Description

Volunteer on a South African game reserve for 2, 4, 8 or 12 weeks; assist with the wild cheetah re-introduction project, learn about game reserve management in Africa, track animals such as lions, leopards, elephants and rhino and contribute towards the future sustainability of a unique and beautiful wilderness area.

This volunteering project gives volunteers the unique opportunity to live in the heart of the South African bush, learning about conservation and taking an active role in the management and maintenance of a game reserve. Volunteers are based in the province of Limpopo in South Africa on a 24,000 hectare reserve, which is home to many animals including rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest (to name but a few). As well as seeing spectacular scenery and breathtaking flora and fauna, on this South African volunteering adventure, volunteers will learn all the skills required to manage a game reserve; gaining fascinating knowledge about conservation and a once in a lifetime experience, while most importantly, aid the future sustainability of a remarkably unique and beautiful area. Whether you are looking for an amazing way to spend a gap year, an awe-inspiring way to spend an ethical holiday or just the chance to volunteer and help one of the most remarkable parts of the world; this wilderness conservation volunteering adventure certainly provides the experience of a lifetime!

The first week focuses on learning about wilderness conservation, flora and fauna, as well as equipping volunteers with the skills they'll need over the coming weeks. This will include assisting with the wild cheetah re-introduction project and learning how to monitor large predators and herbivores. We will also be taught the skills and techniques needed to help with bush clearing, erosion control, fence patrols, alien plant control, and much more. In the opening week, well also be taught the Emergency First Response first aid course, to receive a qualification that will last two years. After our training well become an active staff member on the reserve, with each day bringing new exciting challenges and developments, from the day to day research and monitoring of the animals and environment, to ad hoc activities such as broken fences, problem animals, and if were lucky perhaps some animal darting and game capture / releases! Volunteers on this wilderness conservation project are truly in a unique position of having a strong and significant involvement in the running of the reserve and in turn, helping with the conservation of a precious place that is home to awe inspiring flora and fauna!

Travel Types

• Environmental Studies
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving
• BackPacking Abroad
• Volunteering
• Safari

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,350

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- Pre-departure support
- 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK
- Airport transfers from Phalaborwa airport
- All meals
- Accommodation
- Laundry service (twice a week)
- Transport for social activities (time permitting)
- Transport to town on shopping day (approx once a week)
- Training materials
- Afrikaans lessons
- Emergency First Response qualification (First Aid)
- Research Training on using telemetry, GPS, data collection and processing
- General training in: conservation, reserve management, bird / mammal / reptile identification, tracking, tree identification and ecology
- CD containing images of your stay

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of in groups of up to 10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 day

Yomps's Mission Statement

We work hard to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime through responsible adventures off the beaten track. You will learn new skills, meet new friends, experience cultural activities that are just not available to tourists and you will have the time of your life.

Year Founded

2006