Shamwari Conservation Volunteerfrom £1,095 (2 weeks)

Duration & Fees

• £1,095 - 2 weeks
• £1,495 - 3 weeks
• £1,945 - 4 weeks

Start Dates

2012 Start Dates: 16 Jan | 13 Feb | 27 Feb | 12 Mar | 26 Mar | 9 Apr | 23 Apr | 7 May | 21 May | 4 Jun | 18 Jun | 2 Jul | 16 Jul | 30 Jul | 13 Aug | 27 Aug | 10 Sep | 24 Sep | 8 Oct | 22 Oct | 5 Nov | 19 Nov | 3 Dec | 10 Dec | 17 Dec

2013 Start Dates: 7 Jan | 14 Jan | 28 Jan | 11 Feb | 25 Feb | 11 Mar | 25 Mar | 8 Apr | 22 Apr | 6 May | 20 May | 3 Jun | 17 Jun | 1 Jul | 15 Jul | 29 Jul | 12 Aug | 26 Aug | 9 Sep | 23 Sep | 7 Oct | 21 Oct | 4 Nov | 18 Nov | 2 Dec | 11 Dec | 18 Dec

Payment

£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure

What's Included

• Programme Fee - a large part of the cost which finances all aspects of the project
• Return transfers to and from Port Elizabeth Airport
• All accommodation, food and housekeeping costs
• All transportation and equipment required to carry out project work
• Twenty-four hour support and guidance from the project management team
• Full on site orientation

What's not included

• Personal travel insurance to include cover for repatriation
• International flights to Port Elizabeth airport
• All items of a personal nature, travel goods, clothes
• Internet access (this is available for an extra charge)
• Soft drinks and snacks
• Any visas required
• Any extra excursions over and above planned itinerary
• 50 ZAR deposit for room key, laundry bag, facilities and equipment

The 25,000 hectare malaria free reserve, based in the beautiful Eastern Cape is one of the largest in the area and hosts an incredible concentration of wildlife, meaning volunteers will get to see and work with a host of Africa's amazing animals.

In the beautiful surroundings of South Africa's Eastern Cape, you will have the chance to gain first hand experience of five out of seven of the biomes represented in the country and to view the Big 5 and many other species, such as cheetah, brown hyena, caracal, serval and African wild cat, in their natural habitat. The reserve hosts a dedicated wildlife centre staffed by veterinarians, ecologists and environmentalists. The reserve also features a breeding centre, a wildlife rehabilitation centre, an animal hospital, an education centre and an anti-poaching unit recognised by a Global Nature Fund Award for Best Conservation Practice. The project and reserve has also been recognised with an Environmental Award from the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and a Traveller's Choice Award from Trip Advisor. These prestigious awards are in addition to the projects established reputation as one of the world's leading Safari and Game Reserves and Conservation Companies.

Conflict between man and wildlife first became an issue in the Eastern Cape in the early 1800s due to the convergence of Caucasians and the Xhosa people. Game numbers fell rapidly and the last lions disappeared in 1823, with most species being driven out or hunted to extinction. The last black rhino was shot in 1853 and even buffalo were eliminated by 1918. By 1930, there were only 11 elephant left in the region, all enclosed within the Addo Elephant National Park. 1990 saw the start of a reversal of fortune for the reserve when a 1,200 hectare farm was bought by the founder of the reserve. Subsequent drought caused land prices to tumble and in 1992 a 7,000 hectare game area was fenced with the introduction of general game species, black and white rhino and elephant accompanied by the opening of the first lodge. Over time, the reserve continued to expand with the first predator introductions occurring in 2001.

Volunteer Programme

Shamwari prides itself on offering its volunteers an experience rather than an itinerary or programme. Each individual that attends the project leaves having experienced a diverse and unique project that will be truly individual in its nature. Tasks vary from physical work to leisurely lecture based interactions. Participants activities are decided by the day to day operational requirements of the programme and volunteers will have the chance to participate in and help to shape both short and long term programmes with volunteer stays ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months. The established programme activities currently running are listed below as a guide to the kinds of things volunteers do.  The beauty of this project is that you could be involved in anything that can happen on a incredible game reserve of this size ... you never know what each day will hold!

Game Monitoring

Data collection regarding the wildlife on the reserve is an essential activity and allows us to plan the management of the reserve and to direct the conservation efforts of the project and of the wider community. Examples of the animals monitored include black and white rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and buffalo. Monitoring focuses on identifying and tracking individuals, compiling information about family and social structures, determining feeding behaviour and special ecological topics. The general condition of animal and groups and individuals is carried out as part of this work.

Game Counts

Game counts are conducted on an annual basis to establish the carrying capacity of the reserve and biomes. This allows us to make evidence based decisions on the necessary and sustainable predator-to-prey ratios and the translocation of animals to and from the reserve in order to ensure the sustainability of the biomes and the reserve as a whole.

