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Brilliant 4.76rating (219)

Wildlife Supporter

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Work up close with the famous Big 5!
  • Join our sanctuary for orphaned and injured non dangerous animals such as zebra, springbuck, etc.
  • Make a difference in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife giving them a second chance at being free and wild again.

Highlights

  • Work up close with the famous Big 5!
  • Join our sanctuary for orphaned and injured non dangerous animals such as zebra, springbuck, etc.
  • Make a difference in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife giving them a second chance at being free and wild again.
  • Explore Port Elizabeth with fellow volunteers!
  • Meet like-minded volunteers from all over the world!

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer at our Big Five Game reserve, support the local staff in monitoring the animals and conserving the environment.

    About the Program

    The Wildlife Project is situated approximately 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth. The reserve is on 6000 hectares of land which is filled with a variety of game, bird life and wild animals, including the BIG 5! In addition to the mixture of grasslands, sub-tropical vegetation, fynbos ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    The Wildlife Project is situated approximately 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth. The reserve is on 6000 hectares of land which is filled with a variety of game, bird life and wild animals, including the BIG 5! In addition to the mixture of grasslands, sub-tropical vegetation, fynbos and bushveld, it also has naturally formed pockets of water, amazing rock formations and splendid flora.

    As the wildlife programme is based in Port Elizabeth and participants need to book their flights direct from their home country to Port Elizabeth. The programme begins on a Monday and ends on a Sunday. Participants must arrange their flights to arrive at Port Elizabeth airport before 4pm on the Monday to be in time for their shuttle which collects them at the airport and transfers them to the wildlife project. The programme is designed for volunteers that are interested in having a truly African experience while making a difference to the local wildlife and environment.

    Structure and Facilities 

    • Volunteers are placed in staff housing (fully furnished) 
    • Separate housing for male and female volunteers 
    • Recreational activities are limited on the game reserve 
    • Weekend getaways to the city can be arranged every alternative weekend.

    The reserve’s farm area has expanded into a “plains sanctuary” which is a sanctuary for orphaned and injured non dangerous animals such as zebra, springbuck, etc.  It also boasts a lion rehabilitation camp which has been established and running quite successfully. This area (approximately 300 hectares) is where the lions from the predator educational and rehabilitation center go to before being released into the wild. This eases them into the process. Their white lions have also had their first baby! Unfortunately the first time mother has been having trouble looking after the cub and they have had to intervene and hand rear the cub. The cub is now doing well and will be moving into its own enclosure in the near future.  



    Typical day

    Usual working days go from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM and include the following activities.

    • Game capture
    • Visitor management 
    • Accompanying guides on game drives
    • Clearing paths
    • Tracking animals
    • Mending fences
    • Animal counting
    • Animal feeding
    • Removal of alien vegetation in and around the reserve
    • Wildlife structures
    • Tree ...

    Typical day

    Usual working days go from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM and include the following activities.

    • Game capture
    • Visitor management 
    • Accompanying guides on game drives
    • Clearing paths
    • Tracking animals
    • Mending fences
    • Animal counting
    • Animal feeding
    • Removal of alien vegetation in and around the reserve
    • Wildlife structures
    • Tree planting and landscaping
    • Fauna and flora work in the nursery
    • Wilderness trail walks and patrols, etc.


    Free-time activities

    On weekends you will be send out for excursions between Saturday and Sunday. 

    The excursions will either be to Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, or any other nearby destination. On these excursions please note that the reserve will only provide you with accommodation and transport to and from your ...

    Free-time activities

    On weekends you will be send out for excursions between Saturday and Sunday. 

    The excursions will either be to Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, or any other nearby destination. On these excursions please note that the reserve will only provide you with accommodation and transport to and from your destination. Accommodation will be in dorms and if you would like to upgrade yourself, you are welcome to do so but at your own cost.

