BIG 5 GAME RESERVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROJECT
EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Experience the heartbeat and rhythm of Africa at this beautiful Game Reserve - located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa and home to the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.  This 15,000 acre reserve with fantastic scenery boasts sunny grassy savannah plains with a wide variety of bush flora, many watering holes and the wide and captivating Bushman's River.  As well as the "Big 5" it is home to many small mammals, birds and insects and volunteers can become involved in all aspects of conservation - the longer the stay the better the experience!   Differences in language, culture and socio-economic backgrounds add to the experience but one thing is certain and that is that YOUR contribution will be huge and very much appreciated.
Volunteers are treated to an overnight stay in the 4-star Safari Lodge and it may even be possible to camp out under the stars.   This is a very popular project and early application is advised to secure a placement.

	Location:	EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA	Dates:	Any date throughout the year.
	Fees:	£795 - 2 weeks £1,155 - 3 weeks £1,395 - 4 weeks £1,995 - 6 weeks £2,295 - 7 weeks £2,595 - 8 weeks	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance of project fee due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AV016

General Information

This beautiful game reserve is located approximately 700 kilometres from Cape Town and just 45 minutes' drive from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. It began in 1999 as a joint conservation venture that allows animals to be re-introduced to an area in which they freely roamed in the past.  The land was originally used to keep sheep and cattle and the challenge has been to re-establish the original flora and fauna and return the land to its natural state. It now boasts grassy savannah plains, many watering holes and the spectacular Bushman's River.  As well as the "Big 5" it is home to many small mammals, birds and insects and some really spectacular scenery.  Volunteers become involved in all aspects of conservation and the longer the stay, the more in depth the experience will be.  Language, cultural and socio-economic barriers will be experienced in the community programme but the efforts of all volunteers are so much appreciated and the smiles and thanks for the contributions that are made remain with volunteers for the rest of their lives.  It is a truly life-changing experience!

Conservation Work

Constant monitoring and management of game takes place on the reserve throughout the year and volunteers play an active part "behind the scenes" on various conservation projects, providing accurate and up-to-date information on the reserve and its wildlife to those who make the life changing decisions within the reserve.  One of the highlights for the volunteers is the manage the lions that have been newly introduced to the reserve and they may also become involved in some of the following:

• using telemetry to locate the lions and observe their behaviour - particularly at sunrise
• data capture - perhaps of the giraffes on the reserve - including any juveniles
• identifying wildlife and capturing photographs to add to each individual's file
• erosion control and road maintenance
• wetland rehabilitation
• fence patrol and maintenance
• alien plant control and bush clearing
• boma maintenance
• navigation and compass orientation
• target shooting
• guided bushwalks
• bush survival - perhaps even camping under the stars (weather permitting)
• report writing and data updating
• kayaking or boat trips on Bushman's River

The priorities on the reserve change continuously and may affect the involvement in certain projects, but all volunteers will be involved in many areas of conservation and reserve management.  They will also gain an insight into the environmental and management issues facing a game reserve and will become proficient in the techniques of collecting and analysing information which contributes towards conservation and returning the land to its natural habitat.   

Community Development Work

Children's AIDS Orphanage

The Paterson Children's AIDS Orphanage provides a home for between 12 - 30 children aged between 4 - 12 years of age.  Volunteers visit the orphanage several times a week, helping to organise games and generally playing with the children - who are always excited to see the volunteers arive. 

Food 4 Thought Programme

Volunteers have recently developed a garden at the orphanage to grow herbs and vegetables.  It is hoped to train the local community to become self-sufficient by growing enough food for themselves as well as making an income by selling the surplus. 

Animal Welfare and Animal Care

Animal care hardly exists among the rural communities.  The cost of having pets spayed or neutered are too expensive and this results in over-population and sickness.  A programme is underway to educate the local community in pet care and disease and treat these animals at a fraction of the normal costs.

Other relaxing and fun activities:

There are lots of activities for volunteers - some of which are detailed below:

Bush Camping

This is an experience in itself - setting up nothing but a sleeping bag and fire to cook on for the night.  Watch the beautiful night sky above; hear the sounds of the nocturnal life and even maybe the lions roaring in the distance.  A fantastic experience - to barbecue on an open fire while watching the stars above!

Navigation and Compass Orientation

Volunteers can learn how to navigate during the day using signs of the bush, and at night using the stars.  Compass skills are essential for anyone going into the African bush.

Xhosa Bush Tour

This tour is led by an experienced Xhosa guide who will point out the different medicinal uses of plants, tell local folklore and the meanings behind the names of flore and fauna - guaranteed to make anyone laugh!

Target Shooting

Most people are scared of guns - but this is usually because they are unfamiliar with them and do not know how to use them properly.  Live firearms are not used unless handled by an experienced guide and the basic principles of firearm handling and shooting are taught through the use of air rifles within a very safe and controlled environment.

