South Africa – The Big 5 Wildlife Reserve in the Greater Kruger Area

This project is based in the Greater Kruger Area close to the famous Kruger National Park–one of the largest game reserves in Africa and home to Africa’s ‘Big 5’ species. The park stretches across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in northeastern South Africa. With over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, 150 mammal species, multiple archaeological sites, and an equally diverse array of trees and flowers, Kruger truly exemplifies the majesty of Africa. The closest town is Phalaborwa, just 30 minutes from the camp. Here you’ll find a few shops and a handful of local restaurants.

This project aims to both study and conserve some of Africa’s unique and beautiful wild animals and the land they roam on. It is a joint effort which collaborates with local and distant communities, universities, and other reserves to learn as much as possible about these animals and their behaviors to better provide them with a suitable environment in which to thrive.

This reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, and therefore has many initiatives with each species. The principal work is being done on elephants, and lions.

Volunteers will carry out research on endangered wildlife within the reserve. This provides critical information for dedicated organizations to improve and create wildlife conservation strategies.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Taking part on wildlife research safari drives in order to monitor wildlife and collect data.
• Monitoring the behavior, feeding patterns and movement of elephants. The primary goal is to better understand their roaming behaviors in order to provide the best environment in which they can thrive. Elephants in Africa often have conflicts with humans, so the aim of the work with elephants is to decrease these types of conflicts and let them free to roam in their own environments.
• Collecting data on a pride of lions. This entails being in the bush to observe hunting, social, breeding and territorial behavior at various times of the day (this may involve night drives).
• Capturing data as requested by the reserve management team for their ongoing endangered species work.
• Practicing new research techniques, including analyzing whisker patterns, scars, and ear notches, to understand and distinguish individual animals.
• Compiling data of animals into reports, maps and ID kits.
• Carrying out the physical work required to regenerate a natural environment for the animals. This includes prevention of further soil erosion and removal of old structures that may be harmful to the animals.
• Contributing to long-term efforts of removing alien plants from the park.

Volunteers’ time at the reserve will be split between the focuses of the program in approximately the following way:

• Big 5 monitoring: 40-50%
• Physical conservation work within the park: 30-40%
• Data recording: 10-20%

Internet: Wi-Fi is available

Laundry: Laundry services are available for a small fee

Accommodations: During your placement, you will stay in a private lodge on the banks of the Olifants River, overlooking Kruger National Park. The accommodation is comfortable and includes 7 large dorms rooms with AC and bathrooms. Facilities include a seasonal swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, common lounges and a small shop. Private rooms are available for an extra fee upon request, subject to availability.

Food: Three meals a day are provided. Breakfast is self-serve and includes cereals, toast, coffee, and tea. The on-site cooks prepare lunch and dinner. They can cater for most dietary preferences, including vegetarians, vegans, and, where possible, lactose or wheat free.

• Minimum age of 18 years
• Police clearance
• Good level of English
• Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment
• Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)
• Volunteers must be in good physical condition, as they will be expected to walk long distances and take part in intense physical activities
• Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible and cooperative

Travel Extras (Not Included):
There is an abundance of places to go and sights to see during your free time in South Africa.
The following activities are available for an additional fee:

Day Tours:

• Panorama Route: Enjoy a scenic route along Mpumalanga Escarpment and Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world
• Blyde River Adventures: Head to the Blyde River Canyon and try out kloofing, extreme hiking, white river rafting, tubing, or micro light flying
• Boat Trip: Explore the Kadishi Tufa waterfall and The Three Rondawels and see if you can spot the hippos, crocodiles or fish eagles that roam the area
• Paintball: Try out paintballing in the natural bush environment!
• Aerial Cable Trail and Elephant Interaction: Go on the longest trail cable in Africa and stop to see South Africa’s largest land mammal along the way
• Full Day in Kruger National Park: Spend a day exploring the vast reserve with an experienced tour guide
• Nyani Cultural Village and Roots of Rhythm Show: Learn about the origins, journeys and lifestyles of the tribes that settled in the Limpopo through song and dance
• Kapama Sunset Safari: Check out nocturnal animals you wouldn’t be able to see in the daylight!

Weekend Trips:

• Tremisana Lodge, Balule Big 5 Reserve
• Swaziland
• Mozambique

Click to see additional volunteering projects in South Africa