A group of travellers holiding shovels and picks

Trip Inspiration: South Africa Big 5 Conservation

Calling all animal lovers! Looking for the opportunity to work with animals in their own natural environment and be a wildlife and conservation hero? Now's your chance!

On our South Africa Big 5 Conservation programme, you'll be doing exactly that. And with conservation efforts being propelled at our game reserve near Port Elizabeth, there's never been a better time to get involved and help ensure the future of some of the world's most endangered species. 

Travellers in and around a 4x4 vehicle

What?

A unique opportunity to live and work on an award-winning game reserve in South Africa’s beautiful Eastern Cape, where you’ll become an important member of the conservation team, working with experts to record animal behaviour, carry out groundwork to conserve the wildlife’s natural environment, and assist zoologists with general animal care. During your down time, you'll get to explore your incredible surroundings, and being based right on the country's beautiful Garden Route, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied.

A group of travellers holiding shovels and picks

Where?

The game reserve is set amid beautiful grounds and is a place to feel truly connected to nature. Close to Port Elizabeth, you’ll be in a convenient spot to visit the surrounding areas, and have an array of fantastic cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, shops, and adrenalin-fuelled activities on your doorstep. You're also right on top of South Africa's famous Garden Route, a rich and tranquil mix of stunning coastal locations and tropical landscape.

A living room

(Volunteer lounge at the accommodation)

Who?

This programme is the perfect getaway for anyone interested in animal conservation and welfare, and will give you the opportunity to work with some of Africa's most unique and delicate wildlife, whilst gaining experience and knowledge with the help of our on-site experts. It's perfect if you're hoping to enter a career working with animals or just love wildlife and fancy doing something different! There's no need for you to have any background or former experience in animal care, the team will show you what to do, but come armed with plenty of enthusiasm!

A lion laying on grass

Why?

It's a fantastic programme for those looking for the opportunity to work with wild animals, whether you just have a love for animals or are hoping to add some experience to your CV. And with even more initiatives being introduced to the reserve, including lion rehabilitation and release, work with animal rights teams and potential elephant rewilding, and a fantastic new buffalo research centre, you'll get hands-on experience of conservation work in a naturally diverse area, and be surrounded by the spectacular beauty of South Africa's varied landscape – it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

A lone giraffe standing on a hill at sunset

When?

South Africa is a fantastic country to visit year-round, with fun activities and nice weather available on tap no matter the season. The country’s summer months (December to February) are typically hot and dry, with temperatures soaring to a hand-fanning 33°C, which is great if you’re a sun-worshipper, but remember, you’ll often be out and about working on the game reserve during the day, so you might find cooler months more comfortable. As a general rule, June to August (the country’s winter months) will range from 13°C to 19°C, with sometimes very cold night time temperatures, and the rest of the year sees pleasant low to mid twenty-something temps. None of the animals’ behaviour on the game reserve alters much between seasons, so you won’t miss out because of hibernation or the like.

Travellers in a 4x4 vehilce on safari

 

Piqued your interest? Give us a call to find out more about our South Africa Big 5 Conservation programme on 01892 527392, talk to us on live chat, or drop us an email at [email protected]

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