 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
Country: SOUTH AFRICA
|
|
|
| Shumba Experience |
95 Ditchling Road
Sussex
UNITED KINGDOM
BN1 4ST
Phone: 0845 257 3205
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Program description: |
|
|
Esingeni is a four week course aimed at educating people worldwide about the importance of conservation and how to manage wildlife in its natural environment. This shorter course based at Esingeni bush camp is part of the longer 8 week Wildlife Conservation Course and aims to give volunteers an insight into wildlife management in Africa. The course is not only aimed at gap year travellers but also career breakers wanting to experience a wildlife adventure.
The course is taught by Dr Wayne Vos who will cover many different areas of conservation and wildlife management, including African culture, wildlife conservation, plants, animals, orientation skills, insect and reptile identification. Usually volunteers will be given a short lecture in the morning, which will later be backed up with practical experience in the African bush.
This placement gives volunteers a chance to gain valuable experience with some of Africa's most endangered wildlife species, whilst living in the heart of one of South Africa's National Parks. The activities of the project allow volunteers to play a key role in wildlife conservation and helping to preserve both the animals and its habitat whilst having an exhilerating adventure.
Shumba volunteers will visit various private reserves for game drives and learn about wildlife tracking. The course will include a sleep out in the African bush, which will provide field exposure to the volunteers. The newly acquired knowledge is brought to life with guided walks in the reserve and it’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the local wildlife!
You may also have the opportunity to help out at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary. In the past volunteers have helped to feed the leopards and lions, maintain the enclosures and get involved with the school groups who come on educational visits.
** SEE SHUMBA EXPERIENCE WEBSITE FOR VOLUNTEER DIARIES **
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General program information: |
|
|
Program open to: Everyone
Age range: 17+
Travel to site: Independent Travel
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: 4-8
Living arrangements on the program: Group living
How long does the program last?: 2-4 weeks
What are the dates of this program: This placement has set dates during the year. For 2008 they are:
7 January - 1 February
3 March - 28 March
28 April - 23 May
7 July - 1 August
1 September - 26 September
27 October - 21 November
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits and advantages of the program: |
|
|
PLACEMENT ACTIVITIES
Everybody can expect to be involved in the reserve management tasks. Below is a sample of the conservation projects and activities you may undertake during your time on the reserve:
Orientation drives to game reserves & lodges
Mammal identification, social organisation and behaviour
Wildlife monitoring of lion, rhinos, giraffe and many more
Visit to the Born Free Foundation Sanctuary Big Cats
Wilderness trail, overnight camping and bush survival experience
Bush walks to identify wildlife tracks and signs
Identification of bird species
Visit to Addo Elephant Park
Eco-tourism and community activities
Plant identification, ecology, conservation and alien plant control
Conservation history and strategies in South Africa
Insect, reptile and amphibian identification
Guided walks and trails through the reserve
Visits to private game reserves and game drives
** Note: It is not possible to guarantee these exact activities will occur during your placement it will depend on the conditions at the time **
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost or price of this program: |
|
|
4 Weeks £1,395
This cost of the placement includes:
Pre-departure information and support
Assistance with flights and specialist travel insurance
Transfers to/from the local airport in Africa
Orientation session with other volunteers
Food and accommodation on placement
On-site training and guidance
An amazing experience!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Typical person for this program: |
|
|
Someone who likes wildlife and wants to get involved in conservation work. A passionate and committed individual who is looking for an exciting adventure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application process Involves: |
|
|
Fill in the application form online
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