     For those participating in their Garden Route tours, they recommend that you stay behind on the weekend to fully enjoy the wildlife component and go into PE on Monday. You are free to participate in the weekend excursions, but the meals for the Monday will then be for your own account. They also offer Addo excursions through a travel agent and the reserve can assist you with these arrangements. Since these excursions are done by an agent, volunteers need to pay for their accommodation, activities and meals which will form part of their excursion package. You are also free to organize your own excursion, but this will be at your own cost. 

    You are also free to stay behind during the weekends to relax and unwind at the reserve.


    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 (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    A love and passion for animals and the outdoors, willingness to get one’s hands dirty, ability to work in sometimes unpleasant weather conditions.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Program fee includes:

    • Schedules return transfers from airport in Port Elizabeth 
    • Guided wildlife tour 
    • 1 Reserve T-shirt & Cap 
    • Orientation on arrival 
    • Meals whilst on Reserve 
    • Shared Accommodation 
    • Optional Weekend transport between Saturday and Sunday to either Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, or any nearby destination which includes transport and accommodation only.
    Please note that once you have paid the balance of your program fee (typically 1 month prior to your arrival), cancellations will result in a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation within 14 days of your arrival. No refunds will be issued for early departures - a credit voucher will be issued to you, and you can then return to complete your program at a future date.

    Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

    The reserve runs scheduled transfers to and from the airport since they are about 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth.
    Sunday: Reserve to Port Elizabeth (departs 6:00 PM)
    Monday: Port Elizabeth to Reserve (departs 4:00 PM)
    Saturday: Reserve to Port Elizabeth (departs 9:00 AM)

    If you are not comfortable with leaving on the scheduled transfer, a transfer can be organized for you at an extra cost and depending on availability.

    Accommodation

    • You will be housed in dorms. 
    • The dorms are single sex dorms, no boys are allowed in the girl’s dorms and no girls in boy’s dorms. 
    Please note: In cases where volunteers want to stay as a couple, this can be arranged at an extra cost and also depends on the availability of rooms unless arrangements were made prior to arrival.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals: Breakfast: 09:30 Am - 10:00 AM // Lunch: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM // Supper: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

    Your basic breakfast consists of cereals, bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee and cheese, but sometimes eggs, sausages or baked beans, and sometimes a combination of the above. 

    As for lunch and dinner you will have a wide variety ranging from burgers, chicken and chips, vegetarian dishes, potato casserole and so on. 

    Please note: meals will be served either at the restaurant or at the volunteer’s quarters.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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

    The wildlife volunteer programme arrival days are any Monday of the year (to arrive before 15:00pm) and the programme ends on a Sunday (Departing 18:00pm)  

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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 626€
    2 weeks 1,095€
    3 weeks 1,586€
    4 weeks 2,046€
    5 weeks 2,524€
    6 weeks 2,988€
    7 weeks 3,470€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 4,011€
    Average fees 563€/week

    Program fees

    563€ per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
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    B. Sally Boluka

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    2023
    I stayed in Kwantu in October 2023 and I really enjoyed everything. The beautiful nature, amazing animals, the nice people, friendly and ...
    Nils Schwenteck

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    2023
    First time i've been to Kwantu and after 1minute you already feel like home. Very passion people with a great sense of humor and information ...
    Yentl Regemortel

    Wildlife Supporter

    2022
    My daughter and I volunteered for 2-weeks at the Kwantu Wilderness Reserve outside of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. We were there during ...
    Kathryn Masden

    Wildlife Supporter

    2022
    I want to thank everybody for the nice experience – the local team was amazing and they took good care of us. Tendai and Faith are the ...
    GABRIELLE DESWELLE

    Wildlife Supporter

    2020
    Spent 2 amazing weeks doing a lot of various activities in a game reserve We also did a lot at game drives which were the best moments ...
    Coline Martino

    Wildlife Supporter

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Port Elizabeth

    Meet your project coordinator

    Kevin
    219
    reviews
    4.76
    Brilliant
    1972
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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