Visit South Africa – a "Rainbow Nation" that combines modern culture with an ancient landscape that is simply breathtaking. South Africa has evolved over thousands of years to become the biologically and culturally diverse nation that it is today, and attracts thousands of visitors a year to its wide, sandy beaches and cosmopolitan cities, and of course the dramatic natural monument that is Table Mountain.
Rolling hills, flat grasslands, magnificent African bush and historical frontier architecture await you at this exclusive game reserve and wildlife sanctuary. The pristine bushveld and crystal clear blue skies combine to provide a magnificent setting to explore the magnificent Big Five wildlife and the intriguing history of this African paradise.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
You will be working within the game reserve five days a week from Monday – Friday. The game reserve is home to all of Africa's Big Five animals (the lion, the African Elephant, the Cape Buffalo, the leopard and the rhinoceros) as well as many others and you may get to help out with the reserve's animal rehabilitation work. The reserve's successful breeding and animal rearing programme often produces new born cubs from time to time!
Other work can include checking up on the lions or feeding and cleaning the elephants in the on-site elephant sanctuary. The reserve also runs luxury safaris and in the past some of the more experienced volunteers have been asked to help the professional game rangers run the upmarket tourist safaris. Who knows – you could be the next lucky one! Volunteers joining in the month of February may be involved in assisting in the annual game capture.
Your work will be hugely varied and may include such tasks as vegetation rehabilitation and the eradication of invasive plant species – invaluable for sustaining the endemic local flora and fauna. Fence patrolling is essential and needs to be carried out to check for wear and tear and to ensure the safety of the native wildlife.
Within the reserve you can visit an historic English frontier town, noted for its contribution to the development of agriculture in South Africa. Here you will find a post office and a modern convenience store. Excursions to Port Elizabeth, South Africa's second oldest city, are arranged every other weekend. Here you can enjoy sunbathing, surfing and swimming at the beautiful blue flag beaches such as George's and Humewood beach. In the evenings you can explore the exciting bars, clubs and restaurants of this vibrant city.