Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

location
1 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

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


Highlights

  • No standard safari holiday: Get an authentic, impactful and hands-on experience together with like-minded people from all over the world!
  • Be more than a tourist: play an active role in the protection of our Wildlife and Nature by contributing to our research and conservation efforts!
  • Addo Elephant National Park - Addo houses the densest population of African elephants per square kilometer and holds a mammoth section of conservation history for our area.

Highlights

  • No standard safari holiday: Get an authentic, impactful and hands-on experience together with like-minded people from all over the world!
  • Be more than a tourist: play an active role in the protection of our Wildlife and Nature by contributing to our research and conservation efforts!
  • Addo Elephant National Park - Addo houses the densest population of African elephants per square kilometer and holds a mammoth section of conservation history for our area.
  • Quality over quantity: in order to guarantee an educational and impactful experience for each volunteer, we will work in small groups with a maximum number of 10 participants!
  • Alexandria Dune Fields - Our rocky shores content also includes the world-renowned Alexandria Dune Trail, which is home to the highest wind-driven sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Eco Volunteering in Wildlife & Marine Conservation. Uncover the whole big picture of our Eco-System for a better understanding of Nature & learn how to make a difference!

    About us
    The Sibuya Wilderness Experience offers volunteers, as part of a gap year, sabbatical or eco traveling, the unique and exciting opportunity to get behind the scenes and involved with the Conservation efforts of Sibuya Game Reserve.  

    Volunteers will take part in short and long-term projects ...

    About the program

    About us
    The Sibuya Wilderness Experience offers volunteers, as part of a gap year, sabbatical or eco traveling, the unique and exciting opportunity to get behind the scenes and involved with the Conservation efforts of Sibuya Game Reserve.  

    Volunteers will take part in short and long-term projects which are intended to create sustainability for generations to come. Tasks may vary from physical work to interesting and interactive lecture-based content. Our volunteer program will run from 1 to 4 weeks. In order to guarantee an educational and impactful experience for each volunteer, we will work in small groups with a maximum number of 10 participants

    Together with the team, the volunteers will be accommodated and hosted by Retha and Geraldine at the beautiful Intaka Bird Lodge (situated close to the Reserve). Happy family vibes, expansive grounds to explore and a large swimming pool with BBQ area make it the perfect spot to relax and unwind from the adventures of the day. Participants will share comfortable twin-bedded rooms with en-suite bathrooms, including full board (3 meals a day). 

    This is the perfect eco volunteer program for you, if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that put – together with like-minded people from all over the world - your passion for nature, environment and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. 

    Programme Highlights
    Much of our Conservation work will take place at the nearby Sibuya Game Reserve itself as well as at the nearby rivers and beaches. The Reserve is located in Kenton-on-Sea, along the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, about 120 km from Port Elizabeth. This renowned Reserve is home to a wide range of different species of Flora and Fauna, with the stunning Kariega River Estuary meandering through it. 
    • Wildlife Tracking & Monitoring: Spend your time immersed in Nature, on the trails of Africa's Big Five. Regular monitoring and observation enable us to identify individuals, compile information about the family/ herd structure and determine feeding habits. Activity includes: Game Drives, Game Counts, Game Captures, setting up camera traps and track stations, learning Bush Skills.
    • Addo Elephant National Park: Volunteers will spend a day visiting the Eastern Capes flagship game reserve – Addo Elephant National Park. Addo houses the densest population of African elephants per square kilometer and holds a mammoth section of conservation history for our area.
    • Kayak Expedition: Nothing brings you more solitude then being out on a kayak along the Kariega River which meanders through some of the most beautiful wildlife areas of the Eastern Cape.
    • Rhino-Watch/ Anti-Poaching Support: Play an active role in the protection of our Rhino by performing Anti-Poaching night-patrols and learn more about their importance and protocol through night drives and sleep-outs on the Reserve that assist in Sibuya’s Anti-Poaching Unit efforts.
    • ORI Fish Tagging: Volunteers will go on a boat cruise and partake in the oceanographic research institute's cooperative fish tagging project. Each participant will be briefed on how to safely catch, tag, record information, and release estuarine fish species. Fishing rods will be supplied for each individual to practice the above procedures. Our findings will be loaded onto the ORI international data base.
    • Alien Plant Control & Botanical Surveys: Alien plants were introduced to the land by the farmers of old for different reasons and uses. Today these invasive plants need to be removed to increase the natural biodiversity and to decrease fire risk. Volunteers take part in Vegetation transects and data collection for monitoring and calculation of Game carrying capacity.
    • Marine Explorations, Research & Surveys: The nearby Rivers are being monitored on a regular basis to provide research with much needed information about species population densities, occurrence of critically endangered species, salinity levels and water temperatures. Regular trips to the beach for exploration and learning about the coastal Eco-system and how it works will open eyes to the diversity of life that is so close, yet often unnoticed.
    • Community Engagement: Conservation does not stop at conserving Nature alone, but also includes a responsibility to uplift local and impoverished Communities. This responsibility includes environmental education of the Community as to the role and benefit of conserving biodiversity and further stresses the importance of conserving our natural resources. Regular trips are made into the local Community to raise awareness and assist in various Community Projects.

