This programme, based at one of the leading private research and breeding facilities for endangered species in Africa, gives volunteers the opportunity for some real hands-on experience in a facility which takes a modern approach to the breeding and maintenance of endangered indigenous species with particular emphasis on the cheetah. The endangered species centre is home to cheetah, wild dogs, black footed cats, african wild cats, ground horn bills and many other species. Volunteers to this project can help to build awareness of conservation in a broader global scale, participate in conserving the wildlife and experience the beauty and rich diversity of South Africa.
Duration & Fees
- £695 - 1 week
- £1,245 - 2 weeks
- £1,745 - 3 weeks
Start Dates
Start Dates 2012: 3 Jan | 31 Jan | 28 Feb | 27 Mar | 24 Apr | 22 May | 19 Jun | 17 Jul | 14 Aug | 11 Sep | 9 Oct | 6 Nov | 4 Dec
Please note: during the months of June, July and August we only accept 3 week bookings
Payment
£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment due 12 weeks before departure
What's Included
- A contribution to the project itself including funding for items such as animal food, animal medications etc
- Full orientation and support from the project managers
- Accommodation and meals
- Excursions and trips as detailed.
- Return Airport transfers on arrival and departure from Hoedspruit
What's not included
- Flights
- Travel Insurance (to include repatriation)
- Visa (if required)
- Personal items eg clothes, travel goods etc
- Use of internet and telephone
- Soft drinks, wines and spirits
- Trips undertaken other than in the planned itinerary
This project focuses on the breeding and maintenance of several endangered indigenous wildlife species in South Africa, in particular the Cheetah. Other species at the centre are wild dogs, black-footed cats, lions, African wild cats, hyena, ground horn bills, sable antelope and many more. This Centre which is established as the leading breeding facility and sanctuary for endangered species is based on a stunning game reserve near Hoedspruit and volunteers get involved in various aspects of animal rehabilitation at both the Sanctuary itself and the Game Reserve which is home to a diverser range of wildlif including the Big 5 - Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino.
The centre is extremely well run and the animals are so well looked after and cared for by the Wildlife Department - volunteers will not fail to be proud of being a part of this dedicated team and helping in their endevours. There is also an on-site veterinary clinic and observation area for sick and injured animals and volunteers may be involved in any medical attention that the animals might need in this facility when the vet is on site.
This programme will suit those who are looking to be involved in a hands-on project and must be eager to learn, participate and have some fun!
The three week programme is divided into three main sections: Participation, Conservation and Sight Seeing. Volunteers can also join for 1 and 2 weeks if they prefer.
Participation: Volunteers will be involved in the everyday care of the cheetahs - and other wildlife at the Centre - including cleaning, feeding and, when required, assisting with or observing any veterinary activities that may occur during their time at the project.
Conservation: Volunteers will learn the major aspects of conservation including specialist input on wildlife, grasses, trees and basic biodiversity.
Sight Seeing: Volunteers can then put what they have learned into practice through observations in the wild.
During their time at the project volunteers may expect to see and be involved in some of the following activities:
- Working with cheetah, wild dog, small spotted cats, African wild cats and more
- Preparation of animal food and feeding the animals
- Possibility of assisting in hand-rearing of animals
- Working with the wildlife vet ( darting, capturing and operating on animals)
- Local community involvement (e.g visiting schools in rural areas)
- Darting of wildlife and possible translocations
- Tranquilization of a cheetah for health examinations and possibly sampling of blood and other tissues to check for various diseases
- Tuberculosis testing in wildlife
- Lectures of darting equipment, drugs and safety
- Oestrus manipulation
- Hand rearing (previously an elephant, white rhino, zebra, vervet monkey and many tiny creatures)
- Wildlife casualties
- Post-mortems
- Collection of samples for genetics, blood parasite studies and ticks
- Work with exotic species such as frogs, snakes, birds
- Work together with the curators and the animals
Informal lectures will cover topics such as conservation, animal identification, plants and ecology, astronomy, survival, fire arm handling and safety, anti-poaching techniques, tracks and signs and reptiles.
Volunteers will have a chance to put what they have learnt into practice and experience the Africa bush doing some of the great activities below. These activities form part of your project itineary and are included however we cannot guarantee which activities you will do as it will depend on when you join and your duration of stay. For those volunteers joining for 3 weeks it is likely that you will have the opportunity to join all of these optional activities.
- Survival Day - Bush Experience with Trained Guide
- Boat Trip on Blyde Canyon River
- Full Day Trip to Kruger National Park
- Elephant Back Safari and Game Drive
- Full Day Panorama Scenic Tour - (Echo Caves; Three Rondavels; Bourke’s Luck Potholes; God’s Window; Graskop for lunch
- Sleep out under the stars
- Khamai Reptile Centre
Community work
Volunteers may get involved with less privileged communities and in particular the rural primary school which is located 25 kms from the Centre. School pupils have the opportunity to visit the Centre to learn more about endangered wildlife and volunteers will work with these pupils on a daily basis. Volunteers may also visit the school with much needed equipment.
Volunteers are accommodated in thatched huts - each sleeping two people - in a camp which is situated within the boundaries of a beautiful Private Game Reserve, which is home to the big 5. Accommodation is basic, but clean, and separate facilities are available for male and female volunteers.
There are handwash laundry facilities availalble in the camp and regular trips are made into Hoedspruit town (approximately 25 km) for supplies, banking and the use of internet facilities. Telephone facilities are available at a small charge. Sundays are free days to spend at your leisure and there are some exciting and fun things to do in the local area.
Three meals are prepared each day in the camp - a valuable team building experience. There is a well equiped kitchen with fridges as well as barbeque facilities and a lovely outdoor social eating area.
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
Thank you very much for everything! We never expected to get sooo close to all the animals in the centre, it was a really hands on and close up experience. Also the excursions were great! We saw a lot of the regions amazing landscape and an awesome sunset yesterday.
Annete and David, USA (Wildlife Conservation Centre Hoedspruit)