This conservation and rehabilitation farm, where you can already volunteer from a minimum of 1 week, is situated just 2 hours from coastal Port Elizabeth, the 5th largest city in South Africa, and only 20 kilometers from the historical Karoo village of Steytlerville. More specifically, it lies in between the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve and the Karoo Nature Reserve, which extends all the way to Cape Town.
The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is unlike most in South Africa or in the world as it boasts an unspoiled natural habitat for leopards, which is extremely rare. The main aim of the project is; to help nature restore itself and transform back to its original state. This is a very lengthy process and after decades of excessive maltreatment by farmers it can take many years for flora and fauna to re-establish itself.
The founders of this amazing project have worked at several different parks, including the Kruger National Park and Amakhala Private Game Reserve. Their main objective is to rehabilitate and conserve bordering farms. They both possess an immense passion for the big cats e.g. Cheetahs, Caracal, Lynxes and Leopards, and have been safeguarding their existence these last years. Currently they have four young animals, three domesticated and four wild Cheetahs in their care, which requires daily training to become independent and skilled hunters and eventually return to their natural habitat.
Besides the Cheetahs, the reserve offers a home to Giraffes, Zebras, Vervet Monkeys, Baboons, 350 different bird species and several types of buck e.g. Kudu, Nyala, Red Hartebeest, Springbuck, Duiker and Bushbuck. Furthermore the introduction of the Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino to the area is planned as well.
Your role as Volunteer
You will be with Jacques on a daily basis. Jacques is a qualified game ranger who works for Amakhala Private Game Reserve. His knowledge of the bush, the animals, and nature in general is immense as his experience working with animals in the wild is unmatched.
- Morning walks (with cheetahs as they hunt)
- General caring for lynxes, caracal, and cheetahs
- Cleaning and maintenance of reserve
- Building bridges
- Planting trees
- General care for the habitat of other animals (zebras, giraffes, etc.)
You will be living in the reserve itself. Your beautiful farmhouse offers two big living spaces, a spacious kitchen, two braai areas, a swimming pool, internet facilities, and a game room. You will share a bedroom with one or more volunteers, depending on how many are there at the time.
Costs
1 – 4 weeks: ZAR 4.000,- per week
All additional weeks are ZAR 3.600 per week.
Inclusive
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Daily supervision
Exclusive
- Transfer from Port Elizabeth airport to the project
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of the placement
- All flights
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
- Personal activities
- Visas
- Any excursions over and above the planned itinerary
Arrival Dates 2013
January: 7th, 14th, 28th
February: 11th, 25th
March: 11th, 25th
April: 8th, 22th
May: 6th, 20th
June: 10th, 24th
July: 8th, 22th
August: 12th, 26th
September: 9th, 23rd
October: 14th, 28th
November: 11th, 25th
Please read our terms and conditions to inform yourself about our booking procedures.
Kindly note that the prices and accommodation are subject to change based on date, availability and special requests.
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