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Excellent 4.80rating (45)
  • Life On Land

Endangered Species Conservation & Research

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Leave a long lasting impact – Each project has long term goals and objectives, you’ll be contributing to South Africa scientific and conservation work, protecting nature.
  • Discover South Africa – Living on a wildlife reserve is filled with incredible sights, sounds and experiences. Make incredible memories as a team of passionate wildlife fanatics.
  • Learn from the experts – You’ll work under the wing of people who eat, sleep and dream wildlife. Gain firsthand knowledge and practical experience from those who know it best.

Highlights

  • Leave a long lasting impact – Each project has long term goals and objectives, you’ll be contributing to South Africa scientific and conservation work, protecting nature.
  • Discover South Africa – Living on a wildlife reserve is filled with incredible sights, sounds and experiences. Make incredible memories as a team of passionate wildlife fanatics.
  • Learn from the experts – You’ll work under the wing of people who eat, sleep and dream wildlife. Gain firsthand knowledge and practical experience from those who know it best.
  • Transferable skills – The skills you’ll gain as you complete your conservation projects are world class. Take these skills with you into your conservation career and studies.
  • Get up close and personal – Meet Africa’s iconic and enigmatic wildlife via safari viewer and on foot. A once in a life experience as you health check lions or meet bull elephants.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us in South Africa Work on ecological managment and wildlife research projects. Protect endangered species as you live and work on a 35,000-hectare reserve!

    Focused on conservation, sustainable development and wildlife research.


    You'll play a key role in a diverse assortment of wildlife and conservation focused projects including:

    Wildlife research and monitoring
    You'll track and monitor wildlife using radio collar antenna. Lions, Cheetah, Elephant and ...

    About the program

    Focused on conservation, sustainable development and wildlife research.


    You'll play a key role in a diverse assortment of wildlife and conservation focused projects including:

    Wildlife research and monitoring
    You'll track and monitor wildlife using radio collar antenna. Lions, Cheetah, Elephant and Buffalo are all monitored as part of reintroduction projects, predator mortality, to understand animal behaviour as part of ongoing research or even for emergency veterinary interventions!

    Emergency vet work and callouts
    From rhinos fighting with each other needing emergency veterinary care to capturing reserve cheetah for relocation. You'll take part in all of it. We can't foresee the future exactly and which animals will need help but we can foresee you'll get up close with iconic African animals!

    Camera trap surveys
    Camera traps are valuable tool for any ecologist or animal behaviourist. You'll learn how to select sites for camera trap placement base on your understanding of the animals behaviour deploying and collecting the equipment routinely. These surveys are as part of long term research project on the reserve looking at animals like the endangered black rhino or leopard... that is if the reserve elephants don't remove the camera traps first!

    Vegetation surveys
    What the most important part of animal ecosystem? Plants! Without healthy and biodiverse plants for herbivores to eat, the ecosystem would collapse. Although these might not be the most exciting, you'll quickly learn and understand this secret side of ecological management and help ensure the ecosystems health.

    Predator mortality monitoring

    The reserve is home to predators including: Lions, Leopard, Hyena, Cheetah and more!

    Monitor their behaviour, what their eating, when and where. Record this data as part of ongoing research and ecological management. You'll also get up close and personal with these animals for some incredible sightings.

    Population surveys
    Ensuring animals are healthy and populations in good numbers is key to maintaining ecosystem health. With regular ecological surveys, you'll record valuable data on behaviour, health and breeding status with the reserve's populations. Help and learn as you play a key role in real ecological work.

    Rhino monitoring
    The reserve is a stronghold for white and black rhino. You'll conducted regular surveys and monitoring. Using ID kits, you'll get to know the rhino intimately as you record and ensure their health.

    Big game feeding

    During periods of drought, you'll assist with feeding key and protect animals on the reserve such as older rhino who need a bit of extra support or the recently introduced buffalo.

    Typical day

    At the base of a valley on an open savannah you’ll find your bush camp. By day you’ll be visited by the reserves rhino, wildebeest and other plains animals and at night you’ll hear the call of hyena and jackal as they patrol just outside the fence.

    From camp, you’ll take part in your daily ...

    Typical day

    At the base of a valley on an open savannah you’ll find your bush camp. By day you’ll be visited by the reserves rhino, wildebeest and other plains animals and at night you’ll hear the call of hyena and jackal as they patrol just outside the fence.

    From camp, you’ll take part in your daily conservation work.

    Work hours

    Full time Monday to Saturday, with Sundays off for rest or for a chance to take part in optional activities in the area or days out.