Telemetry & Tracking

More detailed tracking of some populations are required in order to inform the planning and management of the reserve and surrounding areas. Animals subject to such detailed tracking include cheetah and leopard. Due to the wide ranges of these predators, their fast movements and elusive nature, telemetry allows us to ascertain their whereabouts, movements and to ensure peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.

Landscape Restoration & Rehabilitation

The long history of farming in regions such as the Eastern Cape has left its mark on the landscape, even in well-established reserves such as Shamwari. We constantly strive to restore the landscape and biomes to their natural splendour. This involves the removal of redundant fence lines and the rehabilitation of over farmed and grazed areas. This allows us to provide the best environment in which the inhabitants of the reserve can flourish. The condition of the veld is monitored utilising a step-point method and the health of the watercourses using an established scoring system. Ongoing maintenance of broken fences on the reserve and clearance and maintenance of the water troughs provided for the animals forms part of this work, as does road maintenance to ensure continued access across the reserve whilst minimising the impact of these necessary routes on the environment. 

Breeding Centre Management

This work can involve diverse activities including veld condition assessment, breeding area and alien vegetation mapping, watering hole observation and mapping. The animal enclosures require cleaning and occasional maintenance and volunteers assist in the habituating of animals in the bomas such as giraffe, rhino and buffalo.

Alien Vegetation Control

Alien vegetation has been introduced to the biomes over generations of farming. This farming was conducted at a variety of different intensities. Sometimes these plants were introduced deliberately to achieve a specific purpose e.g. control of other vegetation or to provide foodstuff for particular animals, sometimes they were introduced accidentally. One of our aims is to remove the fauna to that of the natural biome in order to allow the continued repopulation of the biomes with their native wildlife and to control the risk of bush fires. Examples of the alien vegetation we are currently controlling include Australian Beefwood trees and Prickly Pears.

Born Free Foundation

Shamwari Game Reserve and the Born Free Foundation share the common goals of promoting the conservation of wildlife species and the protection of habitats. The reserve and foundation aim to do this by adopting, fostering and promoting a humane and compassionate approach to wildlife conservation. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work as volunteers at the Born Free Foundation on a weekly basis in in order to further these goals.

In partnership with actress/conservationist Virginia McKenna's Born Free Foundation, the reserve designed the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility whose goal is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. Volunteers at the reserve will be able to visit the 2 Big Cat Sanctuaries.

Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. Volunteers are able to see some of these rescued animals at the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre. Volunteer's work at the Foundation includes activities such as bush clearance inside the big cat enclosures, fence maintenance and feeding of the big cats.

Animal Rehabilitation Centre

This centre rehabilitates animals discovered on the reserve and in surrounding areas back to a condition such that they can survive independently. The centre provides short-term care and treatment to the animals to restore them to full health prior to releasing them back into their natural environment. By the very nature of the centre, volunteers will have the chance to travel with staff to wherever there are animals in need of assistance. It is important to note that this centre is a rehabilitation centre and not a sanctuary and as such animals are not kept with the intention of breeding. The centre is divided into different areas or bomas that host avian species, and small or large stock. The work varies in intensity from observation through to translocation and hands on animal care.  For example a recent arrival was a baby rhino who's mother was poached on a nearby reserve and she was looked after and cared for at the centre until she was strong and old enough to go back to the reserve.  Shamwari has amazing veterinary staff and treatment facilitities and is often asked to help in animal rehabilitation work.   This centre is an amazing opportunity for volunteers to get up close to some of Africa's beautiful wildlife in need of help and care.

Community Projects

Part of the long-term goal of all conservation work is building the aims and work of the project into the minds and hearts of the local population. This forms one of the three pillars of sustainability - financial, ecological and social. Without this long-term support and understanding it is likely that we will fail in our ultimate aims - the peaceful coexistence of man and wildlife in a mutually beneficial and supportive environment. Volunteers play a vital role in promoting the work of the project to the local communities and one of the ways in which this is achieved is by working to uplift and develop the communities local to and associated with the reserve. To this end, weekly trips are made into the local communities to conduct work such as planting and tending vegetable gardens, setting up and maintaining recycling projects and decorating classrooms. Volunteers usually conduct this element of their work on a Friday and offer assistance to local schools, orphanages and an old people's home.

