Conservation
Experience

2 WEEKS FROM R28 950 PP SHARING*

The Conservation Experience is situated in the secluded north of an 18 000 hectare, Big Five Game Private Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Once an agricultural site, the land has been restored to its natural state and nearly 300 years of human impact has been reversed through conservation efforts.

Volunteers get the opportunity to go "behind the scenes" and get exposed to the various daily aspects involved in the conservation of wildlife, ecology, community, and other related management responsibilities at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

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Join a Conservation Legacy

Rates from January 2024

R28 590 pp sharing

Where does your money go?

There are many costs associated with running a Volunteer Project and conserving a wildlife area. From maintaining fences and vehicles to supporting anti-poaching units, you can rest assured the funds you pay will be used to make a difference and assist with conserving and protecting the wildlife and biodiversity on the Reserve.

Additionally, the fees help to cover the costs incurred with having you at the project; food, water, electricity for lights / Wi-Fi, fuel for vehicles and more.

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Details

Includes:

Accommodation;
All meals (no surcharge for special dietary requirements);
Wi-Fi;
Weekly laundry service;
Tourism levy;
Organisation of transfers;
VAT.

Excludes:

Cost of transfers;
Any alcoholic beverages;
Any excursions (trips to Port Elizabeth, Whale Watching etc.);
Any curio shop purchases;
Travel insurance and visas.

Payment policy

A 50% deposit is required on booking. The remaining 50% balance must be paid 4 weeks prior to arrival. Any related bank charges are required to be covered by the guest.

18 years and older. Applicants younger than 18 years old require the approval of a parents or legal guardian.

All participants are required to sign an indemnity form on arrival at the project.

Age & Indemnity

Participation in this volunteer project is limited to a minimum of 2 weeks. This gives you the best possible chance to experience a variety of activities and you would be more likely to participate in a special operation. Start days are any Monday.

Minimum Duration

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required to participate in this project. Shamwari is situated in a malaria-free area.

Two separate activities, which can include but are not limited to:

Animal monitoring;
Bird monitoring;
Invasive plant species removal;
Restoration and rehabilitation of the reserve landscapes;
Community Outreach and Engagement;
A visit to the Born Free Foundation Centre*;
A visit to the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Activity dependant, the day usually begins with breakfast at 8am. You will depart the lodge for your first activity in a canvas roofed/covered game viewer around 9am. On some days you will enjoy a packed lunch whilst out on the reserve, on other days you will return to the lodge for lunch. Regardless of the planned activity, every drive is a game drive where you will have opportunity to view animals, learn more about them, identify their tracks and more.

After lunch, you will set off for your second activity of the day, returning to the lodge in time for dinner.

Weekends are free for Volunteers to enjoy time around the lodge, or explore other areas in the Eastern Cape. There are multiple excursions for you to choose from. Most excursions require a minimum of two participants.

*Volunteer For Wild does not promote animals living in captivity. However, this is an excursion to the centre and you may choose to not attend. The Born Free Foundation are internationally know for their efforts to rescue wildlife from human ownership and inadequate living environments in zoos or sanctuaries. No breeding of animals takes place at the Born Free Centre. All animals are neutered or on contraception.

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A typical day consists of

The Conservation Experience runs out of one of two available lodges, depending on bookings and group sizes.

Depending on availability, you may share accommodation with a same sex volunteer in an en-suite lodge room. The rooms have between 2-3 single beds, air-conditioning, plug points and cupboards. Bathrooms are en-suite and have both a shower and a bath. Wi-Fi is available in the lodge rooms, as well as at the lodges themselves.

Both lodges have a swimming pool and sun loungers for you to enjoy. Each lodge has a central area where you can find a library, pool table, TV with DSTV, bar and dining area.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared for you by the staff. Most days you will take a packed lunch out into the field with you. Depending on the day's activities, lunch is sometimes hosted back at the lodge.

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Lodge Living

The Conservation Experience is situated on the Shamwari Private Game Reserve that is home to the Big Five. About a one and a half hour drive from Port Elizabeth Airport with several adventure and leisure activities in close proximity, which stretch down a beautiful coastline known as the Garden Route. These activities include surfing, canoeing, horse riding, and bungy jumping to name only a few!

The Game Reserve is home to five of seven biomes (fauna and flora habitats) represented.

18 000 hectare Game Reserve

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Getting There

Transfers can be arranged from Port Elizabeth Airport and surrounds. For international volunteers, it is advised that you fly into Port Elizabeth Airport.

Alternatively, you are able to self-drive and park your vehicle securely at the camp.

Why We Love This Project

Community

Weekly trips are made into the local community to assist in various projects that range from creating and maintaining vegetable gardens, recycling projects and improving schools.

Conservation Legacy

The Conservation Experience Project has been recognised globally for its efforts in conservation and has lived up to its aim of conserving a vanishing way of life.

Luxury Accommodation

Enjoy accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, 3 meals a day prepared for you, swimming pools, lounges with libraries and more. Volunteers can even book a spa treatment!

Image Gallery

Bokmakierie seen on Bird Watching activity

Young male seen by volunteers on the Conservation Experience

Volunteers assist with removing prickly pear, an invasive species

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