Big 5 Conservation Experience in South Africa, Sidbury

Conservation Projects in South Africa
The Eastern Cape in South Africa is a place of immense natural diversity that is simply second to none. As one of the most interesting and beautiful regions on Earth it’s pristine coastlines, sub tropical forests and abundance of wildlife have made it a must visit destination amongst nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. As well as it’s impressive array of wildlife South Africa boasts an amazing and colourful assortment of natural, cultural and historical attractions making it the perfect destination for gap year and career break travel.
Environmental issues and negative human behaviour have had a detrimental and devastating effect on the wildlife in this part of the world in the past, and it is only through the important environmental conservation work and continuing research that we are able to protect this spectacular yet vulnerable wildlife.

Your Big Five Volunteer Conservation Project
Becoming an environmental conservation volunteer is an exceptional learning experience in which you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside Africa’s Big five species and contribute to the successful running of an established Game Reserve in this remarkable region. Working alongside dedicated and enthusiastic coordinators you will discover the Eastern Capes famous wildlife first hand as you play your part in the protection of the natural landscape and huge array of living species. What better way to experience Africa’s famous wildlife than getting up close to it’s iconic and exotic animals and directly contributing to their welfare?

Wake up everyday in the heart of this breathtaking wilderness as you live, eat and work amongst some of the most majestic and intriguing creatures in the world! Encounter the BIG 5 (Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Rhinos and Leopard) roaming freely across the plains as well as playful monkeys and baboons, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and antelope all running free in your surroundings. You will have an active and meaningful role into the vital research of the animals here, through practical, hands on activities on the reserve, to data collection. The work of volunteers is extremely important to the success of this reserve and you will gain a real feeling of satisfaction knowing that the work you are doing is directly impacting the future of the Eastern Cape and all of it’s natural splendour.

Your Big Five Volunteer Conservation Role
Your daily role will vary to reflect the Game Reserves needs and your duties will be directly influenced by your dynamic and diverse surroundings. This placement aims to give you a complete and hands on understanding of a working game reserve and so you will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of daily activities that are important to protecting the natural landscape. You will get stuck into important conservation efforts such as the eradication of alien plant species; help to care for orphaned animals such as lion cubs; help out in game captures; interacting with guests; accompanying the rangers on game drives and even feeding the predators! You will also have an active and meaningful role into the vital research of the animals and data collected by you will be utilized by the reserve management in many important conservation decisions.

Daily activities may include:
Removal of alien vegetation in and around the reserve
Lion tracking and observing
Tree planting and landscaping
Game drives
Predator interaction and caring
Fauna and flora work in nursery
Wilderness trail walks and patrol
Fence Patrol
Game counts
Game capture

Example Itinerary
7.30am – 9.30 am – Conservation activities
9.30am – 10.00am – Breakfast
10.00am -1.00pm – Conservation activities
1.00pm – 2.00pm – Lunch
2.00pm – 4.30pm – Conservation Activities
6.00pm – 7.00pm – Dinner

Your project coordinators start work at 7:00am and between 7:00am and 7:30am there will be either feeding the horses, busy in the encounters area or at the workshop. You are free to join them during this period if you so wish.

*This is just an example daily itinerary. All activities scheduled above are subject to change and can be influenced by weather conditions and the needs of the project at the time.

Gap Year and Career Break Volunteer Conservation Projects
Embark on the experience of a lifetime as you work alongside Africa’s iconic Big 5 species, contribute to the conservation of an established Game Reserve and play your part in protecting South Africa’s beautiful landscape. Take part in a volunteer wildlife and conservation project on your gap year or career break and gain a unique insight into this magical world.

Arrivals take place every Monday of the year and you must arrive by 15:00 to catch the 16:00 transfer to the reserve, which takes approx. 1.5hrs drive.

Depart on the last weekend with a Sat transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport at 9:00 or the Sun transfer at 18:00.

Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give our volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none and you will return home with some truly unforgettable memories and friends for life. Your in country coordinators will arrange excursions for the weekends to Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown or another near by destination to make sure you get the very most out of your stay.

Travel and Adventure in South Africa
Port Elizabeth is a hot-spot for travellers worldwide and with its abundance and variety of exciting activities there is no wonder why. You will be able to experience all the delights of the local area, including its renowned scuba schools and friendly nightlife, as well as its 40km of golden beaches which include Nelson Mandela Bay. There is a whole assortment of extreme sports and adventurous activities for you to try out in South Africa if you can muster up the courage! These include: mountain biking, camping, shark diving, bungee jumping, 4×4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, boogey boards, deep sea cruises, tennis, squash, kayaking, badminton, water skiing, coastal hiking, power kiting and more! Time will also be available for you to travel around Southern Africa, and beyond. Head west to Cape Town and the legendary Table Mountain, or veer north to Namibia, and the deadly skeleton coast. Our in-country staff will be able to advise on safe ways to travel and will be only too happy to suggest some of the best sights to see in Southern Africa.

Accommodation
You will be staying in luxury dorm style accommodation in the heart of the reserve with shared rooms and communal areas for socialising and relaxing. This accommodation is newly built and has all the facilities (and more) that you could want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. There is plenty on the reserve to keep you busy in your spare time including a pool table, table tennis table, darts, large screen TV and even a BBQ to relax and socialise after a days volunteering whilst you listen to the evening sounds of the animals around you. If you still have some energy left after the day then there are plenty of sporting facilities for you to take advantage of such as a cricket field and tennis courts.

Arrival and Departure Information
You will need to arrive in Port Elizabeth on the Monday ready to begin your project. You will be met at the airport by one of our friendly in country team who will then take you to Game Reserve which is about 85km from Port Elizabeth. Please aim for your flight to arrive before 15:00 as your coordinator will collect all participants from the airport at 16:00.

At the end of your trip your transfer will leave to take you to the airport at either 9:00 on Saturday or 18:00 Sunday.

Return Airport Transfers
You will be picked up and returned to the airport by an in country coordinator. Pick up is scheduled for 16:00 at Port Elizabeth and drop off on Saturday or Sunday depending on flight times.

Accommodation
Based in shared luxury dorm accommodation.

Food
Three balanced and nutritious meals from Monday- Friday. Reduced service on weekend as people like to go to Port Elizabeth to see the city.

Training
Full induction and orientation on arrival.

Support
24 hour in country support and pre departure advice

Uniform
You will be given a reserve t-shirt and cap as part of your uniform.

Flights, travel insurance, visa, vaccinations, money for food at the weekend and for extra excursions.

Prerequisites
No prior conservation experience or qualifications are required. You will need to be healthy and of reasonable fitness to work on the game reserve.

Ideal For
Conservation volunteering in South Africa, Big 5 trips to South Africa, environmental conservation holidays, wildlife in South Africa gap year and career breaks. School, college or university conservation tour groups.

Suitable for ages 18 to 80

You will need to be 18 or older. Many are between 18 and 25 and will combine this as part of a gap year or relevant university degree course