Overview
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Holiday in South Africa

This volunteer holiday in South Africa is a great opportunity for those wanting an African safari experience with a big difference. Working deep within the African bush, small teams will assist GVI research scientists with vital conservation projects while also undertaking basic field guide training, such as tracking and wildlife identification skills. This is a great chance to experience Africa’s famous animals like lions and elephants while also learning about this unique habitat.

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For those with little time to spare and an interest in wildlife and conservation this is a great opportunity.

Tom Henry, volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Enclosed, private game reserves such as Venetia may be the future of wildlife conservation in South Africa, as land in this fast developing country comes under more and more pressure from all quarters. Massive tracts of government-owned land, such as National Parks and wilderness areas are simply not available for converting to conservation land any more. Furthermore, plans are afoot for fences to be dropped between Venetia and the neighboring Mapungubwe National Park and World heritage Site, that would effectively double the size of the national park. So the more data that can be collected, on predator behaviour and spatial utilization etc, before the fences come down the better. The team work very closely with the reserve manager as well as other researchers working on the reserve, so our work is geared directly towards the needs of the reserve at any time of year, including specific round-the-clock focuses on particular individuals or species as needed.

Highlights

Unique African bush adventure, Master radio telemetry techniques, basic field guiding skills, track animals through the bush, get acquainted with BIG GAME including lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, elephant and rhino, Explore nearby regions, Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site day trip, FGASA qualified field staff, amazing training, bush walks.

Location

Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve is situated on 34 000 Ha of beautiful mixed Mopane and Acacia woodland up against the southern rim of the Limpopo River Valley. It is between the towns of Alldays and Musina and about an hour’s drive from each. It is within reach of a wide range of other attractions such as Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site, the Kruger National Park and the Soutpansberg Mountain Range.

Field Conditions

Your accommodation will be at the lovely but rustic Safari Camp on the banks of the dry Kolope River, situated deep in the reserve. It is a permanent tented camp with a mix of canvas and ‘lean-to’ dorm units, all with flushing loo’s and donkey boilers to heat water if needed. There is a communal kitchen, dining tent and lovely braai area right on the river bank. There is limited solar power, gas cooking and refrigeration.