Updating Project Information on the Computer

Volunteers get actively involved in conservation projects and any data collected is typed up into statistical programmes to enable volunteers to keep up-to-date on population trends in which they have actively been involved.

Canoeing

To get the best and most accurate animal observations, all resources have to be used.  Volunteers often canoe along the Bushmans River which is the main water source for the local animals.  If done correctly, volunteers can get up close and personal with all types of animals whilst they take a drink or a mud bath!

Boating

Volunteers may get the opportunity to cruise along the Bushmans River in a boat - on a day safari.  Luscious vegetation on the river banks provides great habitats for frogs, reptiles, birds and small mammals.

Fishing

The Bushmans River is abundant with different types of fish and volunteers often are asked to catch them for population and species diversity calculations.  Carp - an alien species - is one of the least desired occupants.  Fishing rods and lines are used to catch this species in particular to control the population in the river.  Fishing usually takes place during a leisurely paddle in the canoes.

5-Star Lodge Experience

Volunteers are treated to this 5-star guest experience at the Safari Lodge which is tucked away in a valley, ideal for the best wildlife viewing.  They enjoy one night's accommodation with four course dinner and breakfast. This intimate lodge with its unique safari huts has all the comforts of a graded 5-star lodge and occupants can tune into the sounds of nature in a truly undisturbed retreat.  In the evening volunteers enjoy sitting around the fireside under a canopy of stars.

Darting and Relocations

The reserve is fully operational and there may be occasions when volunteers may be asked to assist with work involving the vet or the ecologist.  Darting and relocations only take place if really necessary and requested by the vet.

A typical working day:

The working week is from Monday - Friday.  Working hours depend on the seasons and the heat - often early mornings and longer mid-day breaks in the summer months.  Evenings and weekends are at leisure when volunteers generally relax around the open fire at the volunteer house. The programme is flexible but an average day might include the following:

7.00am	Breakfast
7.30am	Leave volunteer house for duties on the reserve - taking packed lunch.   Track lions with telemetry and monitor activities.  Move through the reserve identifying wildlife to an area allocated for vegetation surgey
1.00pm	Lunch on the reserve
2.00pm	Canoe on the river to survey bird behaviour
4.00pm	Fence patrol on the way back to the volunteer house
6.00pm	Dinner or outdoor bbq
Evenings	Socialise in the local lively pub with other volunteers or discuss the activities of the day around the camp fire

Weekend Activities

Volunteers often explore the surrounding area during their free weekends - perhaps to Jeffrey's Bay for great beaches and surfing, or the Grahamstown for shopping and festivals, and Port Elizabeth for amazing nightlife!

 

Support

Support and advice is available from your Project Managers whilst on the project and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent to all our volunteers upon booking their volunteer placement and further advice and information will be provided via telephone and email before departure. A full orientation will be provided on arrival at the project by the project coordinator including information on the current status of the projects and familiarisation with the local surroundings.

Accommodation and Meals

Volunteers are accommodated in an 8-bedroomed house in the nearby town of Paterson (10 minutes from the Reserve).  It is a converted railway station which overlooks a large garden and is within walking distance of the local bar and shops.  Most rooms are doubles, with 3 sharing one bathroom, 2 sharing a second bathroom and 1 room en suite.  Each bathroom has a large hot water shower.  There is a communal dining and sitting room with digital satellite tv, well equipped kitchen and office space.  A sun room provides additional seating and internet and telephone are available in this room for email, booking activities and research only.  A small charge is made.   The house has a large garden with a braai (BBQ) and fire pit for chilly nights and social gatherings of volunteers. 

All meat, fruit and vegetables are provided for volunteers at the house who are responsible for cooking evening meals in the communal kitchen.  Breakfast and lunch are to be prepared individually as activities vary.  Volunteers should take enough food and drink with them to last the day.  Sweets and snacks can be purchased on the way to the reserve.  Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be catered for but should be advised in advance when booking. Three meals per day are provided.

Getting There

Volunteers should arrange to fly directly into Port Elizabeth Airport (either via Johannesburg or Cape Town) where they will be met on arrival and transferred to their accommodation. (There may be a number of ways to reach the destination airport - for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you

Fees

What is included

• A contribution to the project itself
• Daily transfers for your activities
• Orientation and introduction to the project. "On-the-job" educational activities and support from volunteer co-ordinator and local staff
• All accommodation including 3 meals a day
• Unlimited tea, coffee and water and Laundry and domestic service
• One night in the luxury safari lodge with four course meal

What is excluded

• Travel Insurance (to include cover for repatriation)
• International flights
• Transfer to and from the airport – we can arrange your transfer for £165 return (private hire). If you are happy to have a flexible transfer we can arrange this for £110 return.
• Use of internet (email) and telephone, wines and spirits
• Visas and any trips/activities undertaken other than in the planned expedition