Volunteer at The Shamwari Wildlife Reserve, South Africa
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
Check dates
Travel guides
Responsible Travel
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
Popular similar holidays
Wildlife photography and volunteering in South Africa
From £2595 4 weeks excluding flights
Enjoy amazing wildlife photography while giving back
Cheetah conservation holiday, South Africa
From £975 - £2240 14 days excluding flights
Cheetah conservation in Cape Town
Shark conservation in South Africa
From £899 7 days excluding flights
Conserve sharks, whales and penguins in South Africa
