Wildlife Reserve Support

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the South African way of life alongside other volunteers by staying in our shared volunteer house in the wildlife reserve
  • Contribute to the protection of numerous endangered species and play your part in their conservation
  • Further your career working with animals by making a difference in another country

Highlights

  • Experience the South African way of life alongside other volunteers by staying in our shared volunteer house in the wildlife reserve
  • Contribute to the protection of numerous endangered species and play your part in their conservation
  • Further your career working with animals by making a difference in another country
  • Make memories by travelling in your spare time around one of the world's most beautiful countries
  • Explore the rest of the 'Safari Superpower' South Africa and see incredible animals in their natural environment.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Observe and monitor the likes of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos, to contribute towards scientific research in the protection of these incredible animals.

    South Africa is a dream location for those who love nature. Unfortunately, the likes of poaching and the destruction of natural habitats are causing a worrying decline in this incredible biodiversity. Poaching, ivory hunting and other illegal activities are all rife across the continent. In light of ...

    About the program

    South Africa is a dream location for those who love nature. Unfortunately, the likes of poaching and the destruction of natural habitats are causing a worrying decline in this incredible biodiversity. Poaching, ivory hunting and other illegal activities are all rife across the continent. In light of these problems, this project makes a significant contribution to the preservation of these species, by providing the animals with a protected, controlled habitat to live freely. The reserve aims to keep the environment as similar to the wild as possible for the animals. Habitats are based on their natural environment and animals are not touched or handled, unless it's required because they require medical treatment.

    The volunteer work site is a 10,000-acre nature reserve which has been privately owned for several years. The land, set inside a valley with access to two rivers, wooded hills and savannah's boasts five distinct habitats. These habitats are home to loads of animals, including the famous 'Big Five'. It’s important to note though, that these animals roam freely around the reserve, so it is necessary that you stay behind the fence surrounding your accommodation to avoid any surprises!



    Typical day

    There are numerous roles to fulfil whilst volunteering at the wildlife reserve. As there is an established team of experts already based there, they understand fully what is required by volunteer and how you can best help. You'll tend to work Monday to Friday, for about 7 hours a day, but this can ...

    Typical day

    There are numerous roles to fulfil whilst volunteering at the wildlife reserve. As there is an established team of experts already based there, they understand fully what is required by volunteer and how you can best help. You'll tend to work Monday to Friday, for about 7 hours a day, but this can totally depend on the season and the weather. You'll also have a lunch break in the middle. Tasks include:

    • Assisting Existing Wildlife Reserve Team
    • Monitoring and Reporting
    • Observation Reports
    • Cleaning & Maintenance
    • Building Work on Local Facilities
    • Repairing Key Areas


    Free-time activities

    On Saturdays, trips are made to nearby cities, such as the coastal town of Kenton-on-the-Sea. The Eastern Cape region is also a popular choice for our volunteers, as it offers loads of fun activities, such as horse riding, skydiving and even deep sea diving. On Wednesday evenings, our volunteers ...

    Free-time activities

    On Saturdays, trips are made to nearby cities, such as the coastal town of Kenton-on-the-Sea. The Eastern Cape region is also a popular choice for our volunteers, as it offers loads of fun activities, such as horse riding, skydiving and even deep sea diving. On Wednesday evenings, our volunteers normally take a trip to the local pub. If the weather holds out, you can also go camping; our volunteers love spending the night around the campfire looking up at the stars!


    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

    CV, letter of motivation, criminal background check and visa document

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    We do not require any relevant formal background or education, but it is essential that all our volunteers have a passion for working with animals.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Rainbow Garden Village

    What's Included:

    • Individual advise by the RGV-Team in Germany
    • Support with travel preparations (vaccinations, insurance, security, etc.) 
    • Organization of the entire stay including placement in the project
    • Comprehensive information material for your travel preparation
    • RGV T-Shirt
    • Orientation program with the team on site
    • Personal contact and guidance by the team on site
    • Accommodation on site
    • 24/h emergency number
    • Participation Certificate
    • Introductory course in personal development

    Accommodation

    You'll be living in the middle of the nature reserve in a fully furnished house, alongside the other volunteers. There are shared rooms and a shared bathroom. It also has a common room with a pool table, a TV, a dining room and a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge, oven, microwave and crockery. For valuables, such as passports and cash, a safe is available. The house has a garden where volunteers relax after work together - there's even a pool and a BBQ area to make the most of!

    Attention: It is important to note that the house is located in the middle of the reserve, in which the animals move freely. It is, therefore, necessary for your own safety that you stay within the fenced property area to make sure there's no surprises!

