from 2,233€

Perfect 4.6rating (60)

Big 5 Wildlife Protection

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups

About the program

This project offers you a unique experience and gives you the opportunity to observe and be a part of the research/monitoring teams on the reserve.

About the Program

The Big Five Wild project offers you a unique experience in the African bush and gives you the opportunity to observe and be a part of the research/monitoring teams on the reserve. The focus of the this project revolves around some of our key species; elephants, lions, hyenas and ...

About the program

About the Program

The Big Five Wild project offers you a unique experience in the African bush and gives you the opportunity to observe and be a part of the research/monitoring teams on the reserve. The focus of the this project revolves around some of our key species; elephants, lions, hyenas and leopards. You will also be involved in monitoring our breeding initiatives comprising of buffalo, livingston eland and nyala. Habitat work also plays an important part of the monitoring process. Whether on a monitoring drive, on foot, or observing the wildlife at a waterhole, all of your work will be done under the guidance of our qualified rangers.

Typical Tasks

Volunteer tasks are focused on monitoring, which forms the basis for the majority of our research assistance on the reserve. We conduct monitoring drives in the mornings and afternoons. The monitoring coincides with times of increased activity of the specific animals we are observing. We also spend time on foot tracking the more elusive animals, which is an amazing way to experience the bush. During the drier winter months, we have several hides based at waterholes which allow you to observe the various animals and their interactions at close quarters. The volunteers will also spend time attending to habitat management requirements on the properties and the greater reserve.

Project Highlights
  • Learning about South African wildlife conservation
  • Going on game drives and seeing wild animals up close
  • Experiencing what it is like to live in the bush

You will be living close to many wild animals in the bush. Nothing beats being surrounded by a herd of elephants or a pride of lions and being able to spend time observing their individual traits and family dynamics.




Typical day

Monday:

Project start day. Town trip to pick up volunteers and restock supplies.

Tuesday:
Early start on a set-route drive as part of our game counting program to determine populations of general game. In the afternoon we depart for a monitoring drive to locate one of our key species of interest; lion, ...

Typical day

Monday:

Project start day. Town trip to pick up volunteers and restock supplies.

Tuesday:
Early start on a set-route drive as part of our game counting program to determine populations of general game. In the afternoon we depart for a monitoring drive to locate one of our key species of interest; lion, elephant, leopard or hyena.

Wednesday:
Waterhole monitoring in the morning to determine species utilisation of the area. We set off for a drive in the afternoon to the breeding boma to monitor the buffalo, Livingstone eland and nyala.

Thursday:
Habitat work; we could be busy with exotic plant removal, erosion control or bush clearing. In the afternoon or evening, we head out on hyena monitoring and night patrol.

Friday:
Early morning start, we will be out locating the elephants as part of the ongoing research into the elephant contraception program. The afternoon we will set out to monitor bird species on our way to a sleep out under the stars with the Endangered Species project.

Saturday:
Habitat work in the morning, followed by an afternoon monitoring drive focusing on our lion population. On return in the evening, we may head out to the local pub or have a typical South African braai (BBQ)

Sunday:

Either an outing will be planned or it will be a free day for volunteers to relax or head out on their own tour.

In between activities, volunteers will receive a series of presentations on various subjects; how to properly conduct the work of the project, how to approach dangerous game on foot, or possibly even a Zulu lesson. This time will also be used to transfer all data collected onto the computers and compile the weekly research report, as well as help out with vehicle checks and cleaning.


Free-time activities

The volunteer accommodation features a large outdoor social area. During free time, volunteers can relax in this area and enjoy a braai (South African BBQ). As the farm is remote from the town and the days are quite full of activities, during the work-week free time activities are limited. However, ...

Free-time activities

The volunteer accommodation features a large outdoor social area. During free time, volunteers can relax in this area and enjoy a braai (South African BBQ). As the farm is remote from the town and the days are quite full of activities, during the work-week free time activities are limited. However, project leaders will go into town weekly on an off-day (during the weekend), at which time volunteers are welcome to join and grab some groceries, try the local cuisine at restaurants, and use the internet at cafes. Project leaders and staff can also help to assist volunteers in planning weekend activities such as climbing, swimming, and cultural experiences.


