Big 5 Wildlife Reserve

Volunteering program in South Africa

Join this animal adventure near Gqeberha and work alongside conservationists while living in a genuine Big 5 game reserve. Go beyond sightseeing – actively contribute to wildlife conservation and gain an unforgettable understanding of these majestic creatures.

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Project overview

Overview

  • Trip duration: 2 – 12 weeks
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Arrival days: Mondays
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Not included in price

  • Flight tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Any items of personal nature

Project information:

Introduction:

Make a real difference: Volunteer at the Big 5 Wildlife Reserve. Join an extraordinary conservation project in South Africa and gain hands-on experience in wildlife research, conservation management, education, and community development.

Conservation volunteer:
  • Be part of a team protecting Big 5 animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) on a malaria-free reserve.
  • Your work directly contributes to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
  • Learn from a dedicated coordinator and gain valuable skills in conservation.
Unforgettable wildlife experiences:
  • Assist with elephant monitoring projects, including tracking movements and recording data.
  • Help monitor rare leopards using camera traps.
  • Record lion kills to understand their prey selection patterns.
  • Participate in rhino monitoring and contribute to anti-poaching efforts.
  • Contribute to a bird data collection project in collaboration with the University of Cape Town.
 Become involved in conservation management:
  • Participate in game counts and record animal populations.
  • Help control invasive plant species and restore native habitats.
  • Assist with bush encroachment control and soil erosion prevention.
  • Participate in reserve clean-up operations and road maintenance.
  • Gain experience in indigenous plant nursery work and landscaping.
  • Potentially assist the rhino anti-poaching unit.
  • Be part of exciting opportunities like animal captures and game introductions (when needed).
  • Learn about fire management, a crucial aspect of savanna ecosystems.
Education and community outreach
  • Deepen your knowledge through classroom lectures and practical field training.
  • Participate in bush walks, game drives, night drives, and sleep-outs to learn about wildlife.
  • Explore the rich coastal ecology of the nearby Indian Ocean.
  • Give back to the local community by assisting at a rural farm school.
  • Teach basic subjects like English, Math, and Science to underprivileged children.
  • Help with school maintenance projects and make a lasting impact.
Experience life on a wildlife reserve:
  • Live in a fully furnished volunteer house with shared amenities.
  • Prepare meals with your team and enjoy evenings under the African sky.
  • Relax in the plunge pool after a rewarding day.
  • Explore the nearby beachside village on Saturdays.
  • Sundays are free for you to unwind and explore at your leisure.
Optional Weekend Activities (additional cost):
  • Horseback riding on the beach
  • Tandem skydiving
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Canoe trail on the Bushman’s River
  • Quad bike riding
  • Day trips to Addo Elephant National Park
  • Paintball
  • Weekend getaways with bungee jumping, canopy tours, and shark cage diving

Become a volunteer and make a real difference in wildlife conservation while having the adventure of a lifetime!

Accommodation:
  • You’ll be staying in a fully furnished farmhouse with five bedrooms and five bathrooms.
  • Most bedrooms sleep two people, with one room accommodating three.
  • Each bedroom has its own bathroom, but be prepared to share your sleeping quarters.
  • Bedding is provided, but you’ll need to bring your own rechargeable lantern for potential power outages.
Sharing is key:

This program is ideal for those comfortable sharing a room with another volunteer.

  • The project can accommodate couples or friends traveling together in a private room upon request.
  • However, solo travelers should be prepared to share a room with another participant.
Meals:

The volunteer house provides all the ingredients for three basic, wholesome meals a day:

  • Breakfast: Cereals, porridge, and toast
  • Lunch: Sandwiches
  • Dinner: Spaghetti Bolognese, chicken stew, cottage pie, or pork sausages with vegetables and salad

Please note:

  • This program caters to volunteers with no special dietary requirements and vegetarians.
  • Volunteers with allergies (gluten, dairy, etc.) will need to bring their own alternative food items (gluten-free crackers/bread, almond milk). These can be easily purchased at local supermarkets during weekend trips to town.
  • Meals eaten at restaurants during town trips are at the volunteer’s own expense.
How our booking process works:

We’re excited to help you plan your dream volunteering adventure! Fill out our quick and easy application form to get started. There’s no obligation to book, and you can exit the process at any time. Let’s create unforgettable memories together.

1. Complete application form and confirm booking details

Complete our simple application form. One of our dedicated travel experts will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your dream South African holiday and confirm your travel preferences. Once we’ve finalized the details, we’ll provide a provisional booking confirmation.

2. Provisional confirmation, invoice, and contract

Once your placement is provisionally confirmed, we’ll send you our invoice and contractual agreement. To secure your booking, please return the completed agreement and make the required deposit payment.

3. Booking confirmation

Upon receipt of your deposit payment and completed contractual agreement, we’ll send you an updated invoice (reflecting your deposit), a confirmation letter detailing your trip details, and a comprehensive volunteering handbook.

We’ll also provide guidelines for booking your flights and any necessary additional transportation during your stay.

4. Balance payment, flights, and insurance

The remaining balance of your invoice is due one month before your arrival. Please send us a copy of your flight details and insurance before you depart.

For added peace of mind, you’ll have access to Claim Victory’s support team WhatsApp number before your journey begins.

 

Cheetah cub at the wildlife reserve in South Africa
Zebra playing at the wildlife reserve in South Africa
Oryx at the big 5 wildlife reserve volunteering program in South Africa
Wild leopard at the wildlife reserve in South Africa
Giraffe grazing at the big 5 wildlife reserve volunteering program in South Africa
Lion spotted during wildlife safari in South Africa
Lion cubs playing at the wildlife reserve in South Africa
Wild Eland in South Africa
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