|
Located on the edge of the world-famous Kruger National Park, this is an incredible opportunity to live and work amongst the spectacular animals of the African bush. Not only will you observe the behaviour of the animals, you’ll also take part in a carefully structured and hugely insightful Conservation Course, which will teach you survival skills and how to live in harmony with the natural environment.
Just a stone’s throw from some of the world’s most breathtaking wild animals, this is a fantastic project for animal lovers and anyone passionate about conservation and offers a superb chance to view at first hand the running of a Private Game Reserve.
Programme Introduction
This project is a totally unique project with opportunities and features that differ greatly from most other volunteer projects, or courses in South Africa. If you are interested in learning how to create and manage a Private Game Reserve you’ve come to the right venue.
This volunteer programme is a family run business. After the sad death of the programmes founder Tinus, his daughter Laetitia took on the exciting role of volunteer coordinator and Field Guide, with the help of her sister Adele and mother Suegnette. Laetitia is a fully qualified Advanced Field Guide and very experienced in her field of Wildlife Conservation, having grown up under her father’s careful guidance. They will take you behind the scenes, where the tourist usually has no insight and teach you the principles of wildlife management, conservation and preservation of the ecosystem.
You will play the role and learn about the function of the classic African Game Ranger and have ample opportunities to apply the theory you learn practically, whilst doing game reserve maintenance and conservation work in the field, alongside the African wildlife that roams freely. This project does not just cater for ‘academics’ and experienced conservationists: all they ask is for enthusiastic participants who want to discover the Real Africa.
A certificate in Private Game Farm and Nature Reserve Management and/or Site Game Ranger is presented at the end of the course for those who have successfully completed the various components of the programme.
Programme Outline
Your time will be divided between practical training in the bush and attending lectures where you will be taught the theory and various components of conservation.
Everything you learn will be put into practice, so that you get to experience the broad spectrum of components involved with working in the African bush. You will spend around 2 hours each day in lectures where you will be taught a whole range of subjects. Lectures take place after your morning bush work and after breakfast, when it gets too hot to be outside.
During your programme, you will cover the following topics:
(i) Ecology:
- Ecology definition, understanding and protecting global, macro, micro and microscopic ecosystems.
- Micro ecosystems: the termite mound, elephant dung, a fallen tree, a carcass, etc.
- Animal identification, tracks, droppings, birds, insects, snakes and other reptiles, trees, shrubs and grass species.
- Habitat: definition, identification, threats and protection.
- Animal behaviour, speed and comfort zones: The dangerous nine.
- Elephants: Family structure and their environmental impact.
- Pollution: water, soil, air and sanitation: Nature’s “Clean up Company”.
- Feeding habits of various species: The food chain and energy flow.
- Educational bush walks, game drives, wildlife videos and hikes.
- Geology and basic study of the Lowveld region.
- Insect evenings and research.
- Raptors - the birds of prey.
(ii) Management: Conservation and preservation.
- A game farm or nature reserve: you will learn about its planning, designing, building, maintenance, management, marketing and budgeting for it.
- The Ranger: his function and responsibilities.
- Fencing, patrolling and maintenance - consequent status of the land
- Classification of South Africa’s animals and exotic species.
- Hunting, culling, problem animals and green hunting.
- Poaching and anti-poaching techniques.
- Erosion: causes, cures and prevention.
- Identification and control of alien plants.
- 24-hour waterhole monitoring and game assessment.
- Breeding projects: which animals and why?
- Animal rehabilitation projects.
- Animal diseases.
- Fire: a management tool.(iii) Knowledge and competency in the bush:
- Keeping records of bush sightings in Field Guides.
- Navigation, day and night.
- Survival – How to survive in the African Bush.
- Astronomy – The southern Hemisphere.
- Camouflage – Wildlife and people.
- Rifle handling and shooting.
- Snake and insect bites and general first aid.
- The art of game tracking: ground and aerial spoor.
- Bush craft: weapons, snares, rope, fire, water, sundial and finding north.
- Make a presentation of your Game Farm.
- A crash course to communicate with the local black communities: “FANAGALO”.
Internship and Practical
For anyone studying in any field of nature and wildlife related study, there is the opportunity to join the programme for an extended period of time to do an “Internship and/or Practical Traineeship” under the guidance and supervision of your wildlife and conservation educator, Tinus. He will happily monitor your programme and stay in touch with your teaching institute. Please contact the Gap Year For Grown Ups office for further details.
Wildlife on your Project
Because the game reserve is a natural Big 5 area (Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard) adjacent to Kruger National Park, you will most likely encounter most of the herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, reptiles, snakes, primates, smaller cats, eagles, vultures, birds, insects and their relatives that you will find in Kruger.
During your daily walks and drives you’ll almost always see animals, and these experiences never cease to thrill!
Project Support
Throughout your stay in South Africa you will have the support and guidance of Laetitia, Adele and Suegnette. They will provide you with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you many 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.
They are an extremely warm and friendly network so don’t hesitate to approach them should you need any advice. They are always on hand to help and will ensure you quickly settle into the project along with your fellow volunteers.
Accommodation
During your stay at the project you will usually have a choice of accommodation, ranging from traditional thatched rondavels (wooden chalets) with single beds or bunks to two-person caravans. The accommodation is extremely comfortable and there are separate sex bathrooms nearby with western style toilets and hot and cold showers.
The Camp’s wide range of facilities includes a terrific 3-storey observation tower, with night lamp for game viewing at all hours and room to sleep out under the stars. Below the tower is the lecture room where you will take your classes in the cooler months. The swimming pool also doubles as a classroom during the hotter months, where you can chill out whilst studying…. what better way to learn?
There is a fantastic open-air dining area where volunteers often spend their evenings discussing the day’s events and sitting around the campfire whilst the traditional Braai (BBQ) meals are prepared. During your stay you will also have access to the Internet, email, fax and telephone. Laundry facilities are available for a small fee.
You must bring your own sleeping bag for sleep outs and mosquito nets are NOT provided.
Meals
Throughout the project you will eat like a king! You’ll have traditional Braais (Barbeques), taste all of the local game and eat traditional South African ‘Mealie Pap’, together with delicious salads, wholesome dishes and amazing home-made desserts, all prepared for you by Tinus’ wife Suenette. Breakfasts will be of a continental style, consisting of toast, cereals, yogurt, tea and coffee etc, and lunch is usually a hot cooked snack or sandwich. The best way to enjoy evening meals is accompanied by a glass of wine, bottle of beer, or the local African fruit juice.
|
