Program Photos
Monitor African Wildlife in the Greater Kruger Park
Location: South Africa: Mpumalanga
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Available throughout the year
AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa
PO Box 60573 Table View Cape Town, Western Cape 7439 South Africa
Call Us
Phone: +27 (0) 21-557 4312
Fax: +27 (0) 86-634 2063
Description
Encounter lions, elephant, rhino, hyena, giraffe and much more on this exciting conservation project within the Greater Kruger Park.
As a Balule Conservation Volunteer you will be assisting with a wide range of tasks including:
* Wildlife Data Capture - Join regular morning and evening game drives to capture data on wild animals
* Vegetation Data Capture - Conduct canopy, basal cover, and Elephant damage surveys on foot in predetermined monitoring sites.
You will stay at an isolated rustic open bush camp deep within the Balule Game Reserve. The camp is open on all sides so animal movement is not restricted in any way!
A game viewing deck towers 12m above the camp and offers uninterrupted views across the reserve. This also provides a safe recreational environment away from any wildlife that may approach or enter the camp. An open camp fire forms a popular focal point for meals and catching up on the day's activities. The evenings are filled with the sounds of the African bush, and it is not unusual to hear lions roaring, hyenas whooping or jackals calling during the night.
Highlights
Volunteer Testimonial
Nicola Williams - 27 from the UK
"There are many things that I will miss about Balule and Paradise Camp, that will forever stick in my mind such as hearing the leopards and lions calling whilst we sat around the camp fire, the spectacular storms, the millions of stars on a clear night, the wildlife and of course my baby squirrel. But what will really last a lifetime is the education provided by Spencer, Fox and John, and the dedication they offer to keeping wild areas wild protecting the creatures that live there. Sadly man can destroy an area in a matter of days but to conserve, it takes lifetimes. Thankfully there are people like Craig Spencer, Craig Fox and John Slabberg doing such work. Thank you guys for an unforgettable three weeks"
Qualifications
- No previous experience is required.
- This project is open to all international volunteers aged 12 years or older on arrival.
- Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult guardian, which makes this an ideal project for families looking to introduce their children to African wildlife (at a fraction of the cost of staying at a commercial game lodge!)
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
From USD 515 per week
Cost Include Description:
* Transfers between Houdspruit and Balule - There will be someone to welcome you when you arrive!
* A welcome brief and introduction with a member of the on-site project team.
* Accommodation at Balule for the duration of your stay.
* All meals during your project.
* An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to the Balule Conservation Project.
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- Animal Welfare
- Conservation
- Eco-tourism
- Environment
- Grassroots Organization
- Parks
- Research
- Tourism
- Volunteering
- Wildlife Surveying
Typical Volunteer
Volunteering is for everyone - Although more than 70% of our volunteers are females aged between 16-25 years old, we have hosted volunteers of all ages (16 - 72 years), backgrounds and nationalities. These include students, career gappers, retirees, doctors, nurses, policewomen, teachers, social workers, vets, pilots, lawyers and just about any career or profession you can imagine.Age Range
12+This Program is open to
Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Group living
- Other
Participants Travel to South Africa
Independently or in Groups
Application Process Involves
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time is
1 working dayAVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement
AVIVA offers international volunteers the chance to make a vital contribution to underprivileged children and endangered wildlife while having a hands-on, life changing experience in South Africa.
Year Founded
2002