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)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

police clearance, application form, proof of travel insurance and flight details and copy of passport

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Medium level of fitness, legal guardian's permission if you are not 18

What's Included

What's Included

Services by SAVE Foundation

Return Transfer from Johannesburg Airport - All meals - Accommodation - 24 hour support and supervisor - Donation to the project

Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

Volunteers will be met at Johannesburg International airport and taken to the project by shuttle. The vehicles used are roadworthy and have all relevant licenses and liability insurance.

All transport is safe and reliable
All licenses and insurances are up to date
All insurances and liabilities for passengers are up to date and fully paid

Accommodation

The volunteer house accommodates a maximum of 10 volunteers in five cosy rooms which sleep two people in a shared space. Each room has a washbasin and an en suite bathroom, which is shared with the adjoining room, consisting of a shower with hot running water provided by eco-friendly solar heaters and flushing toilets. The camp has no fence around it so you will see free roaming animals and birdlife during the day.

Food & Beverages

All food for breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided, as well as fresh fruit. However, food is only re-stocked once a week so once it’s gone it’s gone! If you have any special dietary requirements please inform us before your arrival so that we can accommodate them if possible.

Cordial fruit drink, tea and coffee are provided. Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages (beers and ciders) and snack foods are not available in camp but you can buy them on the weekly town trips.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

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

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 2,233€
4 weeks 4,056€
5 weeks 4,967€
7 weeks 6,790€
9 weeks 8,613€
24 weeks (max. stay) 22,284€
Average fees 1,023€/week

Program fees

1,023€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with SAVE Foundation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

SAVE Foundation

Perfect 4.6 rating (60 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2007

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Shona

Spoken languages: English

About the project

SAVE Foundation works to enrich, educate, and empower various township and settlement communities, as well as protect and rehabilitate wildlife in areas of Africa.

Meet your organization

SAVE Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation. We are NOT a booking agent; we run, manage, and fund all of our humanitarian projects with the help of volunteers. We believe in transparent and sustainable programs that positively impact our local community.

SAVE Foundation is a registered and 18A tax-exempt, non-­profit organisation (NPO) that assists communities in Africa. Our work involves setting up and facilitating sustainable community and conservation development projects in South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya as well as assisting other non-­profit organisations that are actively involved in the local communities.

Volunteers pay a fee that covers the costs of their stay such as accommodation, transport and meals as well as a donation that assists to finance the projects. In return, volunteers get to experience African culture, see our beautiful countries, learn some new skills and make a difference to those in need. As well as making many new friends, the memories made are sure to last a lifetime!

Our volunteer packages include teaching children to (kite) surf and swim, building schools and homes, assisting at local schools, teaching business skills to adults, working with sharks, cheetahs and other wild animals.

Every little bit helps and one can come and volunteer for anything from two weeks to two years!

SAVE Foundation Vision

The vision of SAVE Foundation is to provide local communities with education, youth development, sports development, and skills that will enable them to help themselves rise above the vicious cycle of poverty, and to provide conscientious and responsible wildlife conservation. Through the assistance of enthusiastic volunteers, generous sponsors, and dedicated staff, SAVE Foundation has broadened its reach from a small community-based South African outreach project, to 6 different countries with 35 humanitarian and wildlife projects over the past 9 years. SAVE Foundation hosts like-minded, dedicated volunteers from all over the world; in 2015 the organization amassed 2, 050, 200 total volunteer hours.

SAVE Foundation is committed to providing ethical volunteering opportunities with African wildlife. Our wildlife projects focus on conservation and rehabilitation of endangered, injured, and abandoned animals.

RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEERING

Humanitarian Projects

SAVE Foundation is committed to providing responsible and sustainable volunteering opportunities. We believe that responsible volunteer practices are paramount to any high quality international volunteer organization. SAVE differs from other non-profit organizations because of the way that we work to create self-sufficient and thriving communities. Each project goes through a rigorous assessment-in conjunction with local authorities on the matter-to identify the needs of the particular community and/or school and how SAVE can best assist them to achieve their goals. SAVE aims to do more than provide Band-Aid solutions to larger issues, but instead work alongside locals to assist with development that will continue to positively impact the community throughout generations.

