Description

This project combines a wildlife photography course where volunteers develop skills for taking great shots, with an important documentation project where the wildlife of the wetland parks are being captured and documented. In order to preserve indigenous plant life and wildlife, it is essential to get local communities involved. What is lacking in current educational syllabi is a detailed photographic database of the wildlife in the area. The project aims to create a database which will be used for educational purposes. As a volunteer, you will contribute to this goal by taking photographs of as many wildlife species as possible. You will photograph large animals such as elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, as well as smaller creatures such as chameleons, insects, and some of the 521 bird species that call this World Heritage Site home. The best pictures will be included in the project database. The project is a unique opportunity to encounter some of Africa's most beautiful animals on a daily basis, to improve your photography skills, as well as to contribute to conservation efforts.

Photography & Conservation Project in South Africa

You can volunteer in South Africa on an incredible wildlife photography course where volunteers develop skills for taking great shots whilst working alongside an important documentation project where the wildlife of the wetland parks are being captured and documented. In order to preserve indigenous plant life and wildlife, it is essential to get local communities involved. What is lacking in current educational syllabus is a detailed photographic database of the wildlife in the area. The project aims to create a database which will be used for educational purposes. As a volunteer, you will contribute to this goal by taking photographs of as many wildlife species as possible. You will photograph large animals such as elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, as well as smaller creatures such as chameleons, insects, and some of the 521 bird species that call this World Heritage Site home. The best pictures will be included in the project database. The project is a unique opportunity to encounter some of Africas most beautiful animals on a daily basis, to improve your photography skills, as well as to contribute to conservation efforts.

Wild Coast Wildlife Conservation Project in South Africa

For bookings made before April 15th, second person goes free. second person must arrive at the same time as main person and £100 deposit applies to both applicants.

Volunteer in South Africa and experience the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of a working game reserve. This diverse landscape of the reserve allows for a range of African game including rhino, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, Eastern Cape kudu, African lions and elephants, to reside on the land. Due to the coastal setting of the reserve and the sub-sequential high rainfall on the Wild Coast, the reserve has a larger carrying capacity of game in comparison to reserves in lower rain fall areas. The reserve is therefore bursting with wildlife and in need of various programs to monitor and assess the game and conservation.

Black Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Research and Conservation in South Africa

Volunteer in Africa and work on an incredible research and conservation project in the heart of the Kwazulu-Natal district, on South Africas East Coast. Working in conjunction with the University of Natal and the Wildlands Conservation Trust as well as a number of other conservation and wildlife agencies, this project centres around research initiatives on, amongst others, some of Africas most endangered species. The project works to monitor the elephant, cheetah, lion, leopard and black rhino populations within a Private Game Reserve and is committed to gathering data to support the long-term objectives of the Reserves Foundation. Volunteers are needed to spend time in the field, gathering and analysing data which will then be shared with the relevant researchers, institutions and authorities. The main focus of this project is to monitor the elephant and endangered Rhino populations of the reserve.

Highlights

Whether you are based in Cape Town, Port Albert or St Lucia, you are never far away from a stunning beach, a host of adventure or a cultural community of indigenous people. Our volunteer houses provide the opportunity to relax and unwind after a hard day's work and the weekends offer adrenaline sports, the opportunity to spot Africa's magnificent wildlife, the chance to take part in community sports games or just enjoy a typical South African Braii.

Kruger National Park

This is South Africa's largest game reserve and one of the oldest in Africa. The park is now part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The best time to go is during the dry season (May - September) when the plains are sparse and animals are easier to view.

Drakensburg Mountains

The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa, known as the barrier of spears is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous world heritage site. There are a number of adventure activities that you can do including rock or ice- climbing, abseiling, white water rafting or take a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.

Surfing in South Africa

South Africa is renowned around the world for its many surfing hotspots due to the mix of beautiful coastal scenery and high quality surf. There is a strong surfing culture and way of life that is very contagious due to the friendly people and their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Whether you are a novice or more experienced you will love surfing in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour's drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride and for the renowned blue flag beaches.

Qualifications

Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit website for details.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

Please visit website for details.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be more than 18 years old.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008