Karoo Conservation Project

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: The Karoo Wildlife Conservation Project was set up to make a contribution to the conservation of African wildlife. The recent increase of urban and agricultural developments has resulted in the loss of species which play an integral role in Africa's ecosystems. The Karoo Conservation Project is an established 4000 acre wildlife reserve which is managed under the following aims; to re-introduce all the species that once roamed in the area, establish a successful breeding programme for endangered species, collect data on wildlife for developing management techniques and also to develop an educational programme for the local community.

Volunteers will play a vital role in the success of developing a sustainable wildlife conservation reserve. The reserve is home to Impala, Kudu, Springbuck, Red Hartebeest and others. Depending on the time of year volunteers will participate in the process of re-introduction of game to the reserve, such animals may include; Giraffe, Rhino, Cheetah and others.

The reserve has also built a rehabilitation centre where they will be breeding Serval for introduction to the reserve and other reserves within the Eastern Cape. The reserve will also be breeding the endangered African wild cat and the small footed cat. The rehabilitation centre is also used for injured animals and can be used by other reserves or game capture teams. The centre is one of the first of its kind in the Eastern Cape.

Volunteers will have access to the neighbouring reserves to see the 'Big 5' on their game drives. Not only will they be able to see a vast array of Africa's beautiful wildlife but also learn about wildlife management techniques.

Highlights: Project Activities may include some of the following;

- Scientific research of wildlife
- Wildlife monitoring (monthly game counts, observation of; behavioural changes, feeding and rehabilitation)
- Vegetation monitoring (grazing and browsing impacts)
- Game capture and translocation
- Game drives on adjacent reserves and bush walks
- Feeding & caring for the injured animals in the centre
- Camp-outs under the stars and astronomy workshops
- Erosion control and alien invasive species eradication
- Anti-poaching (daily patrols and looking for snares)

** Note: It is not possible to guarantee these exact activities will occur during your project it depends on conditions of the project at the time **

Qualifications: No qualifications are required as all training is given on the project.

Cost in US$: 4 weeks GBP 1,595, 8 weeks GBP 2,595

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer is someone who is interested in wildife and wants to expand their knowledge.

Age Range: 17+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 2005