Partnering with adjacent protected areas, game reserves, and national parks, the program aspires to remove fences and create a larger protected area. This collaborative effort aims to enhance biodiversity in Southern Africa.
Nestled in a sanctuary for iconic African species, from elephants to leopards, this experience promises a true wilderness immersion. As you contribute to the conservation objectives of the area, you’ll be surrounded by vast landscapes and indigenous wildlife, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Your project starts with a 2-day orientation in Johannesburg at Curiosity Backpackers. Arrive in Joburg or Jozi, as it is known locally, and get shown around by people who know the city well. The orientation is excellent for first-time visitors to find their feet the local way and meet other volunteers on your project.
You will be picked up from the airport and taken to the hostel. Here you will be given a chance to settle down before you receive your welcome pack. You will be given a briefing on your volunteer program and then meet other travelers and volunteers for a Pan Africa welcome dinner.
Embark on a captivating exploration of Johannesburg and Soweto after breakfast. Discover the Maboneng Precinct, a vibrant hub of creativity, art, and culture, redefining the city’s history and future. Explore landmarks such as the Carlton Centre and Ghandi Square, witnessing the urban renewal of Johannesburg.
In Soweto, South Africa’s largest township, capture iconic moments at Orlando Towers and Soccer City, the World Cup final venue. Visit the Hector Pietersen Memorial for insights into the 1970s youth uprisings, and stroll along Vilakazi Street, home to both Nelson Mandela and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu. Enjoy lunch, shop for local arts and crafts, and delve into the rich history of these dynamic neighborhoods.
After breakfast we will take you to Johannesburg Airport or your bus stop for your onwards travel to the project.
Central Tuli Block: Historically a mixed-use area, the Central Tuli Block has been transformed into a wildlife sanctuary. Private conservationists worked to re-wild the region, making it a haven for Africa’s iconic species. This program aims to provide an authentic wilderness experience for youth while contributing to the conservation goals of the area.
Your daily journey will involve approximately six hours of volunteer work, divided between early morning and late afternoon tasks to steer clear of the midday heat. During lunch and the early afternoon, you have free time to indulge in reading, relaxing, playing games, or even taking a siesta!
For those more active individuals seeking less downtime, there are consistently available activities around the camp, such as downloading camera trap data, identifying spoor, and capturing images of birds and insects for identikits.
The late afternoons typically culminate with a breathtaking sunset atop a rocky outcrop, and if the weather permits, evenings are spent enjoying the night sky around a campfire.
– Conduct mammal and bird surveys
– Study migration patterns throughout the year
– Develop elephant identikits
– Monitor camera traps and document nocturnal activities
– Contribute valuable data to the broader management planning of the
– Undertake activities based conservation needs
– Fence repair, waterhole construction, soil erosion control, and more
– Play a vital role in protecting and maintaining the wilderness area
– Observe wildlife in their natural habitat
– Encounter herds of elephant, zebra and giraffe, with opportunities to track leopard, lion and hyena.
– Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the African bush
– Experience the magic of Africa’s starlit sky
– Witness breathtaking sunsets over the plains
– Fall asleep under the vast African sky, listening to the sounds of nearby creatures
– Learn to identify species in the African bush
– Engage in spoor identification and cast-making
– Participate in conservation debates and bird identification sessions
– Absorb the silence and vastness of the surrounding landscapes
This program is available all year round.
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 2120 € |
3 weeks | 2990 € |
4 weeks | 3860 € |
5 weeks | 4730 € |
6 weeks | 5600 € |
7 weeks | 6470 € |
8 weeks | 7340 € |
9 weeks | 8210 € |
10 weeks | 9080 € |
12 weeks | 10820 € |
– Minimum age 16
– Language Skills: Basic level of competency in English
– Copy of return flight itinerary
– Medium level of fitness: You can actively participate in activities and can handle the physical demands associated with work on the project.
– Medical insurance that includes evacuation
Volunteers will receive 3 meals a day.
– Breakfast is a simple oats, breads, spread, cereals – self service.
– Lunches are substantial home-cooked meals
– Dinners : a prepared meal including dishes such as braai (barbecue), stews, pasta, etc..
– Tea and coffee will be available all day.
– There will be periodic visits to a local village where there is a small local shop to buy simple snacks, but we recommend you bring extra snacks from home or Johannesburg
– A refrigerator is available for you to use for your personal food and drinks
A fully equipped tented camp is home away from home.
There are 2-6 person walk-in safari tents with bunk beds, sheets and pillows. Ablutions are shared, with hot and cold showers and flush toilets.
There is a common area for eating, relaxing and reading and a beautiful boma for fireside evenings.
The kitchen is equipped with gas appliances and all meals are provided. Pizza nights are a highlight with the home-made pizza oven.
The camp is located in a secure area with round-the-clock guards.
