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The Project
Volunteer in Africa and work on an incredible research and conservation project in the heart of the Kwazulu-Natal district, on South Africa’s East Coast. Working in conjunction with the University of Natal and the Wildlands Conservation Trust as well as a number of other conservation and wildlife agencies, this project centres around research initiatives on, amongst others, some of Africa’s most endangered species. The project works to monitor the elephant, cheetah, lion, leopard and black rhino populations within a Private Game Reserve and is committed to gathering data to support the long-term objectives of the Reserve’s Foundation. The main focus of this project is to monitor the elephant and endangered Rhino populations of the reserve.
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Why the project needs you
It is a sad fact that the black rhino population in Africa has dramatically decreased over the last 40 years due to detrimental hunting and poaching practices taking the population of Black Rhinos from 100,000 in 1960, down to less than 3,500 today. Due to recent conservation efforts however, this number is very slowly on the increase and the Game Reserve introduced Black Rhino into the park in 2009 to increase this effort. Their movements locally are tracked by the anti-poaching team and your time as a volunteer will be spent with a guide helping them to capture information on the movements of the rhino, their habits and also to help in monitoring their basic health. You may also be involved in the removal of snares, which pose a real and dangerous threat to the animals.
Monitoring and protecting elephants in the park, which is helping to support the natural migration of these wonderful animals is important. Conflict with humans is a pertinent issue and a threat to elephants in the region. Understanding how to mitigate this conflict stems primarily from getting to know the ecology of the species within the park. Your collection of data concerning the park’s elephant population will be used by the Reserve’s Foundation to help secure a positive and long lasting future for elephants and to help sustain the beauty and ecological integrity of their home lands. Volunteers are needed to spend time in the field, gathering and analysing data which will then be shared with the relevant researchers, institutions and authorities.
Project Location
You will be based in a beautiful Private Game Reserve on the North East Coast of South Africa approximately one and a half hours away from St Lucia. The reserve is home to all of the Big 5 as well as 14,000 hectares of breathtaking Africa bush so there will be lots for you to explore every single day of your project. The award winning reserve is in northern Zululand and, as you’ll be living within the reserve, there will be plenty of opportunities to see lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, black and white rhinos as well as over 400 species of birds.
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Project Facts
• Duration: 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks
• Cost: £1255 ($2196) for 2 weeks £245 ($429) for every extra week
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
• Project activities: Research, data capture, monitoring wildlife, snare sweeps, conservation work
• Working hours: Monday - Friday; 8.00 - 17.00
• Project availability: Project runs every other week, contact our advisors by sending an email to info@kayavolunteer.com to find out the exact dates.
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What is included
• Accommodation: Shared twin cabins within the Game Reserve
• Food: 3 meals per day
• Airport pick up and drop off on Sundays only
• Weekly laundry service
• Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction
• Daily transfers to and from your project.
• Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator.
• Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra)
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What is not included
• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Police background check: US and UK citizens processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
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Role of the volunteer
As a volunteer, living and working in the heart of a Big 5 Game Reserve, you will be actively involved in carrying out research on the population of Black Rhinos and elephants within the park, as well as analysing data captured from a number of other types of wildlife. You will be involved in monitoring the night time movements of the rhinos as well as the day time behaviours of a newly introduced herd of elephants. You will also help in conservation initiatives looking at topics such as soil erosion and plant control. In 2011, a new herd of elephants were released into the park, so you will play an integral role in monitoring their behaviour, feeding patterns and movements.
Volunteers will also spend time collating and recording research data on a particular pride of lions, which will mean time in the bush, observing hunting practices as well as noting the social, breeding and territorial behaviour at five different times of day and night. Other duties involve conducting snare sweeps, physical work to help regenerate the bush from reclaimed farmland, as well as contributing to the long term strategy of removing alien plants from the park.
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Skills Required
You must have a genuine love and concern for animals and the environment and be able to work as part of a team. Due to the physical nature of the work and the days spent on your feet in the park, a good level of fitness is required. An enthusiasm, openness and the ability to be flexible and cooperative is vital for your time volunteering and any prior research, knowledge and experience in African wildlife is helpful, but not necessary.
For this project a police check is required for all participants. For US and UK citizens, the check can be carried out through Kaya for a processing fee of £20/$20. For all other nationalities, you will need to arrange a police check from your home country at your own expense.
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Your life outside the project
You time will be mainly spent in the reserve as there is so much to see and do while you are on your project - with over 14,000 hectares, you won’t be disappointed! Should you wish to venture further afield at weekends, there are a number of activities that our colleagues in Africa can help to arrange for you. These include: weekend trips to swim with dolphins in Mozambique, a trip to see the beautiful and rugged scenery of Swaziland to experience the country’s cultural heritage, game drives to the Tembe Elephant park – home to the largest Tuskers in South Africa, boat trips on the Kosi Bay Lake to see ancient fish traps and to snorkel in the estuary’s mouth, alternate weekend trips to the seaside town of St Lucia to go whale watching (seasonal), relax on the beach or take a boat ride to see hippos and crocodiles up close.
Many volunteer opt to have at least one weekend exploring the town of St Lucia, a charming waterfront town on the east coast of South Africa, situated at the entrance to a world-renowned wetlands park and famous for its wildlife and fishing. The town has a laid-back atmosphere and development is restricted by the tree-canopy - it is not unusual to see monkeys and various antelope in the streets. It is an emerging tourist destination and you can find restaurants, craft shops and supermarkets in the town, enough to satisfy your weekend’s needs.
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Ideas for Independent Travel
Kruger National Park
This is South Africa's largest game reserve and one of the oldest in Africa. The park is now part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The best time to go is during the dry season (May - September) when the plains are sparse and animals are easier to view.
Drakensburg Mountains
The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site.
The Zulu people named it 'Ukhahlamba' and the Dutch Voortrekkers 'The Dragon Mountain'. The Drakensberg Mountains, with their awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, form a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho.
There are so many ways to explore these mountains, you may choose to try sheer rock or ice- climbing - or you may prefer the adrenaline rush provided by abseiling, white water rafting or taking a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.
Surfing in South Africa
South Africa is renowned around the world for it's many surfing hotspots due to the mix of beautiful coastal scenery and high quality surf. There is a strong surfing culture and way of life that is very contagious due to the friendly people and their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Whether you are a novice or more experienced you will love surfing in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride and for the renowned blue flag beaches.
Project Quality
Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers stay in a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.
In-Country Coordinators
Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.
24/7 Emergency Support
As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.
Kaya Help-desk
Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.
Briefing Pack & Materials
Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.
Airport Pickup
When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.
Cultural Excursions
Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.
Arrival Orientation
Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.
Funding for Individual Projects
If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.
Local Community Benefits
Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.
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