South
Africa is proud of its rich, natural heritage, and
protects it with many national parks and natural reserves.
On the Volunteer in South Africa program you will
work hands on with many of South Africa’s animals.
From working with baby cheetahs, to monkeys, horses,
reptiles---we have a project for you.
Eligibility:
At
least 18 years old
Eligible
to receive a tourist visa to South Africa [return
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Location:
We have a list of projects available
in and around Kruger National Park area.
Length
of program:
Most programs have a minimum of either 2 or 4 weeks.
You can stay up to 3 months.
Start dates:
The following start dates are for all programs, except
Lion Tracking & Monitoring and Cheetah & Endangered.
Feb. 1, March 1, March 29, May 3, May 31, June 28, Aug
2, Aug. 30, Sept 27, Nov 1, Nov 29
Lion
Tracking & Monitoring:
Feb. 26, April 2, April 30, May 28, July 2, July 30,
Aug. 27, Oct 1, Oct 29, Nov 26
Cheetah
project:
Feb. 25, March 25, April 22, May 20, June 17, July 15,
Aug. 12, Sept 9, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2
[return to top]
What
you get:
Accommodations:
Sleeping
accommodations during the work experience are in typical
South African lodges: thatched log cabins, bamboo huts,
or camping and sleeping around the campfire under the
stars. [return
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Meals:
All food is included in your program fees, though many
volunteers might need to help prepare meals. We welcome
all vegetarians, vegans and any other special dietary
requirements. However, there maybe occasions that you
will have to supplement your meals. If you are staying
overnight at an Airport Lodge/Hotel facility you may
need to buy your own meals. [return
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Visa
Documentation:
Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. If
you are interested in a longer program, we will assist
you in applying for a visa extension. We recommend checking
with your local South African Consulate for the most
up to date visa information.
Volunteer
Projects: All of our projects are located in or
close to the Kruger National Park. Below are samples
of the kinds of projects we offer. If you are interested
in volunteering in an area you don’t see below,
please consult your AAG coordinator. We do our best
to accommodate all requests. [return
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African
Reptile Park
Through the years the African Reptile Park has proved
itself as a center for research, education and development.
The Park has a variety of animals on display both
indigenous and exotic. The Park is open to the public
and plays a very important educational role to all
age groups.
more details
Big 5 Park
The "Big 5" of the African savanna are the
Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and Buffalo.
Volunteers may participate in lectures, wildlife and
game management, ecological monitoring programs, reserve
management tasks, and guest relations. more
details
Cheetah
& Endangered Wildlife Conservation Project
The Cheetah & Endangered Wildlife Conservation
Project is a course based on gaining valuable knowledge
and experience in a variety of topics, the main focus
being conservation. The course is also combined with
excellent tourism activities to give you a memorable
experience to take home. more
details [return
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Field
Guide Course
This training course is ideal for prospective field
guides or anyone with a genuine love for the bush.
The syllabus is set by the FGASA (Field Guide Association
of South Africa) and the subjects covered range from
astronomy, geology, fauna flora, theoretical firearm
training, and bird and tree identification. Students
also complete a first aid course (1&2) for which
they receive a valid and recognized certificate. more
details
Conservation
Study & Horse Safari
The emphasis on this project is to offer you a unique
bush experience through horse back riding, walking
and driving, where attention is paid not only to the
animals, but also to all aspects of local ecology.
You will spend part of your time assisting with the
care and welfare of the horses, and part of your time
in the bush. more
details
Horse
Rehab
The Horse Rehab Program gives volunteers the opportunity
to train and work with horses in a pristine environment.
Our aim is to involve volunteers with the daily routine
in the life of a horse trainer!more
details [return
to top]
Leopard
Research Project
This project strives to study Leopards and monitor
how well they breed. Volunteers will work in Thornybush
Game Reserve and Drakensburg Escarpment, locating,
identifying, and observing leopards. more
details
Lion
Tracking & Monitoring
If experiencing wildlife up close and personal is
your dream then this is the perfect reserve, and program.
Forward thinking landowners and managers need volunteers
to assist in the monitoring and research of Lions.
more
details
Monkey
Rehab Sanctuary
The project leaders for this program, the “Vervet
Monkey Specialists”, are approved by the South
African government and have been involved in primate
rehabilitation since 1992. This is not just a rehabilitation
center for monkeys, but for other animal and bird
species. Any injured or orphaned animal will get treated
at the center and when it is healed or big enough,
and with the help of volunteers, it is released back
into its natural habitat. No animals are kept for
display. more
details [return
to top]
Private
Game Farm
Since it is an open ecological system for many square
kilometers with no internal fences, the project does
not have any animals in camps, cages or captivity
– therefore it is not a “hands on with
animals” project. Animals are seen and enjoyed
in their wild and free state. Join a course in Management
of a Game Farm and Nature Reserve or a Game Rangers
course. more
details
Safari
Farm
The game farm offers a magnificent combination of
contrasting landscapes and natural beauty to enrich
your experience. It is a family-run safari operated
by enthusiastic, knowledgeable ecologists and conservationists
offering a unique insight into the African heritage.
Volunteers will assist with general Safari farm duties
that may include planning guest’s itineraries,
assisting with game walks, and general maintenance.
more
details
Wildlife
Rehabilitation Center
Almost every animal in Africa may be admitted to the
rehabilitation center. The species and number of animals
are constantly fluctuating, making this one of the
most exciting projects to volunteer at. You will gain
insight on animal diseases, animal sounds, variety
of plant species, and animal habits. more
details [return
to top]
prices are subject to changes
prices do not include: airfare, visa fees
and personal expenses
Funding
your experience:
For many, the most difficult part of embarking
on an international journey is being able to fund
your experience abroad. Luckily, there are many
organizations and individuals out there who are
happy to donate money to a good cause, like yours.
learn
more
