Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

The key to conservation is not to do it, but to live it actively. By creating this kind of lifestyle we fulfil our purpose of helping humans and nature to live together in harmony.

Many people hold the opinion that only experts can be conservationists, while we believe that the biggest contributor to conservation is the small actions by many ordinary people - small actions which will result in the preservation of our precious earth for generations to come. The foundation is a starting point to empower people to live a conservation lifestyle for a better tomorrow.

Key focus areas of the Foundation:

Wildlife conservation in the Klein Karoo and beyond
Habitat conservation
Community
Volunteering

Volunteering at Buffelsdrift

If you are looking to make a difference by actively participating in the conservation of African wildlife within a fun, safe, stable and stunning environment, Buffelsdrift is the place for you.

Although this may sound similar to many other proudly South African volunteering projects, our dream for every person we come in contact with, is to have a lifestyle change towards thinking and living conservation. We want your time at Buffelsdrift to not only be the experience of a lifetime, but an experience that changes your life! Our aim is to empower ordinary people (like you!) to protect nature by creating a conservation lifestyle upon their return back home.

So what do we mean by a conservation lifestyle? A lasting change in heart, from selfish consumption towards preserving what has been entrusted to us.

The Buffelsdrift foundation is a starting point for you to become a conservationist because with your help there can be a better tomorrow. Our planet and

specifically the wildlife that abound on it, is a special gift that we have the luxury of experiencing and enjoying. We want to share that experience with you and more importantly we want future generations to have the opportunity to have similar enriching experiences. This can only be achieved through conscious consideration of our current actions and learning new ways to preserve and conserve our greatest gift.

Our conservation program could not function without the hard work, dedication and time of our volunteers. These volunteers are officially known by the government as voluntourists. By joining us at Buffelsdrift you are becoming part of a generous group of voluntourists. Funds from our volunteering programme are reinvested into conservation, enabling us to grow and become even more successful in achieving our vision.

“…at Buffelsdrift, anyone is a potential conservationist. It is our honour and pride to make you part of a generation that lives conservation.”

What Will I Do?

You will have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing wildlife species in Africa such as lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, cheetah, meerkats and many other indigenous species. The Day-to-day program incorporates our dedicated volunteers. You will also be part of vital research on wild meerkat families.

The daily program may include the following activities:

Monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of lion and elephant enclosure
Preparing food for elephants and lions
Tracking and monitoring free roaming cheetahs
Researching and observing wild meerkat families
Performing game counts
Electric fence and enclosure patrolling
Setting up camera “traps” for research purposes
Relocating/ trans-locating wild-life
Mitigating human animal conflict
Contributing to habitat conservation, including planting spekboom
Community upliftment via local projects
Assisting and support at local farm school
Farming work such as maintaining water supply, fixing fences, etc.
Ultimately – learning to become a conservationist

Caring for wildlife and their habitat in Africa is not always easy and is faced with many challenges, but is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences a person will ever have.

Typical Day of a Volunteer

Normally the working day starts at 08:00 and ends at 17:00. On Saturdays only essential activities are part of the program, followed by fun activities. There are usually four to six activities per day. Volunteers are free on Sundays giving them the opportunity to participate in Buffelsdrift Game Lodge activities or to explore the captivating Klein Karoo or the Garden Route. Volunteers are exposed to all activities as the program is based on a rotation system.

Free Time

We are situated in an area where there are many opportunities for adventure and sight-seeing for volunteers to explore during their free time on weekends.

Adventures and activities in our area.

Cango Caves
Skydiving
Kayaking
Abseiling
Nature walks
Ostrich farm
Zip lining
Stargazing
Horse riding
Hiking
Olive and wine tasting
Day at the beach or surfing (the closest beaches are at Mosselbay, Herolsdbay and Victoria Bay - approximately 70 km travel distance)

Benefits

Without the time, sweat, energy and financial contribution of volunteers, conservation at Buffelsdrift would not be possible. By volunteering you become an integral and significant part of our conservation legacy. The benefits are vast and continue to expand and we are satisfied with the progress to date. Thus far, through the valuable contributions of voluntourists at Buffelsdrift we actively

contribute to preserving the meta-population of the cheetah, the preservation of free roaming elephants in the Mangetti, the continuous supporting of local farm schools, educating several forums regarding mitigation of human and animal conflict, etc.. For more information on our projects please visit www.buffelsdrift.com.

Skills you will acquire and develop

The proper use of telemetry tracking equipment
The use of hand-held GPS devices
How to identify wildlife species
How to set up and use camera “traps” to monitor certain species
How to track animals using traditional methods like the identification and following of animal spoor
How to collect and analyse data
An understanding of conservation and issues of human animal conflict

By taking on this volunteering challenge you will increase confidence in your unique ability to make a difference. You will gain leadership, teamwork and relationship skills. Learn about self-management and learn to apply your present skills more effectively.

You will enjoy the benefits of communal living, meet people of different walks of life and also get the opportunity to make long-life friends

Ultimately we dream that you will gain a conservation mind-set.

Requirements:

Who can apply: Any person above the age of 18 years.
Language requirement: We understand English and Afrikaans Hand gestures will be used where language barriers occur.
Documents Required: Holiday Visa is required to enter South Africa and travel insurance for participating in this program.

Qualities that we look for in our volunteers:

Enthusiasm! Being energetic and having a positive attitude can help to motivate yourself and others
Flexibility and creativity
Reliability and integrity
Teamwork and willingness to serve
Passion to live what you have learned and to spread the conservation story.

Timing & Duration:

The volunteer program runs all year round and kicks off every Tuesday. The volunteer program mainly runs for two weeks, but can extend or shorten through prior arrangement.

Location:

Buffelsdrift is located in South Africa (in the Western Cape) approximately 6, 5 km outside the village of Oudtshoorn on route to the Cango Caves. This area is called the Klein Karoo. The farm is within a 60 minute drive of the popular area referred to as the Garden route and has an added benefit that it is a malaria free area.

Which airport do I fly to? You can fly to George National Airport from Cape Town or from Johannesburg. There you will be picked up on selected days and transported along the 60 minute scenic drive to Buffelsdrift..

Accommodation:

Accommodation is provided in a large tented camp with up to four people (same gender) per tent. The accommodation is basic, but the single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (duvets and pillows). Showers and toilet facilities are on-suite.. Power sockets for electrical items are available in each tent and in the communal area. Volunteers also have access to Wi-Fi in the tented camp. The daily meals are prepared by a staff member assisted by the volunteers.

What is included?