Participate in a conservation programme in the malaria free Eastern Cape. Steeped in history and beauty, this 7000 hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for an unforgettable safari and an intimate experience of the varied landscape, including breathtaking views of the Bushman’s River.

As a conservation volunteer you will assist ‘behind the scenes’ on various ongoing conservation projects and community projects.

The primary focus of the Conservation Volunteers is to monitor and manage our lions. This involves tracking and assessing the general health of lions three times a week. It also involves maintaining the support and structure of the electrified fences around the lion reserve. Volunteers therefore acquire a personal bond with the lions.

A typical working day:
Participants will do a basic working week from Monday to Friday with the average work hours per day at -+ 8 hours, weekends are free for participants to either relax at the student house or do some site seeing.

An average working day might include the following:

-          Breakfast at 7:30am

-          Briefing on the days activities at 8am

-          Pick  up our packed lunch at the Fairtrade safari lodge  
            between 8 and 9am

-          Move through to the game reserve to an allocated area where
            we will do vegetation management, on the way also doing
            predator tracking with a telemetry.

-          Between 12:30 and 1pm have lunch up until 2pm in the
            reserve next to the Bushman’s river

-          Canoeing on the river until 3pm

-          Animal monitoring in the afternoon

Being on a game reserve exciting and interesting happenings do occur and these will always be included in the program.

Social development projects include:

Developing an understanding and love of nature in the hearts of children visiting the reserve.
Tree planting programme, whereby rural schools benefit educationally and financially from funds generated by programme.
The reserve also has a museum, telling the story of conservation in South Africa.

Accommodation includes DSTV, internet facility, and an outdoor "braai" area. Laundry service is offered and the rooms are serviced daily. Meet the locals at the popular pub near by.

 General knowledge

The Eastern Cape is known as one of the most diverse provinces in Southern Africa. A lot of emphasis will be put on the rich cultural and political history of the area as well as the geography of the area. Xhosa culture and community outreach at local farm schools is also intergraded into the module to get a full understanding of the whole area and the interaction between wildlife and the indigenous people of the area. An overview of South Africa is also incorporated to allow participants to orientate themselves.