Kariega Big Five Conservation

South Africa

2 - 12 weeks

1,100 - 6,600 Euro

Join Kariega Big Five Conservation for a transformative wildlife adventure in South Africa. Contribute to monitoring and community initiatives, making a real difference in conservation.

Kariega Big Five Conservation

South Africa

2 - 12 weeks

1,100 - 6,600 Euro

Join Kariega Big Five Conservation for a transformative wildlife adventure in South Africa. Contribute to monitoring and community initiatives, making a real difference in conservation.

WELCOME TO
KARIEGA BIG FIVE CONSERVATION

Step into a world where conservation meets adventure at Kariega Big Five Conservation, nestled within close reach of South Africa's captivating coastline. Engage in the ultimate Big Five adventure, contributing to important wildlife monitoring and community initiatives, all set against the backdrop of Africa's breathtaking landscapes.

Why Choose the Kariega Conservation Experience?

  • Tangible Impact in Wildlife Conservation:
    Dive into hands-on conservation work at Kariega. From monitoring majestic elephants and rhinos to contributing to vital research through camera trap data, your efforts play a crucial role in the reserve’s ecological well-being.
  • Diverse Activities for a Holistic Experience:
    Kariega’s program goes beyond wildlife. Engage in habitat management, support anti-poaching efforts, and participate in enriching community outreach, offering a comprehensive insight into conservation.
  • Adventure and Learning Combined:
    Experience educational bush walks, thrilling game drives, and unique bush sleep-outs. Kariega is not just a destination; it's a place of learning, discovery, and active environmental stewardship.
  • Weekend Adventures Near the Coast:
    Your workweek is filled with conservation efforts, while weekends offer a chance to explore. Just a short journey from the Indian Ocean, discover the region's stunning beaches and local attractions.
  • Commitment to Conservation and Community:
    Kariega stands as a beacon of effective wildlife conservation and community involvement, making it an ideal location for those passionate about making a meaningful difference.

Join Kariega Big Five Conservation

For those eager to immerse themselves in wildlife conservation, Kariega Big Five Conservation offers a comprehensive and enriching experience where you'll not only contribute to critical conservation efforts but also gain a profound understanding of wildlife management and community development. Get in touch with us to start your extraordinary adventure in South Africa.

More insights

QUICK FACTS

GENERAL
  • Up to 16 volunteers, 2-12 weeks, starting each Monday.
  • Minimum age: 18
TRAVEL AND TRANSFERS
  • Arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) on Monday, 09:00-14:30. Departures after 12:30 on Monday.
  • Transfer between Port Elizabeth Airport and Kariega: 25 Euro/way, payable directly.
MEALS & MORE
  • Meal ingredients provided; volunteers cook in teams. Free water, coffee, and tea.
  • Cell service available; purchase local SIM/data at the airport. Free but limited Wi-Fi at Volunteer house.
ADDITIONAL ADVENTURES
  • Weekends free: Explore the Garden Route, beach horseback riding, skydiving, and more.

Activity Overview

Elephants at Kariega big five conservation experience in South Africa.
Elephant and Rhino Monitoring

Immerse in the detailed monitoring of elephants and rhinos, key species on the reserve. Track and observe these magnificent creatures, documenting their range utilization, dietary habits, and social interactions. By identifying individuals through unique ear markings and other features, you'll contribute to vital studies on population dynamics and health. Additionally, assist in anti-poaching efforts to protect rhinos, learning about their behavior and helping to safeguard them from the persistent threat of poaching.

Lion Prey and Leopard Population Studies

Engage in monitoring the feeding habits of Kariega's lions. Documenting their prey selection provides essential insights into the health and dynamics of the pride and helps maintain the balance between predator and prey. For leopards, assist in camera trap setup and analysis. These efforts are crucial for understanding leopard populations, their movement patterns, and interactions with the environment, contributing to potential reintroduction and conservation strategies.

Game Drives and Research

Participate in game drives to observe, record, and understand the behaviors of various species. During night drives, focus on nocturnal animals and learn about their unique adaptations. Alongside this, contribute to bird monitoring projects in collaboration with Avian University. Documenting bird species, their breeding status, and numbers provide vital information on the overall health of the ecosystem and helps identify any ecological imbalances.

Hands-On Reserve Management

Actively participate in maintaining and enhancing the reserve's landscape. Engage in the removal of alien plant species, helping native flora and fauna to thrive. Assist in bush encroachment control, ensuring diverse habitats for different wildlife species. Road maintenance and river crossing repairs are also crucial tasks, facilitating effective movement and management within the reserve.

Community Involvement

Play a pivotal role in community engagement initiatives. Teach basic English and other subjects to local children, providing them with valuable skills and fostering mutual cultural understanding. Your involvement in these community projects not only enhances the educational opportunities for local children but also strengthens the relationship between the reserve and surrounding communities, fostering a shared commitment to conservation.

Additional activities

You may get to experience the exhilaration of participating in wildlife capture and relocation operations, a vital aspect of managing animal populations and maintaining ecological balance (not guaranteed). You will also get to enjoy the serene beauty of nature with sleep-outs in the bush, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the wilderness and observe the nocturnal activities of wildlife. Additionally, unwind with peaceful river cruises, offering a different perspective of the reserve's diverse landscapes and inhabitants.

