South Africa

Sabbatical in the Big Five Reserve in South Africa

Camp Life
animals in the wild
Joint excursions

Spend your sabbatical in the middle of a wildlife reserve in South Africa and take the chance to experience numerous wild animals up close! During your work, you will observe the behavior of the different species on the game drives and collect important data that will be evaluated in the camp.

South Africa North

from years

2 - 12 weeks / from €1.690

Sunday

life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Project ID : SA-SÜ251

As a volunteer
South Africa

2 - 12 weeks / from €1.690
to the cost overview

Experience Big 5 up close

When volunteering in the field of wildlife and animal welfare, you should make sure that Welfare of the animal and the protection of species be the top priority for the project. With our magazine article We would like to give you not only an assistance on what you have to pay attention to the project choice. We also want to show you why Animal welfare in tourism and at all times important during a project assignment.

Discover savannah landscapes and biodiversity during your sabbatical in the wildlife reserve of South Africa. In addition to antelopes and hyenas, you have the chance to observe the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – in their natural habitat.

Unfortunately, many of these species are threatened with extinction due to poaching and habitat loss, and are on the Red List of Endangered Species. In this project, you dedicate yourself to the conservation of animals and can actively support the conservation of species and their habitat.

Important note about the project: Please note that direct contact with wildlife is not common. Only in extreme emergencies, such as injured animals, the veterinarians intervene.

Your sabbatical in the wildlife reserve in South Africa

Your assignment in the wildlife reserve

Your mission is in the middle of a Game Reserves in Northern South Africa. It is an 15.000 hectare protected area inland. In the partly mountainous savannah landscape there are numerous wild animals, among them lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, leopards and hyenas in their natural surroundings. Of the Wildlife conservation and the preservation of their natural habitats are the central concern of the wildlife project. By the Collecting data on the animals, by documenting and passing it on as well as maintaining the park area, you actively contribute to the preservation of the fascinating biodiversity on site. The project also attaches great importance to sustainability - for example, plastic and smoking are not allowed here.

Your tasks in the wildlife project

In the wildlife reserve, for example, collecting data on various animal species is one of your tasks. You will learn how to use a GPS device correctly. You'll take photos of animals for identification purposes, help clean up bushland and observe the behavior of the animals. You assist with the installation of camera traps, to monitor the rhino population and, for example, to identify potential poachers. It is also possible to be present at veterinary examinations.

Sometimes, in nice weather, so-called "Sleep outs" in the open air!

But there is also a lot to do in the base camp. Here, for example, you support that Evaluation and archiving of the collected data, Due to the detailed documentation, these can be used by researchers and scientists. But also in everyday work, such as cooking, washing and keeping clean your accommodation, you help.

Your everyday work on the reservation

Your typical working day differs depending on the area of responsibility you work in. A working day in the reservation is already beginning very early in the morning, because at sunrise between 5: 00 clock and 6: 00 clock starts the first game drive. At noon you return to the camp. In the afternoon, a second Game Drive starts. A day on which you work in the base camp starts a little later. Generally you have on Sunday free.

Accommodation Catering

all fotos

Farmhouse accommodation in South Africa

You'll feel right at home in the rustic farmhouse. There are two buildings with dormitories, each containing two to three beds with an associated bathroom. The house offers space for about ten volunteers, has a spacious kitchen, a dining room and a living room. The area around the house is fenced.

The accommodation is in the middle of the reserve. So it can happen again and again that wild animals roam outside the camp. The house is equipped with solar energy and ordinary electricity as well as WiFi. You can either wash your laundry here by hand or use the washing machine for 50 RAND (approx. 3 €) per load.

As volunteers, you prepare the meals together from a given menu. You will also help with tasks in the house, such as cleaning the rooms and common areas.

Once a week you can go into town with the others to do some shopping or to go out to eat in a restaurant.

Note: You can get a private room on request and at a small additional cost.

Location

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South Africa North

Your location for the wildlife protection project is in a contrasting landscape with exciting flora and fauna. In the middle of a reserve in northern South Africa, you are committed to protecting the local wild animals.

In addition to numerous animal species, you can also discover wonderful landscapes here. In the 15.000 hectare reserve you will find different forms of vegetation, different watercourses and of course a large variety of flora and fauna. Not only the legendary Big Five live here - you can also observe an impressive number of bird species here. During the project you live directly in the reserve, so your everyday life takes place between wide fields and animal sounds.

Animal lovers will certainly feel at home here. Have you always wanted to see the Big Five with your own eyes? Then this location is the perfect destination!

Your free time in the Kruger National Park

Your free time in North Africa

You should definitely use your free time on the project to explore the breathtaking nature right on your doorstep. There is an incredible amount to discover on the approximately 15 hectare site - you will find a wide variety of flora and fauna here, characterized by different forms of vegetation, different streams and a remarkable diversity of species.