    Please note: We say NO to any kind of interaction with wild animals and we strongly dissociate ourselves from so-called sanctuaries, parks or rehabilitation centers that promote Cub petting, Lion walking or interacting with Elephants. These organizations mislead visitors to believe that they're promoting conservation while the truth is that they keep wild animals in captivity and use them for commercial exploitation.

    Minimum ages:
    Minimum age for a Volunteer travelling by themselves 16 years
    Minimum age for a child travelling with their parents 12 years
    Children will be charged the adult rate

    The Team
    We are a team of passionate and experienced conservationists working tirelessly to save our endangered and threatened wild- and marine life from extinction - eager to inspire future generations!
    Luke Beckmann
    From a very young age I have always had a love for nature and an interest in being able to show Africa off to the world. Sibuya Wilderness Experience provides a unique platform to showcase our beautiful Eastern Cape area and what it has to offer in the form of the abundance of biodiversity. The combination of bush, estuary and ocean is the perfect African setting.

    What to pack
    G E N E R A L
    • Toiletries 
    • Relative supply of any personal medication as required 
    • Personal first aid kit 
    • Rehydrate powder or drinks 
    • Sunscreen (with a high SPF) 
    • Beach towel 
    • Reference books and notebooks 
    • Games, playing cards
    C L O T H I N G
    • Short and long sleeve 
    • T-shirts 
    • Short and long work trousers 
    • Hiking/work boots and trainers 
    • Sweatshirt/fleece 
    • Windbreaker/rain jacket 
    • Cap for sun all year 
    • Swimming costume 
    • Changes of casual clothes for the evening 
    • Underwear and socks
    Clothing should be neutral in colour and not bright for bush days. For leisure days, any colours are acceptable.
    G E A R
    • Binoculars - essential for the best experience! 
    • Daypack rucksack 
    • Torch 
    • Camera and Laptop for presentations 
    • 3-point round plugs/adaptor plugs for South Africa electricity 
    • Sleeping bag (alternatively Sibuya can provide a sleeping bag at a rental fee of R120 per night)
    We look forward to taking you on this unique, impactful and adventurous journey full of unforgettable experience. 

    Typical day

    Conservation work runs from Monday to Friday – Weekends are off for relaxation.

    Please find in the following not binding examples for typical days:

    Example - Day 1:
    07.30-08.00 Breakfast
    08.00-08.30 Introduction / Orientation
    08.30-12.00 Game Drive - Sibuya Game Reserve
    12.00-13.00 Lunch
    13.00-15.30 Game ...

    Typical day

    Conservation work runs from Monday to Friday – Weekends are off for relaxation.

    Please find in the following not binding examples for typical days:

    Example - Day 1:
    07.30-08.00 Breakfast
    08.00-08.30 Introduction / Orientation
    08.30-12.00 Game Drive - Sibuya Game Reserve
    12.00-13.00 Lunch
    13.00-15.30 Game Drive - Sibuya Game Reserve
    15:30-16:00 Return to Intaka Lodge
    18.30-20.00 Dinner

    Example - Day 2:
    07.30-08.00 Breakfast
    08.00-08.30 Depart to Sibuya Game Reserve
    08.30-12.00 Elephant Monitoring
    12.00-13.00 Lunch
    13:00-15:30 Elephant Conservation Presentation
    15:30-16:00 Return to Intaka Lodge
    18.30-20.00 Dinner

    Example - Day 3:
    07.30-08.00 Breakfast
    08.00-08.30 Depart to Sibuya Game Reserve
    08.30-12.00 Rhino Conservation Presentation
    12.00-13.00 Lunch
    13.00-15.30 Rhino Monitoring
    15:30-16:00 Return to Intaka Lodge
    18.30-20.00 Dinner


    Free-time activities

    There are several adventure and leisure-based activities in and around the area that can be arranged on weekends at an additional cost including:

    • horse-back beach rides
    • whale watching in Algoa Bay
    • deep-sea-fishing at Port Alfred or surf and river fishing
    • skydiving and paragliding in Grahamstown
    • bungee ...

