Go out on daily research drives to assist local wildlife foundations to monitor and study the African Big 5 in order to protect endangered and at-risk species while you live in the middle of a South African game reserve.
African Impact is a multi-award winning volunteer travel organisation which runs and manages meaningful and responsible volunteer experiences and internship programs throughout Africa. The organisation was founded in 2004 in Zimbabwe, and since then has grown into the Africa leaders in volunteer tourism, having facilitated over 12,000 volunteers and interns in 12 countries across the continent. We are proud to offer fun, safe and structured placements where volunteers understand their contribution to responsible projects run in partnership with local communities and conservation efforts. Our journey so far has been both inspiring and humbling and we will keep pushing the horizons of what volunteering can achieve. in the power of volunteering and have seen the amazing things volunteers can achieve. in Africa and all that this inspiring continent can offer to the world. in the passionate people who work with us and alongside us to create tangible positive impacts and change lives. To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It s not just about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring; it s also about what this amazing continent, its people and its wildlife can give those volunteers in return. The volunteer experiences we offer in Africa are based on three key points: 1) volunteers having an amazing time and experiencing everything Africa has to offer; 2) volunteers learning as much as they can about local history, culture and wildlife and soaking up the essence of our country; and 3) supporting local communities and conservation efforts through education and hands-on help.
The award winning Game Reserve in northern Zululand, where you ll be based, is 14,000 hectares of pristine bush and is home to Africa s famous Big 5 including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino and many other key animals as well as over 400 species of birds. Being based on a beautiful Game Reserve, you will have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of research initiatives on Africa s Big 5 and other wildlife species. The majority of the data you gather will support the long-term objectives of the Thanda Foundation, Space for Elephants and The African Lion and Environmental Research Trust. Part of your fee contributes to the Thanda Foundation, which acts as a conduit for the raising of funds for community development projects as well as for conservation research initiatives. In 2006 the Thanda Foundation, in partnership with the reserve, launched a conservation research program. The program includes the monitoring of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. The research program involves the University of Natal and the Wildlands Conservation Trust as well as other conservation and wildlife agencies in research projects on both this reserve and the neighbouring community game reserve area. The partnership with neighbouring communities has been strengthened by the raising of funds that seek to involve such communities in education programs centred on biodiversity and community based natural resource management. In partnership with African Impact and the Thanda Foundation, you will help the research work by gathering information in the field and spend time in the bush on conservation initiatives. You will also assist with data capturing onto a computer to be shared with relevant researchers and authorities. The focus of this project is to monitor the endangered Big Five African animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) and to assist in vital conservation within the reserve.
The rhino s population in Africa dramatically decreased after a long and devastating period of hunting and poaching. Due to conservation efforts we have seen a huge increase in population numbers in recent years. In 1960 the total number of black Rhino s was at least 100 000, and today there are fewer than 3 500 left. Most of these survive in southern African countries where there are good protection measures and as a result we are beginning to see a gradual population increase in this magnificent species. The reserve released Black Rhino into the park in 2009 as part of the Endangered Species reintroduction program. Their movements are tracked by the anti-poaching team. You will spend your time with a guide in our research vehicle capturing the information on the movements of the rhino, the habitats they favour and their general health. The Thanda Foundation has partnered with the Space for Elephants Foundation, which is a national organisation endeavouring to create more space through a network of corridors throughout South Africa to support the natural migration of elephants. Conflict with humans is a major issue for elephants in the region, but understanding how to mitigate the conflict first requires an understanding of the ecology of the species within the Park. The data collected on elephant research will be used by the Thanda Foundation and Space for Elephants to secure a future for elephants, and to help sustain the beauty and ecological integrity of the places where they live. In the last thirty years we have seen an alarming decrease in the population numbers of the cat family in southern Africa. The Thanda Foundation has teamed up with The African Lion &
Environmental Research Trust (http://www.lionalert.org) to put together a tracking and monitoring program essential to the conservation of these magnificent animals. As recently as 1975, over 200,000 lions may have roamed the African continent. In 2002 estimates put the population between 23,000 and 39,000, representing an 80 90% decline in less than 30 years. The reserve is also home to the leopard. In the past, leopards have also been victims to habitat loss; farmers often considered leopards a nuisance to cattle and as a result frequently shot or hunted them. Numbers decreased due to immigration and lack of food as well as extensive numbers being illegally poached for their (perceived to be) valuable skin and body parts. During your volunteering time you will be specifically focusing on the hunting, social, territorial and reproductive behaviours of the lion population. Other data will also be collected to improve our understanding of their behaviour and you will be involved with observations. The monitoring of the wildlife through close observations and research initiatives plays a vital role in the ongoing conservation and protection of Africa s big cats. This project will give you the opportunity to learn about these beautiful animals as well as give you a hands-on experience of the African bush. You will be working in a changing, dynamic environment which is determined by the movement and activities of the animals. Each individual contribution is significant in helping us to achieve our long term goals. In the rainy season, game drives are sometimes cancelled as the weather is too wet. In these cases alternative activities will be arranged.
