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Outstanding 4.92rating (12)
  • Life On Land

Reptile Husbandry Support

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

Highlights

  • Reptile husbandry and maintenance of all the animals in the Centre.
  • Animal Rescues! Go on call outs with our dedicated curators who rescue reptiles in human/animal conflict situations.
  • Rehabilitaion of injured or sick wild animals that are brought to us by other institutions or the public.

Highlights

  • Reptile husbandry and maintenance of all the animals in the Centre.
  • Animal Rescues! Go on call outs with our dedicated curators who rescue reptiles in human/animal conflict situations.
  • Rehabilitaion of injured or sick wild animals that are brought to us by other institutions or the public.
  • Release of wild animals back into their natural homes after they have been rehabilitated
  • Educate members of the public at the zoo, and communities during our outreach programs, about reptiles and reptile conservation.
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    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Work with a range of different reptiles (indigenous and exotic).Get practical experience in the day-to-day running of the center and help us educate people about reptiles

    About

    Nestled in the heart of South Africa's Limpopo Province, the center serves as a haven for reptiles, playing a crucial role in research, education, and conservation efforts. Volunteers are welcomed into a dynamic environment where they contribute directly to the care and rehabilitation of ...

    About the program

    About

    Nestled in the heart of South Africa's Limpopo Province, the center serves as a haven for reptiles, playing a crucial role in research, education, and conservation efforts. Volunteers are welcomed into a dynamic environment where they contribute directly to the care and rehabilitation of various reptile species, including snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. We are a small reptile center but a large organization, well known throughout the world. We do our best to save reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. All revenue remains in house. We do not have any outside investors. We do not buy or sell animals and 90% of our animals have either been donated or were abandoned pets. Under the guidance of experienced staff and our veterinarian; volunteers engage in a range of hands-on activities, such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with medical treatments. Beyond daily tasks, volunteers participate in educational programs aimed at raising awareness about reptile conservation and the importance of preserving their habitats. Through workshops, guided tours, and interactive presentations, volunteers gain valuable insights into reptile behavior, ecology, and conservation challenges. The program also offers opportunities for volunteers to assist with research projects, including data collection and monitoring initiatives designed to contribute to scientific understanding and conservation strategies.

    Social Issues 

    The Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is situated in Limpopo, a rural and economically challenged province. Limpopo is renowned for its vast and secluded wildlife reserves, which unfortunately leads to an increased occurrence of human-wildlife conflict.

    Regrettably, numerous myths about reptiles, particularly snakes, persist in rural areas. These animals are often feared and killed on sight, which adversely affects the local ecosystem and leads to a higher number of snakebite incidents, as snakes tend to bite defensively when threatened. Addressing this misconception is one of the social challenges our center confronts. 

    Our reptile rescue service is complimentary; the public can contact us to safely remove problematic animals from their homes or businesses at no cost. We collect biometric data from these animals and contribute it to university research on various species. Regrettably, many animals face harm if not removed from such environments. 

     

    What we do

    • Our Snake Education and Community Awareness Program (SECAP) is an initiative born from the partnership between Save the Snakes and Hoedspruit Reptile Centre. Our aim is to mitigate human-snake conflict and promote the conservation of snakes through education and outreach. Our goal is to engage and educate learners, healthcare workers and members of rural communities about snakes and snakebite, create more awareness about snakes that are found in the greater Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Region, and how we can live in harmony with them. Yet, this is merely one approach we take towards reptile conservation.
    • Our free program for the rehabilitation and release of injured reptiles invites the public to bring us injured wild reptiles in need of care. Our veterinarian and zoo staff expertly rehabilitate these animals until they are ready to be returned to the wild. Renowned for our expertise in reptile medical care, we frequently receive injured reptiles from other centers unable to provide the necessary treatment.
    • We often provide care for reptiles that have been surrendered by individuals who are no longer able to look after them.
    • Every year, we educate thousands of school children through scheduled programs at our facility. These children, hailing from rural areas, learn from our curatorial staff about reptile-related myths, how to react when encountering a venomous animal at home, and the steps to take if someone is bitten. Our guiding principle is 'Conservation Through Education and Research,' and we believe that educating young minds is the most effective method to engage with communities.
    • The Hoedspruit Reptile Centre offers a variety of training programs, including sessions for anti-poaching units, field guides, the general public, and veterinarians or veterinary students. Additionally, volunteers are welcome to attend any of our courses at no additional cost during their stay with us. 

    Who can join? 

    The volunteer program at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre provides a unique opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful difference while gaining invaluable experience in wildlife conservation. Whether aspiring conservationists, students, or nature enthusiasts, volunteers leave with a deeper appreciation for reptiles and a sense of fulfillment from contributing to their protection and survival in the wild.

    What can volunteers expect from us at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre?

