Overview
Volunteering Solutions biedt een geweldige kans voor vrijwilligers die geïnteresseerd zijn in een echte Afrikaanse ervaring en tegelijkertijd een verschil willen maken voor de lokale fauna en het milieu. Het Wildlife Volunteering Program in Zuid-Afrika is een geweldige kans voor alle wildlife-enthousiastelingen die vrijwilligerswerk willen doen in het buitenland met dieren.
Vrijwilligers in dit programma worden geplaatst in een natuurreservaat, een enorm gebied van 6000 hectare, gelegen op ongeveer 45 minuten van het vasteland van Port Elizabeth; gevuld met een verscheidenheid aan wild, vogels en wilde dieren, waaronder de BIG 5! Het natuurprogramma zal uw verbeelding prikkelen, waardoor u fysiek en mentaal verjongd, zielsgeïnspireerd en vol ontzag achterblijft voor dit prachtige stukje Zuid-Afrika.
Als je vrijwilligerswerk doet voor wilde dieren in Zuid-Afrika, wacht een mystieke mix van natuur en geschiedenis om lichaam, geest en ziel te wekken. Gelegen in de pracht van de malariavrije Oostkaap, in het hart van Frontier Country. Naast de mix van graslanden, subtropische vegetatie, fynbos en bushveld, heeft het reservaat ook natuurlijk gevormde waterpartijen, verbazingwekkende rotsformaties en prachtige flora.
Vrijwilligerswerkrooster
Vrijwilligerswerkrooster
Vrijwilligers die meedoen aan het wildlife reserve programma in Zuid-Afrika, Port Elizabeth, worden ondergebracht in het reservaat zelf, waardoor het dagelijkse schema zeer flexibel is en meer gericht is op vrijwilligerswerk voor dieren in het reservaat. Een typisch schema voor vrijwilligers ziet er ongeveer zo uit;
Maandag - Aankomst in Port Elizabeth
Dinsdag - Oriëntatie + Introductie van het project. De oriëntatiesessie wordt geleid door de lokale coördinator en behandelt onderwerpen zoals veiligheid, cultuur, taal, plekken om te bezoeken, gedrag, eten en andere suggesties voor dingen om te doen in Zuid-Afrika, Port Elizabeth.
Woe t/m vrij - Vrijwilligerswerk
Ontbijt - 09:30 tot 10:00 uur
Werkuren - 07:30 uur tot 16:00 uur (alle andere activiteiten, zoals maaltijden en pauzes, worden binnen deze tijd aangepast)
Lunch - 13:00 tot 14:00 uur
Diner - 18:00 tot 19:00 uur
Vanaf de tweede week wordt hetzelfde vrijwilligerswerkrooster voortgezet
Weekenden - Vrij om de stad te verkennen en activiteiten te ondernemen zoals:
Let op: Houd er rekening mee dat het schema kan variëren, afhankelijk van het specifieke project waaraan de vrijwilliger meewerkt.
Vrijwilligersrollen en -verantwoordelijkheden
Vrijwilligersrollen en -verantwoordelijkheden
Activiteiten voor dit programma variëren van dag tot dag en zijn afhankelijk van het weer en andere factoren. Er is een reisschema van alle activiteiten die voor elke week zijn gepland. Het reisschema is zo ontworpen dat vrijwilligers worden verdeeld in groepen van maximaal 10 vrijwilligers per groep, afhankelijk van het aantal vrijwilligers. Elke groep heeft een coördinator van buitenvrijwilligers als leider en mentor. De groepen zullen zich bezighouden met verschillende dagelijkse activiteiten, maar zullen aan het einde van de week allemaal hetzelfde type en aantal activiteiten doen. In sommige gevallen kunnen alle groepen dezelfde activiteit op hetzelfde moment doen, afhankelijk van het type activiteit, bijvoorbeeld wild vangen.
