South Africa: Anti Rhino Poaching Project

Introduction

South Africa is home to several species under threat, like the critically endangered black rhinoceros and near threatened white rhinoceros. Our international conservation team in Karongwe private nature reserve, only an hour from Kruger National Park, works toward conserving the species found in the protected area by partnering with local and international organisations like the South African National, SAN Parks authority and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

This program gives volunteers the opportunity to learn about the global issue of poaching and how international and South African organisations are working on prevention. The focus specifically concerns the poaching of rhinoceros. Volunteers will attend lectures on the topic of poaching, the impact of losing important animals on the ecosystem, how anti-poaching efforts are set up and run which will be presented by a SAN Parks representative, and how fundraising initiatives are set up and run, as well as delivering environmental education workshops in the local community.

Daily Life

You will work closely with our Internship co-ordinator and attend anti-poaching awareness lectures. You will also assist with fundraising projects for rhino conservation.

It is important to note that you won’t take part in anti-poaching patrols due to the dangerous nature of the activity. You should expect to get involved in other conservation activities, like the monitoring of predators, assisting with habitat rehabilitation in the local area, and conservation awareness at local schools.

Most weekdays will be spent going on a safari conservation drive through the protected are. Each volunteer is assigned to specific duty on each drive. This might include using the telemetry equipment to track lions, cheetahs, and other predators, capturing the data noted on the drive, navigating through the reserve, or checking and tidying the vehicle.

You will head out on 1-2 drives a day, master radio telemetry techniques and learn to track animals through the bush; get acquainted with big game and all the main predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and rhino.

Travel & Accommodation

Accommodation & Food:

You will be living with the other volunteers in shared accommodation. You will  have a shared (same gender) room with an en-suite bathroom. Participants share all base duties, including cleaning the common area and the resource room and other daily chores.

All meals are provided on project and participants take it in turns to prepare meals for the group. Dinner might be anything from a traditional South African ‘potjie’ stew to pastas and stir frys.All dietary requirements can be accommodated.

Health & Hygiene:

The work we contribute to across the globe remains important and new measures allow our participants to continue to join our programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. Changes to our existing protocols have been made by our health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities. Please inquire for more information on the protocols.

Travel:

Local field staff are a great source of information for sightseeing activities. Weekends are free for you to explore the beautiful sight, the possibilities are endless! 

Requirements

• Minimum age 18
• Be keen and enthusiastic to get involved in the project
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Signed medical form
• Good English skills
• Necessary vaccinations
• Necessary flight & visas
• Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Placement Support Package.

Prices

• 1 week – £2,745
• 2 weeks – £3,145
• 4 weeks – £3,945
• 6 weeks – £4,795
• 8 weeks – £5,595
• 10 weeks – £6,445
• 12 weeks – £7,245

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 20% deposit.

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes;

• 24-hour emergency phone
• 24-hour in-country support
• Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
• Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
• All necessary project equipment and materials
• All necessary project training by experienced staff
• Location orientation
• Long term experienced staff
• Meals while on project
• Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
• Welcome meeting
• Online program training before program start date:
  • Pre-Departure Orientation (1 Hour)
  • Program Specific Training (1-5 Hours)
  • OPTIONAL: Wildlife Conservation Course (10-15 Hours)

What’s not included:

• Additional drinks and gratuities
• Extra local excursions
• Flights
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Medical and travel insurance
• Personal items and toiletries
• Police or background check
• Visa costs (where necessary)

Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.