Volunteer at The Shamwari Wildlife Reserve, South Africa

A fantastic opportunity for those interested in a career in wildlife conservation, volunteer at the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa and you’ll be involved in a wide range of tasks with many different species, as well as local community efforts that are so important to successful projects.
Volunteer at the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve Gain first-hand experience and insight through a wide range of tasks Help track and monitor rare and endangered species such as rhino and elephant Work at the Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat Sanctuary Chance to witness wildlife veterinary procedures Habitat protection and restoration Help with a range of other research projects Excellent quality of shared volunteer accommodation
Price
£1295To£7295 excluding flights
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Duration
15 Days
Type
Small group
Group size
Up to 20 people
More info
Volunteers are able to take part in this project for two to sixteen weeks.
Make enquiry

Description of Volunteer at The Shamwari Wildlife Reserve, South Africa

Get directly involved with the work of the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth, in South Africa, and take part in a wide range of tasks and research projects covering a number of rare, sometimes endangered species. This is a fantastic opportunity to earn hands-on experience and insight at one of Africa’s finest reserves.

No two stays are ever the same, however when you volunteer at the Shamwari Game Reserve you can expect to help with tracking and monitoring animals such as elephants, rhinos and even predators such as leopards. Another day might find you watching as important veterinary operations are carried out at the Wildlife Rehab Centre, or lending a hand at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary.

Other tasks can include meeting with members of the local community, such as school visits to educate children in the area about the reserve’s work, or habitat restoration. To date, Shamwari has managed to reclaim over 25,000 hectares of derelict farmland, which now makes superb safari and game-watching territory.

Joining a small group of other dedicated volunteers, you’ll be based during your time in high-quality accommodation. The volunteer house offers en suite twin rooms, with excellent communal areas, laundry facilities, buffet meals and a large pool overlooking the reserve.

Price information

£1295To£7295 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Volunteers are able to take part in this project for two to sixteen weeks.
Make enquiry

Check dates

2024: 8 Jan, 15 Jan, 22 Jan, 29 Jan, 5 Feb, 12 Feb, 19 Feb, 26 Feb, 4 Mar, 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr, 15 Apr, 22 Apr, 29 Apr, 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 Jun, 10 Jun, 17 Jun, 24 Jun, 1 Jul, 8 Jul, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 16 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov, 25 Nov, 2 Dec, 9 Dec, 16 Dec, 23 Dec, 30 Dec

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Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.

Planet

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.

People

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

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