Big Five Conservation Assistant

About The Project

The Big 5 Volunteering Project in South Africa has grown from humble beginnings back in 1999 through to the impressive conservation project you see before you today. The reserve upon which the project is based is measures 7,500 hectares and it consists of sprawling savannah and bushveld which is home to a whole host of exciting African animals. You'll could see everything from a small springbok right up to an awe-inspiring elephant during your time on this project, so what are you waiting for!

Located in South Africa's incredible picturesque Eastern Cape, this project will present you with the opportunity to really get stuck in to the ongoing volunteer efforts whilst living in a beautiful area. You will play a role in protecting the local environment and its animal inhabitants through a whole host of direct and indirect activities. 

These include crucial tasks such as reserve maintenance as well as fast paced and exciting tasks like game capture and predator monitoring! You will even get the chance to spend one night in the four-star luxury lodge, and here you may be able to spot Norman the resident elephant as he comes down to take a drink from the watering hole. 

There is always something exciting happening on this volunteering project, so learn more and create some lifelong memories! 

Prior to Arrival

Holders of UK, most other EU countries, Australian, Canadian and USA passports do not require a Visa for South Africa. Upon entry, you will be issued with a 3- month permit (at no cost). Make sure the correct date and length of stay in the country is entered onto your visa when at immigration. 

If you are travelling from Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Russian Federation, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Algeria, Angola, Comoros, China, Egypt, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Paraguay, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia or Vietnam, you will require a Visa and should consult your South African embassy.

Please note that the South African immigration policy states that you will need at least two empty pages in your passport and at least six months validity to enter.

The easiest way to get here is to arrive into Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport), and then book a connecting domestic flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth. The project is approximately 1 hour (75 kilometres) from Port Elizabeth Airport. 

Airport transfers are not included in the price of the project, you can either organise your own transport to and from the reserve or we can organise this for you. There are two types of airport transfer available, the first is a shared transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport to the project on your start date which departs at 2pm, with the return transfer departing at 7am this costs £45 each way. Alternatively, we can arrange private transfers anytime between 9am and 5pm for a cost of £95 each way, though this cost must be paid in advance.

This project starts on a Monday so you will need to book flights to arrive on the day, or if there are no suitable flights on the day you will be able to be picked up from Port Elizabeth on Sunday afternoon.

Fitness

We recommend that you come with a moderate level of fitness as the days are busy and you will be involved in a whole host of activities! In terms of skills, all we ask is that you arrive with a willingness to get involved with tasks and a dedication to the ethos of the project, as well as a respect for the enchanting wildlife, as well as for the committed project staff with whom you will be working.

First Day 

After arriving from Port Elizabeth Airport you will be given time to settle in to your new volunteer accommodation and have the chance to meet your fellow volunteers. 

Project Days

On an average day on the project you will be working from around 7am until 4pm and activities will vary from day to day depending on what needs completing on the reserve. Tasks could include:

Game Drives

As well as giving you a great chance to see all of the amazing animal life that Africa has to offer, game drives present volunteers with a fantastic opportunity to monitor the wildlife found on the reserve and help to ensure that the populations remain healthy. 

Reserve Maintenance

A reserve of this size needs a lot of upkeep, and as a volunteer you will play a crucial role in helping with tasks such as fence repair, reburying electricity wires that have been dug up by naughty elephants, and road repair. These tasks give you a fantastic chance to see how a game reserve is run behind the scenes. 

Game Capture

Occasional animals on the reserve need to be captured to be looked at by the vet or moved to another part of the reserve to manage population numbers. You may be able to assist with this task when the need occurs, but please note that it is not guaranteed as the animals will only be captured when it is completely necessary. 

A Night At The Luxury Lodge

One night during your stay on the project you will have the chance to spend a night at the four star luxury lodge. This gives you the chance to relax in style and enjoy a prepared dinner! (Please note that this is only included in your project fee if you are joining the project for a minimum of two weeks.)

A Visit To A Local Community Centre

It's not all about the animals on this project as you will also have the chance to spend time at a local community centre, playing with the children and getting a lot of pictures of their happy faces! 

Bush Camping And Night Drives

Remember to wrap up warm as you will be heading out on night drives to see the wildlife that comes to life in the bush after the sun goes down. There is also the chance to venture out and camp beneath the stars, but this is weather dependent.

Alien Plant Control 

Foreign plant species are a big problem on the reserve and without the help of volunteers they have the potential to completely kill off the endemic flora that is so crucial to the local food chain. You will work to remove these invasive species and ensure that they do not grow back.

Canoeing And Boating On The Local River

One of the more relaxing activities, you will gently glide down the local river and take in the birdlife you see as you pass. This is a fantastic opportunity to grab some pictures as well so don't forget your camera!