SAVE Foundation provides responsible volunteering opportunities by ensuring that:

  • Volunteers do not replace paid employment opportunities for local people
  • Volunteers work alongside local staff to assist them with day-to-day operation and the implementation of improvements
  • The goal of each project is to create a self-sufficient and locally run program
    • Ex. We assist schools achieve a high level of education and operation to obtain official school registration.
    • Once a program/school is successfully up and running, we identify a new program in need of our assistance, and leave the local staff to run the operation on their own
  • Volunteers receive training upon their arrival to provide the best assistance possible within their specific placement
  • SAVE regularly collects feedback from volunteers and local project staff
  • SAVE evaluates programs on an ongoing basis
    • Assess both needs for improvement/assistance and areas of growth
  • SAVE does not use “stereotypical” aid images in our marketing campaigns to garner attitudes of pity or victimization amongst the individuals that we work with
    • The images and film that SAVE disseminates simply depicts the activities and projects in which volunteers participate
  • We encourage the dissemination of resources and education, rather than simply donating funds and goods
    • Our aim is to contribute to the self-sufficiency of struggling communities by teaching valuable skills and educating the citizens to empower themselves
    • We do not promote the idea that these individuals are simply beneficiaries of charity.

Furthermore, SAVE takes a developmental approach to poverty reduction by working with communities in need at all stages of life, from education and care in preschools to empowerment through business and skills development for adults. We believe that it is not enough to simply work with a single sector of the community; it must be a holistic approach that will promote a change in the cycle of poverty.

Wildlife Projects

SAVE Foundation is committed to providing ethical volunteering opportunities with African wildlife. Our wildlife projects focus on conservation and rehabilitation of endangered, injured, and abandoned animals. SAVE also strives to educate volunteers about the various species that we support. All interactions with the animals are in a safe and respectful manner with constant supervision from a professional.

SAVE provides responsible volunteering opportunities with wildlife by ensuring that:

  • We do not treat animals as a tourist attraction; no animals are trained to perform in front of an audience
  • We only support breeding at projects that are specifically designed for re-population purposes of endangered species
  • The animals at our projects receive professional and attentive veterinary and handling care
  • SAVE aims to release all animals back into the wild that are capable of doing so
  • The projects act as a safe haven for orphaned, injured, and traumatized animals
  • Each enclosure provides adequate space for the animals to roam freely
  • Volunteers work closely with researchers and project staff to enhance their knowledge about the wildlife
  • We provide a Pre-Vet project that is geared towards individuals with an interest in the professional fields of veterinary science, animal welfare, and animal management; thus, contributing to the future of animal conservation and protection through the addition of further professionals

60 reviews · rating4.6

Elin Sigurbjornsdottir rating5

2016 at Big 5 Wildlife Protection

I enjoyed my stay here to the fullest. I loved working with the animals and people from different countries. Isabel and Pieter were always ready to help us with anything. Based on this experience, I will definitely volunteer again. Thank ...
Louise Morgan rating4.8

2016 at Big 5 Wildlife Protection

Interesting, informative and most enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the ‘hands-on’ as well as the enrichment activities for the animals. ...
Sarah Petraglia rating4.6

2016 at Big 5 Wildlife Protection

The experience was great, I’ve met some great people on this trip, developed new skills and have a new found confidence. I would definitely come back and recommend this to friends and ...
Bev Miller-Stewart rating4.4

2016 at Big 5 Wildlife Protection

Overall very impressed. You both should be very proud of what you have accomplished in a relatively short time. We are very impressed with what and how you conduct the program. I definitely would recommend your ...
Tate Whetstone rating4.2

2016 at Big 5 Wildlife Protection

I loved every minute of the experience. I thought Pieter and Isabel went out of their way to make sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. I would 100% recommend this experience to other people. ..
Elena Picozzi rating5

2024 at Sport and development

The experience at SAVE was amazing, all the people from the working team was great and they gave me a lot of support, for every question they were ready to help and assist me. Meeting a new culture and getting to know different ways of living was enriching from all points of view. I feel blessed for ...

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