Conservation Initiative at a Wildlife Reserve

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
East London

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Please Contact Us for updates.

Description: Our Conservation Initiative program is located on a Private Game Reserve. The reserve overlooks the Indian Ocean in the malaria free Eastern Cape and is home to four of the Big Five animals (elephants will be re-introduced soon). The reserve is situated within an area of one hundred square kilometres encompassing five different biomes (vegetation types) which offer varied game viewing. It is one of the few reserves with a tidal estuary. The reserve has four of the big five and a variety of antelope as well as giraffe, zebra & other predators. The reserve is five minutes from magnificent beaches and a 40 minute drive from a national airport.

You will be able to partake in a wide range of activities that will include: fence patrols for snares and other threats to wildlife, alien vegetation and soil erosion control, game counts and wildlife monitoring, helping with game capture and release, animal rehabilitation when necessary and game relocation. Because of the reserve's proximity to the Ocean, you will have the chance to spend some time on white sandy beaches while you learn about costal systems and ecology. You will also have the chance to explore nearby rivers and even abseil down cliffs.

The program includes a two-day orientation before you are placed into the game reserve. The focus of the orientation will be at a socio-cultural level with the environmental aspects being picked up once you are in their wilderness placement. The base camp where you will be staying is a permanent Safari Tented Camp in a bush setting. The camp overlooks some of the best areas on the reserve for wildlife viewing. Due to the nature of game reserves, you may not at times have daily access to TV, internet etc. but you will have the opportunity to communicate should you wish. You will also be provided with three meals a day. This is truly a world-class program that gives you the chance to work behind the scenes in this amazing commercial game reserve.

Highlights: Volunteers will have the opportunity to spend an African night under the stars as well as frequent trips to the ocean and learn of the rocky shores and coastal ecology.

Cost in US$: Please visit our website for current pricing.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is not a typical volunteer at GeoVisions. Volunteers are college students, retired people, professionals who want to give back in volunteering for a short period of time. Volunteers are interested in conservation, children, poverty, teaching, computers, sports and so much more.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001