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Set within a stunning lush green private game reserve, this programme is perfect for anyone looking to work behind the scenes and become actively involved in wildlife conservation. You will see your passion and hard work materialise and contribute towards vital and long-term development schemes, aimed at maintaining the private reserve, and ensuring the safety of the African Wildlife, within the Wild Coast area in South Africa.
Each day will vary in a range of activities, which will see you working as part of an integral team amongst a stunning backdrop of the Wild Coast. You will also have the opportunity to work hands on with young lions and learn about the incredible lives of elephants during your time at the elephant sanctuary on the reserve.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum 40 years
Your Volunteer Project
This unique game reserve overlooks the Indian Ocean in the malaria free Eastern Cape of Africa (South Africa) and is home to the African Big 5. The diverse landscape allows for a range of African game, including rhino, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and Eastern Cape kudu, as well as the African lion.
Due to the coastal setting of the reserve and the subsequent higher rainfall on the Wild Coast, this Private Reserve has a larger carrying capacity of game in comparison to reserves in lower rainfall areas. Due to this fact the reserve is well stocked and therefore is in need of various programs in monitoring and assessing the game in the reserve.
A lion cub-rearing centre has recently been developed and the lions will be released to join existing prides in the reserve. As a student you will be an integral part of the conservation team, led by committed and qualified managers. The idea behind the formation of the programme is to provide a sound understanding of conservation principles and a varied and stimulating practical experience.
Your Role as a Volunteer
This project has a wealth of different opportunities available to you in the field of conservation and each day will vary according to the needs of the reserve. You will have the opportunity to learn about the African wildlife as well as the magical world of the oceans, due to the private reserves close proximity to the beaches of the Wild Coast.
Other activities (not outlined on the overview page) that may be experienced during your Programme include:
- Boma building for animal release
- Game captures and release – observing this complex procedure, which is headed up by the project team and the state vet.
- Working with horses – grooming and riding
- Animal rehabilitation work when necessary
- Exploring our beautiful rivers in canoes and abseiling down cliffs
- Due to our proximity to the coast you will be spending time on white sandy beaches whilst also learning about coastal systems and ecology
- Develop an understanding of the ocean and coastal dynamics
- Working alongside volunteers on a local community school project
- Herbarium work: plant identification, drying and pressing
- Help with field monitoring and assessments: For example, fixed point photography and grazing/browsing capacity assessments etc.
Project Support
During your time at the project, you will have a lot of support from the Project Manager Mike and his team in South Africa. They will be on hand to provide you with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Orientation
Upon arrival at the Wild Coast you will spend your first few days at a fantastic backpackers lodge with your fellow volunteers, getting to know each other and settling in to the local area and programme. Here you will be given a thorough orientation to enable you to develop your understanding of the new (and at times challenging) environment that you will be working in. The orientation is great fun and allows you and your team the chance to bond and develop a good working relationship.
The orientation will cover the topics below and includes a number of inter-active excursions:
- History of South Africa and understanding Apartheid and the dawn of a new democracy
- Socio-political developments in SA
- Introduction to your volunteer programme: Expectations and understanding
- Introduction to basic Xhosa language and understanding local customs and norms
- Overview of the various Biomes within SA and specific to the region
- Rocky shores marine life, coastal systems and the fragile eco-systems of estuaries
- Floral diversity of the Eastern Cape
- Various excursions, which include a 4x4 adventure, which ends in a rural Xhosa village where you will spend one night, coastal hike, estuarine exploration, bush walks and ocean excursion on a motorised boat
Accommodation and Meals
The base camp is a permanent Safari Tented Camp in a stunning and peaceful bush setting. The area around the camp is one of the best for wildlife viewing on the reserve: Wildebeest, kudu, eland, nyala, bushbuck and even buffalo and rhino are frequent visitors to the camp.
The tents are spacious and sleep up to 5 volunteers each. They are extremely comfortable and fully equipped, with beds and wardrobes, each with its own private deck overlooking the African bush. Recent upgrades include an outside lapa area for magical evenings around the campfire, an rustic bush bar with a great atmosphere and clean and modern ablution facilities. One tent is used as a communal entertainment tent and is equipped with a music system, card and board games, kettle and hot drinks and a fridge.
This conservation initiative has an on-site coordinating team who work closely with the volunteers to ensure that your needs are catered for. Due to the nature of game reserves, you may not have daily access to TV and internet at all times. However, you will frequently have the opportunity to communicate should you need to at the local backpackers lodge.
Private Accommodation: A limited number of secluded, private doubles are available for those who wish to upgrade. These are nestled in the riverine forest overlooking the Bulugha River. These tents can be requested at the time of booking and at the additional cost of £120 per person (based on 2 people sharing on a 4 week placement) and £180 (based on single occupancy on a 4 week placement).
The game reserve provides you with three meals a day. There will be times when you will be expected to make packed lunches should your work have you out in the field that day.
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