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Conservation Fellowship

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Assist the anti-poaching unit with the daily tracking & monitoring of endangered animals during foot patrols & game drives, support fence & night patrols, and participate in simulations trainings
  • Collaborate with the conservation management team to conduct game counts, veld condition assessment, carrying capacity calculations etc.
  • Help the habitat management team with alien plant & erosion control, road maintenance, and veld rehabilitation

Highlights

  • Assist the anti-poaching unit with the daily tracking & monitoring of endangered animals during foot patrols & game drives, support fence & night patrols, and participate in simulations trainings
  • Collaborate with the conservation management team to conduct game counts, veld condition assessment, carrying capacity calculations etc.
  • Help the habitat management team with alien plant & erosion control, road maintenance, and veld rehabilitation
  • Support our existing sustainability projects, including the organic vegetable garden, beekeeping, medicinal garden and animal rehabilitation, and learn about the underlying concepts
  • Become part of the Junior Guardian Community!

    • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join AMES as a Fellow and support us in daily conservation work and game reserve management activities whilst acquiring comprehensive knowledge in biodiversity & ecology!

    Through our fellowship program, we welcome students, professionals and more to our reserve for a limited amount of time. During their stay, fellows will support us in daily conservation work and game reserve management activities whilst acquiring comprehensive knowledge in biodiversity conservation ...

    About the program

    Through our fellowship program, we welcome students, professionals and more to our reserve for a limited amount of time. During their stay, fellows will support us in daily conservation work and game reserve management activities whilst acquiring comprehensive knowledge in biodiversity conservation and ecology. We thereby aim to raise more awareness for these important topics and will advance our conservation work through the fellows’ support.

    The fellow will be supporting us Monday until Saturday each week for approximately eight hours per day, i.e., from 9am until 5pm, and will have Sundays off. During the volunteering days, he will be supervised by our team onsite. 

    A TYPICAL WEEK AS CONSERVATION FELLOW

    Our fellows will engage in various conservation activities and learn a lot about ecology and our animals. You will spend most of your time in the field, which is where the magic happens! The longer you stay, the deeper you will get involved with our conservation work, the more responsibility you can take on, and the more creative you can get! Design your own project or conduct important research to sustainably improve our conservation work, if desired. Your typical working hours are 07:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday - on Saturdays and Sundays you are off to enjoy yourself, the community and the beautiful surroundings!

    Typical day

    Every day at the reserve looks different - usually, you only work from 7:00  to 16:00. To give you an impression of a typical week please continue reading. Feel free to reach out to us anytime; experienced fellows are happy to share their experiences and typical days with you.

    Sunday: Arrival to ...

    Typical day

    Every day at the reserve looks different - usually, you only work from 7:00  to 16:00. To give you an impression of a typical week please continue reading. Feel free to reach out to us anytime; experienced fellows are happy to share their experiences and typical days with you.

    Sunday: Arrival to Dabchick

    Welcome to our reserve! Settle in & explore Dabchick, participate in a short briefing & enjoy dinner

    Monday to Friday: Participate in a variety of conservation activities!

    A typical week includes morning game drives to track & monitor large animals, collect trail camera data, and spot & record many different species of reptiles. You will further learn how to conduct the “Rhino roll call” and how to find a rhino yourself. Besides, you will get involved in different anti-poaching activities, such as simulations of poacher tracking & confrontation and night patrols, as well as habitat management like the clearing of bushes and research & office work. We further let you assemble your own beehives and work in the indigenous tree garden whilst explaining medicinal and useful plants to you. You will learn a lot about the local ecosystem and our animals along the way, including how to identify & interpret their tracks & behavior.

    Saturday to Sunday: Bush experience & trainings and free time

    On Saturday, we will teach you key survival skills like navigating in the bush, finding water and food, making fire, and more. You will experience a true bush experience under a sky full of stars. On Sunday after our big breakfast you can join the shopping trip to the local grocer shop or enjoy your free time and relax or explore the reserve & surroundings.

    The following weeks: Expand your conservation expertise

    During following weeks you will run conservation activities more autonomously and get involved in advanced conservation work, including anti-poaching safety and weapon handling trainings. For those staying longer, the following weeks will allow you to take on more responsibility and both deepen & expand your conservation expertise. You can also get creative and develop your own project!

