Wildlife Research
Volunteer Project

FROM R 1950 PP/PN SHARING*

On a "Big Five" Private Game Reserve where you will actively contribute to the conservation and management of the reserve by conducting:

monitoring of key species - lion, cheetah and elephant;
elephant impact assessments;
herd structure counts;
camera trap changes and image processing;
any special operations, such as animal releases/relocations, collarings, snare removals or horn trimmings which may occur during your stay.

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Join a Research Team

Rates from March 2024

R 1975 pp/pn sharing

Where does your money go?

There are many costs associated with running a Volunteer Programme 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 centre; food, electricity for lights / Wi-Fi and to pump water for you to drink and shower.

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Details

Includes:

Accommodation;
All meals (no surcharge for special dietary requirements);
Organisation of transfers.

Excludes:

50% Single Sharing supplement for those who do not want to share accommodation;
Cost of transfers;
Any alcoholic beverages;
Any excursions (trips to the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon etc.);
Travel insurance and visas.

Minimum Stay

1 week. 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.

Payment policy

A 50% deposit is required on booking. The remaining 50% balance must be paid 4 weeks prior to arrival.

18 years and older. Applicants younger than 18 years of age will require consent to participate from a parent or 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 1 week. 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.

Minimum Duration

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required to participate in this project.

Of 2 game drives in an open vehicle with a specific objective in mind (i.e. monitoring using telemetry, changing camera traps, road clearing).

The first drive departs between 6-7am depending on the time of year. You can expect to be out on drive for at least 3 hours, if not more.

The second drive of the day departs around 3pm. Between drives you will spend some time in the office processing camera trap images, followed by lunch, as well as time to rest and relax.

On each game drive you will conduct a "drive count" and record all animals seen, as well as note their body condition which changes from season to season.

Weekends consist of 1 game drive on a Saturday morning, followed by a host of ways to relax for the rest of the weekend. Enjoy a swim, play a volleyball match, get to know your fellow volunteers over a board game, go on an excursion or simply relax around the camp and take in the atmosphere.

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A typical weekday consists

Depending on availability, you may share accommodation with a same sex volunteer in a fixed structure, canvas tent with 2 single beds, fans, plug points, electricity and cupboards. Wi-Fi is available in the tents as well as around the camp and at the office. Bathrooms for men and women are separate and each have 2 showers and 1 toilet. There is a central area for eating meals with an adjoining deck that leads you out to the swimming pool and braai area. The camp also has a volley ball court and a work-out area.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared for you by the staff.

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Semi-Luxury Tents

The volunteer project camp is set on Big Five" Private Game Reserve, 10 minutes outside of Gravelotte and 30 minutes outside of Hoedspruit, in Limpopo Province.

The Game Reserve is home to rocky granite koppies and mopane thicket.

27 000 hectare Reserve

Getting There

Transfers can be arranged from Hoedspruit, Nelspruit or from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport.

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

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Why We Love This Project

Hands-On Experience

Be immersed as a member of the team and enjoy being able to get hands-on working experience in conservation as you learn the value of research and wildlife management.

Develop Practical Skills

Learn to track animals through their spoor and dung. Learn how to use VHF telemetry to find animals, as well as how to operate a spotlight and find animals at night time.

Photography

As you enjoy two game drives daily, many photo opportunities of landscapes and wildlife present themselves to the delight of both professional and amateur photographers.