What is Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth all about?
Why choose this Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth project?
This programme is designed for volunteers interested in having a truly African experience, while making a difference in the local wildlife and environment. During your stay, you’ll act as an assistant conservationist, working to improve the quality of the reserve.
Role of the Big 5 volunteer
As a volunteer, you will be providing an essential extra pair of hands as there is always plenty to do on the reserve. Volunteers will work together in groups with an assigned leader to complete daily activities. Activities that you may be involved with include:
- Lion tracking and monitoring
- School feeding schemes (let us know if you are interested as spaces are limited)
- Wildlife structures
- Game count
- Game capture
- Removal of alien vegetation in and around the reserve
- Planting of indigenous trees
- Fauna and flora work in the nursery
- Wilderness trail walks and patrols
- Fence patrol
Activities vary on a day to day basis and will depend on the need at the time you will be there.
Skills Required to be a Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth
No specific skills are needed for this project, however, it is expected that volunteers will have a genuine interest in wildlife and conservation. Patience and flexibility are imperative, as this is a dynamic environment and project activities often change.
Travel during COVID times
The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!
RECRUITING NOW
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in South Africa?
About the location
Port Elizabeth is located on the southern tip of South Africa in an enchanting place known as the Eastern Cape. This location is home to the village of Sidbury that was built by British settlers to support sheep farming communities.
Accomodation
The game reserve is situated about 85 km from Port Elizabeth. The site offers a dormitory accommodation for volunteers where you’ll spend evenings with fellow volunteers sitting around the fireplace, visiting the entertainment room, or enjoying the amazing views. You can’t miss the reserve’s traditional African cuisine, served with a touch of spice.
What to do in your spare time?
Overall, the area has a past as rich as its abundant wildlife population. Port Elizabeth boasts a beautiful beach and a range of fun activities like hiking, bungee jumping, whale watching and watersports.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 2+ weeks
- Cost: £1128/$1760 for 2 weeks
£384/$600 for each week thereafter - Requirements: Age 16+
- Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Working hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 – 16:30
- Project availability: All year round
- Arrival day: Monday
What is included
- Accommodation: luxury single sex dorms, dining room, lounge outdoor braii (BBQ) and swimming pool (upgrades available for an extra fee)
- Food: 3 meals per day while on the reserve, soft drinks with meals
- Weekly laundry service (R60 per kilo)
- Scheduled airport pick up and drop off in Port Elizabeth.
- Training: pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction
- Cap and t-shirt
- Support: 24-hour support from on-site coordinator
- Scheduled weekend excursion to Port Elizabeth or Jeffreys Bay (accommodation in dorms & transportation is covered, extra costs are your responsibility).
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Activities on excursions and trips
- Food during weekend excursions
- Private weekend excursions
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Pictures from the Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth project
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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