Nkombi conservation project

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Runs all year

Description: Rhino monitoring & Brown Hyena study

Nkombi volunteer project in the North West Province of South Africa. The game reserve is home to 42 species of large mammal including white rhino, giraffe, brown hyena, kudu, caracal and zebra. It also boosts over 250 species of bird as well as smaller mammals such as porcupine, honey badger, otter and mongoose.

The highlights of this project are South African Brown hyena study and monitoring the White Rhino. Volunteers will also be involved in Anti-poaching activities and will play a key role during all game captures and relocations. These experiences will give volunteers the unique opportunity to gain hands on experience with species such as giraffe.

Volunteer's Review - by Sarah Edwards - Nkombi Conservation Volunteer Project

I have always been fascinated by wildlife and when I decided to take a Gap Year after my A-levels, I knew that I definitely wanted to do so volunteer work with animals. With so many amazing places to go throughout the world to experience wildlife, I felt that South Africa would give me a broad insight into Africa's vase array of both abundant and endangered species. Hopefully I would see the 'Big 5'! I also wanted to enjoy some of the other activities in South Africa, such as scuba diving and sky diving, during my independent travelling after completing my conservation project.

I wanted to see all of the African wildlife but I also had a real interest in Rhinos, as they are presently one of the most endangered species on the planet. Over the last few decades the White Rhino nearly became extinct but with continuing conservation efforts the species has now been saved. Today there are about 5,800 white Rhino left in the wild, but are still considered as a vulnerable species. I wanted to give support to with the continuing work with these animals to help protect their future. The daily activities on the Nkombi volunteer programme not only conserves the Rhino species, but also studies other animal and plant species to maintain the biodiversity of the National Park.

The 4 week programme which I chose allowed me to do such a wide range to activities from radio tracking certain species to even getting involved in some of the game capture on the reserve. We had to capture a giraffe so that it could be taken to a neighbouring game park. One of my most memorable experiences was the nocturnal predator survey, which a big group of us carried out, and I also had to sleep out in the bush over night, something I would never of experienced back at home! I was just so excited about what we might see and the game wardens made everything very safe, so I knew there was nothing to worry about. On one of my weekends off I enjoyed our visit the Born Free Cat Sanctuary, where we were able to really close to some of the big cats such as lions and cheetahs.

My experience in South Africa was amazing, a dream come true to be able to watching the rare wildlife in its natural habitat. Not only was the experience of living in a campsite in the African bush exhilarating, waking up each morning to a different animal call but the people who I encountered were equalling intriguing. I learnt a lot about the South African culture and even learnt a few words of Afrikaans! I would definitely recommend everyone to experience the African wildlife and the project is suitable for all types of people wanting to learn about wildlife conservation.

Highlights: Project Activities

- Play key roles in all game capture & relocations
- Learn bush skills and local crafts & cookery
- Nocturnal predator surveys
- Building of Bomas for newly introduced animals
- Construction of bird hides
- Assist the local vet

Qualifications: No qualifications are required as all training is given on the placement.

Cost in US$: 2 Weeks: GBP 895 ; 4 Weeks: GBP 1595

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Someone who likes wildlife and wants to get involved in conservation work. A passionate and committed individual who is looking for an exciting adventure.

Age Range: 17+

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

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-8

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded: 2005