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Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth

  • Conservation
  • South Africa
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  • Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth
Project Summary

What is Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth all about?

Volunteer in Port Elizabeth and work alongside South Africa’s Big 5: lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and leopard. This impressive game reserve is situated in the Eastern Cape (85km out of Port Elizabeth, towards Grahamstown) and spans almost 6000 hectares. In addition to the Big 5 roaming free, the reserve has a predator educational and rehabilitation centre, which houses endangered and orphaned predators, such as rare Bengal tigers, wild dogs, white lions and more. Volunteering on this project will allow you to make a difference in the lives and futures of South African animals through conservation efforts.


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.

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WHY JOIN THE PROJECT

To get up close to Africa’s Big 5

To assist with the protection of endangered animals

To experience life in Southern Africa

FEATURED VIDEO

PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Frazer’s Zimbabwe Experience
"I have had a very enjoyable experience working on the Kaya volunteer project at Bulawayo Rescue Sanctuary... During my time on this project I saw and took part in many activities and tasks... All these brought new experiences and great memories that I will have for the rest of my life... Traveling ...
Frazer W.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
Carwyn’s South Africa Experience
In the 2 weeks we had in the reserve we managed to get involved with a range of exciting and rewarding projects. These projects ranged from driving through the reserve taking a game count, looking out for new young or injured animals and preparing meals in the elephant sanctuary, to working with the ...
Carwyn J.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
Matteo’s South Africa Experience
"Travelling as a volunteer you can contribute by working on local problems, while as a tourist you are just a spectator." ...
Matteo B.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
Rebecca’s South Africa Experience
"You should sign up for a program with Kaya because it's an opportunity most people don't get. It is an experience I will never forget and definitely one of the best times of my life." ...
Rebecca D.
READ FULL EXPERIENCE
The Location

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: £1189/$1856 for 2 weeks
    £415/$648 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
Gallery

Pictures from the Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth project

Bathrooms Accommodation South Africa
Book Shelves Accommodation South Africa
Camp Fire area outside accommodation South Africa
Dining Area Accommodation South Africa
Volunteers getting on transfer bus Accommodation South Africa

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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