    • meals & accommodation
    • working with experienced professionals and participating in everything that we do daily
    • training on reptile husbandry and handling by industry experts
    • all equipment needed for you do be able to perform your daily duties

    What we expect

    Students assist with the general day to day care, husbandry and maintenance of all the animals in the Centre. This will include tasks such as feeding the animals and maintaining enclosures. Students are also expected to interact with guests at the Centre, and to help educate them on the importance of reptiles in a natural ecosystem. There is very infrequently a dull moment at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre as exciting new challenges present themselves on an almost daily basis. Whilst students are encouraged to have fun, they must remember that during their time at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre they are not on holiday. They are volunteering at the Centre to educate themselves and benefit from an excellent facility and program.

    Typical day

    Working Hours

    Volunteers are expected to work every day from 8am to 5pm. Lunch is an hour long and is usually taken between 13:00 and 14:00. However, due to the varied nature of the work at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre, lunch may be taken at almost any time of the day. Time off must be pre-arranged with ...

    Typical day

    Working Hours

    Volunteers are expected to work every day from 8am to 5pm. Lunch is an hour long and is usually taken between 13:00 and 14:00. However, due to the varied nature of the work at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre, lunch may be taken at almost any time of the day. Time off must be pre-arranged with management and the curators. 

    * Please note that any activities or excursions that you might want to book on your off days will be for your own account. You will also be responsible for making the arrangements of these excursions. We do have a list of trusted service providers that we can supply you with when making your arrangements.

    Tasks

    No two days at the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre are the same. However, volunteers will have daily duties consisting of the following:

    • Animal husbandry, care and enrichment of our wide variety of different reptiles.  Including venomous animals (note: volunteers will never handle venomous snakes without direct supervision from one of our staff.  Handling will also be dependent on our zookeeper's assessment of your skills)
    • Assisting with or observation of the administering of medicine for any sick or injured wild animals in our quarantine facility
    • Food preparation and feeding of all the animals at the center
    • General maintenance and cleaning of enclosures 
    • General maintenance and cleaning of workspaces 
    • Interacting with the public at the center

    Duties that will arise during the volunteer's stay at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre:

    • Reptile demonstrations (dependent on volunteer handling experience with venomous animals)
    • Assisting on reptile rescues (call outs) 
    • Helping with fundraising and marketing exercises 
    • Helping with and or initiating research projects
    • Attending any of the courses that we run on the day.  Volunteers are able to sit in (at no extra charge) on almost all our courses and will receive the appropriate certification.  
    • Observing and/or participating in preventative medical procedures of our animals

    Free-time activities

    Hoedspruit Reptile Centre does not offer any free time activities on site.  However, there are many activities that you can participate in off site in the surrounding area.  We provide you with a comprehensive list of activities and trusted service providers that you can contact to make ...

    Free-time activities

    Hoedspruit Reptile Centre does not offer any free time activities on site.  However, there are many activities that you can participate in off site in the surrounding area.  We provide you with a comprehensive list of activities and trusted service providers that you can contact to make arrangements for your off days.  


    Some of these activities are:
    • Hiking and/or climbing in the Blyderivierspoort nature reserve - swim in local waterfalls, see the Blyde River Canyon, experience virgin indigenous forests.  There are many different hikes available in this pristine nature reserve just around the corner from the center. 
    • Shopping for curios at one of our many tourism centers in Hoedspruit town
    • Attending our monthly Farmer's Market in Hoedspruit
    • Scenic boat trips on the Blyde dam
    • Game viewing on horseback for riders ranging from beginners to experienced
    • Day visits to Kruger National Park
    • Game drives in one of the many Big 5 game reserves around us
    • Hot Air Ballooning on the escarpment of the Blyde River Canyon
    • Attending local conservation talks and activities
    • Yoga or Pilates classes
    It is the volunteer's responsibility to make arrangements for these activities on their off days.  We have negotiated affordable rates with our trusted service providers for our volunteers, so rest assured you won't pay the "tourist" price.  And remember!  There will always be someone available to give you advice on any fun things to do while you're here.

    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)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Volunteers do NOT need any prior reptile handling experience to enroll in our program. Please let us know if you have any specialized skills that you would like us to know about during your stay at the Centre.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fee includes the following:

    • Government VAT
    • Accommodation in our volunteer house at the center:  this house has a lounge, pool table, fully equipped self-catering kitchen, cleaning staff twice a week, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and swimming pool.  
    • All the ingredients required to prepare your meals (we provide the ingredients and volunteers prepare the fresh meals)
    • Working at the reptile Centre and everything that that entails; every day from 08:00 to 17:00 
    • Attending any of our courses free of charge - just note that a course has to be already booked and running for you to attend it.  If you would like to book any specific course during your stay let our office know during your program arrangements.
    • Free airport and shuttle pickups and drop offs.

    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    We offer a free pick up and drop off service for our volunteers at our local airport - Eastgate Airport.

    We also offer a free pick up and drop off service for our volunteers at the shuttle points in Hoedspruit Town.  

    Hoedspruit Reptile Centre will communicate directly with the volunteer to make the arrangements for the transfers between the airport, center and/or shuttle points.  

