Wildlife Tracking & Field Research
Coordinator | Tracy
Coordinator | Tracy
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Enjoy up close and personal time with African wildlife
Stay in African bush
Participating in habitat conservation
Make memories you can't get anywhere else in the world
Make lifelong friendships
This project provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to participate in ethical wildlife research, studying African wildlife free roaming in their natural habitat
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
The Project
During this program, you will learn to navigate and track animals through the South African bush while undertaking vital conservation research into some of South Africa’s most iconic animal species. The project has a strong focus on safeguarding the well-being of the animals and their environment and employs non-invasive methods of data collection.
The structure of the project helps to maximise learning for volunteers, combining four days of field work every week with one day of theoretical learning by way of lectures or workshops. The first two weeks focus on wildlife training where volunteers learn dangerous game approach methods, wildlife tracks and signs, useful botany, navigation and survival skills, animal behaviour and warning signs. You will spend the remainder of your time participating in scientific research in the field. Yes, you will learn how to approach a lion and how to react should you come across one accidentally which happens often! Research activities have a strong conservation focus and aim to improve the welfare of wildlife in South Africa in an attempt to ensure the long-term sustainability of wildlife reserves.
The Location
The project is located in Mossel Bay, in the Garden Route area of Western Cape, South Africa.
Mossel Bay is halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth boasting 60 kilometres of beautiful clean beaches. It is a popular tourist destination with the wider Garden route region being known for its natural diversity and mild climate.
The Surrounding Area
Volunteers have weekends free to explore the surrounds and attractions of this beautiful coastal region.
South Africa has lots of sunshine and Mossel Bay has many beautiful clean beaches at which to swim, surf or relax. It is considered one of the best whale and dolphin viewing locations along the southern coast. Why not go shark diving in a cage while you are here? Or maybe crocodile cage diving instead?
Embark on one of the local hiking trails and experience the Cape’s famous native fynbos (macchia) vegetation which is a form of flowering heathland believed to contain one of the highest diversities of plant species in the world.
If you are keen for adventure, Mossel Bay offers a wide range of activities to get your adrenaline pumping, including high-speed wave riding, shark cage diving, abseiling, quad biking, sand boarding and skydiving.
For a more relaxing experience, explore the rich history of the area at one of the regions museums or historical walks, or chill out on the beach
What to bring
There is no need to bring any special equipment. Simply pack comfortable walking shoes and sensible field gear that will reduce wind chill and possible out of season rainfall conditions.
Please Note
The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.
Reptile Conservation
Zebra Conservation
Giraffe Conservation
Rhino Conservation
Antelope Conservation
Elephant Conservation
Activities
Crocodile
Plains Zebra
Southern Giraffe
White Rhino
Blesbok
Mountain Zebra
African Elephant
Elephant Research
Typical day
You will spend four days of the week in the field observing animals, learning skills and recording project data. As the animals roam freely in their natural environment, each day will be different, depending on what the animals choose to do each day! One day will be spent in town attending lectures or workshops. The knowledge and skills you will learn in the lectures will assist greatly with your activities in the field.
Free-time activities
Volunteers have weekends free to explore the surrounds and attractions of this beautiful coastal area.
South Africa has plenty of sunshine and Mossel Bay has many beautiful clean beaches at which to swim, surf or relax. It is also considered one of the best whale and dolphin viewing locations along the southern coast.
Embark on one of the local hiking trails and experience the Cape’s famous native fynbos (macchia) vegetation; a form of flowering heathland believed to contain one of the highest diversities of plant species in the world.
If you are keen for adventure, Mossel Bay offers a wide range of activities to get your adrenaline running, including high-speed wave riding, shark cage diving, abseiling, quad biking, sand boarding and skydiving, just to name a few.
For a more relaxing experience, explore the rich history of the area at one of the regions museums or historical walks.
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
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 (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Volunteers must be fluent in English, willing to work and able to take direction from staff. Volunteers should also be in good physical condition (ie. moderately fit and healthy).
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
from
07:00
- 06:00
What's Included
The prices start from $2145 for the first 2 weeks and $4010 for 4 weeks.
*A one week option is not available.
All project fees are payable in Australian Dollars (AUD).
All project fees are payable in Australian Dollars (AUD).
A deposit of $495 Australian Dollars is payable when you complete the online application form.
Prices include 10% Australian Goods & Services Tax (GST).
What's included in this project?
What's included in this project?
- Pre-departure support
- Project Information Pack .
- Transfers from George Airport to the project
- Daily transfers from the accommodation to the project
- On the job training
- Accommodation Breakfast 7 days per week
- Lunch Monday to Friday
- 24-hour in-country support
- 24-hour O2E emergency phone
- Flights
- Nighttime and weekend meals
- Snacks
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending
- Visas
Fly to George, South Africa. You may choose to be collected from the airport, or take a bus to Mossel Bay and be collected from there.
Dorm-style shared accommodation
Dorm Room
Breakfast is supplied and lunches are provided on weekdays. Volunteers must supply and prepare their own evening and weekend meals. There are several food stores within walking distance of the volunteer accommodation.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is George Airport (GRJ) in George. 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
The project starts the 1st day of most months of the year.
To get there, fly to George, South Africa. We can pick you up from the airport, or volunteers can take a bus to Mossel Bay and be collected from there.
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
$3,388
4 weeks
(max. stay)
$4,330
Average fees
$1,090
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers
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 Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers 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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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Wildlife Tracking & Field Research
This project provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to participate in ethical wildlife research, studying African wildlife free roaming in their natural habitat
$1090/week
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