Zululand Game Reserve Conservation Expedition
from £1395 GBP
to £4895 GBP
Zululand Game Reserve Conservation Expedition
Duration: from 2 Weeks to 12 Weeks
Countries: South Africa
Call: 0845 344 7585
Monitor animals like Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo, Wild Dogs and Cheetahs in a Game Reserve that is part of a World Heritage Site and situated in the heart of the beautiful and cultural KwaZulu Natal.
The experience you'll gain on this project is varied and fascinating. You'll be the Wildlife Monitor's right hand, assisting with all aspects of their conservation activities. As one of only 4 team members, you form an agile and efficient team, working out in the bush every day:
- Daily tracking and locating of Priority Species wildlife from an open 4x4 vehicle, via radio telemetry.
- Mapping the sightings using GPS equipment. You will be taught how to use the equipment.
- Observing animal behaviour (e.g. Wild Dog pack dynamics) for research purposes.
- Photographing and creating identity kits for any reintroduced/relocated animals.
- Periodically setting up camera traps at watering holes and game trails.
- Assisting with ongoing game counts.
At least once a week you will have an afternoon or day set aside for administrative work: (data capture and analysis). Appropriate supervision and instruction will be provided for all elements of your practical experience.
- Radio collaring of animals.
- Notching (identity marking) of animals such as Rhino.
- Night-time tracking excursions – for example Hyaenas.
- Relocation or re-introduction of Endangered Species.
- Assisting with feeding and data recording of animals being held in temporary bomas prior to release
- Vulture counts and nest surveys.
- Bird ringing & alien plant control.
Each volunteer camp is situated within the Reserves on which we work. The accommodation camp is basic but comfortable, with electricity, running warm water and flushing toilet. A bed, mattress, pillows and bedding are provided for each volunteer, but we ask that you please bring your own towels. Please be aware that you may have to share a room with another volunteer during your stay.
There is a separate shared toilet/shower and kitchen, as well as an outside seating and dining area, and a barbecue area where you can sit by the fire under the stars. (With the absence of artificial light, stargazing at the Reserves is phenomenal!)
What to do nextTalk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like to apply for this project. Visit our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.
Duration Details:
This placement can be extended for any length of time (many of our volunteers do!), subject to availability and any visa restrictions that may apply.
Cost Details:
Costs vary depending on how long you want to stay for. Prices include food and accommodation, 24/7 support and backup before you go and throughout your placement, as well as meeting you at the nearest airport. When you’re on your placement, if you’d like to extend your time, you can do so at a minimal additional cost.
Representative:
All the time
This placement would suit:
This placement would suit anyone with a keen sense of adventure and a love of animals and the outdoors. Someone who is genuinely interested in the conservation of African wildlife, is interested in research and monitoring and wants to experience the African bush first-hand.
Do you accept non UK citizens?
yes
Do you accept applicants with disabilities?
no
User Comments:
“When I arrived at Mkhuze Reserve, I was lucky enough to go on an afternoon monitoring driving with Rob, a Travellers volunteer. Rob and I jumped on the back of the bakkie [pickup truck] with the telemetry equipment. The Head Researcher, Chris, drove the vehicle and took us to a monitoring tower where we finally got a reading and were able to track them to a certain point within the Reserve.
When we arrived at the site, we were met with the awesome sight of a mother and her 2 cubs who were about a year old. Rob had been tracking and monitoring them for about a month and so had seen them every day. He was trying to establish the gender of the cubs based on their behaviour and movements. Seeing the cheetahs and standing up on the back of the bakkie as we drove past the animals was quite an experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it and neither Rob nor I will ever forget this amazing event!” Richard Cowley
~ by Richard Cowley
Inclusions
accommodation, food, airport pickup
Travellers Worldwide
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! Help children, animals and conservation around the world. Gain valuable work experience and new skills. All ages & nationalities welcome. EXPLORE a new culture from the inside on worthwhile, well-structured projects.
FLEXIBLE: From two weeks to one year - you choose your dates and duration.
