Conservation Projects in South Africa
The Eastern Cape in South Africa is a place of immense natural diversity that is simply second to none. As one of the most interesting and beautiful regions on Earth it’s pristine coastlines, sub tropical forests and abundance of wildlife have made it a must visit destination amongst nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. As well as it’s impressive array of wildlife South Africa boasts an amazing and colourful assortment of natural, cultural and historical attractions making it the perfect destination for gap year and career break travel.
Environmental issues and negative human behaviour have had a detrimental and devastating effect on the wildlife in this part of the world in the past, and it is only through the important environmental conservation work and continuing research that we are able to protect this spectacular yet vulnerable wildlife.
Your Big Five Volunteer Conservation Project
Becoming an environmental conservation volunteer is an exceptional learning experience in which you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside Africa’s Big five species and contribute to the successful running of an established Game Reserve in this remarkable region. Working alongside dedicated and enthusiastic coordinators you will discover the Eastern Capes famous wildlife first hand as you play your part in the protection of the natural landscape and huge array of living species. What better way to experience Africa’s famous wildlife than getting up close to it’s iconic and exotic animals and directly contributing to their welfare?
Wake up everyday in the heart of this breathtaking wilderness as you live, eat and work amongst some of the most majestic and intriguing creatures in the world! Encounter the BIG 5 (Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Rhinos and Leopard) roaming freely across the plains as well as playful monkeys and baboons, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and antelope all running free in your surroundings. You will have an active and meaningful role into the vital research of the animals here, through practical, hands on activities on the reserve, to data collection. The work of volunteers is extremely important to the success of this reserve and you will gain a real feeling of satisfaction knowing that the work you are doing is directly impacting the future of the Eastern Cape and all of it’s natural splendour.
Your Big Five Volunteer Conservation Role
Your daily role will vary to reflect the Game Reserves needs and your duties will be directly influenced by your dynamic and diverse surroundings. This placement aims to give you a complete and hands on understanding of a working game reserve and so you will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of daily activities that are important to protecting the natural landscape. You will get stuck into important conservation efforts such as the eradication of alien plant species; help to care for orphaned animals such as lion cubs; help out in game captures; interacting with guests; accompanying the rangers on game drives and even feeding the predators! You will also have an active and meaningful role into the vital research of the animals and data collected by you will be utilized by the reserve management in many important conservation decisions.
Daily activities may include:
Removal of alien vegetation in and around the reserve
Lion tracking and observing
Tree planting and landscaping
Game drives
Predator interaction and caring
Fauna and flora work in nursery
Wilderness trail walks and patrol
Fence Patrol
Game counts
Game capture
Example Itinerary
7.30am – 9.30 am – Conservation activities
9.30am – 10.00am – Breakfast
10.00am -1.00pm – Conservation activities
1.00pm – 2.00pm – Lunch
2.00pm – 4.30pm – Conservation Activities
6.00pm – 7.00pm – Dinner
Your project coordinators start work at 7:00am and between 7:00am and 7:30am there will be either feeding the horses, busy in the encounters area or at the workshop. You are free to join them during this period if you so wish.
*This is just an example daily itinerary. All activities scheduled above are subject to change and can be influenced by weather conditions and the needs of the project at the time.
Gap Year and Career Break Volunteer Conservation Projects
Embark on the experience of a lifetime as you work alongside Africa’s iconic Big 5 species, contribute to the conservation of an established Game Reserve and play your part in protecting South Africa’s beautiful landscape. Take part in a volunteer wildlife and conservation project on your gap year or career break and gain a unique insight into this magical world.
