Description

Volunteer abroad in South Africa through a wildlife conservation project!

-Location
The Thanda Game Reserve located in northern Zululand, South Africa, is 14,000 hectares of pristine bush and provides sanctuary to Africa's infamous Big 5 including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black and White Rhino and many other key animals as well as over 400 species of birds.

-About the project
The volunteer abroad in South Africa program while Staying on the Thanda Game Reserve gives volunteers a chance to be involved in various research initiatives on endangered and other wildlife species. You will contribute to research and conservation work during your stay and play a part in essential conservation activities.

-Volunteer abroad in South Africa work and contribution
Volunteers will be doing research on endangered wildlife within the reserve. This research gives critical information to the organizations dedicated to animal conservation.

Duties of volunteers can include but are not limited to:
* Monitoring the night time movements of rhinos and elephants
* Helping with the conservation initiatives, such as soil erosion and plant control
* Taking the time to walk around the bush with rangers
* Doing physical work to assist with regenerating natural bush from reclaimed farmland
* Capturing data to help the reserve management team with their ongoing endangered species endeavor
* Contributions to the long term strategy of removal of alien plants from the park

-Accommodation
Volunteers will be staying in comfortable twin cabins set in the Game Reserve overlooking a water hole commonly visited by the animals in the park. The accommodation is staffed with cooks and cleaners and all bed linens are provided. Volunteers will be served with three meals a day. Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually comprises cereals, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be cooked by one of the chefs at the reserve. Laundry service is included in the accommodations. There is no internet access on the game reserve, however, participants will have the chance to go to town once a week.

Highlights

There are many optional travel excursions that you will be able to arrange once on site. These include the following:

* 4-day photographic workshop in the Drakensberg Mountains
* Weekend trips to swim with Dolphins in Mozambique
* Visit the rugged scenery of Swaziland and experience the cultural heritage
* Game drives to the Tembe Elephant park, home to the largest Tuskers in Southern Africa
* Boat trips on the Kosi Bay lake systems to see ancient Fish traps and snorkel in the Estuary mouth
* Weekend trips to the seaside town of St Lucia to do Whale Watching (seasonal), to spend time on the beach or take a boat trip to see Hippos and Crocodiles up close.

Qualifications

* Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment
* Minimum age 18 years
* Good level of English
* Immunizations (please consult your doctor)
* You must be in good physical condition, as you will be expected to walk long distances and participate in physical activities
* Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible and cooperative

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Variable

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The ecologically concerned and adventurous traveler who wants to explore a region firsthand and to get to know the local people, customs and eco-system through a vetted volunteer program.

Age Range

18 minimum

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 20 max

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

GoEco - Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement

(1) Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development (2) Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. (3) Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassador to other countries in the world. (4) Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based projects, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience firsthand the unique cultural and natural diversity in this region. (5) Support environmental and humanitarian projects that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel. (6) Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development. (7) Establish an in-depth and up-to-date data base of the relevant projects worldwide. (8) Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.

Year Founded

2005