Other Activities

Other exciting activities in which volunteers may get the chance to participate include:

• game capture and translocation
• assisting the veterinarians in location and monitoring of injured animals and delivery of care during and after medical procedures
• sleep out on the reserve - weather and time permitting
• reserve orientation and guided walks
• snare finding walks
• night time anti-poaching patrols
• target shooting with an air rifle, .223 rifle or 12 gauge shotgun (additional cost)

Educational Lecture and Talks

Volunteers will have the chance to listen to some fascinating talks whilst on the reserve. These talks are delivered by experts in their fields and provide a fascinating insight into the work of the reserve and the environment in which the volunteers find themselves. Subjects include:

• Introduction to Wildlife Conservation in SA
• Wildlife Monitoring
• Understanding the principles of Eco Systems
• Animal Population Dynamics
• Capture Techniques and Relocation of Wildlife
• Use of Boma’s
• Stress Factors in Handling and Containment
• Animal Husbandry
• Veterinarian’s Role in Conservation
• Conservation of Flagship Species of Africa
• Biomes of the Eastern Cape
• Control of Alien Invasive Vegetation
• Medicinal Plants and Trees
• Wildlife Tracks and Signs
• Basic Wildlife Conservation, Ecology and Management Principles
• Astronomy
• Parasites and Disease in Nature
• Facilities and Drugs to Reduce Stress
• Introduction to Game Ranging
• Darting Techniques
• Animal Welfare in Relation to Capture and Containment
• Hand Rearing of Orphaned Animals
• Anti-poaching Methods
• Basic rifle handling

Free Time and Optional Excursions

Volunteer activities are generally scheduled between 08:00 and 17:00 Monday to friday. Occasionally additional volunteer activities will occur outside these times dependenet upon the needs and activities of the projects at the time. Local activities that volunteers may participate in outside of these times (at additional cost) include elephant back safaris, bungee jumping and surfing lessons. On the reserve, volunteers can just enjoye the beautiful surrounds and relax at the reserve or perhaps try their hand at shooting shotguns and .223 semi-automatic rifles (at additional cost). 

Group Experiences

Vet Eco Experience - this specialist course is offered for veterinary science and veterinary nurse students. The course focuses on ecological and other wildlife management issues beyond the scope of the volunteer project. Topical lectures are used to educate participants and the emphasis of these lectures can be adjusted to reflect the year of study of the group. Practical skill exposure is dependent upon the specific needs of the project at the time of the experience. The experience is usually run for 2 to 3 weeks.

Tailor Made - the reserve has had the pleasure of hosting a number of groups from schools, colleges and universities as well as Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme challenges. Experiences can offer exposure to a range of wildlife, conservation, community and sports focused themes. Interactions can be offered to suit specific needs or outcome based requirements of the group including identifying tracks and signs, basic bush craft and survival, animal management and team building tasks.

Support and Orientation

Support and advice is available from Amanzi Travel office staff and project/trip leaders. Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive pre-departure pack that provides all the details you will need to prepare for your trip to Africa.  This document includes information on accommodation, staff, visas, optional activities, packing checklist and medical advice and if you have any questions that are not answered in the pack we are always on hand to help and advise. We will do all we can to ensure that you are well prepared and looking forward to your trip to Africa. You will also receive an in country orientation on arrival.

A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency contact number is provided for everyone who travels with us.

Amanzi Travel holds an ATOL licence (9401) and is able to arrange your flights on request giving you financial protection for your flight and trip costs. We also offer advice on personal travel insurance for your trip.

Volunteer accommodation is situated in a purpose built centre. Volunteers stay in shared twin rooms. All of the twin rooms are equipped with an en suite bathroom which has a shower, toilet and basin. Each room also has a study desk and a communal safe for the room.

There is a separate canteen dining room area with a communal fridge and lounge, where volunteers like to socialise. The lounge is equipped with a TV and DVD player. Volunteers have access to a computer and interenet access can be purchased when available. A telephone is availabel which works with the World Call Card system (cards can be purchased at the Vodacom shop at Port Elizabeth airport and at most Post Offices including Peterson, the closest town). There is also a lecture room, where volunteers may enjoy some educational talks. Volunteers can relax on the end of the day in the swimming pool. There is a weekly laundry and room-cleaning service.

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day. These are either served at the facility or taken as pre-packed meals depending upon the scheduled activities for the day. Some specific dietary requirements can be catered for with advanced notice - please contact us with any specific requests. A cooked breakfast is served once a week, generally on a Friday. Volunteers can purchase cold drinks, snacks and other personal items and sundries from the store based at the local community on Fridays when the community outreach work is conducted.

Example menus:

• Breakfast: cereal, toast, muesli, yoghurt, muffins, toast or cooked breakfast
• Lunch: sandwich, wraps and potato salad, quiche and pasta salad or burger and chips
• Dinner: macaroni cheese with green salad, roasted chicken with vegetables, braai or potjie

 

South Africa

Why visit South Africa?

Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the hippos in the Limpopo River to the penguins waddling on the Cape, takes some beating. There’s the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers, iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point, Africa’s biggest game reserve - Kruger National Park - boasting the most mammal species of any game reserve, and the magnificent peaks and plunging valleys of the escarpment of Drakensberg.

