25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
You will work with a local organization who is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of Cheetah in South Africa. While in your program, you will be able to contribute to this immense endeavour and you will also learn about the species and contribute to the conservation practices.
During your program will be involved in various activities of the project site including,
- Food preparation & feeding (Please keep in mind you will work with raw meat)
- Cleaning of camps & refilling of the water bowls
- Creating enrichment for the animals
- Educating the public by assisting staff with certain tours
- Carrying out own guided tours (If English level is sufficient)
- Take part in group activities
- Maintenance and inspection of camps If you stay a minimum of 4 weeks at the project, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in the releasing program which is done in partnership with a local reserve.
By releasing new bloodlines of cheetahs into the protected wild, it helps to increase the genetic lineages to effectively strengthen the wild Cheetah population. The whole process is strictly regulated and is done with a lot of research.
Cheetah Release Program
You will help the local team to release cheetahs who are rehabilitated and ready to go back to the wild. You will be able to take part in this program if you gain sufficient knowledge and training at the project. This is suited for participants who stay for more than 4 weeks with the Cheetah conservation program. The project team will decide who is participating in the releasing events and that will be solely based on your performance and learning during your program. There are no additional costs for this part of the program, you will only be liable to pay for your transport (either flight or bus) to get to the reserve.
If you stay for more than 4 weeks, you are eligible to attend the Release program. However, the Cheetah Release activity is optional and can only be offered depending on the requirements of the conservation project. It may not be available throughout the year.
Objectives
- The project aims to rehabilitate captive-raised cheetahs who are unrelated to animals in the Cheetah Metapopulation and release them back into the wild (protected areas) once they are deemed to be fit for survival.
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, the famous port city of South Africa, lies at the foot of Table Mountain. Even though a small city, Cape Town boasts of dynamic culture and nature. Best things to do in Cape Town include riding the cable cars to the top of the mountains to get a glimpse of the port city below, hiking, exploring the shopping malls and aquariums and even checking out a penguin colony. Cape Town also tressures its Dutch heritage and the remains of the era are still visible in the city.
Itinerary
Saturday/Sunday - Arrival
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in our meeting times of Saturday 10:00, 14:00 & 17:00 and Sunday 10:00, 14:00 & 17:00.
Please note Saturday arrivals need to book an extra nights accomodation.
Monday - Friday
Typical working hours at the project are from 05:00 AM – 17:00 PM and your daily tasks and responsibilities will include.
- Key Species Monitoring
- Cheetah Conservation
- Road and dam maintenance
- Bush clearing
- Foundation Support
- Town trip / Off / Game Drive
- Boma maintenance
- Fence maintenance
- Spekboom Planting
Saturday - Departure
Leave the accommodation Saturday morning (30 mins) for earliest flights on Saturday Afternoon
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Wifi in public areas
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age18
- minimum english levelIntermediate
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredOn signup
- resume copy requiredYes
Other Requirements
- Must be physically able and fit to complete all required tasks
- Small daypack
- Work gloves x 2
- Torch with extra batteries
- Towel
- Personal toiletries/medications
- Books
- Camera/film
- Warm clothes for cold nights
- Light clothes for hot days
- Hiking boots
- Underwear/socks
- Sunglasses/sunhat
Food
All 3 meals daily are provided as part of our service but there are also two ‘mini’ kitchens for you to store and prepare your own food if you wish.
Accommodation
The accommodation comprises of dorm rooms, with shared bathrooms. There is a dining room and lounge as well as an outside BBQ area with swimming pool.
Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be amended and cancelled 30 days before the program start date without any costs. Bookings that are cancelled less than 30 days before the program start date will be charged the first week of the booking.
