Info

Monitor animals like Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo, Wild Dogs and Cheetahs in a Game Reserve that is part of a World Heritage Site and situated in the heart of the beautiful and cultural KwaZulu Natal.

LOCATION:

Mkhuze Game Reserve is located in Northern KwaZulu Natal. This Reserve is one of the country's oldest and is a part of a World Heritage Site, the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park. This 40 000 hectare Reserve has an incredible diversity of natural habitats, from the eastern slopes of the Lebombo mountains along its eastern boundary, to broad stretches of acacia savannah, swamps and a variety of woodlands and riverine forest.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa an into Zulu culture.
► You'll learn a lot about genuine conservation of African Wildlife from experts in their field.
► 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!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

You'll work as the Director/team leader’s direct assistant, giving you great experience working with experienced staff in the Reserve. There are numerous exciting elements to this project and you'll be involved in a variety of tasks. Daily activities will include the tracking and locating of the following species: Wild dog, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and White and Black Rhino. This involves firstly locating the animal by means of radio telemetry, by tracking, or opportunistically. Then various important data is recorded, such as GPS location, composition, associations, behaviour and photographing for identifying individuals.

OTHER ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE (DEPENDING ON THE TIME OF YEAR):

► Capture, relocation and reintroduction of various species.
► Radio collaring of various species.
► Game counts.
► Alien plant control.
► Bird netting and ringing.
► Community conservation work.
► Helping with general camp maintenance.

A TYPICAL DAY WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THIS:

► Leave the camp between 5am - 6am to monitor the morning movements of the animals.
► Return to the camp at around 11am to grab some lunch, report the mornings data gathering, have a rest or go for a swim.
► Leave the camp at around 3pm to monitor the late afternoon and early evening movements of the animals.
► Return to the camp at around 7pm - 8pm to get some dinner and report the evenings data gathering and then off to bed for an early night, because of the early start in the morning

This is an incredibly worthwhile project to support – you'll assist with the collection of very valuable data and having your extra pair of hands on the project will speed up the process of data collection significantly. Apart from your valuable physical assistance, by doing this project you're also directly contributing toward the running costs of the project. Thus you'll be providing the project with essential assistance and funding, and ultimately contributing directly to the conservation and success of these endangered and priority species.

ACCOMMODATION:

You'll live in the Mkuze Game Reserve, in basic but comfortable staff quarters in a thatched house with other volunteers. The closest town to the camp is about a 40 minute drive. Transport will be provided into town about once every 2 weeks where you will be able to do a food shop and buy any luxuries you may want. The camp is supplied with permanent electricity and you may have access to the internet and TV.

The facilities include all the basics plus a swimming pool on site which you are permitted to use along with the lodge guests. Basic groceries are provided and you'll usually take it in turns to cook meals with the other volunteers.

ABOUT THE MKHUZE GAME RESERVE:

A rare type of sand forest occurs in the Reserve. Two beautiful pans, Nhlonhlela and Nsumo, lie in the north and east respectively, which hosts a number of animals such as hippo, crocodile, pinkbacked and white pelicans, as well as a number of ducks and geese. On the nearby Muzi Pans you can go for a canoe ride with a local community tour guide and see hippo, crocodile and various aquatic birds close-up.
Mkhuze Game Reserve constitutes the north western spur of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, the first declared World Heritage Site in South Africa. The Mkhuze River curves along the Reserve's northern and eastern borders with a fine stretch of fig forest along its banks. Fish eagles swoop over the pans, snatching prey spotted from their perches in the fever trees. Other animals to be found in the Reserve include black and white rhinoceros, elephant, giraffe, leopard, buffalo, nyala, blue wildebeest, warthog, impala, kudu and other smaller antelope. Rare species occurring are cheetah, hyena and suni.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

► 5-Day or 7-Day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: Taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
► Surfing Courses: In the buzz city of Durban.
► Paragliding Course: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.
► 5-Day Bush Survival Course: This is a fantastic experience and opportunity to see lots of wild animals in their native habitats in Game Reserves. You'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy learning some bush skills in the great outdoors!

You'll be in one of the Province’s main tourism regions and there's lots to do within a few hours' drive, including the town of St Lucia where there are beautiful beaches and lots of activities such as boat cruises, whale and turtle watching tours and beautiful beaches. You are also in close proximity to some of the best diving sites in Southern Africa including Mozambique and Sodwana Bay. A weekend trip to the city of Durban, the Battlefields, Swaziland or the Drakensberg Mountains also shouldn't be missed.
This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in South Africa. That way you’ll get a good knowledge of two or more very different regions of the country.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595

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!

If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

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

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1595 for three weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is 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.

Requirements

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.