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Excellent 4.81rating (372)
🔥 In High Demand

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation

location
1 - 16 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • The famed African Big 5 out in the wild. The reserve is home to the big five game animals, including the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and White/Black rhinoceros.
  • Free weekend excursion to Port Elizabeth. Make memories you'll never forget during weekend excursions with your fellow volunteers.
  • Enjoy a wide range of facilities on site at camp such as swimming pool, tennis & cricket courts, entertainment room and more.

Highlights

  • The famed African Big 5 out in the wild. The reserve is home to the big five game animals, including the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and White/Black rhinoceros.
  • Free weekend excursion to Port Elizabeth. Make memories you'll never forget during weekend excursions with your fellow volunteers.
  • Enjoy a wide range of facilities on site at camp such as swimming pool, tennis & cricket courts, entertainment room and more.
  • Sidbury is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves and wetlands, offering great birdwatching opportunities, especially for enthusiasts keen on spotting local species like the African Fish Eagle.
  • South Africa is often called the “Rainbow Nation” due to its diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Visitors can explore a range of cultural experiences and historic sites.

  • 🔥 In High Demand
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Get an all-round experience of life on a Big 5 reserve. Your work will play a valuable part in the sustainability of the reserve, assisting on day to day upkeep tasks.

    About

    Located in South Africa’s malaria-fee adventure province, between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, the 6 000 hectare, big five, five-star nature reserve is positioned in one of the most biologically varied regions of the country. The Reserve is located on the legendary Sidbury ...

    About the program

    About

    Located in South Africa’s malaria-fee adventure province, between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, the 6 000 hectare, big five, five-star nature reserve is positioned in one of the most biologically varied regions of the country. The Reserve is located on the legendary Sidbury Plains, in the heart of Frontier Country, along the banks of the Bushman’s River – a mere hour’s drive from Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

    The reserve is home to the big five game animals, including the African Lion, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, African Leopard, and White/Black Rhinoceros.

    The reserve is located in one of the most biologically varied regions in South Africa, with many of the biomes still unspoiled. The wildlife reserve is set in a mix of grasslands, fynbos, valley bushveld and sub-tropical vegetation which is home to African game such as the Big Five, zebras, giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, eland, impala, kudu, springbuck, cheetahs, warthog, lynx, caracal, jackals and meerkat roam the Sidbury plains.

    With more than 250 bird species having been recorded in the area, the surrounding are also a bird watcher’s paradise with a great diversity of birds within forest, riverine, gorge and savannah habitats.

    The reserve continuously strives for improvement and enhancement, and therefore, in addition to the Big Five, we also boast many other facilities and offerings. These include various accommodation types to suit all guests (families are welcome), swimming pools, a domestic animal touch farm, cricket field, tennis courts, entertainment area and much more.

    We would like to remind you that you will be working on a Big 5 game reserve where
    the Big 5 are all in their natural state and free-roaming. Therefore, please understand that you will not physically interact with ‘the wild’ Big 5.

    The reserve engages in extensive conservation programmes of which you will participate in. this is important as without our conservation efforts, wildlife in this area will not be sustainable.


    Why this program

    Get an all-round experience of life on a Big 5 Game Reserve. Become one with nature as you learn about the conservation of local fauna and flora. Your work will play a valuable part in the sustainability of the region, as you assist in general tasks on a day-to-day basis on the reserve.

    Sadly all five of the African Big 5 are listed as at risk by the IUCN listings. The southern white rhinoceros and African buffalo are classified as near threatened while the black rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered. The African lion and African leopard are both classified as vulnerable whilst the African savanna elephant is listed as endangered. You will help play a role in the vital conservation of these species.

    This wildlife and conservation programme is designed for volunteers interested in having a truly African experience while making a difference to the local wildlife and environment. Activities for this programme vary on a day-to-day basis and are dependent on weather and other factors (so please expect the itinerary to change from time to time!).


    What is included
    Your program fees cover:
    • Accommodation (See below for detailed information)
    • Meals (3 meals per day when on site at the reserve)
    • Airport collection/drop off shuttle
    • Weekend excursion shuttle to Port Elizabeth
    • Weekend excursion accommodation in Port Elizabeth (dorms)
    • Branded T-Shirt & Cap
    • On Site Support Staff
    • Welcome Orientation
    • Registration Fee
    • Project donation for the reserve upkeep

    How do I get to the placement

    You will live on site at the reserve so will not need to travel to the project site on a daily basis.


    What will I be doing

    There is an itinerary of all the activities which are scheduled for each week. The itinerary is designed in such a way that volunteers are divided into groups of up to 10 volunteers per group, depending on the number of volunteers. Each group will have an outdoor volunteer coordinator as a leader and mentor. The groups will be engaged in different daily activities, but will all do the same type and number of activities by the end of the week. In some cases, all the groups might do the same activity at the same time depending on the type of activity e.g. game capturing.

    You will start work at approximately 0830 and finish at approximately 1630 Monday to Friday.

    You will notice that your activities include some but are not limited to:
    • Removal of alien vegetation in and around the reserve
    • Lion tracking and monitoring
    • School feeding schemes (only during the SA school year)
    • Wildlife structures
    • Tree planting and landscaping
    • Game drives
    • Fauna and flora work in the nursery
    • Wilderness trail walks and patrols
    • Fence patrol
    • Game counts (in season)
    • Game captures (in season)


    Who will I be working with

    Alongside your volunteer team, you will work with the on site coordinator team. For all your activities and welfare during your stay with us, we have specific outdoor and indoor coordinators to look after you. 

    Indoor coordinators are responsible for items such as your accommodation, transfers, orientation, excursions, meals, laundry, and any other related issues. If you have any problems in any one of the above mentioned, please do not hesitate to approach the indoor coordinator on duty or reception area to speak to our front office manager.

