This incredible volunteer experience in South Africa offers the chance to get involved with the conservation efforts of the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve. Volunteers on this project play a vital role in the numerous fascinating aspects of managing an award-winning game reserve, which has claimed back more than 25,000 hectares of once derelict farmland.
About the project
Locally identified as Frontier Country, the Eastern Cape of South Africa enjoys unmatched biodiversity, which unfortunately has suffered severely over past centuries as a result of wildlife, fauna and flora being all but eradicated (with the exception of a few species). The impact of the early settlers, in particular, has left its mark on a district where several of the first encounters with wildlife in Southern Africa were documented. This project was established to return the land and the wildlife species that used to inhabit it back to their former glory. Over the past twenty-three years, a dedicated team of conservationists has not only been successful in the reintroduction of flora and fauna, but they have also taken responsibility for managing and caring for the natural resources of which they are now custodians.
With an on-site, dedicated wildlife department, Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Animal Hospital and Rhino Awareness Centre, volunteers will gain first-hand experience and insight through a vast array of tasks. This may range from tracking and monitoring rare and endangered species such as rhinos, elephants, and predators to working at the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary and possibly witnessing wildlife veterinary procedures.
Volunteers are also involved with local community projects, focusing on wildlife, the environment and the continued restoration and upkeep of the reserve. This project allows volunteers to personally experience and add value to a project which has been globally recognised for its conservation efforts and expertise.
Prior to Arrival
The easiest way to get here is to arrive in Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) and then book a connecting domestic flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth. The project is approximately 1 hour (75 kilometres) from Port Elizabeth Airport. Please ensure that you book flights to arrive in Port Elizabeth before 12:20pm on your project start date. You will be met at the airport by a member of staff and will be transferred to Shamwari at 1pm. This service is not included in the program fees and will cost £45 each way. A private transfer can be arranged if you arrive outside of these hours for a cost of £90 each way.
Holders of UK, most other EU countries, Australian, Canadian and USA passports do not require a Visa for South Africa. Upon entry, you will be issued with a 3- 3-month permit (at no cost). Make sure the correct date and length of stay in the country are entered into your visa when you arrive at immigration. If you are travelling from Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Russian Federation, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Algeria, Angola, Comoros, China, Egypt, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Paraguay, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia or Vietnam, you will require a Visa and should consult your South African embassy.
Departure
The shared return transfer departs Shamwari at 10am, and you will arrive at the airport by 12pm. If you would like to use this option, please book a flight that departs after 2pm. Alternatively, we may be able to arrange a private transfer for you, depending on the availability of vehicles.
