Conservation & Animal Rehabilitation

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Flexible start dates

Description: Taking a gap year or career break in South Africa allows you to work with the most amazing wildlife Africa can offer. As a volunteer, you will assist with the re-introduction of indigenous animals and assist in the development of a new conservation game reserve.

Conservation volunteers play an active role in the rehabilitation of animals, particularly cheetah, before they are released into the reserve along with other conservation activities.

This project relies on volunteers with a passion for wildlife and who want to be part of ongoing conservation work. Volunteers must be motivated and be willing to take part in all aspects of conservation work to make a difference and help bring this vast area in the Great Karoo, back to how nature intended it to be.

There are a maximum of 5 volunteers on the project at any time and is ideal for those studying wildlife or for those people wanting time out from their usual routine. You can now volunteer for a minimum of two weeks so your time away can be fitted around your annual leave. For those who have a gap year or sabbatical arranged we can arrange long term placements for you.

Where do I stay?

Accommodation is provided in the main house (although cottages are currently being renovated for volunteers) within the game reserve. There are two large sitting room areas, large kitchen, dining room with fireplace, shared bedrooms, and shared bathroom/toilet facilities, boma area (for outside BBQ's), swimming pool, gardens and a spectacular view, like no other.

Highlights:
*Cheetah Release and breeding
*Fencing Patrols
*Bird, insect and reptile data capture
*Anti erosion work
*Reclamation of damaged vegetation
*Monitoring of waterholes
*Game counts
*Bush cooking
*Identifcation profiles for game
*Predator release programmes
*Constructing boundary fences and bomas
*Game transportation
*Cleaning enclosures
*Feeding animals in temporary enclosures
*Assisting wildlife veterinarians
*Control and removal of alien plantation
*Community work
Due to the nature of the work carried out on the game reserve, your involvement will vary and we cannot guarantee that you will be involved all activities above.

Qualifications: No qualifications required. Just motivated and enthusiastic individuals

Cost in US$: 2,160 for 4 weeks

How much does it cost?

2 Weeks = GBP 599
4 Weeks = GBP 999
6 Weeks = GBP 1499
8 Weeks = GBP 1899
12 Weeks= GBP 2,899

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Vivisto volunteers are enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are looking for experiences that will not only benefit themselves but who are looking to take part in positive steps towards the development of sustainable conservation and community projects in South Africa.

Age Range: Min 18, no maximum

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

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of min 2 max 4

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Vivisto's Mission Statement: To provide life-changing travel opportunities.

Year Founded: 2006