In het reservaat zult u merken dat uw activiteiten onder andere het volgende omvatten:
Verwijdering van vreemde vegetatie in en rond het reservaat
Leeuwen volgen en monitoren
Schoolvoedingsprogramma's (neem contact met ons op als u hieraan mee wilt doen, want dit is vrijwillig)
Structuren voor wilde dieren
Bomen planten en landschapsarchitectuur
Gamedrives
Interactie met roofdieren en zorg
Olifantenreservaat
Fauna en flora werken in de kwekerij
Wandelingen en patrouilles in de wildernis
Omheining patrouille
Spel telt
Vangst van wild
Inspanningen tegen stroperij
Project Requirement
Project Requirement
Vrijwilligers moeten 18 jaar of ouder zijn op het moment dat ze zich bij het project aansluiten. Deelnemers moeten een open geest en flexibele houding hebben voor het werken in de buitenlucht en een grote interesse en liefde voor dieren en wilde dieren. Alle vrijwilligers moeten een schoon strafbladrapport overleggen voordat ze zich bij het programma aansluiten.
Schedule a Google Meet with a Program Advisor
Interested in our programs? We're here to provide expert guidance
- Get Detailed Info
- 20 min One -on-One meeting
- Get expert advise
- Application Guidance
Photo Gallery















Living
Living
Luchthaventransfers
Vrijwilligers worden opgehaald van de luchthaven van Port Elizabeth. Er worden geplande transfers geregeld van en naar de luchthaven naar het reservaat. Het reservaat ligt op ongeveer 45 minuten van de luchthaven. Alle vrijwilligers moeten maandag vóór 16:00 uur op de luchthaven van Port Elizabeth arriveren, aangezien er tot die tijd alleen transfers beschikbaar zijn.
Oriëntatie
De vrijwilligers krijgen een basisoriëntatie met richtlijnen en instructies van de projectcoördinatoren. Er wordt ook een wekelijkse route opgesteld waarin rollen en verantwoordelijkheden aan de vrijwilligers worden toegewezen.
Accommodatie
Vrijwilligers worden gehuisvest in slaapzalen. De slaapzalen worden toegewezen op basis van geslacht. In gevallen waarin vrijwilligers als koppel willen verblijven, kan dit tegen extra kosten worden geregeld en is het ook afhankelijk van de beschikbaarheid van kamers, tenzij er afspraken zijn gemaakt vóór aankomst. Vrijwilligers zijn meer dan welkom om te socializen in de gemeenschappelijke ruimte, zoals het entertainmentgebied, de lounge, de tv-ruimte, enz.
Internet is ook beschikbaar tijdens bepaalde aangewezen uren.
Maaltijden
Vrijwilligers krijgen op alle zeven dagen van de week maaltijden. Uw basisontbijt bestaat uit granen, brood, boter, jam, thee, koffie en kaas, maar soms krijgen vrijwilligers ook eieren, worstjes of gebakken bonen, en soms een combinatie van beide.









Dates
Dates
januari
06
13
20
27
februari
03
10
17
24
maart
03
10
17
24
31
april
07
14
21
28
mei
05
12
19
26
juni
02
09
16
23
30
juli
07
14
21
28
augustus
04
11
18
25
september
01
08
15
22
29
oktober
06
13
20
27
november
03
10
17
24
december
01
08
15
22
29
januari
05
12
19
26
februari
02
09
16
23
maart
02
09
16
23
30
april
06
13
20
27
mei
04
11
18
25
juni
01
08
15
22
29
juli
06
13
20
27
augustus
03
10
17
24
31
september
07
14
21
28
oktober
05
12
19
26
november
02
09
16
23
30
december
07
14
21
28
Available
Filling Fast
Booked Out
Costs
Duration |
Program Fee
|
Choose your currency
|
---|---|---|
1 Week | $900 | |
2 Weeks | $1350 | |
3 Weeks | $1750 | |
4 Weeks | $2225 |
Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.
Waar betaalt u voor?
- Hulp en ondersteuning van personeel
- Uitgebreide informatie vóór vertrek
- Terug Geplande transfers vanaf Port Elizabeth Airport
- Begeleide wildlifetour
- 1 Reserve-T-shirt
- 1 Reserve Peak-kap
- Oriëntatie
- Eten - Alle maaltijden
- Accommodatie in gedeelde slaapzalen in het reservaat
- Weekendvervoer van zaterdag tot en met zondag naar Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay of Grahams Bay.
Wat is NIET inbegrepen?
