Travel to a private reserve in South Africa, home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, and live alongside an international research team assisting in critical wildlife conservation work
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Travel to a private reserve in South Africa, home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, and live alongside an international research team assisting in critical wildlife conservation work.
Witness nature unfiltered, from a lion taking down its prey, to newborn cheetah cubs playing for the first time, or even a stand-off between two massive elephant bulls. Experience the African savannah landscape on safari. Unlike a conventional safari trip, this program allows you to play an active and meaningful role in the research and long term conservation of South Africa's natural resources.
This program, which takes place in 4, 8 or 12 week durations, is of particular relevance to students wishing to gain practical exposure and experience in the field, as well as to develop the necessary ‘on the ground’ skills in order to become a more well-rounded wildlife field researcher in the conservation industry.
Monday - Friday
All year round with set start dates
By the end of the course you will be able to:
On this program you will cover training on 9 different modules:
Get in touch for a more detailed breakdown of each one.
Through hands-on experience, game drives and lectures, students will have the opportunity to develop their bush and field biologists skills and to elevate their understanding and skills as field biologist.
This could possibly include:
Some highlights that could possibly be enjoyed include;
Accommodation is in shared rooms with shared bathroom facilities at the field station of 2 people per room. We try and keep these same sex but on the odd occasion you may need to share with someone from the opposite sex when there are odd numbers however this will be communicated with you in advance. There is hot water available for showers. Flush toilet facilities are available, and participants share general cleaning duties around base and are responsible for their own rooms.
Meals are prepared for you by our catering team. Food is generally western style with some cooked in the traditional local style. Breakfast could be cereal, porridge, fresh fruit, pancakes, etc., lunch is sandwiches, pasta and sauce, etc. and a typical evening meal may include rice, mielie pap, meat, fresh veg, etc.
WiFi is available on base
Participants typically use mobile phones to keep in touch, with limited access to internet. MTN South Africa and Vodacom are the service providers that covers both bases. Check with your home service provider that they have roaming agreements with MTN or Vodacom. SIM cards and starter packs/ airtime are easily available on the weekly town trips for less than R5.00, but will require a passport for registration purposes.
Airport pick up included & details will be confirmed at time of booking
English
Criminal background check & Medical form
Doctors note must be signed if you have any illnesses to declare
Must apply for a STUDY visa
Kit list will be provided for you at time of booking
Once you have confirmed your spot on this program, you will be allocated to a dedicated program expert who will assist you as you prepare for your program.
Highly skilled staff to facilitate project & training
You will be given the option to pay in instalments for an Instalment Fee of £125 per booking. If you select this Instalment Fee option, a non-refundable deposit payment of £350 is due within 48 hours of notice of acceptance onto the program, 50% of the balance will fall due 16 weeks before departure and the remaining 50% of the balance will fall due 12 weeks before departure. If you the Participant cancel this agreement, the Participant shall not be entitled to a refund of any monies paid.
If you do not select the Instalment Fee option, the full cost of your booking is due within 48 hours of notice of acceptance onto the program. If you the Participant cancel this agreement more than 16 weeks prior to departure, the Participant shall be entitled to a refund of the full amount paid minus £350.
If you the Participant cancel this agreement between 16 and 12 weeks prior to departure, the Participant shall be entitled to a refund of 60% of the full amount paid. If you the Participant cancel this agreement less than 12 weeks prior to departure, the Participant shall be entitled to a refund of £100.
I chose this volunteering expedition as an opportunity in my summer break away from university. This trip has changed my life in the most honest way I can explain. I studied Environmental Science at University and this trip not only allowed me to put my university skills to practice in the field, but I also gained an incredible depth of knowledge, skill and understanding for the African bush whilst being there for a duration of 4 weeks. Not to mention the lifelong friends I now have and the amazing community support I have gained through this journey with GVI.
Review by:
Danielle Roche
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