    You’ll start most days between 7 – 8am. Ensuring you beat the heat of and are up when the animals are most active, the morning. Due to the reserves size, you’ll bring lunch with you to eat in the bush.

    Each day your biomonitoring-officers and ecologists will brief you with the details of each conservation project. You’ll understand the goals, methodologies and history of the projects and as a team, begin capturing data, observing and recording animal behaviour or assisting during animal interventions, feeding or vet work and how you will be contributing.

    By the end of your placement you’ll have a deep familiarity of cutting edge wildlife research and ecological management in South Africa!

    Free-time activities

    You'll be getting hot, sweaty and dirty during the week with conservation projects.


    During weekends or any off-time, as a group you'll be able to decide which of the nearby activities you'll like to take part in. From exploring national parks and the breathtaking landscapes that makeup South Africa ...

    Free-time activities

    You'll be getting hot, sweaty and dirty during the week with conservation projects.


    During weekends or any off-time, as a group you'll be able to decide which of the nearby activities you'll like to take part in. From exploring national parks and the breathtaking landscapes that makeup South Africa to visiting near by animal or wildlife centers, rural communities or heading into town to do a bit of souvenir shopping.

    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 (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    environment, ecology, zoology, geography, science, biology, research, analytics, zoology at University level

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Don't panic! Although a background in ecologic, conservation or animal behaviour is advantageous, you'll receive full training with each of our projects.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 15:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    We have taken care of all the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!

    The placement includes:

    • Airport transfers to and from the reserve
    • Accommodation during your stay
    • Transportation and guides for all confirmed excursions and group activities
    • Food and drink (excluding any personal extras)
    • Entry for any visits to external sites
    • All itinerary/activity equipment is provided
    • Wi-fi access
    • Conservation projects and activities
    • Meet and greet event in the UK
    • Fellow volunteer contact list, to be sent out prior to departure
    • 24-hour emergency onsite support
    • 100% financial security with your booking

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    Starting point
    OR Tambo International Airport

    We'll collect you from the airport. The drive to camp is approximately 3 - 4 hours, on the route you'll have a chance to pick up any last minute supplies or toiletries you need from the shop. Ahead of joinining us, we'll arrange multiple calls with all volunteers to ensure they are confident with their travel plans and if you need any support making arrangments such as visa's or travel insurance.

    Ending point
    You'll be taken back to OR Tambo International Airport. For anyone staying in South Africa, we're happy to help arrange custom transportation or an alternative drop of location.

    Accommodation

    You'll be staying in glamping-style tents.
    • Furnished with beds, storage space for clothing, fans during the summer and electrical sockets to charge phones, cameras, and laptops.
    • These tents make for an immersive experience, fall asleep with the sound of hyena and lions calling just meters away from outside the camp fence. These tents are same-sex and you'll share these with your team mates during busy periods or if you come in quieter times of the year, you'll have a tent all to yourself. For those traveling as a group or as a couple, you're able to request to bunk and stay with any travel companion.
    The camp
    You will stay in a remote bush camp, secluded at the heart of the reserve and the African bush. There, you'll live and work alongside your fellow volunteers, biomonitoring-officers and guides.

    There is a communal area, where your guides will work with you each day to help plan which conservation activities you'll participate in, and when. Furnished with plenty of hangout spots and relaxation areas, you'll be able to relax and socialize together in your downtime. 

    Food & Beverages

    All food and drink is included. The communal kitchen is where you'll take turns cooking meals, when the guides aren't treating you to a traditional BBQ (or braai, as it is locally known). These are common social occurrence and take place outside.

    We typically arange cooking duties in teams of twos or three. For those not confident in cooking, Your team leaders will be able to offer extra support.

    During weekends or trips into town, you're able to pick up any extra's you can't do without. Major international brands are available in the nearest town so you can pick up things like snacks and drinks.

    Internet Access

    Good 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 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

    Our placements run regularly throughout the year.

    Typically, you'll arrive and depart on the weekend but some flexibility around when works best for you to start.

    Meeting point
    We meet all volunteers at O.R Tambo International Airport, South Africa.
    There, we'll pick you up and transfer you to the reserve, a 3 - 4 hour drive. On route you'll have time to stop of at the shops for any last minute supplies like snacks or drinks.

    Departure point
    You'll be taken back to O.R Tambo airport at the end of your placement. 

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

    Program Fees

    $802 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 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
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Waterberg

    Meet your project coordinator

    Harry
    45
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2019
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
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    You might also be interested in

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

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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