Africa’s Big 5 Wildlife & Conservation Experience

This exciting and hands-on wildlife project offers volunteers the chance to get up-close with some of Africa's most charismatic mammals.

Description

Highlights

This immersive wildlife project offers you personal interaction with some of the most charismatic mammals in Africa.

During the night you will hear the roar of lions from the nearby lion camp and wake to the early morning calls of the Hadeda birds.

The elephant boma is just 30 meters away from the volunteer camp. You will get to know the distinct personalities of all the elephants and bond with them very quickly.

Activities

Volunteers on this project may be involved in the following tasks:

• Game Counts & Species Records
• Anti –poaching patrols
• Capture & Translocation
• Wildlife Nutrition & Feeding
• Tracking & Monitoring Released Cheetah on Foot
• Lion Monitoring
• Managing & Maintaining Cheetah Breeding Projects
• Elephant Interactions & Upkeep of their Bomas
• Short Course in Wildlife Immobilisation
• Darting & Rifle Handling Course
• Education on how to approach wild animals on foot
• Conservation Education with the Community
• General Reserve Duties, including Erosion Control, Vegetation Rehabilitation and Road & Fence Maintenance

Optional:

- A snake Handling experience

Work with the Reserve Vet (only when vet is needed)

- This could be for any translocation of animals, any wounded or sick animals or just routine checks and vitamin supplementation.

Marine Education

- This can be a one day guided walk along the coast on the famous oystercatcher trail. A experienced guide will walk with you and explain all the interesting facts about our coast.

Field Guide qualification exam (certain dates only)

The field guiding course is a minimum stay of 4 weeks this includes 2 weeks practical and theoretical training that will be done at a nearby training centre, and after the completion of that 2 weeks practical will be done at the big 5 program as well as the theoretical exam.

There are different courses available for those wanting to do more advanced courses although only the basic level 1 introduction to guiding is needed to be able to work as a field guide in South Africa.

What can you do with this qualification?

The Nature Site Guide qualification enables you to obtain improved career opportunities in the Field Guiding industry. This opens the door to potential employment from a variety of tour operators and game lodges.

Location

The Garden Route is situated on the east coast of South Africa and is true to its name - being world famous for its diversity, beauty and mild climate. Spectacular scenery includes a pristine coastline, huge wetlands, salt marshes, rivers, mountains crowded closely to the shoreline, tall indigenous forests, vividly coloured wild flowers and the unique fynbos flora.

The reserve is located one hour from George, near Mossel Bay - a very popular holiday destination. Access to a beautiful sandy beach and plenty of excursion options will supply you with endless recreational or leisure opportunities in your time off.

What difference does this project make?

The program was started with the vision to create a broader spectrum to environmental awareness. Along with the short term, more immediate goals to rehabilitate agricultural land and local community uplifting, the project aims to develop a long term self-sustaining natural environment, create community awareness, expand the existing reserve, continue our successful cheetah breeding program and most importantly, TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE !

Field conditions

You will be based on the reserve in a very comfortable farm style volunteer house and tented camp. There is a communal area with satellite TV, internet and lapa (fire pit), where plenty of socialising takes place.

Should you wish to travel outside of the project during your stay, we will happily recommend safe, comfortable accommodation in the Garden Route.

All meals will be provided - all healthy, hearty food - some ready made and some do-it-yourself.

You can expect a range of many different dishes. All meals are prepared according to your specific tastes as best as possible. Specific food requirements, however, are only subject to request.

Qualifications

No specific wildlife qualifications are required, although this project would definitely benefit those studying or working in the field of conservation. Volunteers will need to have a love for conservation and wildlife and mustn't be afraid to get their hands dirty! Volunteers need to be hard working, mature, motivated and able to show initiative. Good health and physical fitness are also required. Volunteers also need to be confident in English speaking.

How to apply?

For more information about availability, dates and prices, please fill in our volunteer enquiry form. Your enquiry will be passed directly to the local team who will contact you shortly.

Dates & Costs