from 1,580€

Perfect 4.6rating (186)

Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Take part in animal welfare activities in the South African Game Reserve
  • Help to improve the standard of life for some of South Africa's most in-need animals through the maintenance of their environment
  • Support the project team as they aim to rehabilitate and release as many animals as possible back into the wild
  • Monitor and learn more about about South Africa’s incredible wildlife species

Especially suitable

Age 17+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Volunteer with the 'Big Five' and the Born Free Big Cat Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves.

This incredible volunteer experience in South Africa for offers the chance to get involved with the conservation efforts of the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve. Volunteers on this project play a vital role in the numerous fascinating aspects of managing an award-winning game reserve which has ...

About the program

This incredible volunteer experience in South Africa for offers the chance to get involved with the conservation efforts of the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve. Volunteers on this project play a vital role in the numerous fascinating aspects of managing an award-winning game reserve which has claimed back more than 25,000 hectares of once derelict farmland.

About the project

Locally identified as Frontier Country, the Eastern Cape of South Africa enjoys unmatched biodiversity which unfortunately has suffered severely over past centuries as result of wildlife, fauna and flora being all but eradicated (with the exception of a few species). The impact of the early settlers in particular has left its mark on a district where several of the first encounters with wildlife in Southern Africa were documented. This project was established to return the land and the wildlife species which used to inhabit it, back to its former glory. Over the past twenty three years, a dedicated team of conservationists has not only been successful in the reintroduction of flora and fauna, but they have also taken responsibility to manage and care for the natural resources which they are now custodians of. 

With an on-site, dedicated wildlife department, Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Animal Hospital and Rhino Awareness Centre, volunteers will gain first-hand experience and insight through a vast array of tasks. This may range from tracking and monitoring of rare and endangered species such as rhino, elephants and predators, working at the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary, and possibly witnessing wildlife veterinary procedures.

Volunteers are also involved with local community projects, focusing on wildlife, environment and continued restoration and upkeep of the reserve. This project allows volunteers to personally experience and add value to a project which has been globally recognized for its conservation efforts and expertise.

Prior to Arrival

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. Please ensure that you book flights to arrive in Port Elizabeth before 12:20pm on your project start date. You will be met at the airport by a member of staff and will be transferred to Shamwari at 1pm. This service is not included in the program fees and will cost £45 each way. A private transfer can be arranged if you arrive outside of these hours for a cost of £90 each way.

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.

Departure

The shared return transfer departs Shamwari at 10am and you will arrive at the airport by 12pm, so if you would like to use this option, please book a flight that departs after 2pm. Alternatively, we may be able to arrange a private transfer for you, dependent on the availability of vehicles.



Typical day

First Day

Upon arrival into Port Elizabeth airport you will be transferred to the project site. Once you have arrived, you will have a welcome orientation and briefing. You will then have the rest of the day to settle in and meet the rest of the volunteers.

Regular Days

On your typical working days you ...

Typical day

First Day

Upon arrival into Port Elizabeth airport you will be transferred to the project site. Once you have arrived, you will have a welcome orientation and briefing. You will then have the rest of the day to settle in and meet the rest of the volunteers.

Regular Days

On your typical working days you will work from approximately 8am to 4 or 5pm and have the evenings off. The tasks can vary depending on the season and the number of volunteers on site.

  • 7:30 am: Breakfast
  • 8:00 am: Meeting with fellow volunteers and coordinators
  • 8:30 am: Morning activities, distributed on a rotational basis
  • 12:00 am: Lunch break
  • 1:00 pm: Afternoon activities
  • 5:00 pm: Work is finished 
  • 6:00 pm: Dinner

You can expect to take part in the following activities:

Game count & monitoring

Annual game counts of species (including rhino, elephants, lions, leopards and antelope) are carried out in order to establish the carrying capacity of the reserve, the movement of animals to and from the area, as well as predator to prey ratios.

