Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

location
2 - 12 weken  ·  Leeftijd 17 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Geverifieerd door Volunteer World
  Zeer hoog Responsgraad

Highlights

  • Take part in animal welfare activities in the South African Game Reserve
  • Help to improve the standard of life for some of South Africa's most in-need animals through the maintenance of their environment
  • Support the project team as they aim to rehabilitate and release as many animals as possible back into the wild

Highlights

  • Take part in animal welfare activities in the South African Game Reserve
  • Help to improve the standard of life for some of South Africa's most in-need animals through the maintenance of their environment
  • Support the project team as they aim to rehabilitate and release as many animals as possible back into the wild
  • Monitor and learn more about about South Africa’s incredible wildlife species


  • Vooral geschikt voor

    Leeftijd 17+
    Alleenstaanden
    Koppels
    Groepen
    50+

    Over het programma

    Volunteer with the 'Big Five' and the Born Free Big Cat Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves.

    This incredible volunteer experience in South Africa for offers the chance to get involved with the conservation efforts of the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve. Volunteers on this project play a vital role in the numerous fascinating aspects of managing an award-winning game reserve which has ...

    Over het programma

    This incredible volunteer experience in South Africa for offers the chance to get involved with the conservation efforts of the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve. Volunteers on this project play a vital role in the numerous fascinating aspects of managing an award-winning game reserve which has claimed back more than 25,000 hectares of once derelict farmland.

    About the project

    Locally identified as Frontier Country, the Eastern Cape of South Africa enjoys unmatched biodiversity which unfortunately has suffered severely over past centuries as result of wildlife, fauna and flora being all but eradicated (with the exception of a few species). The impact of the early settlers in particular has left its mark on a district where several of the first encounters with wildlife in Southern Africa were documented. This project was established to return the land and the wildlife species which used to inhabit it, back to its former glory. Over the past twenty three years, a dedicated team of conservationists has not only been successful in the reintroduction of flora and fauna, but they have also taken responsibility to manage and care for the natural resources which they are now custodians of. 

    With an on-site, dedicated wildlife department, Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Animal Hospital and Rhino Awareness Centre, volunteers will gain first-hand experience and insight through a vast array of tasks. This may range from tracking and monitoring of rare and endangered species such as rhino, elephants and predators, working at the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary, and possibly witnessing wildlife veterinary procedures.

    Volunteers are also involved with local community projects, focusing on wildlife, environment and continued restoration and upkeep of the reserve. This project allows volunteers to personally experience and add value to a project which has been globally recognized for its conservation efforts and expertise.

    Prior to Arrival

    The easiest way to get here is to arrive into Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport), and then book a connecting domestic flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth. The project is approximately 1 hour (75 kilometres) from Port Elizabeth Airport. Please ensure that you book flights to arrive in Port Elizabeth before 12:20pm on your project start date. You will be met at the airport by a member of staff and will be transferred to Shamwari at 1pm. This service is not included in the program fees and will cost £45 each way. A private transfer can be arranged if you arrive outside of these hours for a cost of £90 each way.

    Holders of UK, most other EU countries, Australian, Canadian and USA passports do not require a Visa for South Africa. Upon entry you will be issued with a 3- month permit (at no cost). Make sure the correct date and length of stay in the country is entered onto your visa when at immigration. If you are travelling from Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Russian Federation, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Algeria, Angola, Comoros, China, Egypt, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Paraguay, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia or Vietnam, you will require a Visa and should consult your South African embassy.

    Departure

    The shared return transfer departs Shamwari at 10am and you will arrive at the airport by 12pm, so if you would like to use this option, please book a flight that departs after 2pm. Alternatively, we may be able to arrange a private transfer for you, dependent on the availability of vehicles.



    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    First Day

    Upon arrival into Port Elizabeth airport you will be transferred to the project site. Once you have arrived, you will have a welcome orientation and briefing. You will then have the rest of the day to settle in and meet the rest of the volunteers.

    Regular Days

    On your typical working days you ...

    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    First Day

    Upon arrival into Port Elizabeth airport you will be transferred to the project site. Once you have arrived, you will have a welcome orientation and briefing. You will then have the rest of the day to settle in and meet the rest of the volunteers.

    Regular Days

    On your typical working days you will work from approximately 8am to 4 or 5pm and have the evenings off. The tasks can vary depending on the season and the number of volunteers on site.

