Program Photos

Cheetah and Predator Conservation in Northern South Africa

Location: South Africa

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Trimester, Academic Year, Throughout the year, May Term

Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad), 7-12 months (includes high school academic year abroad)

Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Travellers Worldwide

http://www.travellersworldwide.com

Suite 2A, Caravelle House 17/19 Goring Road Worthing, West Sussex BN12 4AP England

Call Us

Phone: 0044 (0)1903 502 595 / 0845 3 447 585

Fax: 0044 (0)1903 708179

Description

Help conserve Cheetahs and other predators in their natural environment. You'll live on a Game Reserve in South Africa, in a fantastic bush camp where you get up close and personal with the animals. So if you want to make a difference to the indigenous wildlife of South Africa, this is the placement for you!

You'll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the magnificent African drama from the inside. You'll be involved with tracking, monitoring and researching the amazing Cheetah (did you know they run at 70 mph? That's fast!) You'll also be involved in night safaris, Reserve management and conservation efforts of a number of other, different species.

This project is based on a Game Reserve in the Limpopo province, in Northern South Africa. The reserve has 18,000 acres, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to see some or all of the great variety of species living on the Reserve: Giraffe, Cheetah, Eland, Buffalo, Leopard, Roan, Kudu, Hyena, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Gemsbok, Sable, Impala, Duiker, Steenbok, Wild Dog, Aardwolf, Serval, Caracal, Black-backed Jackal, and Bat-eared Fox!

This project was started to specifically find a solution to Cheetah/Farmer conflict, to demonstrate that Cheetahs could be sustainable through tourism rather than by hunting and killing them. This idea has now expanded to include a very successful Predator Conservation project which conserves and sustains all the large predators on the reserve.

You'll have the opportunity to learn a great deal. You'll be given training in how to practically assist and will work closely with the field staff to really make a difference. The main aspects of the project include tracking and monitoring predators, researching and collecting data, and assisting on the Roan and Sable breeding project, You'll also research and monitor Buffalo habituation. You'll experience night safaris (an unbelievable experience!) and will work in the bush almost every day of the project.

This is a superb project. You'll not only witness some extraordinary sights, but learn a great deal about African Wildlife and make a difference in the process! Volunteers help on the working Reserve, so you'll get the chance to experience 'real' Africa through important wildlife conservation. This project is leading the way in finding new approaches to solving the farmer / predator conflict.

You can expect to help in some or all of the following areas:

Cheetah and Predator tracking and monitoring (the majority of the cheetah and hyena tracking is done on foot)
Reserve Management
Fence Checks
Anti-poaching initiatives
Game capture (seasonal)
Relocation projects
Assisting on the Roan and Sable breeding project
Wildlife habituation

As a working reserve, plans and schedules can change when the unexpected happens, but generally a typical day would be something like this:

6am - Breakfast
6.30am - Reserve management
10.30am - Cheetah Tracking
12pm - Lunch
3pm - Buffalo tracking/habituation
5pm - Hyena tracking
6pm - Head back to camp
7pm - Dinner

You'll also have the opportunity to be involved in up to 3 spectacular night drives per week. You'll work Monday - Saturday, with Saturday being a half-day. The work you do and the data you collect will contribute to best practice of running a sustainable Game Reserve and will also be used to inform others of sustainable conservation practices for the various different species. You'll be guided and the work you do will be challenging, but determined by your abilities.

You may also be interested in our fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in a game capture. This once-only project runs from 13th May 2011 to 10th June. During that time you'll assist with the capture of Buffalo, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Kudu, Eland, Zebra, Roan, Sable and Tesesebe.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

*An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
*The enormous satisfaction of helping conserving animals in their natural environment and knowing that you made a difference to them.
*New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
*An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
*And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Type of Programs
  • Community Service / Volunteerism
  • Cultural Exploration

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

Dependent on length of project but start at 1,645

Cost Include Description:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • animal welfare
  • conservation
  • wildlife surveying
Typical Volunteer
This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.
Age Range
17 - 70+
This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Group living
  • Other

Participants Travel to South Africa

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Resume
  • Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
within 5 working days
Post Services Include
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
  • Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995

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