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Wildlife Volunteer Projects
Whether you are on a gap year, looking for an exciting internship for your study, have taken a sabbatical from work or just want to have a holiday with a difference, Kameleon can sort you out!
We offer volunteer placements on hugely valuable conservation projects in South Africa where your support is vital for the survival of many habitats and animals in Africa. Each project has been handpicked by us for the quality of the educational program, the passion of the teams and their dedication to conservation and wildlife.
We proudly present to you 8 very interesting and varied projects in the Limpopo Provence, in close proximity of the Kruger National Park:
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Short description of the projects:
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Wilderness Conservation Programme
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Experience a unique work & wildlife viewing experience in the heart of the South African bush, while being an active member of the reserve & wildlife management team!
The Wilderness Conservation Programme is based on a private game reserve in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Surrounded by 25,000ha of natural African bush, preserving this beautiful area takes work and dedication from the full-time management and conservation team. Whether it be for the restoration of damaged soil or the monitoring of the species who call the reserve home, this project needs enthusiastic, like-minded conservationists to assist in achieving their goal as a benchmark wilderness reserve. Encounter elephant, lion, rhino, cheetah, leopard, zebra, giraffe and many other animals!
Click here for more detailed information on this project.
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Monkey Rehabilitation Centre
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When humans and wildlife share the same area, problems are often bound to happen. Unfortunately it is often the wildlife that has to suffer the consequences. Monkeys in the orchard, caracal and jackal catching lambs on the farmers land, people still keeping baby monkeys as pets, while it is common knowledge that wild animal species do not make good household pets.
This centre was founded to provide a temporary sanctuary for these 'problem animals' and 'pets', where they are rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitat.
Volunteers are involved in all aspects of running a rehabilitation centre. Besides feeding animals, cleaning cages and working hands on with the animals, volunteers help with maintenance, building of new enclosures, planting and harvesting vegetables, medical care of animals and the release of a troop of monkeys (when planned).
Click here for more detailed information on this project.
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Private Game Farm in Big Five area
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The Game Farm is part of the Balule Nature Reserve, a 40,000 hectare Big 5 reserve with open borders to Kruger National Park making it part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is an open system where game is allowed to wander freely. You just cannot explain how amazing is to see your first wild giraffe, zebra, impala and even elephant or lion and believe us, the fact that you are usually on foot when encountering these animals in their natural habitat does greatly contribute to this mindblowing experience...
The aim of this project is to give you an introduction to all aspects of game farm management. Not for nothing their motto is 'Conservation Through Education'! You will be studying ecology, conservation and wildlife specific to the owning and running of a game farm through a structured lecture program combined with a practical approach.
This project also offers you the opportunity to visit as many of the stunning excursions in the are as you can fit in. Really, they are not to be missed!
Click here for more detailed information on this project.
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Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Project
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Always wondered what it is like, working at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Africa? Well, here is your chance!
Injured and/or orphaned animals are cared for at this safe haven. Once healthy enough they are re-introduced into their natural environment. Those creatures who cannot be returned to the wild due to the nature and extent of their injuries have found a permanent home at the centre and are ambassadors for their species; giving the public the opportunity to get an 'up close and personal' experience of these incredible creatures and an insight into the problems these species are facing in the wild.
As a volunteer you will be involved with all the aspects of working at a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Click here for more detailed information on this project.
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Equine Rehabilitation Centre | back to top
The emphasis at the Equine Rehabilitaion Centre is on horses who have been abused or neglected at some stage in their lives, or who may have been running wild in the bush. They arrive at the project in poor condition and are often very nervous, wary of people and unfamiliar situations. However, with careful handling using Natural Horsemanship methods these horses gain confidence daily, which is fantastic and so rewarding to see and experience!
Apart from the daily grooming, care of the horses and the schooling of both horse and handler, you will gain an insight into veterinary practices in a bush situation and the aftercare that these practices require. To top it all up, you will frequently be able to go on outrides into a nearby game reserve at the foot of a mountain with stunning views and abundant wildlife.
Riders of all levels will be allocated their own horse and benefit from the work that they put in and the bonds that are formed. Whether you have had a lifelong passion for horses or have a budding interest, we can guarantee that you will learn a lot and that by the time you leave, you will have lost your heart to each and every animal!
Click here for more detailed information on this project.
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The thought of spending any time with reptiles and snakes isn't everyone's cup of tea, but spend the smallest amount of time with the curators at this world-renowned park and you can't help but be swept away with their enthusiasm and passion for all things scaly!
Over the last twenty years, the reptile park has made a very valuable contribution to conservation by saving and rehabilitating snakes, but most of all by educating local and international visitors and inhabitants of the area in the important role of snakes in the delicate ecosystem.
Volunteers enjoy a very active participation in the daily events at the park with no two days ever being the same. There is a daily routine that has to be followed with the feeding of certain animals and there is usually a plan and a list of jobs that need doing, but reptiles don't have any idea of these plans and you may have to drop everything (drop possibly isn't the right word to use here!) and rush out in response to a 'Snake Call' or to help spot baby Puff Adders in the grass of the demonstration pit!
Click here for more detailed information on this project.
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Being able to see the awe-inspiring king of the bush up close must be everybody's wish, and for plenty of people the main reason for a visit to Africa. To monitor a pride of lions in the wild on a daily basis however, is something that will go beyond the wildest dreams of many. Our Lion Research Project will make your dream come true, with memories to last forever!
The project is situated in the Selati Game Reserve, a 30,000 hectare reserve boasting the presence of elephant, rhino, leopard and sable antelope as well as the other - more common but still amazing - antelope species, zebra and giraffe. Formerly a farming area, the landowners have taken it upon themselves to return Selati to nature. To take this conservation project seriously, a fierce predator had to be reintroduced: the lion. In June 2004 a pride of six lions was set free. The landowners now want to know what happens with the lions and all the other animals, to aid conservation even further and that is where you come in! Among other things, you will atively assist the highly experienced staff in the tracking and monitoring of the lions to determine movements, behaviour and the impact they are having on populations within the reserve.
Click here for more detailed information on this project.
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Wildlife Orphanage / Community Project | back to top
Would you like to get hands-on experience with injured and orphaned wild animals whilst educating local underprivileged children, perhaps giving both of them a brighter future? At the Wildlife Orphanage / Community Project, this is exactly what you can do!
The mission of the project is to educate local underprivileged children to care for their environment through the medium of a wildlife orphanage. Your help will make a huge difference in aiding conservation and animal welfare, teaching local underprivileged children and building bridges between local and international people. All in all you will be participating to a worthy cause and having a fantastic experience in one!
Click here for more detailed information on the Wildlife Orphanage / Community Project.
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To suit your interests in the best way possible we invite you to design your own programme. Naturally we will always be more than willing to help you create the best programme for you!
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