    Free-time activities

    There are several adventure and leisure-based activities in and around the area that can be arranged on weekends at an additional cost including:

    • horse-back beach rides
    • whale watching in Algoa Bay
    • deep-sea-fishing at Port Alfred or surf and river fishing
    • skydiving and paragliding in Grahamstown
    • bungee jumping at the world-famous Bloukrans Bridge
    • arranged game drives or boat cruises on Sibuya Game Reserve and many more. 


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level) or German (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Volunteers need to be in good health and have a moderate level of fitness.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Sibuya Wilderness Experience

    RATES MAY 2024 - APRIL 2025

    Rates listed are sharing rates for the period May 2024 - April 2025

    Single bookings are charged a single rate, rates will be adjusted accordingly when booking, and sent to you for confirmation

    Sharing rates May 2024 - April 2025

    Week 1: $871

    Week 2: $1678

    Week 3: $2485

    Week 4: $3292

    Week 5: $4099

    Week 6: $4906


    Single rates May 2024 - April 2025

    Week 1: $1089

    Week 2: $2097

    Week 3: $3106

    Week 4: $4115

    Week 5: $5123

    Week 6: $6132


    RATES MAY 2025 - APRIL 2026

    Rates listed are sharing rates for the period May 2025 - April 2026

    Single bookings are charged a single rate, rates will be adjusted accordingly when booking, and sent to you for confirmation

    Sharing rates May 2025 - April 2026

    Week 1: $958

    Week 2: $1846

    Week 3: $2734

    Week 4: $3621

    Week 5: $4509

    Week 6: $5397


    Single rates May 2025 - April 2026

    Week 1: $1437

    Week 2: $2769

    Week 3: $4099

    Week 4: $5430

    Week 5: $6761

    Week 6: $8123


    WHAT'S INCLUDED?
    • All program-based activities 
    • Addo Elephant National Park Entrance Fee
    • Alexandria Dune Field Entrance Fee
    • Kayak Expedition
    • Orientation & 24h support on-site by program coordinators 
    • Shared accommodation (private room at an additional cost) 
    • Full board (3 meals a day) & Laundry Self-Service 
    • Free Wifi 
    • Free transfers to and from Port Elizabeth Airport on Sundays  
    • Rhino Conservation Levy (for Sibuya Game Reserve)
    WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
    • Air flights – International/ Local 
    • Visa 
    • Gifts 
    • Weekend entertainment activities 
    • Drinks (unless otherwise specified) 
    • Saturday Night Dinner
    • Stipend 
    • Medical expenses 
    • Travel insurance 

    Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

    Please book your flight to arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), South Africa.
    (Usually, you will need to book a flight to Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB) + a connecting domestic flight from CPT/JNB to PLZ). 
    We will pick you up at the airport in Port Elizabeth, meeting you at the entrance (arrival) area. Our shuttle to Intaka Lodge will depart from Port Elizabeth Airport no later than 3pm, please book your flights accordingly. 
    For departures our shuttle will leave Intaka Lodge no later than 9am (1½ h drive to Port Elizabeth Airport), please arrange your flights for earliest 11-11:30am.  
     

    Accommodation

    INTAKA BIRD LODGE - OUR HOME
    Together with the team and as a part of the Sibuya & Intaka Family, volunteers will be comfortably accommodated and hosted at scenic Intaka Bird Lodge in Kenton-on-Sea – run by the kindest and most accommodating people: Retha and Paul. This beautiful 58ha property overlooks a panoramic view of deep valleys and rolling hills with the ocean and bush as a magnificent backdrop. Accommodation at the Lodge with its bird-hide and expansive grounds, sparkling swimming pool and outdoor BBQ area, create a great space in which to relax during free time. 
    Accommodation includes the following: 
    • Shared double bedrooms (twin beds) en-suite (Private rooms en-suite are available on request at an additional cost) 
    • Free Wifi 
    • Swimming pool, BBQ area & entertainment area (communal TV, pool table) 
    • Squash court and table tennis 
    • Laundry Self-Service: washing machines and dryers are available

    Food & Beverages

    • Full board is included (3 meals a day - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 
    • Saturday Dinners Excluded
    • Free Water & Coffee/Tee
    • Vegetarian food available

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    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

    In General
    • We are offering a 1 to 6 weeks program
    • Program starts any Sunday every month 
    • We will work in small groups of max. 10 participants  
    • Arrival Sunday: Pick-up, Check-in at Intaka Bird Lodge & Welcome 
    • Monday-Friday: Conservation Work
    • Weekend: Free Time

    Arrival & Departures (on Sundays)
    Please book your flight to arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), South Africa.
    (Usually you will need to book a flight to Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB) + a connecting domestic flight from CPT/JNB to PLZ). 

