Wildlife Conservation Expedition In South… (trip)
Wildlife Conservation Expedition In South Africa
- Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Volunteer Vacations
“The best thing about my trip was that I got to do something worthwhile every day and I got to… ”
| from $3,195* per person | 35 Days | Year-round |
| Basic accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Global Vision International | 18 people max | |
Get trained as a skilled volunteer to help conserve the wildlife of South Africa on this well established conservation program
Experience Africa’s large game such as lion, leopard, elephant and hyenas while gaining conservation and game reserve experience on this incredible wildlife research expedition based in two stunning locations of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Volunteers will learn to monitor wildlife using tracking skills and telemetry (for collared predators) developed on the week long training program. Volunteers may also possibly get involved with the darting and fitting of radio tracking collars to lions and leopards to further research work.Volunteers can also apply their new knowledge and enjoy the cooler air during satellite camps to some of the breathtaking mountain habitats participating in conservation and biodiversity studies. Volunteers will build upon their training, gaining knowledge and developing practical field skills throughout their time on the program ensuring a well rounded, education and rewarding wildlife volunteering experience deep in the African bush.
Loading map, please wait...
Locations visited/nearby
Karongwe Game Reserve , , Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve , Limpopo Province , South Africa , Johannesburg, South Africa
1 testimonial about this trip
-
Reviewer: Amy Dowson
located in
Australia
The best thing about my trip was that I got to do something worthwhile every day and I got to do it by being out in the elements with only nature to contend with. It was great to feel that I was contributing to something that will make a difference to the protection and sustainability of wildlife – and wildlife is my love – as opposed to spending my days making money for shareholders.
The other awesome aspect for me was that I learnt more tolerance towards people. I was worried that being together with a group 24/7 would do my head in but the opposite was the case. I learnt to appreciate people, all different types, and felt they appreciated me as well. I missed them greatly after the project.
3 testimonials about the provider, Global Vision International :
-
Reviewer: Carolyn
located in
United States
I've been to Guatemala 3 times now, with GVI--and I'll go back. I've tutored English, taught Fifth graders in Spanish, and built stoves. Each volunteer stint has been amazing. I entered in to worlds so different from mine at home. The children, the families, the host families, the other volunteers were all amazing each time I have gone. Everyone gives their all, works and plays together. I'm over 60 and though most of the volunteers are a lot younger, the sense of community was great. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a meaningful way to dig in deep and give, while gaining so much more than you give. Can't wait to go again and see the kids in the schools, the families, GVI staff, and meet a new group of volunteers.
-
Reviewer: Haley
located in
United Kingdom
I can't believe it's been a month since I returned from my 10 weeks in South Africa. I had the most incredible time working at the Ikhayalethemba Sanctuary and can't wait to go back! The children are incredible, and I can't even begin to explain how amazing the program was. I spent my entire year volunteering around the world. I was initially working with a different program which was very cheap and it showed. I didn't realize until I started with GVI how much I was missing in my other programs. While GVI does initially seem a little pricey, you really see where your money goes. I wouldn't have it spent any other way. I felt so safe, happy, and stress-free during my entire 10 months in Cape Town. Unfortunately, all volunteer programs don't have that luxury. So, I just want to thank GVI for asking for the money necessary to do the amazing things they are doing for our world and for the people who want to volunteer to make it better! I can't wait to be a part of it again very soon!
-
Reviewer: Lisa
located in
United States
Volunteering with GVI was definitely one of the most incredible experiences of my life! I spent 10 weeks doing the Wildlife and Community Expedition in Kenya, and loved every bit of it! Before I left, the staff were very helpful over the phone and by email, and were quick to reply to any questions or concerns I had. Once I arrived in Kenya, the staff there were also super friendly and knowledgable, and really played a big part in making this whole experience wonderful. We got great training and I always felt confident going into the field. It didn't take long before the small village of Shimoni felt like home, with the kids greeting you with "Jambo!" and high-fives every time you went by. From teaching english at the primary schools and singing songs with fifty kindergarteners to teaching chicken farming to ex-poachers in Tsavo, every bit of the work we did was rewarding. Snorkelling the beautiful reefs of the Kisite-Mpunguti marine park was absolutely incredible and seeing a pod of bottle nose dolphins was always exciting. Days in the forest could be tough, but no day was ever boring, and you could always feel like you accomplished a lot at the end of the day. I really feel that GVI is making a difference in Shimoni and Mkwiro, and would do the expedition again without hesitation. I definitely recommend this project for anyone looking for an adventure and an amazing experience!
Itinerary
What Difference Does This Expedition Make?
Volunteers collect vital behavioral data on reintroduced predators and larger herbivore on reserves where they do not have the manpower, time or resources to carry out intensive monitoring. GVI spends up to 12 hours a day following large predators such as lions, leopards and cheetah to determine their feeding ecology spatial use, competition and behavior. The information gathered is used to give an accurate picture of the predators impact on prey populations, determine social structure, genetics, and spatial movement. This vital information helps maintain a healthy balance of these natural resources and ultimately conserve some of Africa’s natural heritage bioregions
Highlights
Experiencing a unique African bush adventure at the heart of a spectacular game reserve; mastering radio telemetry techniques and learning to track animals through the bush; getting acquainted with big game and all the main predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and rhino; exploring nearby regions to experience such breathtaking views as from the Blyde River Canyon in the Drakensberg Mountains; living and working alongside FGASA qualified South African Guides getting constant learning and inspiration; having the chance to sleep out in the bush under the spectacular African stars and wake up to a beautiful sunrise.
Skills And Qualifications Received
Mammal Introduction and Herbivore Identification, Survey Skills – Radio Telemetry; GPS use, Field Guide’s Reptile Course, First Aid & CPR training (certification optional), Individual Predator Ecology and behavior, Wildlife Management, Basic wildlife diseases, Large herbivore ecology and behavior, Basic animal tracks and sign skills, Basic Field Guide skills, Biodiversity survey techniques (Small mammal trapping, Invertebrate surveys), Field Safety – Radio use, Emergency Action Plan implementation and drills.Location
The Karongwe Game Reserve (KGR) and Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve (VLNR) are situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, approximately 500km northeast of Johannesburg. These areas are true ‘Big Five’ (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos) territories and reveal the African bush at its best, being the home to such majestic predators. Volunteers will be allocated their base upon arrival in country, and those on ten-week expeditions will get the opportunity to experience two of South Africa’s finest reserves: Karongwe and Venetia, spending five weeks in each location.Field Conditions
Volunteers live in an old farm house on Karongwe, and in a stunning permanent tented camp at Venetia, both situated deep within the reserves, which contain dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, bathrooms, a kitchen and an outside area. There is very limited hot water and showers will normally be cold.While on the mountain phase, volunteers live in a cozy cottage in the mountains, on the edge of plantations. It too includes dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, including a bathroom, kitchen and sitting room, and has occasional hot water and limited solar electricity.
More information from Global Vision International :
- View trip on provider's website
www.gviusa.com/programs/wildlife-research-south-africa-expedi… - Company profile, experience, and history
- View all of their trips
- Email this trip page to a friend
-
Comments from Facebook