    Food & Beverages

    All the ingredients are provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which the volunteers can use to put together whatever they want. This means you'll be able to try whatever you want and to make sure you'll be fully fueled for the day ahead.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. 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

    Before you even depart, our team in Munich will take you through every step of the process, from answering your questions about the program, through to advising you where to go for your visa. We're here to help and to ensure that you feel totally comfortable before departing.

    For your volunteer work at the wildlife reserve, you will land in Port Elizabeth, which is about 150km away. The on-site project team will gladly arrange your airport pick-up (not included in the initial fees, but we can easily facilitate this if you wish). If so, you will be picked up from the airport and taken to your accommodation (it's about a 2-hour trip). As soon as you arrive, you will meet the program manager Helena, the project coordinator Francis and the other participants you'll share this journey with.

    After getting to know your new surroundings, you'll have your introduction as a group with the other volunteers. This covers the project, tasks rules of conduct and house rules. Afterwards, you will be taken for a drive through the grounds of the reserve to see some of the incredible sights you're going to become familiar with.

    Your wildlife project is located near the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. This is located on the southern tip of South Africa and is known for its beautiful environment, especially it's beaches! Together with other surrounding regions, the bay on the Indian Ocean is also referred to as "Nelson Mandela Bay". Port Elizabeth is also considered a surfers paradise, so it pays to spend a few days there before or after your placement if you're a water lover!

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,660€
    4 weeks 2,800€
    6 weeks 3,940€
    8 weeks 5,080€
    10 weeks 6,220€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 7,360€
    Average fees 721€/week

    Program fees

    721€ 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

    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 Rainbow Garden Village during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Rainbow Garden Village

    Great 4.4 rating (25 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1999

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Steffen

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish, German

    About the project

    Rainbow Garden Village specialises in worldwide volunteer placements and has been sending volunteers on impactful, life-changing trips since 1999.

    Meet your organization

    From Africa to Asia and Europe to Latin America and Oceania - through volunteering or internships our participants gain unique impressions and experiences abroad. Rainbow Garden Village (RGV) offers sustainable projects in more than 30 countries worldwide in various fields, such as social work, teaching, animal welfare, environmental protection, medicine, etc..

    While our participants are engaged in their project, they broaden their horizons and become more open-minded. They strengthen their personal skills, grow from the challenges in their volunteer projects and also improve their language skills. Countless new impressions, experiences and special moments round off the stay abroad - and lead to a return with many exciting stories in the luggage!


    25 reviews · rating4.4

    Tina rating5

    2022 at Wildlife Reserve Support

    When I volunteered at the wildlife reserve in South Africa, I was greeted by our guide Jaco and six other volunteers. With various tools, we cleared and cleaned paths or removed old fences. Thick wooden posts often still had old rusty barbed wire on them. We also removed "alien plants" - these are ...
    Paule rating5

    2019 at Wildlife Reserve Support

    I can only recommend the project in the wildlife reserve! The journey to the project is very well organised, as you are picked up from Port Elizabeth with other new volunteers, among others, and after 2 hours of travelling to the reserve you already see so many beautiful landscapes. From the first ...
    Lara N rating5

    2024 at Kindergarten in Crete

    I am sharing my incredible experience with volunteer world. The program gave me the opportunity to volunteer in greece, meet other volunteers from other countries, to gain work related knowledge, & to experience the lifestyle in the beautiful island of crete. The program was very organized from the ...
    Katharina Höfner rating5

    2024 at Veterinary Clinic Assistant

    Ich habe mich während meines Aufenthalts absolut wohl gefühlt! Da ich schon Vorkenntnisse durch meinen Beruf als TFA hatte, konnte ich mich sehr gut einbringen und durfte super viel helfen! Das Team hat mich herzlich aufgenommen und mir Vertrauen geschenkt. Ich bin sehr dankbar, dass ich diese ...
    Eliot Jacquemin rating3.8

    2024 at Penguin Sanctuary

    J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce projet. L'organisation fut globalement assez bonne, je n'ai pas eu de soucis. J'ai appris énormément de choses sur les pingouins et les défis qu'ils doivent combattre au quotidien, c'était très inspirant. ..
    lena Illenseher rating2.4

    2024 at Support a Horse Riding Academy in Crete

    Zuerst das Positive: Der Stall an dem ich gearbeitet habe ist sehr gut gepflegt und man hat sich wohl gefühlt. RGV hat sich bemüht, Probleme der Teilnehmer wahrzunehmen, in dem es wöchentliche Meetings gab. Das Apartment liegt nah am Strand. Es wurden Ausflüge angeboten (kostenpflichtig) Der ...

    Location

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

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    Contact Steffen
      Good response rate
    English, Spanish, German

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