Kruger conservation expedition
| country: | South Africa |
| location: | Kruger National Park, South Africa wildlife reserves |
| departures: | Departures can be arranged at any time to suit you |
| price: | From £1495 (4 weeks) - £3495 (12 weeks) excluding flights, price depends on the type of programme. See below for prices. |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Are you after adventure plus a chance to experience Africa’s wild side? Ever considered the thrill and challenges of…
If these are the types of challenging yet fun adventures you are looking for then our range of Gap Year Conservation Experiences will not disappoint.
Only those with a broad outlook on life and generous sense of adventure and fun need apply!
We offer self funding “volunteers” a unique conservation opportunity to work, learn and understand more about African conservation, eco tourism and wildlife preservation, all within the setting of a private game reserve. Our placements are designed to be challenging yet fun, educational and beneficial with life long memories and new friendships guaranteed. They will appeal to the enterprising, independent person who is also willing to get their hands dirty!
Situated just to the south of famed Kruger National Park, the reserve is also within easy reach of neighbouring Mozambique, Swaziland and some of South Africa’s most stunning natural scenery at places like Blyde River Canyon and Gods Window. Why not combine additional travel around South Africa before or after your placement? Our programmes also include large helpings of adventure activities like rafting, abseiling, caving, hiking, camping and bridge swinging to give volunteers a fun and memorable experience of South Africa.
There is also interaction with the local Swazi villagers and volunteers are introduced to local chiefs and sangoma’s in order to better understand the traditional ways of South Africa’s various cultural groups. We also assist a local Aids Orphanage and school called the Thembalethu Project where are participants are assisting in various tasks such as building work, painting, teaching and simply providing interaction with these under privileged children.This type of conservation placement is the ultimate life changing and rewarding experience. And its your chance to give something back and make a difference to our fragile natural environment. Remember, by simply taking part you are contributing to the long term protection of South Africa’s wilderness areas and indigenous flora and fauna….not to mention being great fun and a real talking point on your CV!
Our placements range from 4 weeks to 12 weeks with no previous experience or qualification required and are offered throughout the year. The placements are held at our Private Game Reserve under the close guidance of two experienced rangers.
prices
12 week conservation experience = £3495 8 week conservation & adventure = £2495
8 week conservation & culture = £2495
4 week conservation experience = £1495
accommodation
Shared single sex accommodation on the reserve is at Gazebo Lodge which faces a small lake complete with resident hippo and crocodile in the heart of the reserve. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with hot water shower, toilet and hand basin. There is a small swimming and sun terrace. A dining lapa, games room, small bar and lounge area complete the facilities. Senior staff also live at Gazebo meaning participants have access to Kwa Madwala staff at all times.
Malelane is the nearest town which is 20 minutes away by car and has a small selection of shops and restaurants. Nelspruit the provincial capital is one hour away which has hospitals, shops, restaurants and bars etc. The nearest Kruger Park gate is 20 minutes away with the Swazi and Mozambique borders 40 minutes drive away.
a day in the life of a volunteer
Days start early with a hot coffee and the rising of the sun. Daily activities on the reserve are highly variable but are always outdoors and in the bush. An early morning game drive may be followed by a an ecology session to understand the relationship between plants and animals, lunch and then assisting our rangers to check the perimeter electric fence for holes or perhaps learning how to safely use a variety of rifles and handguns. Early evening may entail a night game drive with participants acting as guides. Dinner is taken in the lapa and there is plenty of chill out time in the evening to swap stories of the days happenings.
how this holiday makes a difference
 Tourism is a vital part of South Africa's economy and the primary area for employment growth within the country's previously disadvantages communities. Thus, revenues and taxes generated are vital to government spending in areas such as health and education. By taking part you are contributing to the rebuilding and rebalancing of the country's economy. Crucially, private game reserves are also helping to conserve dwindling natural resources by protecting flora and fauna under much pressure from ever increasing populations. Our organisation is committed to supporting its local communities through employment, micro business, training and education; empowerment and enablement are combined to facilitate this process. The game Reserve has recently applied for a large government grant through The Development Bank of South Africa so as to assist and "speed up" the advancement of this vital process in the future of South Africa. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |