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Wildlife Conservation Volunteers at Venetia Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Galagos Wildlife Conservation

Salary: Paying volunteer

Galagos Wildlife Conservation's bush camp is located on Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve - 36,000 hectares of stunning wilderness in Limpopo Province, South Africa.  This is a land of ancient baobabs, mopane woodland, savannah and vast lakes which attracts a diverse array of wildlife, evocative of primeval Africa.

So if you seeking a life-changing experience or are looking to gain practical post-graduate experience in Wildlife Conservation or you are simply looking to fill your gap year then Galagos Wildlife Conservation is an experience you do not want to miss.

Wildlife
Venetia is home to 4 of the "big 5", elephant, rhino, lion and leopard as well as large antelope such as eland and kudu, smaller mammals - mongoose, warthog and aardvark, many species of lizard and over 400 species of birdlife. Seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment while playing a vital role in conserving their habitat for generations to come is a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

GWC volunteering is truly hands-on. Conservation work includes bush clearance, erosion control, hide building, collaring and tracking large carnivores and sleepouts in the bush where you will be able to sit round the fire at night and listen to the sounds of Africa while gazing up at the night sky.... then wake to the roar of a lion - these are memories that will live with you forever.

Volunteers will be given comprehensive training and continuing education throughout the project to better understand wildlife habitat and the importance of maintaining and conserving this unique ecosystem. Get involved in a variety of hands-on work which is vital to the future development of this untamed wilderness, not only on Venetia but in the whole Limpopo-Shashe Conservation area.   You can be a part of this - sign up now!

If you are passionate about the environment and conservation of one of the last great wilderness areas of Africa then a GWC volunteer experience is an absolute must. You will leave with a greater knowledge and understanding of Africa, and a feeling that you made a positive contribution to conservation.

• Bush survival skills
• identification of game drive roads and the development of 4x4 routes
• anti- poaching patrols
• predator tracking (lion, cheetah, jackal with plans to collar leopard)
• game counts, night drives and Predator call-ups
• fence patrols
• construction of professionally built hides and blinds in selected areas of the reserve
• fixed point photography
• bush clearing
• rhino Identification and monitoring

Part of the programme will be to visit Mapungubwe National Park, a world heritage site and Africa's 1st kingdom.  Go on the tree top walk and stand on the confluence where the borders of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana meet.

Volunteers will also be able to assist Venetia's management team.  This could involve animal darting, tracking specific animals for capture and release, collaring new animals for research purposes and replacing old collars.  Being able to see some of Africa's most impressive animals up close is a unique experience that very few people are fortunate enough to witness.

2 weeks to 6 months
GWC offer volunteer project lengths from 2 weeks up to 6 months.  For volunteers staying 4 weeks or longer the first week involves practical training and orientation including lectures and practical exercises between morning and afternoon work sessions. These are the tools needed to actively contribute to the conservation of the reserve environment.  Volunteers will learn important bush skills such as the basics of FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa), mammal identification, tracking and radio telemetry skills, spoor identification and basic reptile knowledge.  There will be an introduction to research and monitoring programs and how to record and capture data and correctly handle and care for all the equipment that will be used. During orientation week volunteers will be introduced to the main plant and animal species which they will be expected to identify by the end of training, as well as wilderness ethics and basic principles of field guiding. Orientation week is of significant importance. The contribution made by volunteers will have a direct effect on the future wellbeing of the reserve.

Volunteers who opt for the 2-week stay will go straight into the working programme on the reserve. During this time an average day would consist of two work sessions (approx 3 hrs each) involving hands-on activities on the reserve.

GWC firmly believe that your time at Venetia will be educational, inspiring and above all else, enjoyable! All volunteers are participating in the running of an active Wilderness Reserve so all activities require a diligent and conscientious input to maximise the valuable contribution being made to both the future of the reserve and conservation as a whole.

Visit our website for all other details including accommodation, dates and rates - www.gwcvolunteers.com or email us for more information: info@gwcvolunteers.com

SIGN UP NOW FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!

 

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