Telemetry tracking & research

Telemetry tracking (or tracking using remote sources such as wire or radio) is used - particularly with regards to the more elusive species like cheetah and leopards.

Restoration and rehabilitation of reserve landscapes and fencing

This is integral to the well-being of the reserve and ensures its long-term revival as a pristine landscape suitable for an extensive collection of flora and fauna.

Maintenance of the reserve as a healthy breeding centre

Shamwari is an important breeding centre for a variety of species. Management here can refer to anything from veld (open country or grassland) conditions assessment, mapping of breeding area, mapping of alien vegetation, monitoring animal numbers and managing water points.

Alien plant control

An essential part of your volunteer duties here, alien plant control helps to get rid of unwanted (and potentially poisonous plants), increase the natural biodiversity of the reserve, as well as decrease fire risk.

Volunteering at Born Free Foundation

An opportunity will be given on a weekly basis for you to volunteer with big cats (lions and leopards) at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary - a world-renowned animal rehabilitation centre.

Volunteering at the Animal Rehabilitation Centre

Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre was set up to aid in the rehabilitation of injured animals found on the reserve and the surrounding community. The aim is to give the animals the short term care they need so that they can be successfully released back into the environment.

Community Projects

This responsibility involves the education of local communities in the benefits of conserving biodiversity and stresses the importance of conserving the natural habitats of Shamwari and the surrounding area. Weekly trips are made into the local community to assist in various community projects that range from creating and maintaining vegetable gardens, recycling projects, painting classrooms and building jungle gyms.

Restoration and Rehabilitation of Reserve Landscapes

The need to return the once pristine landscape to its original splendour includes the collecting and removal of old fence lines and rehabilitating degraded and overgrazed land.

Research Projects

These projects are often undertaken in conjunction with both local and foreign research and academic institutions and may range from elephant fertility testing to capturing data on lesser-known species such as Brown Hyena.

Last Day

Once you have said goodbye to your fellow volunteers and facilitators, you will transfer back to the airport for your return flight home or you will commence onward independent travel plans.


Free-time activities

You are free to explore the surrounding area, relax by the pool, read a book etc. There are lots of amazing day trips to consider arranging with your fellow volunteers such as visiting the Addo Elephant National Park, Birds of Paradise Aviary, sky diving and bungee jumping! 

Free-time activities

You are free to explore the surrounding area, relax by the pool, read a book etc. There are lots of amazing day trips to consider arranging with your fellow volunteers such as visiting the Addo Elephant National Park, Birds of Paradise Aviary, sky diving and bungee jumping! 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 17 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

We recommend that you come with a moderate level of fitness as the days are jam-packed 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, have a respect for the wildlife and project staff with whom you’ll be working and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty!

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by The Great Projects

What's included in the price of the project?
Accommodation during your time volunteering
All meals and juice, tea and coffee.
Volunteer activities (including at the Born Free Foundation)
Full time English speaking ground staff

Accommodation

Accommodation is within a purpose built guest centre that contains 15 twin bedded en-suite rooms, a dining room area, Swimming pool, common lounging area with cable TV and a DVD player. Wireless internet is also available for free and laundry service can also be provided once per week.

Food & Beverages

During your time here, you will be given three meals per day as part of the project price and all are served buffet style. Bottled water, tea and coffee are provided but soft drinks/ alcohol will need to be purchased from local trading stores open daily.

There are no facilities to service Kosher or Halal requirements but the supply of such meals can be serviced at extra cost with adequate warning.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Port Elizabeth International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

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. GET A QUOTE

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. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Volunteers can join this project on every Monday throughout the year (subject to availability; please contact us to check for your preferred start date).

The project is closed from mid-December until the beginning of January.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,580€
3 weeks 2,312€
4 weeks 3,044€
5 weeks 3,776€
6 weeks 4,508€
8 weeks 5,972€
10 weeks 7,436€
12 weeks (max. stay) 8,900€
Average fees 765€/week

Program fees

765€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 17 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

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

Your final payment will be agreed with The Great Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

The Great Projects

Perfect 4.6 rating (186 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

The Great Projects work with organisations worldwide to establish high standards in animal welfare and conservation within the responsible tourism sector.