    Free-time activities

    While the fellowship program focuses on scientific and ecological studies, it also offers a range of less scientific but equally enriching activities designed to provide a holistic experience. These activities are aimed at fostering community engagement, promoting wellness, and encouraging ...

    Free-time activities

    While the fellowship program focuses on scientific and ecological studies, it also offers a range of less scientific but equally enriching activities designed to provide a holistic experience. These activities are aimed at fostering community engagement, promoting wellness, and encouraging creativity among fellows. For example:

    Sport & Football: Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in regular football matches and other sports activities. These events are not only for fitness but also for connecting to the local staff.

    Community Connect: Building strong ties with the local community is an integral part of the fellowship. Fellows will engage in community projects such as live cooking session with local chefs demonstrating the preparation of traditional South African dishes to offer a hand-on experience and a taste of the local culture.

    Content Creation & Photography: Fellows are encouraged to document their experiences through photography and storytelling. These images will be shared on the AMES Channel to showcase the experience and insights gained during their time in the reserve in order to inspire and educate a broader audience about the importance of conservation.

    Meditation & Mindfulness: To promote mental well-being, meditation and mindfulness sessions will be conducted regularly. These sessions are designed to help fellows manage stress, increase focus and enhance their overall mental health. The tranquil environment in the reserve provides the perfect backdrop for these practices.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (fluently)

    Required Documents

    Your personal details and contact information, 500 words explaining your motivation to become a Fellow and your expectations of your stay, Your CV, Proof of medical insurance and Copy of your passport

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The booking form that you will submit to confirm your booking of the Fellowship program includes detailed Terms & Conditions. Please read these carefully.

    We know the money seems a lot at first sight - and we are sorry that we cannot offer this great experience for less in order to make it more accessible. Yet, in these costs, many elements of your stay are included, such as accommodation, food, your airport pick-up, some free time activities etc. Since we are a foundation, we do not aim to make financial profits with this program - every Dollar covers the cost of your stay or goes directly into the maintenance and conservation work of our reserve. For more information, please refer to our website aswell or contact us directly with your questions. 


    Cancellation Policy
    Should you cancel your booking, the below cancellation policy will apply:
    ▪ 56+ days before the start of the course, 100% of the full course rate will be refunded
    ▪ 42 – 55 days before the start of the course, 75% of the full course rate will be refunded
    ▪ 21 – 41 days before the start of the course, 60% of the full course rate will be refunded
    ▪ 14 – 20 days before the start of the course, 30% of the full course rate will be refunded
    ▪ Less than 14 days before the start of the course, 0% of the full course rate will be refunded
    We only accept cancellation in writing.

    No refunds will be issued for missed or unused services. In the event of sickness, death, family emergency, or similar, the Venue and/or AMES Foundation may “bank” a course for 12 months (from cancellation date), during which time you can return to take up unused services. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the full course fee and monies already paid. Dates are subject to availability and supporting documents are required (medical certificate etc.). All associated costs of returning to the course will be at your own expense.

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    We provide transfer from OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) to the reserve - more information will follow upon booking. 


    Accommodation

    We provide: 

    • Shared accommodation at Research Camp. Accommodation: Room in a chalet (max. 2 pax) with shared bathroom (max. 4 pax)
    • Orientation and welcome pack
    • All volunteering activities and use of equipment
    • Laundry service 

    Food & Beverages

    We provide: 3 meals per day that our cook will prepare for you, catering for dietary restrictions (please indicate these upfront)

    What do the meals include? 
    • Breakfast includes tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh fruit and cereal or warm porridge during the week and a wholesome English breakfast on Sundays. 
    • For lunch, we usually eat sandwiches with different fillings whilst we enjoy a balanced, warm meal served with meat and vegetables for dinner. 
    Please inform us upfront in case of dietary restrictions. You can buy anything else you may want during the weekly shopping trip.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers can be hosted throughout the whole year. You can start your project every first and third Sunday of the month. Saturdays are arrival and departure days: Please ensure that your flights arrive in JNB until 11:00 am and don't depart JNB before 06:00 pm.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $695 per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

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    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Limpopo

    Meet your project coordinator

    Victoria
    13
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    4.75
    Brilliant
    2020
    Founded

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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