from 993€

Perfect 4.6rating (195)

Big Five Conservation Supporter

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

On this amazing volunteering project you will have the chance to work towards the conservation of Africa's 'Big 5' and the surrounding communities in their natural home.

About the project

This project gives you a fantastic chance to dive into conservation efforts in one of South Africa's most beautiful locations and make a difference in the lives of the abundance of wildlife and local communities that call the region home. Without conservation initiatives like this ...

About the program

About the project

This project gives you a fantastic chance to dive into conservation efforts in one of South Africa's most beautiful locations and make a difference in the lives of the abundance of wildlife and local communities that call the region home. Without conservation initiatives like this one, wildlife is vulnerable to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, and impoverished communities lack basic rights, including food, infrastructure, and education.

One of the largest conservation issues in Africa is a lack of education about why animal life in the country is so important. This project aims to tackle this too by empowering local communities through a number of initiatives that support sustainable livelihoods and environmental awareness. 

The location

Based in the beautiful Eastern Cape region of South Africa, this volunteering project is located just 15km from the dazzling Indian Ocean and it presents you with the opportunity to really make a difference in an incredible surround. The reserve itself measures a large 10,000 hectares and the pristine wilderness found here is home to all manner of spectacular wildlife including the 'Big 5!' Keep your eyes peeled and you may be able to see buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino and elephants during your time here!

Volunteer work

As a volunteer on this project, you'll spend 50% of your time out in the reserve, where you'll assist in tracking and monitoring priority species such as elephants, lions, and rhinos. You'll conduct bird surveys, participate in game captures, engage in reserve management tasks, and more, all to help protect iconic and endangered wildlife and their habitats. The other 50% of your time will be dedicated to uplifting and inspiring impoverished communities. You'll integrate into the community, providing environmental education at schools, serving meals at local soup kitchens, upgrading and maintaining infrastructure, assisting in community gardens, and more to build a sustainable, educated, and caring conservation community.




Typical day

First Day

After arriving into Port Elizabeth Airport you will take a transfer to the project site and be given time to settle in and become familiar with your new home! This is also the time when you will first meet your fellow volunteers so it presents a perfect chance for you to bond and meet your ...

Typical day

First Day

After arriving into Port Elizabeth Airport you will take a transfer to the project site and be given time to settle in and become familiar with your new home! This is also the time when you will first meet your fellow volunteers so it presents a perfect chance for you to bond and meet your newest friends!

Regular Days

A typical working day on this project will be from around 8am to 5pm, and you will have the evenings off. Your itinerary will be split evenly between alternating community and conservation days, though itineraries are subject to change depending on the needs of the project. 

Elephant Impact Monitoring 

Using identification sheets you will help the in-country team monitor the elephants that live on the reserve. You will take notes on the animals range patterns and vegetation impact as well as identifying the different elephants at the projects by their unique ear markings. 

Motion Sensor Camera Analysis

Leopards have been present in this area of South Africa for over 300 years, and you will assist data collection from camera traps in an attempt to shed some more light on these elusive animals and their range patterns. 

Rhino Monitoring

This project is home to a number of rhinos and as a volunteer, you will help to monitor these prehistoric beasts to play a part in protecting them from the dangers of poaching. 

Alien Vegetation Control

Invasive plant species are a big problem as they can have a drastic effect on the local food chain. By removing these plants from the area it gives the local plant life a chance to grow and helps provide food for the local prey species. 

Animal Capture

On occasion, volunteers will be given the chance to assist with animal capture and release. You will be involved in the whole process from darting the animal in need of help through to sending them on their way to their potential new home! 

Education & Youth Development

Volunteers will mentor children in schools through development sessions that include support in English, Maths, and Science education. You may lead environmental lessons on issues like plastic pollution and sustainability, and assist coaches in after-school sports clubs.

Assisting at EDCs & Soup Kitchens 

Engage deeply with the community by participating in childcare and educational initiatives at Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) and assisting local soup kitchens with meal preparation and service.

Infrastructure Upgrade

Assist with maintenance and construction tasks such as repairing, cleaning, and inspecting facilities like school buildings, community structures, and vegetable gardens. Your efforts will prevent deterioration and ensure essential infrastructure remains in good working order.

Assist in Community Vegetable Gardens 

Volunteers will support sustainable livelihoods by tending to vegetable gardens or establishing new ones, working with locals on planting, weeding, and harvesting. 

Domestic Animal Care Days

support rural communities in responsible pet care by participating in veterinary sessions, building dog shelters, and leading educational initiatives during Domestic Animal Care days. 

Star Talks

This is a simple activity as you will just be sitting back in a safari vehicle and admiring the stars in the clear African sky. What really brings it to life is the incredible knowledge of your volunteer coordinator who knows almost everything there is to know about the stars, and if you listen up you will too! 

