About this trip
Join GoEco on a volunteer expedition in South Africa to help wildlife at an outstanding sanctuary!
Program Highlights:
Get up-close with various orphaned and injured African wildlife species, including big cats
Contribute to “Animal Life Improvement” projects and provide care for the animals of the sanctuary
Ethical wildlife volunteering and interactions
Upon arrival, partake in a cultural orientation in Johannesburg and mingle with fellow volunteers
Tours, game drives, elephant walks and hiking excursions are available as add-on
Location of the Project: Hartbeespoort, South Africa
Project length: Min 1 week – Max 12 weeks (Minimum stay is technically 9 days – 2 day orientation + 1 week volunteering)
Arrival Airport: Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Volunteer Work: Construction, wildlife care, maintenance
Age: 18-30
Group size: 1 - 10
Important Note: Animal interactions are based on the availability, safety and well-being of the ambassador animals, and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
A$500 Deposit: A$125
South Africa – Wildlife Sanctuary - 1 Week
This sanctuary serves as a haven for orphaned or injured animals that otherwise can not survive on their own. They take in a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, tigers, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, white lions, and hippos, as well as free-range game, such as giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, warthogs, impalas, waterbucks, and the red hartebeest. The sanctuary’s goal is to ensure the health and safety of all the animals at the sanctuary and the most important aspect of all is to provide enrichment to both the volunteer and the animals.
As a volunteer on this project, you will split your time between ongoing construction and maintenance projects and care for the animals at the sanctuary.
Some of the ongoing projects you may be involved in include:
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Fire Breaks: Many species, such as the tortoises, dung beetles, and chameleons, become victims of fires that break out on the sanctuary’s land. They put firebreaks in place to protect the sanctuary and control the fire spread.
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Enclosure Construction: Help renovate, maintain, or construct new enclosures.
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General Maintenance: You’ll be assisting with anti-poaching fence patrols that involve guided walks along the perimeter of the park to ensure that the fencing in intact. You’ll also have time to help clear alien vegetation, assist with anti-erosion control, and other maintenance projects on the sanctuary grounds.
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Animal Life Improvement Project: Volunteers can help improve the lives of the sanctuary’s inhabitants by doing day-to-day cleaning, feeding and walking, painting the sanctuary’s facilities, and building new enclosures and swimming pools for some animals.
A typical day: You’ll begin your day early with breakfast, followed by your morning project, which could assist with alien vegetation, cleaning out animal enclosures, or going on an elephant walk. After lunch, you’ll start your afternoon project, such as the Animal Life Improvement Project or going on a game drive. After dinner, you’ll have time to relax and hang out with the other volunteers.
Program Schedule: Two-day orientation is Wed-Thursday; Volunteer work begins on Monday.
Please Note: Due to the dynamic nature of working with animals, GoEco cannot guarantee that you will interact hands-on with the animal residents at the sanctuary. Interactions are based on the availability, safety and well-being of the ambassador animals, and will be at the sole discretion of the local team.
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