Rhino Poaching Awareness

Agency
·
founded in 1998
Graeme
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Coordinator | Graeme
Coordinator | Graeme
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Learn what is being done in Southern Africa to prevent rhino poaching and contribute in a safe way to conservation efforts.
Go on a wildlife safari adventure in a private South African nature reserve.
In your free time, visit the famous Kruger National Park, only an hour away from where we are based or visit the nearby Drakensberg Mountains.
Live and work alongside Field Guide Association of South Africa, FGASA, qualified guides, growing personally and professionally by learning from their experiences.
Sleep under the star-filled Southern night sky
Travel to South Africa to work alongside FGASA trained field guides on critical wildlife conservation initiatives & on anti-rhino poaching campaigns. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

Contribute to meaningful conservation work as a participant on this program based in South Africa, Limpopo. Experience the African Bush unfiltered and witness the Big Five in their natural environment.  Join a team of passionate individuals from across the globe on efforts that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #15, Life on Land. 

Participants are trained up in survey techniques in order to ensure that data collection activities are effective and accurate. You could expect to be involved in tracking and spotting animals within the reserve such as lion, leopard, elephants and rhinos.  Data collected provides a valuable insight into the impact of predator on prey; geographical movement; behavior; relation structures and genetics. This information is used by the reserve management to ensure a healthy balance of natural resources which in turn contributes to the overall success in conservation of endangered African species. 

As a volunteer you will also spend time focusing on Rhino conservation initiatives to raise awareness on anti poaching campaigns. 

You could also expect to work within the local community on environmental education initiatives. 

This program includes an optional  Wildlife Conservation online course which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States.

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Drive
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Drive
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time
As a volunteer you will be out on 1 drive a day. 

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Skiing in the Drakensberg Mountain Range
  • Bungee Jumping & Ziplining
  • Hoedspruit Reptile Center
  • Kruger National Park
  • Kalahari Dessert (a bit further away but worth a visit)
  • Cape Town (a 2 hour flight away) 
  • Blyde River Canyon
The possibilities are endless! 

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks. 

These activities may include: 

  • Learn to make a potjiekos
  • Develop your wildlife photography skills
  • Discover the medicinal uses of indigenous plants
  • Master basic bush survival skills
  • Watch a magical sunset at a watering hole
  • Enjoy a night sky safari
  • Walk through a prehistoric cycad forest
  • Sleep in the open bushveld
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Sports
Riding
Winter Sports
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

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)
Criminal Background Check
required
Required Documents
Medical form
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
No specific skills required, all training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • First Aid & CPR training
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • Research training
  • Reserve fees and permits
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Telemetry training as relevant
  • Welcome meeting
  • Wildlife identification techniques

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Airport and reserve transfers
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport
Airport pick up available from Hoedspruit Airport within specified time period. 
Accommodation

Based in Karongwe game reserve, just a short drive away from the Kruger National Park. Live in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by wildlife. 

Accommodation facilities are shared dormitories and can be considered basic.

Dorm Room
Food & Beverages

Meals are prepared by participants although all ingredients are provided, mostly vegetarian diet and most dietary requirements can be catered for. 

Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
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.
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.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

2022
  • 08 Jan 2022
  • 22 Jan 2022
  • 05 Feb 2022
  • 19 Feb 2022
  • 05 Mar 2022
  • 19 Mar 2022
  • 02 Apr 2022
  • 16 Apr 2022
  • 30 Apr 2022
  • 14 May 2022
  • 28 May 2022
  • 11 Jun 2022
  • 25 Jun 2022
  • 09 Jul 2022
  • 23 Jul 2022
  • 06 Aug 2022
  • 20 Aug 2022
  • 03 Sep 2022
  • 17 Sep 2022
  • 01 Oct 2022
  • 15 Oct 2022
  • 29 Oct 2022
  • 12 Nov 2022
  • 26 Nov 2022
  • 10 Dec 2022
2023
  • 07 Jan 2023
  • 21 Jan 2023
  • 04 Feb 2023
  • 18 Feb 2023
  • 04 Mar 2023
  • 18 Mar 2023
  • 01 Apr 2023
  • 15 Apr 2023
  • 29 Apr 2023
  • 13 May 2023
  • 27 May 2023
  • 10 Jun 2023
  • 24 Jun 2023
  • 08 Jul 2023
  • 22 Jul 2023
  • 05 Aug 2023
  • 19 Aug 2023
  • 02 Sep 2023
  • 16 Sep 2023
  • 30 Sep 2023
  • 14 Oct 2023
  • 28 Oct 2023
  • 11 Nov 2023
  • 25 Nov 2023
  • 09 Dec 2023

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
1 - 12 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
1 week (min. stay)
$3,242
2 weeks
$3,746
4 weeks
$4,754
6 weeks
$5,762
8 weeks
$6,770
10 weeks
$7,722
12 weeks (max. stay)
$8,674
Average fees
$1,983 /week

The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation. GVI will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
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 (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

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Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
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Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if GVI cancels your trip
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We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by GVI.

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Rhino Poaching Awareness

Travel to South Africa to work alongside FGASA trained field guides on critical wildlife conservation initiatives & on anti-rhino poaching campaigns.

$1770/week

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