Wilderness Conservation Project, South Africa

  South Africa

Hoedspruit

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Every month throughout the year.

Description: Volunteer on a South African game reserve for 4, 8 or 12 weeks; assist with the wild cheetah re-introduction project, learn about game reserve management in Africa, track animals such as lions, leopards, elephants and rhino and contribute towards the future sustainability of a unique and beautiful wilderness area.

This volunteering project gives volunteers the unique opportunity to live in the heart of the South African bush, learning about conservation and taking an active role in the management and maintenance of a game reserve. Volunteers are based in the province of Limpopo in South Africa on a 24,000 hectare reserve, which is home to many animals including rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest (to name but a few). As well as seeing spectacular scenery and breathtaking flora and fauna, on this South African volunteering adventure, volunteers will learn all the skills required to manage a game reserve; gaining fascinating knowledge about conservation and a once in a lifetime experience, while most importantly, aid the future sustainability of a remarkably unique and beautiful area. Whether you are looking for an amazing way to spend a gap year, an awe-inspiring way to spend an ethical holiday or just the chance to volunteer and help one of the most remarkable parts of the world; this wilderness conservation volunteering adventure certainly provides the experience of a lifetime!

The first week focuses on learning about wilderness conservation, flora and fauna, as well as equipping volunteers with the skills theyll need over the coming weeks. This will include assisting with the wild cheetah re-introduction project and learning how to monitor large predators and herbivores. We will also be taught the skills and techniques needed to help with bush clearing, erosion control, fence patrols, alien plant control, and much more. In the opening week, well also be taught the Emergency First Response first aid course, to receive a qualification that will last two years. After our training well become an active staff member on the reserve, with each day bringing new exciting challenges and developments, from the day to day research and monitoring of the animals and environment, to ad hoc activities such as broken fences, problem animals, and if were lucky perhaps some animal darting and game capture / releases! Volunteers on this wilderness conservation project are truly in a unique position of having a strong and significant involvement in the running of the reserve and in turn, helping with the conservation of a precious place that is home to awe inspiring flora and fauna!

Highlights: What's Included:
- Pre-departure support
- 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK
- Airport transfers from Phalaborwa airport
- All meals
- Accommodation
- Laundry service (twice a week)
- Transport for social activities (time permitting)
- Transport to town on shopping day (approx once a week)
- Training materials
- Afrikaans lessons
- Emergency First Response qualification (First Aid)
- Research Training on using telemetry, GPS, data collection and processing
- General training in: conservation, reserve management, bird / mammal / reptile identification, tracking, tree identification and ecology
- CD containing images of your stay

Cost in US$: 2500

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

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 of upto 10

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 2006