    These are the coordinators that you will be working with on a day to day basis for all your daily outdoor activities. They are specially trained in their field and any questions on wildlife and fauna and flora can be directed at them. If you are not comfortable or you are unable to do any activity planned for the day, please do not hesitate to approach your coordinator.


    What you can expect from us
    We will be on hand any time of any day to support you in your placement and trip as a whole. There will always be someone you can speak to or get a hold of should you want to discuss anything or require any guidance.


    What we expect from you
    We expect volunteers to carry out their work duties Monday – Friday.
    No alcohol on site at the reserve. You will be able to let your hair down during your weekend excursions.
     
    In order to become a volunteer with us you need to fulfill the following criteria:
    • You must be in good physical and mental condition
    • You must be able to tolerate a sometimes hot and humid climate
    • You must be able to speak English comfortably
    • You must be 18 years old or over
    • You must have a positive and practical attitude towards wildlife conservation, rural communities and different cultures.


    Typical day

    You will start work at approximately 08:30am and finish at approximately 16:30pm Monday to Friday. Your day is broken up into three parts which are as follows (please note that the morning times do change depending on Summer/ Winter times):

    – 08h30- 09h30 Activities
    – 10h00-13h00 Activities

    Typical day

    You will start work at approximately 08:30am and finish at approximately 16:30pm Monday to Friday. Your day is broken up into three parts which are as follows (please note that the morning times do change depending on Summer/ Winter times):

    – 08h30- 09h30 Activities
    – 10h00-13h00 Activities
    – 14h00-16h30 Activities

    Your coordinators start work at 07h00 and between 07h00 and 08h30 they will be either feeding the horses, busy in the touch farm or at the workshop. You are free to join them during this period if you so wish.

    These times are subject to change depending on the activities for the day.



    Free-time activities

    Weekday Free Time

    During the week whilst at the reserve, you will benefit from the wide range of facilities to enjoy on site. You will spend your meal times together with your fellow volunteers, then you have the evening to relax and socialise. On site there is a swimming pool, tennis & cricket ...

    Free-time activities

    Weekday Free Time

    During the week whilst at the reserve, you will benefit from the wide range of facilities to enjoy on site. You will spend your meal times together with your fellow volunteers, then you have the evening to relax and socialise. On site there is a swimming pool, tennis & cricket court, table tennis, touch farm, lounge areas and an entertainment room with TV and darts.


    Weekend Free Time

    On weekends we arrange for the volunteers to have the option to visit Port Elizabeth and spend their weekend exploring here. You will be provided with accommodation in town on Saturday night and a shuttle from/to the reserve. Weekend meals are not included if off the reserve.

    Weekend accommodation will be in dorms however you can arrange to upgrade yourself into a private room at your own cost.
    are welcome to do so but at your own cost.

    Volunteers are also free to organize their own excursion elsewhere during the weekends, but this will be at your own
    cost. Please note that should you do so, then make sure to sign out at reception.

    You are also free to stay behind during the weekends to relax and unwind at the reserve and enjoy the facilities.



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    • You must be in good physical and mental condition • You must be able to tolerate a sometimes hot and humid climate • You must have a positive and practical attitude towards animal welfare and wildlife conservation

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your program fees cover;

    • Accommodation (See below for detailed information)
    • Meals (3 meals per day when on site at the reserve)
    • Airport collection/drop off shuttle
    • Weekend excursion shuttle to Port Elizabeth
    • Weekend excursion accommodation in Port Elizabeth (dorms)
    • Branded T-Shirt & Cap
    • On Site Support Staff
    • Welcome Orientation
    • Registration Fee
    • Project donation for the reserve upkeep

    Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

    We will arrange an airport shuttle collection for you from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) at Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha. It is around an 85km trip to the reserve where you will join any other volunteers arriving that week.

    The shuttle from the airport to the reserve leaves at 4pm every arrival Monday. This means if you arrive beforehand, you will need to hang out at the airport until the departure time.

    It is also possible to arrange a private hire for you from/to the airport for an additional cost if the shuttle times are not convenient to you.


    Accommodation

    Volunteers live together in shared single sex dorms. Volunteers are provided with a clean and modern living area where you will have a place to store your personal items, shared bathroom blocks and public areas and living rooms to relax with your colleagues. There is a kitchenette and main dining area where you will come together as a team for meal times.

    Aside from the living areas, you will also enjoy the benefit of the on site facilities in your free time. Including a swimming pool, touch farm, sports areas such as cricket and tennis courts, entertainment room including TV, pool table & darts.

    For couples, friends or people wanting to upgrade into a private room this may be available at an additional cost. Please get in touch for further details.


    Food & Beverages

    You will be provided with your meals three times a day during your time on camp. These meals are served over three time slots for Breakfast, Lunch & Supper. All meals are served at the shared dining area, and no cooking is allowed in any of the kitchenette areas.

    Our basic breakfast consists of cereals, bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee and cheese, but sometimes we serve eggs, sausages or baked beans, and sometimes a combination of the above. As for lunch and dinner we have a wide variety ranging from burgers, chicken and chips, vegetarian dishes, potato casserole and so on.

    Clean drinking water is also provided in a number of locations on site for volunteers. No alcohol is allowed on site at the reserve.


    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth. 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

    – This program is available all year round.

    – Arrival day is every Monday and our program runs on a weekly basis. Departure day is the following Sunday.
     
    – The airport collection shuttle departs from Port Elizabeth airport to the reserve at 4pm every Monday.
     
    – The airport dropoff shuttle departs from the reserve to Port Elizabeth at 6pm every Sunday.

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

    Program Fees

    $653 per week 1 - 16 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 16 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.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Sam
    372
    reviews
    4.81
    Excellent
    2017
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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