In addition, the Kruger National Park is not far away, which stretches between the Crocodile River in the south and the Limpopo River in the north and, with an area of 20.000 km², is considered the largest nature and wildlife reserve in South Africa. In addition to the so-called "Big 5", you can see other exciting animals such as kudus, rhinos, crocodiles, wild dogs or cheetahs up close. This is an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life!

Another natural wonder not to be missed in the northern part of South Africa is the nearby Blyde River, the third largest canyon in the world. With its imposing green rock formations and numerous waterfalls, the gorge offers you some of the most spectacular panoramas in the country. Enjoy the breathtaking view from one of the vantage points and in some places even look as far as neighboring Mozambique.

The Blyde River is on the so-called Panorama Route, a 100 km long road that starts in Sabie and leads over the rugged mountain ranges of the Drakensberg. It has numerous highlights in store for you, such as the Gods Window, an impressive vantage point, or the Three Rondavels, a breathtaking rock formation.

Adventurer fans and nature lovers will definitely get their money's worth in the north of South Africa - if you want a little peace and quiet in the meantime, you can relax in the camp or browse in the in-house library. Let the evenings end comfortably with a meal together with the other volunteers and benefit from the intercultural exchange.

On-site procedure

Arrival in South Africa

For your journey to volunteer work or your internship abroad, you either fly to Johannesburg or Hoedspruit. Our team will pick you up at the airport or private transport will be organized for you. The transfer is included in the services. It takes about 6,5 hours to drive to the project site from Johannesburg and about 2 hours from Hoedspruit.

Orientation program in South Africa

After you have gotten to know the shared accommodation and your sleeping place, your introduction will start the next morning. But already on the day of arrival you get to know the team and get a tour of the Volunteer Home.

On Monday morning, all newcomers stay in the Volunteer House and receive a detailed introduction. You will be explained how everything works, what role the project plays for the reserve and what rules you have to follow on site. The introductory program will last about half a day so that work can start in the afternoon.

Your first day in the project

You start your work on the project together with the employees on site. You will spend a lot of time during your stay with the two contact persons Koos and Sabrina, as well as with the rest of the team. Because all team members take turns accompanying our volunteers in their daily work and helping out.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.690, -

2 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 550, - / week

up to 10 weeks respectively

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation at the job site

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Drinks

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

"Volunteer Teaching Focused" online TEFL/TESOL course

245 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course for volunteers
Intensive online TEFL/TESOL course (120h)

460 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course
Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

South Africa North Team
site

Your local contacts are the program director Chose and program manager Sabrina.

Koos has been working in the bush for more than 25 years and has been the project leader for several years. His profession is animal observation, wild animal capture, reserve maintenance, control of foreign plants and hikes in the bush. He is an expert in tracking and has a great passion for it.

Sabrina is originally from Milan, Italy. She played tennis to a high standard for 20 years and earned her degree in Tourism. After working in luxury hotels, she decided to fulfill her second lifelong dream: researching lions and working for conservation.

She joined the project as a volunteer in 2011/12 and literally fell in love with the lions and working with them. After returning to Italy, she worked for a few months and then traveled back to South Africa to complete her FGASA and become a Field Guide. She has been working as a ranger and local manager since September 2012.

Volunteers talk about their experiences Joint commitment - big impact!

Testimonials

Volunteer report from a national park in South Africa

My stay in the national park was simply a great experience. Although I have been on a few safaris before, the game drives here are something very special. You don't just drive up to the animals, take a photo of them, and then move on again.

19.03.2020

Susanne

More testimonials
Browse our magazine

RGV FAQ
to the project

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

What visa do I need for South Africa?

You can apply for a tourist visa for South Africa when you arrive at the airport. This is valid for 90 days.

What language skills do I need for the project in South Africa?

You definitely need good English skills for the project. An Afrikaans course is also recommended.

What vaccinations/ health precautions do I need?

If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you need a yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise there are no compulsory vaccinations.

We generally recommend a consultation in a practice for travel and tropical medicine.

You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.

What are the requirements for the animal welfare project?

There are no special requirements for participation. What is important is having fun working with animals and being interested in animal welfare. Good physical fitness is often an advantage.

What do I have to bring?

For this project, you should bring comfortable clothing that can get dirty and is easy to wash.

What do I have to consider as an LGBTQ person?

Please be aware that homosexual acts are considered undesirable in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and are even punishable by law in some places. In general, people who are identified as queer are often exposed to hostility.

For example, get information from Foreign Office about the exact regulations in your destination country.

General FAQ about sabbaticals

Ready to get involved as a volunteer in South Africa? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.