Volunteer with Africa's Big 5 in the beautiful Eastern Cape and make a difference to animal conservation efforts in this beautiful part of the world.
Found just 15km away from the dazzling Indian Ocean, this incredible volunteering project gives you the chance to aid in the conservation of Africa’s famous Big 5 in an unforgettable location. On this 10,000-hectare reserve you will see all manner of wildlife, from rampant rhinos through to enormous elephants so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
As a volunteer on this project, you will be helping to run the reserve alongside the in-country team. There are a huge number of exciting tasks that you could take part in at Kariega, including game capture, maintaining the reserve and assisting with community development programmes. If you are looking for an extremely varied conservation project, then Kariega is the trip for you!
Itinerary
Day 1
You will arrive at the volunteer house after taking a transfer from the airport, and will be shown around before being left to settle in.
Day 2-14
These will be your project days, you could be working on any of the activities mentioned below. You’ll be working around 8 hours a day on this project, so during your stay you should have plenty of time to help with most of the activities.
Day 15
It’s time to head home after your adventure, you will make your way back to the airport to catch your flight home or to begin your onward travels.
Project Activities
Elephant and Rhino Monitoring
Both incredible species need to be monitored on the reserve to make direct observations on their populations, health and impact on the local area.
Alien Plant Control
When invasive plant species find their way onto the reserve, it is crucial that they are removed as they have the potential to cause damage to the local ecosystem. As a volunteer, you will be helping to remove these plants.
Animal Capture
Occasionally on the reserve an animal will need to receive veterinary care or be moved to another part of the reserve, if this does happen your volunteer team will spring into action to assist. Please note this is not a guaranteed activity.
Star Talk
Put quite simply, your project coordinator will stop in the middle of an open expanse and discuss with you all what is happening in the night sky. South Africa is one of the best places to see shooting stars and the Milky Way, so this is an activity you will not forget in a hurry.
Assisting the Anti-Poaching Team
The team at this project go to great lengths to protect their rhinos from the dangers of poaching, and you may have the chance to join the team on an anti-poaching patrol around the reserve!
Community Development Programmes
Any good conservation project will also strive to make an impact on the local community as this is where more long-term conservation begins, and on this project, you will help teach at a local school to ensure that the children learn the importance of conservation.
Game Drives
No African conservation project would be complete without a game drive or two, and you’ll have the chance to explore Kariega in a safari vehicle, keeping an eye out for any wildlife present.
A Boat Ride
The Kariega project is home to two rivers, and during your time here you may have the opportunity to take a boat trip down one of them, enjoying the peaceful serenity as you go.
Motion Sensor Camera Analysis
Two heads are better than one, and several motion sensor cameras are better than all! You’ll be helping to set these cameras up all around the reserve to capture some of Kariega’s more elusive animal life.
A Dinner At The Luxury Lodge
One night during your stay you will have the chance to change out of your dusty volunteer clothes and enjoy a meal at the on-site luxury lodge with your fellow volunteers.
