Description

Volunteer in Africa with GWC Volunteers on vital wildlife conservation and game reserve management projects.

Get involved with life on a Private Game Reserve set in the stunning wilderness of the Limpopo Valley, South Africa. Learn, see, explore and leave with memories that will last a life time.

Track lions, watch herds of elephants as they visit the waterholes, catch a rare sighting of the elusive leopard and help conserve the rhino.

See the bush under the cover of darkness on a night drive and catch a glimpse of the more secretive animals.

Be a part of one of South Africa's largest wildlife conservation efforts and make your contribution to protect this pristine and diverse habitat.

Work directly with lion, elephant, rhino and more.

Learn new skills such as tracking, mammal identification and behaviour, bush survival skills, reptile and bird identification. Develop your knowledge of South Africa's wildlife and learn how to navigate in the bush.

Visit Mapungubwe National Park - A world heritage site and South Africa's first kingdom.

Work alongside professional guides and rangers.

We offer wildlife conservation volunteering from 2 weeks up to 3 months - it's your choice.

If its gap year student work abroad or a working holiday in South Africa that you're looking for then join us for a once in a life time experience - you won't want to leave!

Highlights

GWC volunteers will be part of this huge conservation effort which will undoubtedly give you a real sense of participation and achievement, knowing that you were part of such an important venture.

Some of the current and future projects are listed below:

* erosion control and repair of existing damage caused by erosion
* construction of road signs, marking trails and maintaining eco-routes
* game counts, night drives
* basic game ranger training
* carnivore tracking
* small mammal, bird and reptile research
* spoor transects
* anti- poaching patrols
* construction of professionally built hides in selected areas of the reserve
* bush survival skills
* fixed point photography and optional photography workshops
* Mapungubwe National Park Visit (once every 4 weeks)

The Volunteers will also be on hand to assist VLNR's management team. This could involve animal darting, tracking specific animals for capture and release, collaring new animals for research purposes and replacing old collars, a unique experience of seeing some of Africa's most impressive animals up close, something that very few people are fortunate enough to witness.

Travel Types

• Birdwatching
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Heritage Tourism
• Hiking
• Photography
• Safari
• Volunteering

Qualifications

No experience necessary, training is provided.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2 weeks from 850, please contact for other rates

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

Cost includes:
- Food and Accommodation for the duration of your stay
- Transfer from Polokwane to the Reserve - available on Mondays, if a volunteer arrives on a different day we can arrange transfer to the reserve but this will be at the volunteers expense.
- Pre-departure information and support
- In-country Orientation, training and support
- Tools and equipment necessary for work on the reserve
- Travel for any GWC organised excursions and social activities
- Trip to Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site (once every 4 weeks)

Cost does not include:
- Flights
- Medical or travel insurance
- Spending money
- All items of a personal nature
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Any excursions/social activities not organised by GWC

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A GWC volunteer experience is an absolute must for anyone who is enthusiastic about wildlife and the environment. Volunteers participating in the program all have a common ambition - to see, feel, and smell the African bush while developing a practical knowledge of life in the wild. You must be willing to work hard and as part of a team to achieve a common goal and help conserve this beautiful area.

Age Range

18 years or older.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-8

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Galagos Wildlife Conservation's Mission Statement

To promote the advancement of ecotourism and wildlife conservation on all levels through proactive participation in the field. To become the leader in wildlife conservation volunteering in Southern Africa by providing the highest quality product to volunteers and offer sustainable development and great service to land owners.

Year Founded

2011