Location
The game reserve in northern Zululand, South Africa, is 14,000 hectares of pristine bush and is home to Africa's infamous Big 5 including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black and White Rhino and many other key animals as well as over 400 species of birds.
About the project
Staying on the Game Reserve gives volunteers opportunities to be involved in a variety of research initiatives on endangered and other wildlife species. You will contribute to research and conservation work during your stay and play a part in vital conservation activities.
Volunteers can choose from 3 projects at the Game Reserve. This gives volunteers the opportunity to focus on a specifc animal group.
1. African Wildlife Big 5 Conservation Project
2. Elephant and Rhino Research and Conservation Project
3. Large Predators Research and Conservation Project
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will be carrying out research on endangered wildlife within the reserve. This research provides critical information to the organizations dedicated to animal conservation.
African Wildlife Big 5 Conservation Project
- Monitor the behavior, feeding patterns and movement of a herd of elephants who were released into the park in early 2011.
- Collate and record data on a pride of lions. This will include being in the bush to observe hunting, social, breeding and territorial behavior at various different times of the day. This also involves some night drives.
- Monitor the rhino population to support the data recorded by the anti-poaching team during the day. This will help the reserve managers to understand the health of the animals, which are part of an endangered species reintroduction program.
- Capturing data as required by the reserve management team on their ongoing endangered species work
- Find and remove snares. This is a vital part of the anti-poaching effort within a park
- Carry out physical work to help regenerate natural bush from reclaimed farmland including the prevention of further soil erosion and the removal of old structures to avoid injuries for animals
- Contribute to the long term strategy of removal of alien plants from the park
Elephant and Rhino Research and Conservation Project
- Monitor the behavior, feeding patterns and movement of a herd of elephants who were released into the park in early 2011.
- Monitor the rhino population to support the data recorded by the anti-poaching team during the day. This will help the reserve managers to understand the health of the animals, which are part of an endangered species reintroduction program.
- Capturing data as required by the reserve management team on their ongoing endangered species work
- Find and remove snares. This is a vital part of the anti-poaching effort within a park
- Carry out physical work to help regenerate natural bush from reclaimed farmland including the prevention of further soil erosion and the removal of old structures to avoid injuries for animals
- Contribute to the long term strategy of removal of alien plants from the park
Large Predators Research and Conservation Project
- Collate and record research data on the lions, leopards, cheetah and hyenas. This will involve being in the bush to observe hunting, social, breeding and territorial behaviour at various different times of the day.
- Be involved in night drives to monitor the movements of the predators
- Capturing data as required by the reserve management team on their ongoing endangered species work
- Find and remove snares. This is a vital part of the anti-poaching effort within a park
- Carry out physical work to help regenerate natural bush from reclaimed farmland including the prevention of further soil erosion and the removal of old structures to avoid injuries for animals
- Contribute to the long term strategy of removal of alien plants from the park
Accommodation
Volunteers will be staying in comfortable twin cabins set in the Game Reserve overlooking a water hole commonly visited by the animals in the park. The accommodation is staffed with cooks and cleaners and all bed linen is provided. Volunteers will be provided with three meals a day. Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be cooked by one of the chefs at the reserve. Laundry service is included in the accommodations. There is no internet access on the game reserve, however, participants will have the chance to go to town once a week.
Travel Highlights
There are many optional travel excursions that you will be able to arrange once on site. These include the following:
- 4 day photographic workshop in the Drakensberg Mountains
- Weekend trips to swim with Dolphins in Mozambique
- Visit the rugged scenery of Swaziland and experience the cultural heritage
- Game drives to the Tembe Elephant park, home to the largest Tuskers in Southern Africa
- Boat trips on the Kosi Bay lake systems to see ancient Fish traps and snorkel in the Estuary mouth
- Weekend trips to the seaside town of St Lucia to do Whale Watching (seasonal), to spend time on the beach or take a boat trip to see Hippos and Crocodiles up close.
Minimum Requirements
- Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment
- Minimum age 18 years
- Good level of English
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)
- Volunteers must be in good physical condition, as they will be expected to walk long distances and participate in physical activities
- Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible and cooperative