Hanchi Conservation project

Combine conservation on horseback with tracking predators and monitoring rhino and endangered species.

Set on a vast reserve in the rugged and wild bushland of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the management of the endangered roan antelope is critical to its survival in the wild. From horseback, you will monitor the roan antelope, quizzical Tssessebe and stunning sable antelope as part of a successful breeding and relocation project. You will also patrol the reserve to monitor rhinos and protect them from the threat of poaching.

What will I do

The sensitivity of the horse makes them ideal partners in traversing the bush and reserve management, ensuring game are less stressed and by nature alerting you to young and elusive animals. Predator conservation work on the greater reserve is also a unique inclusion to this project.

Monitoring and management from horseback is vital to the successful breeding and relocation of roan and sable antelopes - working with one of the single largest private herds of these endangered and rare species in South Africa. This project gives a unique view of the reality behind conserving predators while your research will contribute to the ongoing effort to help secure a future for these stunning animals.

• Monitor roan and sable antelope populations
• Patrol the reserve on horseback
• Learn how to track cheetah on foot, using telemetry equipment
• Monitor the white rhino population
• Study predator movements and behaviour
• Be responsible for equine husbandry and care
• Help with reserve management and maintenance

Accommodation

Rustic bush camp with accommodation in twin share tents. There is no electricity, only paraffin lamps creating a warm cosy atmosphere. Volunteers can enjoy hot showers which are heated with a wood burning system. Meals are catered, with some help and participation from volunteers.

What support will I get

From the moment you first send us an inquiry, we are always just a phone call or email away. You can contact our office team with any question you have. We’ll be happy to help you as much as we can while you prepare for your conservation experience. Once you are in Africa, we have a dedicated team of coordinators who will look after you - whether you need help with your conservation responsibilities, are feeling poorly or need to get to a bank to get out some money.

If your family need to get hold of you in an emergency, we have a 24 hour emergency phone line, and we can always facilitate contact to you in Africa.

What's the next step

If you are ready to submit your application. You can do this online or by post. And don’t worry - you application does not commit you to anything. It is just an expression of interest on your side and it helps us prepare the best advice for you.

We will contact you after accepting your application and chat to you about the best project choice, costs and dates. Once you are happy with your choices, we will set up your very own conservation experience for you and send you all the extra information you need - from the “small print” terms and conditions to insurance information. If you definitely want to go for it, all you have to do is send us a signed confirmation and a deposit of 295 GBP - or the equivalent in US$, CA$, AU$ or Euro.