Accommodation
Long-term wildlife volunteer
You will live and work on a newly launched and expanding private reserve, and take part in long-term projects focused on reintroducing new species of wildlife to the area, thus creating new wildlife strongholds.
About the Accommodation
Where
Located in the Waterberg region of South Africa, on the border of Botswana. The 12,000 hectare private reserve is part of an area dedicated to habitat restoration and the expansion of natural wilderness.
The Camp
You will stay in a remote bush camp, secluded at the heart of the reserve and the African bush. There, you'll live and work alongside your fellow volunteers and guides in small lodges dedicated to conservation work.
Bedrooms
Rooms are same-sex dormitory style rooms, sleeping 2-3 people. Each room will have all the amenities you might need: cupboard space, fans for hotter days, and power points to keep cameras and phones charged.
Communal Area and Kitchen
There is a communal area, where your guides will work with you each day to help plan which conservation activities you'll participate in, and when. Furnished with plenty of hangout spots and relaxation areas, you'll be able to relax and socialise together in your downtime.
The communal kitchen is where you'll take turns cooking meals, when the guides aren't treating you to a traditional BBQ (or braai, as it is locally known). These are a common social occurrence and take place outside.
On-site Amenities
On-site Activities
Most of your leisure time will fall between and after activities. You can spend this time socialising around the camp, swapping stories about your day and getting to know your fellow group members.
Board games, ball games and cards are popular during downtime, so feel free to bring a few games. Another popular activity is observing the various animals in your surroundings, or comparing photos and notes.
Phone and WiFi
The site itself is quite remote and although there is phone signal, it does come and go.
For those who wish to purchase their own South African SIM card and phone, you will have a chance to do so during a weekend town trip.
Laundry
There is an on-site launderette which you will be able to access, so you can keep your clothes fresh and clean - and ready to get mucky again during conservation work!
Fencing and Security
Although the site is fully fenced off to keep a comfortable and safe barrier between animals and humans, for the sake of both parties please be mindful that you are still on a reserve.
Animals such as antelope, monkeys and warthogs sometimes like to visit camp. If and when this occurs, your guides will explain any health and safety concerns. They will also chat to you about the behaviour of the animals, to ensure that you are comfortable with their presence and understand how to co-exist with them.
At least one guide will be with you at all times while you are on-site. Although the place is well illuminated at night, please do stay vigilant.
Rules and Respect
The site itself is your home, so please treat the place well. Please also treat the other guests and staff who share the camp with you with the respect they deserve, and you will be treated likewise.
Equally, be mindful that you are on a protected reserve. Anyone found making a mess, damaging the environment or littering risks a stern talking-to from your safari guides!
About the Reserve
What Can You Expect to See?
The Waterberg region is made up of granite and sandstone rocky escarpments, flat open plains (savannahs), and thick bush cut by rivers, some of which are seasonal. This diverse environment is home to many species of iconic African wildlife such as antelope, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and predators such as hyena, wild dogs and newly introduced cheetahs. You can also expect to see and learn about many species of reptiles, birds and other smaller mammals.
Further Information
This private reserve is newly launched and looking to expand in coming years, opening up an additional 20,000 hectares of land to conservation work and habitat protection. This exciting prospect means that the work you'll be involved with is vitally important for the continual development and preservation of this region.