Volunteer at The Shamwari Wildlife Reserve, South Africa

Environment

Shamwari Game Reserve is home to populations of the incredible 'Big 5' and stretches 25,000 hectares over a stunning landscape. This project was established to return the natural land to its former glory including the wildlife species that once roamed freely. Over the past twenty years, a dedicated team of conservationists have not only been successful in the reintroduction of wildlife and flora, but has taken full responsibility of caring for the area too.

The award-winning conservation initiatives at Shamwari Game Reserve are always underpinned by sound and ethical wildlife and ecological principles. For this reason, the day-to-day work does not involve volunteers having direct contact with the animals, unless absolutely necessary. Volunteers also attend regular lectures from specialists in the field, in order to gain as much knowledge as possible about wildlife conservation.

Community

As a volunteer on this project, you will interact with the local community across a number of various activities, aiming to educate locals on the importance of conservation and the benefits of local biodiversity. Each week, you will undertake a series of projects alongside the community, with activities ranging from the creation and maintenance of vegetable gardens to recycling initiatives and the maintenance of local schools.

Should you wish, you will also have the opportunity to assist at the Sinovuyo Day Care Centre. Thanks to the help of volunteers across the years, we have been able to raise funds which have then been used to purchase kitchen appliances, blankets, food, nappies, books and toys for the centre. In addition to this, the money has also been put towards the construction of a playground and the maintenance of classrooms. These things have a huge impact on the lives of the local people, and strive to continue aiding these local communities through education in other areas, such as the human-animal conflict