Field report from the Big Five Wildlife Reserve in South Africa

The daily routine in the Big Five project

The day starts around 8:10 am. Our volunteer supervisor Jarrett is waiting for us at the open jeep, which takes us through the area. In the morning we do the main work: Planting new plants, cutting invasive plants from other parts of the world with machetes and pruning shears, clearing the roads of bushes, setting up camera traps, etc. Each volunteer receives a field sheet detailing every encounter with elephants, rhinos and lions is recorded to document their activities, movement patterns and feeding behavior.

At noon we return to the Volunteer House for lunch. After a break, the whole afternoon is available for a game drive (off-road driving). Jarrett makes sure volunteering makes a difference and brings joy to everyone. He is a conservationist and knows a lot about the BIG Five, other animals like wildebeest, giraffes, antelopes, birds and plants.

As soon as we see something new, he stops the jeep and lets the volunteers share his knowledge. If there is the possibility to drive, we always go to the farm school on Wednesdays, where we teach the students our own knowledge or renovate the school.

Support of a soup kitchen

In the afternoon we support a soup kitchen where children from poor backgrounds receive a meal and the attention of the volunteers. We paint with the children, throw the rugby ball and play "man and lion". The children are incredibly grateful for the time you spend with them.

In the midst of natural habitats

In front of the volunteer house there is a tree house from which you can watch the warthogs going about their business. Sometimes the elephants come right in front of the house to eat from the trees...

Dedicated colleagues and great leisure activities

Jarrett is also happy to advise and organize the weekend activities, for which transport always has to be ordered. He always has good ideas and is very committed. Nomelia does the laundry every day and the house is cleaned on Mondays.

Mobile by taxi

It's mostly the same drivers from the only taxi company that's allowed on the premises: They know their way around and are also very nice.

Conclusion: Big Five project to be recommended!

I can recommend the voluntary service to all young people who have a great desire to see the animal world and support species protection and who want to learn a lot about it.

Report from the Big Five Wildlife Reserve in South Africa by Christian S, 22.08.16