Cape Town is widely described as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Some of its more famous landmarks include Table Mountain, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades), Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak, Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A combination of historical coastal charm and urbane sophistication, Cape Town has some of the finest beaches and is also the gateway to the lush Cape Winelands, famous for world-renowned wines. From here, it is an easy journey to the Whale Route, where Southern Right whales can be seen (June - November) and humpback whales, Bryde's whales, Minke whales and bottlenose dolpins can be viewed year round.

The Garden Route is renowned for its beaches, indigenous forests, nature reserves, lakes, mountain ranges, adventure opportunities and hiking trails. Plettenberg Bay is a relaxed beach paradise with spectacular walks and hikes where one can watch dolphins and whales on eco-marine cruises. With some of the world's finest beaches, the Eastern Cape's untouched and pristine coastline also has a rich social, cultural and political history. Port Elizabeth is the gateway to the Eastern Cape, and the perfect complement to the Garden Route. Cape St Francis is situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, in and around Africa's largest man made web of canals and waterways, and is renowned for its long, sandy beaches, surfing, rock fishing and tranquil lifestyle.

Kruger National Park is the flagship of South Africa's game reserves, offering an unrivalled wildlife experience over two million-hectares. Private concessions operating within and alongside Kruger National Park feature luxurious, exclusive game lodges with many exciting safari activities. Some of these lodges are unfenced, allowing for the free movement of wildlife. Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North West province, is one of South Africa's largest private Big Five game reserves and features numerous lodges and camps. The Waterberg area in the northwest is also malaria-free and is aptly named for its strong streams that flow even in dry seasons, making for excellent game viewing. Both reserves are great for those seeking an accessible malaria-free wilderness experience.

Durban is a sub-tropical city and the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal. It offers a unique mix of Zulu, Indian and colonial cultures. Visit the Anglo-Zulu battlefields, take a fascinating glimpse into Zulu culture, hike in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains, dive the reefs, marine and coastal reserves of Maputaland, as well as experience Big Five game reserves. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is renowned for saving the white rhino from the brink of extinction, and Phinda Private Game Reserve is well known for its award-winning lodges and conservation initiatives.

Johannesburg meaning "Place of Gold", is South Africa's economic powerhouse. This vibrant and cosmopolitan city is home to many attractions including the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, and also offers shopping from world-class to atmospheric curio markets. Known as the "Jacaranda City", the state capital of Pretoria features beautiful blossoming trees, significant old buildings and fascinating museums, including the Transvaal Museum, home of Mrs Ples, the australopithecine fossil found at the Cradle of Humankind.

Highlights of South Africa

• Breathtaking scenery, quaint coastal villages, cosmopolitan cities, wine routes and exclusive bush lodges.
• Exciting Big Five safaris in unspoilt wilderness areas.
• Malaria-free game viewing and sunshine all year round.
• See Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held in prison for 27 years.
• Go up Table Mountain by cable car for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful Cape Town.
• Whale watching and great white shark cage diving.
• Beautiful, pristine beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• The Cradle of Humankind: Sterkfontein is one of the world's most productive and important palaeoanthropological sites.

Climate

For Johannesburg:

Seasons	Max	Min
Summer (September - April)	25 °C	10 °C
Winter (May - August)	19 °C	4 °C
Rainfall: October to March, with November to January heaviest

South Africa has typical seasons of weather for the southern hemisphere, with the coldest days in July-August. The Benguela Current, a cold motion that moves from the lower South Atlantic Ocean, causes moderate temperatures on the West Coast. On the central plateau, which includes Free State and Gauteng provinces, the altitude keeps the average temperatures below 30 °C.In winter, also due to altitude, temperatures drop to freezing point, and in some places, even lower. Heavy snows have fallen recently for the first time in decades in Johannesburg. During winter, it is warmest in the coastal regions, especially on the Eastern Indian Ocean coast and Garden Route, where it has year round mild weather with occasional rain. As winter is cooler and drier, it is more suitable for hiking and outdoor pursuits, and is also a good time for game viewing as vegetation is less dense and thirsty animals congregate around rivers and other permanent water sources.

In summer, South Africa experiences the hottest temperatures and this is generally when most rain falls, October – March. However, there is one exception -  the Western Cape, which is a winter-rain area that enjoys a Mediterranean climate (average 26°C).

Christmas to mid-January, and Easter are the height of the peak season for visitors.
Autumn (April/May) and Spring (mid-Sept to November) are ideal almost everywhere.

Key Facts

Population – 50 million

Capital – Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
Currency – Rand (ZAR)

Official Language(s) – Afrikaans, English (South African English), Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Time difference – GMT +2 hours

Telephone – country code 27, international access code 00

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