    • 7:30 am: Breakfast
    • 8:00 am: Meeting with fellow volunteers and coordinators
    • 8:30 am: Morning activities, distributed on a rotational basis
    • 12:00 am: Lunch break
    • 1:00 pm: Afternoon activities
    • 5:00 pm: Work is finished 
    • 6:00 pm: Dinner

    You can expect to take part in the following activities:

    Game count & monitoring

    Annual game counts of species (including rhino, elephants, lions, leopards and antelope) are carried out in order to establish the carrying capacity of the reserve, the movement of animals to and from the area, as well as predator to prey ratios.

    Telemetry tracking & research

    Telemetry tracking (or tracking using remote sources such as wire or radio) is used - particularly with regards to the more elusive species like cheetah and leopards.

    Restoration and rehabilitation of reserve landscapes and fencing

    This is integral to the well-being of the reserve and ensures its long-term revival as a pristine landscape suitable for an extensive collection of flora and fauna.

    Maintenance of the reserve as a healthy breeding centre

    Shamwari is an important breeding centre for a variety of species. Management here can refer to anything from veld (open country or grassland) conditions assessment, mapping of breeding area, mapping of alien vegetation, monitoring animal numbers and managing water points.

    Alien plant control

    An essential part of your volunteer duties here, alien plant control helps to get rid of unwanted (and potentially poisonous plants), increase the natural biodiversity of the reserve, as well as decrease fire risk.

    Volunteering at Born Free Foundation

    An opportunity will be given on a weekly basis for you to volunteer with big cats (lions and leopards) at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary - a world-renowned animal rehabilitation centre.

    Volunteering at the Animal Rehabilitation Centre

    Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre was set up to aid in the rehabilitation of injured animals found on the reserve and the surrounding community. The aim is to give the animals the short term care they need so that they can be successfully released back into the environment.

    Community Projects

    This responsibility involves the education of local communities in the benefits of conserving biodiversity and stresses the importance of conserving the natural habitats of Shamwari and the surrounding area. Weekly trips are made into the local community to assist in various community projects that range from creating and maintaining vegetable gardens, recycling projects, painting classrooms and building jungle gyms.

    Restoration and Rehabilitation of Reserve Landscapes

    The need to return the once pristine landscape to its original splendour includes the collecting and removal of old fence lines and rehabilitating degraded and overgrazed land.

    Research Projects

    These projects are often undertaken in conjunction with both local and foreign research and academic institutions and may range from elephant fertility testing to capturing data on lesser-known species such as Brown Hyena.

    Last Day

    Once you have said goodbye to your fellow volunteers and facilitators, you will transfer back to the airport for your return flight home or you will commence onward independent travel plans.


    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    You are free to explore the surrounding area, relax by the pool, read a book etc. There are lots of amazing day trips to consider arranging with your fellow volunteers such as visiting the Addo Elephant National Park, Birds of Paradise Aviary, sky diving and bungee jumping! 

    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    You are free to explore the surrounding area, relax by the pool, read a book etc. There are lots of amazing day trips to consider arranging with your fellow volunteers such as visiting the Addo Elephant National Park, Birds of Paradise Aviary, sky diving and bungee jumping! 


    Voorwaarden

    Voorwaarden

    Minimum leeftijd: 17 jaar

    Om deel te nemen aan het programma dien je ten minste 17 jaar te zijn op de startdatum van het programma.

    Taalkennis

    Je dient over volgende taalkennis te beschikken Engels (gemiddeld niveau)

    Nationaliteitsbeperkingen

    Geen beperkingen. Helpende handen van over de hele wereld zijn welkom.

    Andere vaardigheden

    We recommend that you come with a moderate level of fitness as the days are jam-packed and you will be involved in a whole host of activities! In terms of skills, all we ask is that you arrive with a willingness to get involved, have a respect for the wildlife and project staff with whom you’ll be working and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty!

    Tijdsinzet

    Uw helpende hand wordt verwacht op maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag en vrijdag van 07:30 - 17:00

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten door The Great Projects

    What's included in the price of the project?
    Accommodation during your time volunteering
    All meals and juice, tea and coffee.
    Volunteer activities (including at the Born Free Foundation)
    Full time English speaking ground staff

    Accomodatie

    Accommodation is within a purpose built guest centre that contains 10 twin bedded en-suite rooms, a dining room area, Swimming pool, common lounging area with cable TV and a DVD player. Wireless internet is also available for free and laundry service can also be provided once per week.

    Eten & Drank

    During your time here, you will be given three meals per day as part of the project price and all are served buffet style. Bottled water, tea and coffee are provided but soft drinks/ alcohol will need to be purchased from local trading stores open daily.