Game Drives

As you are in Africa you will of course take part in some game drives to head out and spot all of the continents famous wildlife. This is a fantastic chance to tick off all of the animals you want to see during your time in Africa! 

You may take part in other activities during your time on the project so be prepared to get stuck in no matter what the task!

Last Day

After saying your farewells to your new found friends you will head back to the airport to begin your onward travels.


Free-time activities

Please contact your project coordinator to take a closer look at some of the amazing activities you can do in your spare time on the project. A trip into the local town of Kenton-on-Sea is popular amongst the volunteers as it gives them the chance to relax and enjoy a delicious prepared meal. Some ...

Free-time activities

Please contact your project coordinator to take a closer look at some of the amazing activities you can do in your spare time on the project. A trip into the local town of Kenton-on-Sea is popular amongst the volunteers as it gives them the chance to relax and enjoy a delicious prepared meal. Some more adventurous volunteers like to take part in activities like surfing or horseback riding and the most adventurous of all like to go on a skydive! There is a lot to do in your free time here, so please ask your coordinator for more details when you arrive. 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by The Great Projects

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE PROJECT?

  • Accommodation
  • All food and juice, tea and coffee
  • Volunteer activities
  • Full time English speaking ground staff
  • A laundry service
  • Wifi at the project site

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

  • Weekend excursions
  • Alcoholic beverages and snacks etc
  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport transfers - these can be arranged for an additional fee

Accommodation

You will be staying in a recently renovated house neighbouring the reserve, and you will have full access to all of the facilities available here throughout your stay. The volunteer complex includes a farmhouse and an annexe. The farmhouse features three triple-share bedrooms: one with an ensuite bathroom and two sharing a spacious bathroom. Additionally, the annexe offers three more triple-share bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Bedrooms are shared on a same-sex basis, except for couples who will be accommodated together. The complex includes two fully equipped kitchens, a dining area, spacious living rooms, and an entertainment/lecture room with a pool table. Outside, you'll find a plunge pool and a dedicated braai area, perfect for unwinding in your free time. 

Food & Beverages

Food is provided on this project but volunteers will take turns to cook on a rotational basis. Everybody takes their turn to cook with their team, and who knows, this could be another skill you pick up whilst on the project! All of the food you will need for all meals will be found in the house so you will never go hungry! There is also the chance to enjoy a BBQ outside dependent on the weather, which is a very communal meal and a great chance to test your Braai skills! 

Please note that if you are gluten intolerant or have a dairy allergy you will need to purchase gluten-free bread or soya milk on your trips into town, or consider bringing your own items. 

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

This project takes place on every Monday throughout the year (shut over Christmas period). Please contact us to find out whether your preferred start date is available.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 993€
2 weeks 1,493€
3 weeks 2,242€
4 weeks 2,992€
5 weeks 3,741€
6 weeks 4,490€
7 weeks 5,240€
8 weeks 5,989€
9 weeks 6,739€
10 weeks 7,488€
11 weeks 8,238€
12 weeks (max. stay) 8,987€
Average fees 871€/week

Program fees

871€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with The Great Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

The Great Projects

Perfect 4.6 rating (195 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

Meet your organization

Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

195 reviews · rating4.6

Godelieve Meuris rating5

2024 at Orangutan Wildlife Center

Een ongelooflijke ervaring om deel te mogen uitmaken van dit centrum waar de nood voor hulp zeer hoog is, de hitte de vochtigheid, de regen het soms harde werk is snel vergeten bij de belevingen die men heeft, een fijne groep vrijwilligers maakt het geheel af ...
Renato Bruno rating5

2024 at Orangutan Wildlife Center

It was a fantastic experience with lots of new impressions. Dom the responsible person for the volunteers is an amazing person with a fantastic humor and is well conected and is always very helpful. The people in the group are all coming from different countries worldwide and it was just wonderful ...
Petra Noordanus rating5

2024 at Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

My experience with The Great Project is very good! I had a great time at Naankusé Wildlife Sanctuary. Everything was well organized and when we had changes to our arrival time at the last minute, this was arranged immediately. I recommend The Great ...
Patrick Bloomfield rating5

2024 at Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

As per the title, what an amazing & rewarding experience! Our day-to-day work included clearing alien plants, removing fencing from an old corral, community involvement such as re-building a jungle gym, revitalising a vegetable garden (& playing with the local kids!). We were also privileged enough ...
Natascha Zeiler rating5

2024 at Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

It was the best experience in my whole life. I will definitely return to see those great and special people living and working there again. I met so many great people from around the world. These two weeks were absolutely awesome. ..
Lily Valentin rating4.8

2024 at Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary

This being my first-ever volunteer project, I was unsure of what to expect. Leading up to the trip, the team was communicative and organized. As impending deadlines approached, they reached out with reminders. They replied via email within a day or two when support was needed. On-site, Kate's ...

Location

Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Kenton-on-Sea

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