Volunteer on the Thanda game reserve in stunning South Africa and participate in research initiatives on Africa's most captivating wildlife species.

Staying on the Thanda Game Reserve gives volunteers opportunities to be involved in a variety of research initiatives on endangered and other wildlife species. You will contribute to research and conservation work during your stay and play a part in vital conservation activities.

Volunteer Work and Contribution:

Volunteers will be carrying out research on endangered wildlife within the reserve. This research provides critical information to the organizations dedicated to animal conservation.

Volunteers's repsonibilities include:

• Monitoring the behavior, feeding patterns and movement of a herd of elephants who were released into the park in early 2011.
• Collating and recording data on a pride of lions. This will include being in the bush to observe hunting, social, breeding and territorial behavior at various different times of the day. This also involves some night drives.
• Monitoring the rhino population to support the data recorded by the anti-poaching team during the day. This will help the reserve managers to understand the health of the animals, which are part of an endangered species reintroduction program.
• Capturing data as required by the reserve management team on their ongoing endangered species work
• Finding and removing snares. This is a vital part of the anti-poaching effort within a park
• Carrying out physical work to help regenerate natural bush from reclaimed farmland including the prevention of further soil erosion and the removal of old structures to avoid injuries for animals
• Contributing to the long term strategy of removal of Alien Plants from the park

What's included in the project:

• Accommodation: Comfortable cabins on the Game Reserve
• Food: Breakfast is self-serve. Lunch and dinner is cooked by on-site chef.
• Airport Pickup: Pickup from Durban Airport
• Transport: Project-related transportation only
• Orientation kit: Full project details will be sent following registration
• Training: Pre-departure preparation and In-country orientation
• Support: Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Get involved and begin the journey of your lifetime!!