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African Wildlife
Coordinator | Bella
Coordinator | Bella
Travel to the African savannah to participate in rhino poaching awareness efforts and wildlife research studies.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Singles
Couples
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,its beauty enhanced by the lack of light pollution, and wake to a golden African dawn.
South Africa is home to several species under threat, like the critically endangered black rhinoceros and near threatened white rhinoceros. Our international conservation team in Karongwe private nature reserve, only an hour from Kruger National Park, works toward conserving the species found in the protected area by partnering with local and international organisations like the South African National, SAN Parks authority and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
This program gives volunteers the opportunity to learn about the global issue of poaching and how international and South African organisations are working on prevention. The focus specifically concerns the poaching of rhinoceros. Volunteers will attend lectures on the topic of poaching, the impact of losing important animals on the ecosystem, how anti-poaching efforts are set up and run which will be presented by a SAN Parks representative, and how fundraising initiatives are set up and run, as well as delivering environmental education workshops in the local community.
This program gives volunteers the opportunity to learn about the global issue of poaching and how international and South African organisations are working on prevention. The focus specifically concerns the poaching of rhinoceros. Volunteers will attend lectures on the topic of poaching, the impact of losing important animals on the ecosystem, how anti-poaching efforts are set up and run which will be presented by a SAN Parks representative, and how fundraising initiatives are set up and run, as well as delivering environmental education workshops in the local community.
You will learn how to use telemetry equipment and tracking techniques to monitor rhinos, as well as other species, like cheetah and lions, and record data on their location, age, health, and behaviour. This research data is used by park authorities to provide an accurate picture of predator impact on prey populations helping them to maintain a healthy balance of these natural resources and species, and by researchers to learn more about the social structures of animals, spatial movements, and genetic lineage of animals, contributing to animal research and conservation. Rhino spatial movements and specific identifying factors are specifically noted to allow for focused anti-poaching efforts in those areas.
The program focuses on creating an increased awareness around anti-rhino poaching but volunteers will also have the opportunity to get involved with a wide range of other wildlife conservation activities like setting up camera traps to capture data on animal identifying factors, movement, behaviour, managing the impact of elephants on vegetation in the reserve, invasive vegetation removal, and monitoring how cheetah feeding habits.
No special skills or qualifications are required to join this program, as we help you obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to participate effectively. Please be aware that due to health and safety considerations, as well as confidentiality agreements, no participants will be directly involved in the field activities of anti-poaching units.
The program focuses on creating an increased awareness around anti-rhino poaching but volunteers will also have the opportunity to get involved with a wide range of other wildlife conservation activities like setting up camera traps to capture data on animal identifying factors, movement, behaviour, managing the impact of elephants on vegetation in the reserve, invasive vegetation removal, and monitoring how cheetah feeding habits.
No special skills or qualifications are required to join this program, as we help you obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to participate effectively. Please be aware that due to health and safety considerations, as well as confidentiality agreements, no participants will be directly involved in the field activities of anti-poaching units.
Typical day
-Rise each morning to the sounds of an authentically African birdsong at dawn, and head out in open-topped safari vehicles to conduct research vital for the conservation of key predators species, like cheetahs and lions.
-Head back to camp, when the sun is at its height, input data, study, assist with cooking or tidying, or relax with other participants in our shared outdoor social space.
-When the African sun starts to set over the Drakensberg mountains at dusk, head out again to conduct further research.
-Return when the stars in the Southern night sky are at their brightest and share a meal and the day’s stories with fellow participants.
-In your free time, explore Kruger National Park, a 45-minute drive from your accommodation, or the Panorama Route, including the magnificent Blyde River Canyon.
Details on Arrival
Set Start Dates with Guaranteed Departures:
- 2019
- 06 Apr 201920 Apr 201904 May 201918 May 201901 Jun 201915 Jun 201929 Jun 201913 Jul 201927 Jul 201910 Aug 201924 Aug 201907 Sep 201921 Sep 201905 Oct 201919 Oct 201902 Nov 201916 Nov 201930 Nov 2019
- 2020
- 11 Jan 202025 Jan 202008 Feb 202022 Feb 202007 Mar 202021 Mar 202004 Apr 202018 Apr 202002 May 202016 May 202030 May 202013 Jun 202027 Jun 202011 Jul 202025 Jul 202008 Aug 202022 Aug 202005 Sep 202019 Sep 202003 Oct 202017 Oct 202031 Oct 202014 Nov 202028 Nov 2020
Free-time activities
During the expedition you will have 1 day off a week. In this time you could visit the stunning local mountains (Karongwe), go curio shopping, or just spend some time wandering around the local town. At the end of each 4 week cycle volunteers have the opportunity to take 4 days off, during which they are free to arrange their own trips if they wish. Before and after your program you could visit Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, go bungi jumping or canyoning at Sabiethe possibilities are endless!
Sightseeing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Sports
Program 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.
You need to speak
English
(basic level)
required
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Included Services
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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
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
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We refund your fees if Global Vision International (GVI) cancels your trip
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Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Global Vision International (GVI).
Before your journey
Global Vision International (GVI) (your host organization) provides consulting and is keen to answer all your questions. Once you reserved your spot, you will receive the contact details of
your volunteer project.
Prepare yourself and become a confident and well informed traveler. Global Travel Academy takes you on a journey before you leave home, helping you to become one of the world's greatest
travelers. Our trusted partner for online learning offers courses in "International Volunteering", "Travel Health & Safety" and "Travel Safety Abroad".
On-site services
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
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Welcome meeting
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- 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)
We will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile. This means there will be someone there to greet you as you land, and from there you will be transported to your GVI base to start your adventure and meet the rest of your team.
Live in the heart of the South African savannah sharing a renovated farmhouse with Field Guides Association of Southern Africa qualified guides, other GVI staff, and participants hailing from all four corners of the globe. Lodgings are large dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms. The base is solar-powered to ensure less impact on the natural environment.
Most breakfasts feature cereal, oats, and fresh fruit, and or lunch, it’s usually sandwiches and salads. Dinner might be anything from a traditional South African ‘potjie’ stew to pastas and stir frys.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
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.
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.
Program Fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$ 2,718
3 weeks
$ 2,910
4 weeks
$ 3,377
5 weeks
$ 3,845
6 weeks
$ 4,312
7 weeks
$ 4,779
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$ 8,181
Average fees
$ 1,020
/week
Generally, volunteering abroad involves certain costs. In case you need financial support, we will assist you to fundraise your volunteer program in South Africa.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Global Vision International (GVI) during the application process.
Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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