Weekend Activities

While weekdays at Kariega Big Five Conservation are dedicated to conservation and wildlife management, weekends are an opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Here are some thrilling activities that you can enjoy during your time off:

• Horseback riding on the beach, Sky diving – tandem, Bungee jumping, Deep sea fishing and shark cage diving, Two-day overnight canoe trail on the Bushman's river, Quad bike riding and canopy tours, Addo Elephant National Park field trip

Volunteers on a game drive at Shamwari Conservation Experience in Port Elizabeth.
Volunteers doing plant research at Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa.
Wildlife volunteers doing telemetry search in South Africa.
Lion roaring at Born Free Foundation in South Africa.
Wildlife volunteers at the vet clinic at Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa.
Group photo of Volunteer at Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa.
Volunteers doing elephant research in South Africa.

dive into the details

Accomodation and facilities
Prices, Dates & Booking
Location & Climate
Travel Information

WHY we love it

Dive into the heart of conservation with hands-on activities like monitoring iconic African elephants and rhinos, contributing to vital research that aids in the preservation of these majestic creatures and their habitat.

Leopard graphic outline.

Beyond wildlife, embrace a holistic conservation effort through engaging community outreach, teaching basic English to local children, and participating in environmental restoration, making a tangible difference in both ecological and human communities

Leopard graphic outline.

Experience the raw beauty of South Africa's wilderness with unique adventures such as bush walks, game drives, and unforgettable sleepouts under the stars, enriching your connection to nature and wildlife.

Leopard graphic outline.

Located a stone's throw from the breathtaking Indian Ocean coastline, Kariega offers a perfect blend of conservation work and leisure, allowing for weekend explorations of endless sand dunes and serene beaches, creating a truly rounded and memorable experience.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY FOR

Kariega Big Five Conservation

Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.

Thank you for getting in touch with us!

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Sneak a peek

Elephants at Kariega big five conservation experience in South Africa.Volunteers canoeing at Kariega Big Five conservation experience in South Africa. Accommodation at Kariega Big Five Conservation in South Africa. Volunteers admiring the view at Kariega big five conservation experience in South Africa. Volunteer doing telemetry tracking at the Kariega big five conservation experience in South Africa.

Your Activities

Cross (Close)

Immerse in the detailed monitoring of elephants and rhinos, key species on the reserve. Track and observe these magnificent creatures, documenting their range utilization, dietary habits, and social interactions. By identifying individuals through unique ear markings and other features, you'll contribute to vital studies on population dynamics and health. Additionally, assist in anti-poaching efforts to protect rhinos, learning about their behavior and helping to safeguard them from the persistent threat of poaching.

Elephant and Rhino Monitoring

Engage in crucial monitoring of elephants and rhinos, key to the reserve's conservation efforts, while supporting anti-poaching strategies.

Read more

Cross (Close)

Engage in monitoring the feeding habits of Kariega's lions. Documenting their prey selection provides essential insights into the health and dynamics of the pride and helps maintain the balance between predator and prey. For leopards, assist in camera trap setup and analysis. These efforts are crucial for understanding leopard populations, their movement patterns, and interactions with the environment, contributing to potential reintroduction and conservation strategies.

Lion Prey and Leopard Population Studies

Monitor lion feeding habits and assist in leopard population studies through camera trap analysis, crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Read more

Cross (Close)

Participate in game drives to observe, record, and understand the behaviors of various species. During night drives, focus on nocturnal animals and learn about their unique adaptations. Alongside this, contribute to bird monitoring projects in collaboration with Avian University. Documenting bird species, their breeding status, and numbers provide vital information on the overall health of the ecosystem and helps identify any ecological imbalances.

Game Drives and Research

Explore diverse wildlife on game drives and contribute to avian research, enhancing knowledge of the reserve’s ecological health.

Read more

Cross (Close)

Actively participate in maintaining and enhancing the reserve's landscape. Engage in the removal of alien plant species, helping native flora and fauna to thrive. Assist in bush encroachment control, ensuring diverse habitats for different wildlife species. Road maintenance and river crossing repairs are also crucial tasks, facilitating effective movement and management within the reserve.

Hands-On Reserve Management

Participate in essential reserve management tasks, from invasive species control to infrastructure maintenance, supporting diverse habitats.

Read more

Cross (Close)

Play a pivotal role in community engagement initiatives. Teach basic English and other subjects to local children, providing them with valuable skills and fostering mutual cultural understanding. Your involvement in these community projects not only enhances the educational opportunities for local children but also strengthens the relationship between the reserve and surrounding communities, fostering a shared commitment to conservation.

Community Involvement

Foster educational and cultural connections by teaching local children, enhancing the bond between the reserve and the community.

Read more

Cross (Close)

You may get to experience the exhilaration of participating in wildlife capture and relocation operations, a vital aspect of managing animal populations and maintaining ecological balance (not guaranteed). You will also get to enjoy the serene beauty of nature with sleep-outs in the bush, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the wilderness and observe the nocturnal activities of wildlife. Additionally, unwind with peaceful river cruises, offering a different perspective of the reserve's diverse landscapes and inhabitants.

Additional activities

Immerse in unique conservation activities like wildlife capture and relocation and connect with nature through bush sleep-outs and river cruises.

Read more

Cross (Close)

While weekdays at Kariega Big Five Conservation are dedicated to conservation and wildlife management, weekends are an opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Here are some thrilling activities that you can enjoy during your time off: • Horseback riding on the beach, Sky diving – tandem, Bungee jumping, Deep sea fishing and shark cage diving, Two-day overnight canoe trail on the Bushman's river, Quad bike riding and canopy tours, Addo Elephant National Park field trip

Weekend Activities

Experience horseback riding on the beach, tandem sky diving, shark cage diving and more!

Read more

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