South Africa5/5 (4 reviews)
Wildlife sanctuary near Johannesburg
Near Johannesburg, live at a rescue farm for orphaned or injured animals and help the caretakers every day, from bathing the elephants to feeding the animals.
- Where
- South Africa
- Length
- From 2 to 12 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18 years old
- Language
- English intermediate
- Departures
- Every Thursday
from €2,623 for 2 weeks
Check availabilityTalk to the teamNo commitment. Anaëlle, Amélie or Maëlia will reply.
The project
This educational project gives young volunteers a first encounter with wildlife in South Africa. The rescue farm is located in Hartebeespoort (45 minutes from Johannesburg) and provides a sanctuary for orphaned or injured animals. Established 25 years ago to save a baby elephant whose parents had been slaughtered, this 1,000-hectare private reserve has built a strong reputation throughout the region.
Daily tasks at the farm
- You will assist the elephant caretakers with the daily bathing routine.
- You will live in the heart of the sanctuary and actively participate in caring for the animals and maintaining their environment.
- Patrol rounds to check the condition of anti-poaching fences.
- Feeding the animals alongside the caretakers.
- Maintaining roads and controlling erosion.
- Identifying unknown and dangerous plants that may affect the wildlife and flora of the reserve.
The farm hosts around 20 volunteers at a time, but during peak summer periods, this can increase to 40-50 participants. Coordinators then form work groups, with each group assisting caretakers in their daily tasks.
In the evenings, social activities are organized in the bar/restaurant area. A wide range of sports activities and excursions are available on weekends at an additional cost. Yet another reason to join this project.
Why the project exists
- A complete and well-balanced experience
- Environmental and social impact
- Ideal for a gap year, a year off, or a personal project
- Strong added value for your CV and university applications
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Accommodation and meals
The volunteer accommodation is within walking distance of the main area where the meals are served. Volunteer accommodation consists of:
- 1 cottage that sleeps up to 6 people
- 1 log cabin with 4 bedrooms that each sleep 2 to 3 people. This accommodation has a lounge and a kitchen
- 1 cottage/house with 4 bedrooms of 2 beds each, a lounge and a kitchen
- 1 house with 3 large rooms that each sleep 6 people, dormitory style. This house has a kitchenette
- There is a separate building with communal bathroom facilities.
All linen will be provided and strictly no visitors are permitted to enter the property unless authorized by the project leader.
WiFi is available in the communal areas of the accommodation.
Additional information
Laundry
There is a laundry on site. The laundry service costs R50.00 per medium-sized bag of clothes.
A laundry voucher will be given to you once a week, included in your package.
Note: the project is not responsible for any damage to clothes during washing or ironing.
Internet
The costs include a WiFi voucher for the restaurant, given to you each week. You can also buy a local SIM card on arrival for a high-speed connection.
Budget
How long are you going for?
Every Thursday, all year. 1 night in Johannesburg.
What is included
- 1 night in Johannesburg (airport pickup)
- Transport to and from the project
- Three meals a day (on project)
- Accommodation
- 24-hour support and supervision
- Donation to the project
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visa
- A laundry service at an additional cost
- Paid WiFi in the reception/restaurant area
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- Age 18+
- Up to date CV/ resume
- Copy of return flight itinerary
- Basic to intermediate level of English (understanding instructions, being able to communicate)
- Acceptance subject to availability of position
- Copy of passport
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
Questions
How long should you volunteer in South Africa?
The ideal length for a humanitarian trip or a placement in South Africa is between 2 and 12 weeks. The minimum is 2 weeks, and for visa reasons it is difficult to extend volunteering beyond 12 weeks in South Africa.
For gap years, placements or long term volunteering beyond 12 weeks, it is perfectly possible to combine a project in South Africa with one in Namibia or Botswana, as transport between these countries is plentiful and straightforward.
Is volunteering in South Africa safe?
All the projects are very safe and you will have continuous support from a local team present on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Even so, every volunteer is briefed on arrival in South Africa about risks and safety, particularly in urban and tourist areas. We strongly advise following the local organisations' recommendations so that the programme runs smoothly.
What are the requirements for volunteering in South Africa?
Although specific requirements vary with the organisation and the project, some qualifications and skills are generally needed.
First, a good command of English is essential, as it is the main language used on most programmes.
Volunteers also need good communication and interpersonal skills, in order to work effectively with local people and with other volunteers from a range of backgrounds.
Can you combine several volunteering projects in South Africa?
Yes, and taking part in several humanitarian programmes is even encouraged for placements, gap years and longer volunteering. Here is an example of a 12 week itinerary combining community and environmental work in South Africa:
- Weeks 1 to 4: Hoedspruit nature reserve, Big 5 conservation
- Weeks 5 to 7: Gansbaai, marine protection and shark conservation
Another question? Ask the team, and someone who knows the project will answer.
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