Voluntary Work
The Kruger National Park is arguably Africa’s most famous protected area. The tour is a 5 day exploration of the game rich southern part of the park. All four nights will be spent within the park at one camp allowing the opportunity to explore the area in detail before joining the conservation programme. The camp that you will stay at a is considered one of the best game viewing camps in the reserve.
Volunteers on this project spend their time investigating savannah species and their ecology, which involves researching as well as hands on conservation work. Much past research has been focused on keeping up the numbers of big game but this exercise is somewhat pointless if their habitats and other small species are becoming increasingly threatened.
The animals/birds at the top of the food chain have began to suffer from the effects of degrading savannahs, which in turn means they must roam further and so are exposed to new threats. Often overlooked are bats and reptiles even though both play important roles in the ecosystem, more research needs to be done into these creatures.
So far the project has exposed important findings about the savannah species and its conservation – without these discoveries, some species could be lost. The project has been able to identify species for use as health indicators of the savannah ecosystems. With these in mind the main project focuses will be:
- Threatened bird and bat monitoring: movement and reproduction
- Tortoise monitoring: movements and activities
- Threatened plant surveys: reproductive success and survival
What’s Included in the Programme
- All accommodation for the duration of the programme in camping in the National Parks and a backpackers lodge in Ezulwini
- Entrance and accommodation in Kruger
- A guided bush walk, sunset drive or night drive in Kruger (you choose one)
- All meals for the duration of the programme
- Airport transfer
- Orientation on arrival
- Savannah Conservation project work
- Camping equipment, when required
- 24 hour support number and contact
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which should include cover for repatriation
- All flights
- Public transport for personal activities
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
- E-mail/Internet and telephone calls
- Soft drinks, wines and spirits
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary
Prices and Durations
Kruger to Swaziland Conservation Experience - 4 weeks £1,645
Kruger to Swaziland Conservation Experience - 8 weeks £2,415
Kruger to Swaziland Conservation Experience - 12 weeks £2,965
