VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Our volunteer program is a unique conservation initiative and partnership, managed by Conservation Managers for the benefit of Protected Areas and resourced by Our Volunteers. A partnership that extends beyond your stay. 

The program was established is 2005 and has been hugely successful in helping Conservation Managers achieve their objectives. Volunteers will be working under the directed supervision of a Retired Warden. It is important to achieve certain targets within a reserve in order to protect wildlife, it's natural environment and the communities that live alongside it. The role of Our Volunteers is to play a significant part in helping Conservation Managers to reach their goals within the reserve effectively and quickly. You will be involved in;

• Conservation Education - Volunteers are introduced to an ecosystem and, ecological and conservation management practices.
• Sampling and Monitoring - Volunteers participate in routine flora, fauna, soil and water sampling and monitoring.
• Conservation Projects - Volunteers also participate in various conservation projects. These may include, eg. landscape rehabilitation and vulnerable species preservation.

Volunteers therefore become integral to our conservation team and are afforded the opportunity to participate in meaningful conservation activities within an adventurous environment, while gaining invaluable real-life and educational experiences.

Volunteers will be expected to participate and carry out a realist perspective of conservation management.

Volunteers will have many opportunities to engage in relaxing , rewarding, educational and adventurous activities:

• Game Drives
• Guided Bush Walks
• Bush Dinners
• Optional Field Trips

Features:

 ·          Packages:

•    7 Nights
• 14 Nights
• 21 Nights
• 28 Nights

·          Fully catered (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

·          Safari activities (game drives and guided walks)

·          TSA's - Introducing Conservation and Ecology

·          Fire Management Program

·          Conservation Projects

·          Sampling and Monitoring Program

·          Optional Field Trips

Benefits:

·          Small groups (max four)

·          Single accommodation

·          Rates

·          Realistic insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Conservation Managers

·          Active participation in conservation management projects and programs within Protected Areas

·          A portion of the rate is allocated towards conservation projects

.          No special equipment is necessary

Suggested Packing List:

For work ...

• Hat
• Suncream
• Closed boots/shoes
• Old clothes
• Long pants
• Water bottle
• Warm jacket and warm clothes if you are coming during the winter months

For leisure ...

• Books
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Comfortable clothing
• Sandals/slopes
• Laptop and other devices
• Notebook journal

Rates:

Rates cover catering and operating costs while funding conservation projects that the EcoADICTS participate in:

•   7 Nights           USD 380.00 per person
• 14 Nights           USD 760.00 per person
• 21 Nights           USD 1,150.00 per person
• 28 Nights           USD 1,520.00 per person

Rates Include:

·          Accommodation at TSA’s Conservation Centre. Depending on the location of activities, volunteers may be accommodated in a                                     temporary tented camp for a brief period.

·          All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner.

·          All activities in accordance with the program.

.          Transfers to and from the reserve entrance gate.

Rates Exclude:

·          Reserve conservation levies and entrance fees where applicable.

·          Travel insurance and medical repatriation.

·          Bar.

·          TSA Conservation clothing.

.          Meals in restaurants.

.          Airport transfers.

Optional:

.         Field Trips

.         TSA Conservation Expeditions

Services:

.         Transfers Three Bridges Restaurant  - USD 10.00 pp

.         Transfers Hoedspruit Airport              - USD 15.00 pp

Accommodation:

Located deep within the bush in the stunning landscape of Great Kruger in South Africa, the TSA Conservation Centre is hidden away within the surrounding natural environment. Frequently visited by wildlife and with a chorus of lions often heard over dinner, the experience of living in the bush is very real. Only four volunteers are accommodated at any one time. Each individual or couple will have their own safari tent or cabin. The TSA Conservation Centre comprises the following amenities:

• Safari style tents or cabins
• His and hers shared bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Braai area
• Honesty bar

Activities:

·          Conservation education:

o    Introducing Conservation & Ecology

This program introduces an ecosystem, conservation opportunities and challenges and ecological and biodiversity management objectives. It provides valuable insight regarding the role and value of Our Volunteers.  

o    Fire Management Program

Volunteers are training to compliment the role of TSA Conservation as the regions first responder and Fire Protection Representative.

·          Optional Field Trips:

The Field Trips are participative, educational and fun.

o    Kruger National Park

The theme of this field trip is to explore the regions rich biodiversity and various ecozones. Volunteers will also visit the Letaba elephant museum and Tzendzi burn plots.

o    Blyde / Klaserie

An ecotone will be explored by hiking along the beautiful Blyde River as it cascades through one of the worlds oldest mountain ranges combined with some relaxation time along and on the Klaserie Dam.

·          Monitoring and sampling programs:

TSA Conservation conducts numerous routine monitoring and sampling programs aimed at detecting Early Warning Symptoms and monitoring Environmental Wellness. Monitoring and sampling programs may include:

o    Vegetation analysis

o    Relationships

o    Soil and water assessments

o    Climate and weather

o    Populations and communities

·          Conservation projects:

A hands-off policy is generally adopted within a Protected Area. All conservation projects are aimed at preserving or promoting biodiversity and are managed and funded by Our Volunteers. Project management includes, identifying, planning, resourcing, managing and assessing the outcome of projects. Projects may include: 

o    Landscape rehabilitation

o    Vulnerable species preservation

o    Invasive vegetation eradication

o    Conservation education

o    Volunteers may have the opportunity to participate in wildlife management interventions. This cannot be guaranteed and is subject to what may arise during your volunteering experience.

Itinerary:

Due to the nature of of our program one needs to be adaptable. Please note that the program is not set in stone and will need to be flexible depending on what is happening at the time of your visit. We often react to a situation rather then follow a fixed routine. Just to give an idea, a typical week involves the following:

·          Day One (Sunday)

o    Arrival

o    Program, safety and camp orientation

·          Day Two (Monday)

o    Introducing Conservation and Ecology (parts 1 - 4)

·          Day Three - Five (Tuesday - Saturday)

o    Game Drives

o    Fire Management Program

o    Sampling and Monitoring Program

o    Conservation Project

o    Guided Bush Walk

o    Ecology Management

·          Day Eight (Sunday)

o    Departure