Meet your organization

Looking to volunteer abroad with animals? Here at The Great Projects we believe that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.

It all began with The Great Orangutan Project in Malaysian Borneo and after a number of years working with local authorities, passionate project facilitators, and hard-working volunteers to create a sustainable, progressive, and effective project - The Great Projects decided to use the experiences and knowledge we had gained to expand our expertise to other projects in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe!

Now with over 35 projects, you can be confident in the fact that you’ll be able to volunteer with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From orangutans in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests. What’s more, The Great Projects make sure that with us, volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the matter, at site, delivering an experience like no other as you become familiar with the life of an animal keeper, game ranger, or wildlife conservationist.

Plus, every time someone volunteers with The Great Projects  in addition to their fee which covers accommodation, food, and transfers, we donate up to £350 to the project visited to help the project itself. Therefore, our ecotours and projects are not only designed to be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but you will also join a project knowing that your travel truly does help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside.

Here at The Great Projects, we believe that we should practice what we preach. We send volunteers to worldwide destinations on a range of truly unique and thoroughly worthwhile projects that make a real, sustainable difference to their causes. What’s more, The Great Projects provide them with dedicated UK-based staff that ensure volunteers have informative and friendly help throughout all stages of their experience, from initial enquiry to their return.

Through this, we can show volunteers that there is a better way to holiday. Our award-winning wildlife volunteering abroad with animals projects and signature tours are not only designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for volunteering worldwide, but our donation and conservation pledges ensure that your travel will have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species and the local communities which live alongside them.


Further, The Great Projects does not only aim to provide travel destinations that hold responsibility for animal welfare, but also to the environmental, economic and social impact of our conservation projects as a whole.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Here at The Great Projects, we are completely dedicated to providing our volunteers with the utmost protection with regards to health and safety.

Adventurous travel always involves some degree of risk. Our priority is to keep you safe and protect you as much as possible whilst still giving you an authentic experience of life in your chosen destination.

We conduct extensive risk assessments to make sure we have identified potential hazards and done everything we can to reduce them and we make sure you have the information you need about the destination you are visiting and how to stay safe and healthy while you are out there. We also are partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who are able to offer volunteers comprehensive insurance for all of our projects.

186 reviews · rating4.6

Patrick Bloomfield rating5

2024 at Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

As per the title, what an amazing & rewarding experience! Our day-to-day work included clearing alien plants, removing fencing from an old corral, community involvement such as re-building a jungle gym, revitalising a vegetable garden (& playing with the local kids!). We were also privileged enough ...
Anaëlle Dechef rating4.6

2019 at Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

It was an incredible experience, I would recommend a minimum of 3 weeks to enjoy fully. I wanna go back already, if you hesitate to go, my advice would be to stop hesitating and to go for ...
We stayed at Mkhuze Game Reserve, which was just beautiful. The accommodation was good, and better than expected with a shower and hot running water. Seeing the sun rise and set over the reserve, was just something else. We went in August and the cold mornings and evenings in the back of the truck ...
1 - the people - amazing and inspiring 2 - seeing an elephant suckling it's mother. Seeing two juvenile leopards. 3. Seeing a lion hunt from beginning to end. Discovering three sub-adult lions and a cub which they didn't know about. It was genuinely an experience of a lifetime for me and I can't ...
My favourite moment was seeing a pack of African Wild Dogs alive and healthy in their natural environment. Amazing! I only wish I'd had more time there! ...
I had an amazing experience spending two weeks at Mkhuzi and then another at Imfolozi. Mkhuzi was particularly rewarding as there is so much to do with monitoring the wild dogs, cheetahs and lions plus trying to identify any endangered black rhinos seen. Poaching is an issue due to the number of ...

Location

Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Port Elizabeth

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