    There are no facilities to service Kosher or Halal requirements but the supply of such meals can be serviced at extra cost with adequate warning.

    Internet toegang

    Makkelijke toegang op de project site

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Afhaal aan de luchthaven op Port Elizabeth International Airport

    Afhaling van de luchthaven is ook niet inbegrepen in de programmakosten.

    Vlucht tickets

    De dichtste luchthaven is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth. We assisteren u met het vinden van goedkope vluchten naar Zuid-Afrika. VIND GOEDKOPE VLUCHTEN

    Reisverzekering

    Naar het buitenland reizen is een avontuur en het is best om goed voorbereid te zijn. Plots ziek worden of gewond raken, annulaties of diefstal - een reisverzekering voor Zuid-Afrika biedt zekerheid en is een meerwaarde. KRIJG EEN OFFERTE

    Vaccinaties

    Als je de intentie hebt om als vrijwilliger aan de slag te gaan in Zuid-Afrika dien je eerst medisch advies in te winnen alvorens je eropuit trekt. Kijk de benodigde vaccinaties na voor Zuid-Afrika. VACCINATIE CHECKER

    Gegevens over jouw aankomst

    Volunteers can join this project on every Monday throughout the year (subject to availability; please contact us to check for your preferred start date).

    The project is closed from mid-December until the beginning of January.

    Beschikbaarheid
    jan. feb. mrt. apr. mei. jun. jul. aug. sep. okt. nov. dec.

    Programmakosten

    2 weken (min. verblijf) 1.633€
    3 weken 2.389€
    4 weken 3.146€
    5 weken 3.903€
    6 weken 4.659€
    8 weken 6.172€
    10 weken 7.685€
    12 weken (max. verblijf) 9.198€
    Gemiddelde kosten 791€/week

    Programmakosten

    791€ per week 2 - 12 weken Leeftijd 17 - 50+

    Betaalmethodes

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    GEEN CREDITCARDKOSTEN


    Duurtijd

    2 - 12 weken

    Waarborg

    De waarborg dient om je plek als vrijwilliger te verzekeren. Betalingen worden door PayPal behandeld, onze betrouwbare betalingsprovider. Indien je niet over een PayPal account beschikt, kan je ook met een credit kaart betalen.


    Finale betaling

    Uw finale betaling zal worden goedgekeurd door The Great Projects gedurende de aanmeld procedure. Veel voorkomende oplossingen zijn een banktransfer of contante betaling op de projectsite.


    Ontmoet je organisatie

    The Great Projects

    Perfect 4.6 rating (197 beoordelingen)

    Agentschap - opgericht in 2003

    Geverifieerd door Volunteer World

      Zeer hoog Responsgraad

    Gepresenteerd door

    Katie

    Gesproken talen: Engels

    Over de organisatie

    The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

    Ontmoet je organisatie

    Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

    It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

    Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

    Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

    Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

    Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


    Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

    HEALTH AND SAFETY

    Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

    Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

    We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

    197 beoordelingen · rating4.6

    Patrick Bloomfield rating5

    2024 at Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

    As per the title, what an amazing & rewarding experience! Our day-to-day work included clearing alien plants, removing fencing from an old corral, community involvement such as re-building a jungle gym, revitalising a vegetable garden (& playing with the local kids!). We were also privileged enough ...
    Anaëlle Dechef rating4.6

    2019 at Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

    It was an incredible experience, I would recommend a minimum of 3 weeks to enjoy fully. I wanna go back already, if you hesitate to go, my advice would be to stop hesitating and to go for ...
    We stayed at Mkhuze Game Reserve, which was just beautiful. The accommodation was good, and better than expected with a shower and hot running water. Seeing the sun rise and set over the reserve, was just something else. We went in August and the cold mornings and evenings in the back of the truck ...
    1 - the people - amazing and inspiring 2 - seeing an elephant suckling it's mother. Seeing two juvenile leopards. 3. Seeing a lion hunt from beginning to end. Discovering three sub-adult lions and a cub which they didn't know about. It was genuinely an experience of a lifetime for me and I can't ...
    My favourite moment was seeing a pack of African Wild Dogs alive and healthy in their natural environment. Amazing! I only wish I'd had more time there! ...
    I had an amazing experience spending two weeks at Mkhuzi and then another at Imfolozi. Mkhuzi was particularly rewarding as there is so much to do with monitoring the wild dogs, cheetahs and lions plus trying to identify any endangered black rhinos seen. Poaching is an issue due to the number of ...

    Plaats

    Afrika > Zuidelijk Afrika > Zuid-Afrika > Port Elizabeth

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