Live in the heart of a Big 5 game reserve. Carry out research on endangered wildlife within the reserve to provide information for the Thanda Foundation, Space for Elephants and Alert. Partake in research drives and conservation activities. Monitor the night time movements of the predators in the park. Monitor the movements and behaviour of the 2 herds of elephants, the 2 lion prides, and other species. Assist with weekly game counts. Assist on conservation initiatives within the reserve such as alien plant control, soil erosion and assisting the reserve management where needed. A stunning Private Game reserve, home to the Big Five with 14,000 hectares of stunning African bush situated one and half hours away from St Lucia on the North East Coast of South Africa. Minimum 18 years Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment You must be in good physical health, as you will be expected to participate in physical activities Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible and cooperative
2-12 weeks Durban King Shaka International Airport Please note this project has specific start dates, and you may join the project as follows for 2015: 4 January / 18 January / 1 February / 15 February / 1 March / 15 March / 29 March / 12 April /26 April / 10 May /24 May / 7 June / 21 June / 5 July / 19 July / 2 August / 16 August / 30 August / 13 September / 27 September / 11 October / 25 October / 8 November / 22 November. December dates to be confirmed. Departure date will be on your Sunday end date. Transfers to the project are on the above mentioned dates only, please check required times with your Destination Manager before booking any flights. You will be dropped back at Durban International Airport 2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 weeks later. The nearest international airport to this project is Durban s King Shaka International Airport. There are daily flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Durban and these can be booked on: www.flightsite.com; www.kulula.co.za; www.flysaa.com; www.flymango.co.za; You will be met as you enter the terminal building and driven for 3 hours back to the reserve. Whilst on your project you will be transported by our team and guides. Note: We ask that you arrive at the airport by no later than 13h30 on the Sunday before the project orientation starts, with the transfer departing by 14h00 at the very latest, sharp. If you are unable to arrive before this time please organize your flight to arrive on the Saturday. We will be happy to recommend overnight accommodation if required.
Arranging your visa is your responsibility and the information we provide is to serve as a guideline only. We advise that you confirm this information with the embassy / consulate of the country that you will be visiting in your home country before departure. It is possible to obtain a free of charge Tourist Visa upon arrival into Durban which is valid for 3 months. Please note: when applying for your Visa it is vital that you mark that you are entering South Africa for HOLIDAY purposes. Immigration can sometimes confuse volunteering with working which can complicate your entry process. Prior to your trip you will need to arrange medical insurance which will give you full cover for any medical requirements which may arise during your trip, including cover for full air evacuation in the unlikely event that this is necessary. Your medical cover also needs to include repatriation. If you do not already have a company that you are happy to use to take out a policy with, we suggest World Nomads or Mind The Gap Year, who offer comprehensive medical and travel insurance. Please be sure to check your policy carefully to ensure that it does cover activities which you are likely to participate in. During your placement you will stay in comfortable cabins that sleep 2/3 volunteers set in the Game Reserve. There is a large communal thatched building with areas to dine, relax, and to watch the animals. The accommodation is staffed with cooks and cleaners and all bed linen and towels are provided. There is a bar area available where you can purchase drinks and relax with other volunteers. We also have a coffee machine for those who prefer proper coffee over the free instant coffee available. Wi-Fi is available for a small fee, but you will need your own laptop. You can spend the evenings sat around a fire under the stunning African sky or chatting on the viewing deck to see what animals visit the area as night falls or having a drink in the bar.
Monday through to Friday, you will participate in 2 activities per day, which usually include research drives or conservation activities. Monitor the behavior, feeding patterns and movement of the 2 herds of elephant. Monitor the rhino population to support the data recorded by the anti-poaching team during the day. This will help the reserve managers to understand the health of the animals, which are part of an endangered species reintroduction program. Capturing data as required by the reserve management team on their ongoing endangered species work. Carry out physical work to help regenerate natural bush from reclaimed farmland including the prevention of further soil erosion and the removal of old fences to avoid injuries for animals. Contribute to the long term strategy of removal of Alien Plants from the park. To give you an idea of how your time will be split between the different aspects of the program, the following should be taken as an approximation: We have found in the past that the more you as a volunteer put in to your involvement, the more you will get out. You are welcome to contact a member of staff to find out how you can best prepare for your stay.
Please also understand that our projects are continuously evolving, being improved, and adapting to the needs of the local communities that we are involved with, so involvement areas do change from time to time. Rest assured your work will be necessary, rewarding and exciting. We invite you to be more than a tourist. For this project, enthusiasm for African wildlife is essential, research, knowledge and experience is helpful, but not necessary. On arrival you will have a comprehensive orientation facilitated by your volunteer coordinator including: Overview of the aims of the project and your role as a volunteer An introduction to where you are staying and description of the game reserve Throughout your stay at your placement you will have the support and guidance of experienced field-workers and coordinators. They are part of our greater African Impact support team, and will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance. The project fee entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with via the Thanda Foundation Transport between Durban airport and the project on set Sundays only. We will arrive at the airport for 10h30 and aim to leave at 13h30 Orientation program, including a security briefing on living within a Big 5 game reserve All research drives/transfers that are project related, during your stay Full board and lodging, which includes 3 meals a day at our volunteer house Assistance at your projects by African Impact staff and volunteer coordinators
Travel Insurance for the duration of your placement All transport to Durban airport All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other) E-mail / Internet and telephone calls Soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits Any excursions over-and-above your planned itinerary (see guideline of weekend travel highlights) A very small cost for laundry service (Roughly R60 for a bag of items (laundry bag is provided) Wi-Fi which costs R100 per week or R250 per month All visas for border crossings It would be unforgiveable to be living in such stunning scenery without exploring your surroundings! Here are some of the highlights for you to do in your spare time at weekends. These are not included in your volunteering fee, but our coordinators are able to assist you with making the necessary booking arrangements when you re on project. Game drives in the beautiful Hluhluwe and Umfolozi National Parks (R1450) 4 day photographic workshop in the Drakensberg Mountains (R5500) Weekend trips to Mozambique (R3800) Game drives to the Tembe Elephant park, home to the largest Tuskers in Southern Africa (R1450) Weekend trips to the seaside town of St Lucia (R1000) to do Whale Watching (seasonal R950) to spend time on the beach or take a boat trip to see Hippos and Crocodiles up close (R300) (N.B Prices are a rough guideline and are likely to fluctuate. None of these are guaranteed departures and are totally dependent on availability and demand)
We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, rewarding and unforgettable experience!