    Accommodation

    All students are housed in the Volunteer House on the Centre’s premises. The accommodation is shared and has a fully equipped kitchen, pool, braai (BBQ area), bathrooms and lounge.

    Our volunteer house has four bedrooms. Here below the description of each room. Please note that you might share your room with another volunteer during your stay.  We only take 6 volunteers at any stage and try and provide our long stay volunteers with single rooms. We make sure to never have a male and female volunteer share a room. Our rooms are large and equipped with power outlets as well as ceiling fans and mosquito nets. We do recommend that volunteers bring their own mosquito nets as well though.

    Room 1:
    • 2 x single beds
    • power outlets
    • small cupboard next to each bed
    • ceiling fans
    Room 2:
    • 1 x single bed
    • 1 x desk
    • power outlets
    • small cupboard next to bed
    • ceiling fan
    Room 3:
    • very large room
    • 3 x single beds
    • power outlets
    • small cupboard next to each bed
    • ceiling fans
    Room 4:
    • very large room
    • 3 x single beds
    • power outlets
    • small cupboard next to each bed
    • ceiling fans

    There is one bathroom with a toilet, shower and basin for longer stay volunteers. Then for shorter stay volunteers we have a shared bathroom with three showers, three basins and three toilets.

    WiFi is available free of charge. Please just note that the free WiFi is a 2Mb up and 2Mb down line per person (each student receives their own wifi code). You will be able to send and receive WhatsApp. But video calling and streaming will not be possible. We recommend that you purchase a Vodacom sim card for your stay at the centre. You can easily buy one at the airport on your way to us. You will be able to load affordable South African data on this sim card and you will have stable and fast(ish) internet when you need it.

    Food & Beverages

    Accommodation and Meals

    All students are housed in the Volunteer House on the Centre’s premises. The accommodation is shared and has a fully equipped kitchen, pool, braai (BBQ area) and lounge.

    Students will follow a set menu. Ingredients will be provided for each meal, and you will be responsible for preparation of the meals according to the recipe.

    Responsible usage of ingredients is required. Ingredients are supplied on a weekly basis. Do not waste your ingredients.

    Deviation from the set menu will be at the centre’s discretion and will only be considered if there are less than 2 students at the house.

    Meals

    There is a set menu for meals. If you have any specific dietary restrictions, please let us know and we shall try our best to accommodate you. Nevertheless, students must understand that the menu provided is balanced but basic and as such certain special requirements or desires may not be met. Students will be offered the opportunity to attend the weekly shop where they can purchase any additional luxuries/needs at their own expense.

    Special dietary requirements other than vegetarian

    There is a health shop in Hoedspruit town that caters for any kind of special dietary requirement. Please make an arrangement with us if you need to get your supplies for this shop - prior to your arrival.

    Some of the items that we do not provide for students:

    • Condiments
    • Spices other than the basic salt and pepper and various stocks
    • Snacks (other than the fruit we provide)
    • Luxury items such as olive oil, apple cider vinegar, real butter, a variety of breads and cheeses etc.

    The below are example meal options provided for your stay.

    Breakfast

    • Cereal and milk, tea and coffee

    Lunch examples

    • Ham and cheese sandwich
    • Peanut butter and jam sandwich
    • Hot dog roll
    • Wrap
    • Russian & Chips

    Dinner Examples- All dinner options can be easily converted to vegetarian meals

    • Mac and cheese
    • Spaghetti bolognaise
    • Chicken a la king
    • Braai (bbq)
    • Cottage Pie
    • Fajitas

    Examples of fruit include apples, bananas, oranges, mangoes and pears

    Examples of vegetables offered include mushrooms, peppers, corn, tomatoes, butternut, gem squash, carrots and sweet potatoes.

     

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
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    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. 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

    Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is open 365 days a year, and our volunteers are welcome to arrive on any day at any time. We will provide free pickups and drop-offs from either the airport in Hoedspruit, or from the various shuttle points in town itself.  

    We do require that volunteers book a minimum stay of two weeks to fully enjoy what we have to offer. There is no limit on how long you can book a program with us though.  

    We recommend that students on a budget book a shuttle from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit instead of the flight. The shuttle services we recommend all have proven track records of excellent service and safety standards.  

    Our office will assist volunteers with contact numbers and recommendations of shuttle companies during the booking process.  

    NOTE ON WIFI access at the volunteer house:

    WiFi is available free of charge. Please just note that the free WiFi is a 2Mb up and 2Mb down line per person (each student receives their own wifi code). You will be able to send and receive whatsapps. But video calling and streaming will not be possible. We recommend that you purchase a Vodacom sim card for your stay at the centre. You can easily buy one at the airport on your way to us.  If you did not manage to get a sim card at the airport then we will assist you to buy one in Hoedspruit once you have arrived.  You will be able to load affordable South African data on this sim card and you will have stable and fast(ish) internet when you need it.

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

    Program Fees

    $455 per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 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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    4.92
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    12 reviews

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    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Hoedspruit

    Meet your project coordinator

    Ronel
    12
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    4.92
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    1984
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      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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