Safari & Big 5 Conservation
Coordinator | Patrick
Coordinator | Patrick
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Help conserve the Big 5 in a private Game reserve. Assist with wildlife research, monitoring and much more.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
Looking for a unique Conservational volunteering experience? How about taking up our volunteering project set in a South African wildlife reserve home to the big 5? You will be working along a team of talented individuals all striving towards a common goal of expanding and creating habitual environment for free roaming Wildlife!
This project is based in one of the biggest Game Reserves in the province, comprising of 18000 hectares! Through endless analyzing, monitoring and recording, what the team has found is that the biggest threat to predatorial and game animals such as; lions, hyenas, elephants etc. who requires lots of space, is the loss of habitual environment due to farming and human presence. As a countermeasure, the project is currently trying to increase the size of the reserve by including previous cattle ranches on the boundary making that a growth of 20%. If a successful working model can be formed there will be opportunity to expand the reserve even further.
Come be a part of this amazing opportunity and volunteer for a minimum of 2 weeks! The work is physically demanding, yet very rewarding! Be a part of this amazing and niche experience!
You will be volunteering alongside other international volunteers and local experienced staff who will guide and train you during your experience. No special equipment required and there are also no specific requirements.
You will be living in a private or semi-private room in the Center’s cottage house. Depending on how many other volunteers are attending this project at one time, you may share your room with 1 other volunteer (same sex). The cottage consists of 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, a big living and dining room area where everyone enjoy dinners together. Outside there’s a bonfire area where volunteers can sit a have meaningful conversations under a starry sky and there’s also a lovely pool that volunteers can enjoy during the scorching summer days!
Rhino Conservation
Activities
Hyena Conservation
Giraffe Conservation
Buffalo Conservation
Lion Conservation
Hotspots
Leopard Conservation
Hippo Conservation
Elephant Conservation
Black Rhino
Anti Poaching
Brown Hyena
Safari
Southern Giraffe
African Buffalo
Southwest African Lion
Johannesburg
African Leopard
East African Hippo
African Elephant
Typical day
Since the area the project is currently based in was previously a cattle farm adjoining the Dinokeng Game Reserve which is the first free roaming Big 5 game reserve in Gauteng, the aim of the project is to convert that area into habitat suitable for wild and free roaming animals and incorporation into the Dinokeng reserve. As such, the project will offer you the unique opportunity to be involved the daily tasks as follows:
- Removal of old fences used for cattle farming, Conducting game counts when required and sex and age ratios of varied species in the vicinity. Volunteers will need to assist in creating and indigenous plant nursery and landscaping around the accommodation and assist with the demolition of old cattle kraals and dipping troughs etc.
- Bush walking for a couple hours to observe droppings, various plants, mammals, insects, birds, reptiles and animal track. Game drives in an open vehicle with the intention of viewing animals in their natural habitat. Lessons in conversation and the ecology of the area as well as animal behavior monitoring. Removal of alien vegetation, anti-erosion work, road repairs and bush clearing.
- Monitoring of collared animals. Accompanying Rangers on anti-poaching patrols. Any other conversation activity that may pop up from time to time.
- Fire management depending on the time of year and fire regimes.
- Volunteers will also need to assist with the building of the additional volunteer accommodation. There is salvageable structure that is ideal for further accommodation that the project intends repurposing.
- There is another dilapidated building that the project intends to salvage and renovate with the intention of accommodating university students or other persons wishing to do research projects within the reserve.
For more information regarding what a typical day will look like during your preferred dates please message us.
Free-time activities
With the project, volunteers have the opportunity to restaurants & pizzeria for lunch, visit architectures and towns, shopping, visit a Brewery and Cidery for samples of various craft beers and ciders and so much. If you intend to do any other activity outside of the project, you will have to cover that fee by yourself.
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
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 (intermediate level)
CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and Signed Policies and Liability form (provided during application process)
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
from
07:00
- 16:00
What's Included
The Fee includes:
- Accommodation - You will be living in a private or semi-private room in the Center’s cottage house. Depending on how many other volunteers are attending this project at one time, you may share your room with 1 other volunteer (same sex). The cottage consists of 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, a big living and dining room area where everyone enjoy dinners together. Outside there’s a bonfire area where volunteers can sit a have meaningful conversations under a starry sky or there’s also a lovely pool that volunteers can enjoy during the scorching summer days!
- Meals - Volunteers will be provided three meals a day for their entire stay on the project. Special arrangements such as vegan or vegetarian food can be made as well. The food offered is not vegetarian unless you specify your special dietary needs before you arrive, this includes special dietary needs for medical conditions.
- Transportation - Transfers to and from Oliver Tambo International Airport for arrival and departure
- Ongoing service and 24/7 Emergency Contact
You will arrive in Kempton Park where you will be met by the Project’s transport team at the arrival hall. You’ll then be transferred to your accommodation on the project site.
You will be living in a private or semi-private room in the Center’s cottage house. Depending on how many other volunteers are attending this project at one time, you may share your room with 1 other volunteer (same sex). The cottage consists of 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, a big living and dining room area where everyone enjoy dinners together. Outside there’s a bonfire area where volunteers can sit a have meaningful conversations under a starry sky and there’s also a lovely pool that volunteers can enjoy during the scorching summer days!
Volunteers will be provided three meals a day for their entire stay on the project. Special arrangements such as vegan or vegetarian food can be made as well. The food offered is not vegetarian unless you specify your special dietary needs before you arrive, this includes special dietary needs for medical conditions. Any other snacks and beverages, meals and other entertainment off the venue are at the cost of the volunteer. There’s also a small general supply store relatively close by in case volunteers are interested in buying anything.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. 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.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
There are no specific start/arrival dates for this project however, we recommend that you arrive on a Monday!
This program is paused due to COVID-19 and reopens October 2023. Apply Now!
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 4 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$2,195
3 weeks
$2,995
4 weeks
(max. stay)
$3,595
Average fees
$998
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Fronteering Travel
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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 Fronteering Travel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Safari & Big 5 Conservation
Help conserve the Big 5 in a private Game reserve. Assist with wildlife research, monitoring and much more.
$998/week
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