Shamwari Game Reserve

  South Africa

Port Elizabeth

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: All Year

Description: Shamwari Game Reserve offers the ultimate gap year voluntary work experience in Africa. Shamwari, meaning "my friend", is the Southern-most premier Big 5 private game reserve in South Africa. Forming an extension to the Garden Route, the 25 000 hectare, malaria free, reserve boasts five eco-systems and dates back to when game roamed wild and free in the Eastern Cape. Set-up in 1990, the reserve has flourished over the past 18 years and is now a fully compatible eco system that is home to an abundance of wildlife.

Constantly monitoring and introducing game throughout the year, Shamwari Game Reserve is one of our most exciting options for your volunteer placement. As a conservation volunteer you will assist in the ongoing conservation projects found on the reserve, dedicated coordinators will guide you through your placement as you get heavily involved in various aspects of the reserves projects.

The conservation department at Shamwari has a highly effective team including a qualified wildlife veterinarian, ecologist and environmentalist. The Wildlife Department also boasts a breeding and rehabilitation centre, an education centre and an anti-poaching unit. To ensure the lasting sustainability of the reserve as an ecosystem rich in biodiversity, the ecology department strives to protect and to improve the environment.

* We currently have a last minute deal for any of you wishing to do something exciting this summer, which really makes a difference. If you book at Shamwari Game Reserve from 5th August- 26th August, we will sponsor you for the final week of your placement, so you will get 3 weeks for the price of 2- making the cost only 1199euros! We can also do some brilliant deals on flights- so get in touch!

Highlights: As a conservation volunteer at Shamwari, you will have the chance to assist with many on going short and long term projects. As your placement will only be a relatively short time in regards to many projects there is no guarantee that you will be involved in all during your placement.

- Mammal monitoring and tracking
- Game counts
- General Reserve maintenance
- Assisting with game darting
- Animal habituation
- Alien vegetation control and identification
- Anti poaching patrols and game fence management
- Camp outs in the bush
- Working and experiencing the Wilderness area
- Game Drives
- Game Lodge Logistics
- Environmental education with the local community and schools
- Community work at the local town, Alicedale
- General field work
- Re-introduction of game

As part of your placement there may also be the opportunity to help and assist at the Born Free Foundation's Big Cat sanctuary situated within the Reserve. It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger, and provide them with excellent life time care.

As a conservation volunteer you may also be involved with the feeding of these big cats as well as the maintenance of their enclosures.

Qualifications: No qualifications required.

Cost in US$: GBP 1199 for 2 weeks- GBP 3699 for 12 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: All of our experiences have been carefully selected to benefit each volunteer's needs and requirements, as well as the needs of the placement that you attend. A typical volunteer is someone who has a passion for nature, and want to help conserve what man is fast destroying- our own planet.

Age Range: 17-32

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Worldwide Experience's Mission Statement: Worldwide Experience strives to conserve what man is fast destroying- our own environment. We support conservation and community projects through the recruitment of volunteers from around the world to help work on these diverse, and worthwhile projects. If you are thinking of taking a Gap Year or even just want to get away for your summer break Worldwide Experience will have the placement to suit you. From 2 weeks-3 months, we have projects in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Sri Lanka, and our experienced team will help place you on a project that will suit your needs the most. Moreover, all the programmes have been set up with the needs and requirements of the placement in mind. This means that whether you're helping to dart a lion, track a cheetah, ID an elephant or teach a class of children, you are making a difference through your work there. Your safety is also in the forefront of our minds, and as a fully bonded tour operator, all volunteers booked to travel through us will be protected by bonding, as required by ABTA and ATOL. We can also organise all flights direct from our UK office.

Year Founded: 2003