Have you always wanted to visit Africa, but know that a traditional safari just isn’t for you? Do you want to get more involved and leave your mark, as well as have incredible wildlife sitings and meet the inspirational people working tirelessly to protect Africa’s iconic wildlife?
If so, our volunteer programmes will show Africa in all her raw and adventurous glory, and enable you to get an immersive travel experience like no other.
Our bucket list volunteer trips for 2020 include:
1. Live with rhinos and elephants in Zimbabwe
Getting up close to black rhinos in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At Imire in Zimbabwe, the humans are the ones in the enclosures, as you witness first-hand interactions between baby and adult rhinos and learn about this private conservancy’s amazing work to protect and breed black rhinos for release. You will also meet the resident orphaned elephants, who have been at the reserve for more than four decades. Experience daily life in Africa, working hard to support the work done by the dedicated rangers, handlers and anti-poaching unit.
**Family-friendly project – click for more details!
2. Learn to be an anti-poaching ranger in South Africa
Rhino poaching has increased ten-fold in the last decade, and these ancient animals could be extinct within the next ten years. The Waterberg area of South Africa is home to strong populations of white rhino, and participants on our course gain an in-depth understanding of conservation challenges and strategies, with the goal of raising awareness of rhino conservation. Learn anti-poaching techniques from one of South Africa’s leading conservation experts, join rangers on patrol and put your survival skills to the test as you camp out in the bush.
**Can be tailored for families
3. Camp under the stars in Victoria Falls
There’s no better way to experience Africa than under canvas in the middle of a National Park, surrounded by the sounds of the bush. Go to sleep listening to lions roar and hippos grunt, and wake to the sound of fish eagles calling. Work as a Field Assistant in the Zambezi and Hwange National Parks in western Zimbabwe and get a behind-the-scenes look at how a vast wilderness area is managed. You will assist with the provision of water to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, and work on environmental restoration projects to preserve the land for future generations of wildlife. This project is far off the tourist trail, and you could go days without seeing another vehicle!
4. Work with communities in Namibia
Live in rural villages in Namibia’s vast rocky wilderness, and work together on building and renovation projects in rural schools and farming villages. You’ll protect crops and smallholdings from elephant damage and learn about the challenges facing the people living alongside Namibia’s rare desert-adapted elephants. On this project, volunteers will also go on elephant patrol, journeying into the rocky mountain moonscapes of western Namibia to locate local herds of elephants, track their movements and identify potential human-elephant conflict situations.
Family-friendly project – click for more details!
5. Help large carnivores in the world’s oldest desert
Namibia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes, and also the world’s largest population of wild cheetah. Explore the vast desert wilderness and undertake research work to protect Namibia’s cheetah, leopard and brown hyena – all threatened by human encroachment into their traditional territories. This is truly an off-the-beaten-track way to experience Namibia’s scenery and wildlife, and get an insight into this country’s world-leading conservation work.
6. See the Big 5 and more in Zululand
Zululand, on South Africa’s eastern edge, is home to breathtaking scenery of mountains and plains, an abundance of protected areas and world-class wildlife viewing. For volunteers who want almost guaranteed big game sitings, and who have an interest in tracking and monitoring endangered species, this project is the perfect way to have an unforgettable wildlife experience. Your work will include the intensive monitoring of priority species including lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, rhino, elephants and vultures, and your work is vital to the success of long term conservation in South Africa.
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At Conservation Travel Africa we cater to adventurers both new and experienced, families, mature and solo travellers, and those looking for a unique holiday to Africa. Get in touch to book your trip of a lifetime!
