco-systems of estuaries.
* Floral diversity of the Eastern Cape.
* Coastal Hike.
* Estuarine exploration by boat.
* Rural village visit.

Cost in US$: USD 1740 for 2 weeks, USD 2180 for 4 weeks

* East London Airport collection and drop-off.
* A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the on-site team.
* Accommodation at Buccaneers Backpackers during project orientation - A cottage set amongst dune forest overlooking a lagoon bordering the Indian Ocean.
* Project orientation activities during your stay
* Transfers to and from Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve.
* Accommodation at Inkwenkwezi - A permanent tented safari camp in the African bush.
* All your meals at Buccaneers and Inkwenkwezi.
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our booking service for all attractions and events.
* An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to the Inkwenkwezi Conservation Initiative.

If you would like to spend some time with us in Cape Town, you have the option of adding a special Cape Town Week to your stay. Everything below is included with the Cape Town Week:

* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in, and an opportunity to let your family or friends know you have arrived safely.
* An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
* Accommodation at one of our AVIVA Houses in Cape Town before and after your project, with self-service breakfasts.
* Return flights between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape to join your project.
* 7 night's accommodation at one of our AVIVA Houses in Cape Town with self-service breakfasts.
* A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the world's most beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa's recent political history before and after Apartheid, includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa's second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Chocolate, Cheese & Wine tastings and lunch are included.

If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in South Africa before your planned arrival date.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-16

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement: Widely regarded to be one of the world's leading volunteer organisations, AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing international volunteers with rewarding, life changing experiences in South Africa. AVIVA provides full in-country support, all in-country transfers, accommodation, meals on most projects and a wide range of other benefits. Pre-arrival support is also second to none, with quick response to all enquiries, and expert assistance from their Cape Town based team every step of the way. AVIVA is the only volunteer organisation that provides a free personal trip planner & comprehensive fundraising assistance for volunteers. Previous experience is not required as all necessary training and supervision is provided. Since 2002, AVIVA have hosted volunteers of all ages and backgrounds from over 50 countries. So whether you are a student, taking a career break, or have retired and are looking for a way to travel & make a real difference, the AVIVA team would love to see you in South Africa. Visit AVIVA's web site to learn more, or make a no obligation application using their online booking form...

Year Founded: 2002