    We will pick you up at the airport in Port Elizabeth, meeting you at the entrance (arrival) area. Our shuttle to Intaka Lodge will depart from Port Elizabeth Airport no later than 3pm, please book your flights accordingly. 

    For departures our shuttle will leave Intaka Lodge no later than 9am (1½ h drive to Port Elizabeth Airport), please arrange your flights for earliest 11-11:30am.  
     
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 869€
    2 weeks 1,674€
    3 weeks 2,479€
    4 weeks 3,284€
    5 weeks 4,089€
    6 weeks (max. stay) 4,894€
    Average fees 842€/week

    Program fees

    842€ per week 1 - 6 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 6 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 Sibuya Wilderness Experience during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Sibuya Wilderness Experience

    Excellent 4.8 rating (38 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2022

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Chris

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Our Eco Volunteering Program offers the exciting opportunity to play an active role in supporting the Wildlife and Marine Conservation Projects of Sibuya Game Reserve.

    Meet your organization

    We are a team of passionate conservationists working tirelessly to save our endangered and threatened wild and marine life from extinction. Volunteers will take part in short and longterm projects which are intended to create sustainability for generations to come. Tasks may vary from physical work to interesting and interactive lecture-based content. Our volunteer program will run from 1 to 4 weeks.

    By combining Wildlife and Marine Conservation in one program, we aim to underline the importance of uncovering the whole big picture of our Eco-System for a better understanding of Nature and why it works the way it does. Education is our first priority in order to make a difference.

    In order to guarantee an educational and impactful experience for each volunteer, we will work in small groups with a maximum number of 8 participants.

    Much of our Conservation work will take place at the nearby Sibuya Game Reserve itself as well as at the nearby rivers and beaches. The Reserve is located in Kenton-on-Sea, along the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, about 120 km from Port Elizabeth. This renowned Reserve is home to a wide range of different species of Flora and Fauna, with the stunning Kariega River Estuary meandering through it.

    PLEASE NOTE: We say NO to any kind of interaction with wild animals and we strongly dissociate ourselves from so-called sanctuaries, parks or rehabilitation centers that promote Cub petting, Lion walking or interacting with Elephants. These organizations mislead visitors to believe that they're promoting conservation while the truth is that they keep wild animals in captivity and use them for commercial exploitation.

    This is the perfect eco volunteer program for you, if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that put – together with like-minded people from all over the world - your passion for nature, environment and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. 

    38 reviews · rating4.8

    Markus Lange rating5

    2024 at Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

    The two weeks were incredible, unfortunately far too short. The beauty of nature captivates you right from the first day, and the animals we were able to observe during our drives through the reserve were truly impressive.What particularly excited me were the guides. Their knowledge of wildlife, ...
    Elsa Scharnreitner rating5

    2024 at Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

    The stay at Intaka lodge far exceeded my expectations! Chris Ovens guided us daily with his profound knowledge and enthusiastic charisma right into the heart of the South African animal and plant world! The entire Sibuya team endeavours to help every single volunteer. Thank you all! You are worth ...
    Laura Nolan rating5

    2024 at Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

    I cannot express how much I have enjoyed my 2x weeks with the team and would urge anyone considering to apply! This was my first solo trip, and I felt safe, welcomed and supported the entire trip. I learnt so much about myself, conservation, South African life and the backgrounds of the other ...
    Paula Wright rating5

    2024 at Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

    Just spent a month at the Sibuya Wilderness Experience, and it was indeed an experience. .a great one. BonBon, and Nadia provided non-stop learning and excitement. Everyday was different, with new challenges, and experiences and learning. We worked with each type of animal in different ways, ...
    Olivia Glarner rating5

    2024 at Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

    An incredible wildlife experience. I learned a lot about conservation issues and animals. The Sibuya staff will take care of you, they were always willing to help and caring. ..
    Sophie Gaibler rating5

    2024 at Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

    Absolute Herzensempfehlung. Wäre gerne länger geblieben! Kann in allen Bereichen fünf Sterne verteilen. Shibuya legt sehr großen Wert auf Tier-und Umweltschutz. Kein Tier wird für Tourismus belästigt, nur damit man es sehen kann. Die Tiere werden dort respektiert und geschützt. Haben sehr ...

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Kenton-on-Sea

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    Contact Chris
      Very high response rate
    English

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