Volunteer in Private Game Farm Project

PRIVATE GAME FARM (South Africa)

This project is situated in the Lowveld of the Limpopo Province of South Africa near Hoedspruit, and adjacent to the world renowned Kruger National Park. They form part of a Private Nature Reserve, 65000 hectares in size.

With no substantial fences between the project and Kruger National Park, no internal fences within the reserve and no animals in camps and cages (captivity), this project offers volunteers an unmatched stay in an open ecological system called the Greater Kruger Park - over 2 million hectares. Here the indigenous Flora enjoys maximum protection and wild animals migrate freely between the Private Game Farm Project and Kruger National Park. This is not a man created Big 5 area. It is the largest of the few areas in South Africa that is still wilderness, as it was from the day of creation.

Our Reserve is a natural Big 5 (Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard) reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park and therefore has most of the herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, reptiles, snakes, primates, smaller cats, eagles, vultures, birds, insects and their relatives that you find in Kruger National Park, roaming freely on the Reserve. During walks and drive, you’ll almost always see animals.

Goal of project/ how volunteer can contribute

With their mission statement “CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION”, emphasis is on education rather than volunteer work. The training program and study course at this project has been designed to bring students into close contact with nature, wildlife and conservation; encourage eco-friendly utilization of South Africa's nature and wilderness resources; and point out ways and methods to generate revenue to be re-invested into conservation and preservation.

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Volunteer Responsibilities

If you are interested in learning more about the function of a Private Game Reserve and to be trained in the management of such a reserve, then this is the right place for you. Volunteers are taken “behind the scenes”, and are taught how to build your own game farm, the principles of wild life management, conservation and preservation of the eco system.

It is not all academics – you will play the role of and learn about the function of the classic African Game Ranger, plus have ample opportunities to apply the theory you’ve learned, while doing Game Reserve maintenance and improve on conservation techniques at the project. Emphasis is education rather than volunteer work. Conservation work carried out on the farm by students / volunteers normally takes up to 2 hours of the daily schedule. The work activities include erosion control, antipoaching, road maintenance, specie counts, alien plant control and fence maintenance. Lectures have been simplified into “easy to understand” practical subjects and lectures in order that volunteers can apply the knowledge immediately to his / her assignment or bush experience. This training programme and study course has been designed to bring the student in close contact with nature, wildlife and conservation; encourage eco-friendly utilization of South Africa’s nature and wildlife resources; and point out ways and methods to generate revenue to be re-invested in conservation and preservation.

Room & Food

The volunteer accommodation consists of 5 rondavels (accommodating between 2 and 4 people each); 4 caravans (accommodating between 8 – 12 people) and a 3 bedroom house.

The outside sleeping area has two rooms under thatch by the pool; 2 bush camps at water holes; one three story platform (open air); and a sleeping deck or enclosed sleeping room (lecture room) for sleeping under the stars (can sleep 10 – 15 people per deck).

Volunteers must bring their own sleeping bags, to be used if staying in one of the rondavels, and for sleep outs under the stars during winter months.

Meals are prepared by the project leaders at all times, though they do allow volunteers to make their own traditional national meals.

Examples of Meals are:

Breakfast (at 09H00) – toast, cereals, yoghurts, tea and coffee.
Lunch (at 14H00) - sandwiches, hamburgers, rolls and cold meat, pastas, salads.
Dinner (at 19H00) – lasagna, roasts, vegetables, salads, pastas

Volunteer Program Dates and Fees (US$)

Dates: On request.

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Free Time/What Volunteer Can Do in Free Time

Excursions are optional and volunteers are under no obligation to take part in these activities. The dates are not pre-determined but rather agreed upon once volunteers have arrived at the project. Optional activities are arranged for dates as specified by the company’s offering these activities. The costs for doing these optional activities will be for volunteers own account. Please note that there is also an additional cost towards getting to / from these optional activities, and the cost will depend on how far you need to travel to get to this optional activity.

Activities may include Kruger National Park and Panorama Escarpment, horse trails, micro-light, tribal village and dinner, Jessica the hippo.

Activities may include abseiling, river rafting, hot air balloon flights, bungi-jumping, quad biking, elephant back rides, a trip to the Wildlife Care Centre Project, a tribal village, the Blyde River Canyon, and other activities (available on request).

Major FAQs

• Where do I need to fly?

  Volunteers need to arrange their flights to / from Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.

• How can I get to the project?

  Volunteers are collected on arrival at Eastgate Airport by a representative from the project, and taken to the project in the project's vehicle.

• What vaccinations do I need?

  Although most of South Africa is malaria free, the Kruger National Park isn't. It is advisable to take precautions for malaria before you leave home for this project.

• How can I communicate with family?

  The project offers email, internet, telephone and fax facilities to volunteers. However, this is available at a cost to volunteers, and at the local rate per minute. Pre-paid cards are not necessary. It is also a good idea to take your mobile phone with you, as a more "reliable" way of staying in contact with family and friends back home. If you do decide to take your phone with you, please ensure that you have activated international roaming on your phone. Cheap sim cards can be purchased on arrival in South Africa, and don't forget to buy airtime as well.

• How safe is this project?

  Very safe. Volunteers must however be aware of their personal belongings when in town, and should also adhere to the safety tips given at orientation once at the project. Volunteers are advised to not leave personal items (passport, air tickets, money etc.) lying around – it is better to take precautions than to lose an important item.

• Will there be someone to guide/supervise us?

  Volunteers will be overseen by the project staff on a daily basis, and a certain amount of time will be spent working independently. However, the staff are always available to lend a helping hand, and to guide volunteers where necessary.

• Will there be other volunteers?

  There will generally always be other volunteers at camp with you, this number may vary from 2 – 14 volunteers.

• Any other important information to consider

  Various tours can be arranged for after your volunteer experience, and could include a 7 day Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls, 7 day Okavango Delta, 5 day Chobe Narional Park and Victoria Falls, 10 Day Okavango Delta and Chobe and Victoria Falls, and others.

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