South Africa – Big 5 and Endangered Species Reserve – Images

Hoedspruit, or “Hat Creek,” lies at the foot of the Drakensberg mountain range in the Limpopo province of South Africa. This province is situated along the country’s northern border, in close proximity to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. This area is home to Kruger National Park and many other private game reserves, making it an ideal spot for conservationists around the world to gather for research initiatives. The local population mainly lives in rural areas, and volunteers will have the opportunity to experience a taste of this traditional life in the African bush.

As a volunteer on the Big 5 Wild and Endangered Species Project, you’ll play a crucial role in preserving South Africa’s iconic wildlife. Your tasks will immerse you in hands-on conservation efforts, from monitoring elephants and lions to assisting with vital habitat restoration. You’ll work alongside passionate experts, collecting data, setting up camera traps, and supporting anti-poaching initiatives.

Volunteer tasks may include:

• Elephant Monitoring
  • Record elephant movements to track daily and seasonal ranging patterns.
  • Observe and document herd/bull associations and sexual behaviors.
• Lion Monitoring
  • Assess lion movements and behaviors.
  • Monitor predator-prey interactions.
• Hyena Monitoring
  • Track brown and spotted hyena den sites and activities.
  • Identify individuals and monitor hunting/scavenging behaviors.
• Leopard Monitoring
  • Track leopard locations to determine territory extent.
  • Create and update ID kits for individual monitoring.
  • Assist with camera trap setup for population monitoring.
• Buffalo Monitoring
  • Monitor the integration of reintroduced buffalo into the larger reserve.
  • Track interactions with predators.
• Camera Trap Projects & Habitat Work
  • Deploy and monitor camera traps for secretive species.
  • Assist with habitat rehabilitation tasks like erosion control, brush-packing, and re-seeding.

In between activities, volunteers will receive presentations on the work of the project, how to approach dangerous game on foot, and possibly a lesson on Rhino Poaching. This time will also be used for transferring collected data onto computers and compiling the weekly research report, as well as assisting with vehicle checks and cleaning.

Important Note: Conservation work requires adaptability, so the schedule may change based on project needs, weather conditions, and wildlife activity. Volunteers are encouraged to embrace the dynamic nature of working with animals and the environment.

A typical day: The project runs 6 days a week from Monday to Saturday. In summer we start at 5:30am and are out for 4-5 hours. In the afternoon we leave at 16:00 for another 3-4 hours. In winter we leave at 6:30am and are out for 4 to 5 hours. In the afternoon we leave at 15:00 for another 3-4 hours. We also give lectures and presentations 2- times during the week over the lunch period. For the remainder of the time between monitoring sessions, volunteers are required to enter all the data that they have collected into our databases.

Internet: WiFi is available in the volunteer house for a small fee, but for connectivity in the tented area, we recommend purchasing a local MTN sim card upon arrival.

Laundry: Laundry services are available

Accommodations: Start your trip at Sunrock Guesthouse, which offers private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, located near O.R. Tambo International Airport. The guesthouse provides a relaxed atmosphere with meals, a pool, and a lounge area for your first night. Once at the reserve, there are two accommodation options available for volunteers, depending on availability and your choice.

1. 1. The Main Camp offers comfortable twin rooms with shared bathrooms, electricity, hot running water, and Wi-Fi for an additional fee.
   2. The Bush Camp provides eco-friendly tented accommodation with stunning views of the African bush, featuring twin beds, shared ablution facilities, and a more rustic, authentic African experience.

Food: The kitchen is stocked with ingredients for three meals a day, including fresh fruit, with lunch and dinner prepared by volunteers on a rotating schedule. Weekly trips to town for shopping are included, where volunteers can buy essentials and additional food items.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Basic level of competency in English
• Medium level of fitness

During your free time in South Africa, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy for an additional fee. Nature lovers can explore the IKinyonga Reptile Park, while those interested in local culture can visit nearby villages. For adventure seekers, you can embark on a walking tour of the stunning Blyde Canyon or try thrilling white-water rafting. Take in the breathtaking views along the scenic Panorama Route, which winds through the Mpumalanga Escarpment and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world. Alternatively, unwind with a relaxing boat cruise on the Blyde River