South Africa – Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 45 minutes from Johannesburg in the Hartebeespoort area. The small town is situated between the Magaliesberg Mountains and Hartebeespoort Dam, providing a breathtaking mountainous landscape. Hartebeespoort is situated close to the sanctuary and is a great place to explore with a fantastic selection of adventure and activities. Johannesburg itself is a vibrant metropolis, known for its unique street entrepreneurial culture.

This sanctuary serves as a safe haven for orphaned or injured animals that would otherwise not be able to survive on their own. They take in a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, tigers, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, white lions, and hippos, as well as free-range game, such as giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, warthogs, impalas, waterbucks, and the red hartebeest. The sanctuary’s goal is to ensure the health and safety of all the animals at the sanctuary and the most important aspect of all is to provide enrichment to both the volunteer and the animals.

As a volunteer on this project, you will split your time between ongoing construction and maintenance projects and care for the animals at the sanctuary.

Some of the ongoing projects you may be involved in include:

• Fire Breaks: Many species such as the tortoises, dung beetles, and chameleons, become victims of fires that break out on the sanctuary’s land. Firebreaks are put in place to protect the sanctuary and control fire spread.
• Enclosure Construction: Help renovate, maintain, or construct new enclosures.
• General Maintenance: You’ll be assisting with anti-poaching fence patrols that involve guided walks along the perimeter of the park to ensure that the fencing in intact. You’ll also get a chance to help clear alien vegetation, assist with anti-erosion control, and other maintenance projects on the sanctuary grounds.
• Animal Life Improvement Project: Volunteers can help improve the lives of the sanctuary’s inhabitants by doing day-to-day cleaning, feeding and walking, painting the sanctuary’s facilities, and building new enclosures and swimming pools for some of the animals.

A typical day: You’ll begin your day early with breakfast, followed by your morning project, which could be assisting with alien vegetation, cleaning out animal enclosures, or going on an elephant walk. After lunch, you’ll start your afternoon project, such as the Animal Life Improvement Project or going on a game drive. After dinner you’ll have time to relax and hang out with the other volunteers.

Program Schedule: Two-day orientation is Wed-Thursday; Volunteer work begins on Monday.

Please Note: Due to the dynamic nature of working with animals, GoEco cannot guarantee that you will have the opportunity to interact hands-on with the animal residents at the sanctuary. Interactions are based on the availability, safety and well-being of the ambassador animals, and will be at the sole discretion of the local team.

Internet: Volunteers will receive a voucher for 50 MB of data for their personal phones. Additional WiFi is available for a small fee.

Laundry: All volunteers will receive one laundry load voucher. Additional laundry services are available for a small fee.

Accommodations: You will stay at the volunteer house on the sanctuary grounds where you will share a single gender room with up to 6 volunteers. Bathrooms are shared. There is a common kitchen, lounge, and a great patio for relaxing and watching the wildlife roam right outside the front door.

Food: You will receive three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are self-serve and include cereals, fruit, yogurts, toast, spreads, breads, and deli meat. A hot meal is served every night and is often a traditional South African BBQ (braai), a stew, or a casserole, along with fresh vegetables and meat.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Basic English
• Good physical fitness
• Motivation to work with animals

South Africa is a beautiful country with plenty to offer tourists. Kruger National Park is a must-see for every visitor, while the beaches of the Wild Coast offer plenty of peace and serenity. You’re also free to explore the busy beaches of Cape Town, its townships and lively nightlife. Elephant lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to Addo Elephant National Park and wine enthusiasts should consider driving along the wine route to experience some amazing wineries.

The sanctuary also offers an array of tours, game drives, elephant walks and hiking excursions at an additional cost.

Arrival and Orientation (Included):
Prior to your volunteering, you’ll participate in a two-day orientation in Johannesburg. This orientation is a time for volunteers to meet and get acquainted with each other and the project staff prior to going to their projects. You’ll also be taken on a tour of the city that includes sites like the Nelson Mandela Bridge, Telkum Tower, and Constitutional Hill.

Please note: The orientation is required and is not a part of the two weeks designated for volunteer work. Therefore, the minimum stay is 16 days for the two week option, 24 days for three weeks, and so on. All prices include orientation. The tour is flexible and may change according to the group’s interests for the day. This is your personal tour of the city with our local guide and aims to show you the best sites and places for the day.

Add on our eight-day Garden Route Road Trip to enhance your South Africa experience!