- Vliegticket
- Visumkosten
- Vaccinaties
- Alle persoonlijke uitgaven
FAQ's
Application and Program Details
-
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Port Elizabeth, South Africa?
-
It is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. Our service is based on first come first serve basis. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you apply for the program and hold your spot.
-
Can I have a little more information about the location of Wildlife Reserve Project?
-
The Wildlife Project is situated only 85 km from Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown.The reserve is on 6000 hectares of land which is filled with a variety of game, bird life and wild animals including the BIG 5. In addition to the mixture of grasslands, subtropical vegetation, it also has naturally formed pockets of water, amazing rock formations, and splendid fauna.
The Wildlife Volunteering Program in South Africa is an exciting opportunity for all wildlife enthusiasts looking to volunteer abroad with animals. -
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?
-
Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’ and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc.).
-
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol program?
-
Yes, most definitely you can, as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
-
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Port Elizabeth volunteer programs?
-
Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Port Elizabeth, South Africa volunteer projects:
Volunteer must be at least 18-year-old at the time of joining the project.
Volunteer needs to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
The participant must be in good health. -
Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?
-
Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The Certificate is provided on request.
-
Can I volunteer as part of a group?
-
Yes, you are welcome to take part in South Africa Volunteer Program as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the South Africa programs. Volunteering Solutions has hosted student groups as well as families coming to volunteer in the program.
-
When do I need to arrive in Port Elizabeth for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Port Elizabeth?
-
Volunteers working in the Wildlife Reserve Project are picked up by our local representative from Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ). The volunteering project in Port Elizabeth begins on every Monday, all volunteers need to arrive in Port Elizabeth on the program starting date, which is Monday, before 4 PM.
Please make sure you book your flight to arrive before 4 PM at Port Elizabeth, as the pick up won’t be provided after that since scheduled transfers to the reserve from the airport run only at that time.
Flights and Visa
-
Will Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?
-
All travelers coming to South Africa need to have a valid visa.The citizens from most of the European (including UK & Ireland), African and South American countries as well as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do NOT need to obtain a visa beforehand and can stay in the country for a period of up to 90 days. However, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months period.
All participants joining the South Africa volunteer projects for more than 90 days, need to apply for volunteer Visa at the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate. Along with the Visa application, you need to attach the required supporting documents. Volunteers are provided with the necessary supporting document for their South African Visa application. More detailed information shall be provided after you become a Volunteering Solutions’ enrolled participant. -
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Port Elizabeth, South Africa?
-
There are not many direct international flights to Port Elizabeth - you will probably need to fly to Cape Town or Johannesburg and then take a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth.
South African Airways, Mango Air, and Com Air have flight options to Port Elizabeth.
Health and Safety
-
What happens in case of a medical emergency or if I am ill?
-
A well equipped first aid box is available at the Reserve and can be accessed by the Lodge Team Leader or the Reserve Team Leader. They do have trained staff on site to see to minor injuries and bruises.
In the case of a more serious problem, you will be taken to the closest doctor or medical center. The cost of all doctors’ visit and medication will be from your own account. -
How safe is South Africa in general?
-
Like in any new country, you need to take general precautions for safety. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by the local coordinator team during the orientation as well as in your Pre-departure handbook after you become an enrolled participant.
-
Do I need to buy a health insurance?
-
Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip. -
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
-
All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to South Africa. To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to South Africa, click">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa">c… here.
Accommodation and Living
-
Do we have the options for excursions and weekend sightseeing?
-
On weekends, you will be sent out for excursions which will come for an extra cost. The excursions will either be to Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey’s Bay, or any other nearby destination. On these excursions, please note that the reserve will only provide you with accommodation and transport to and from your destination. Accommodation will be in dorms and if you would like an upgrade, you are welcome to do so but you will have to bear the expenses.
You are also free to organize your own excursion, but for this again the expenses will have to be covered on your own.
You are also free to stay behind during the weekends to relax and unwind at the reserve. -
How do I get to the program location?
-
Your accommodation will be close to the project location. Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation.You will be told about the directions to the project from your accommodation and the mode of transport which you can use.
-
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?
-
Volunteers usually work from 07:30 hrs and finish at 16:30 hrs. The activities of the day will be divided into three slots - 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM.
However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions. -
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?
-
You will be housed in the dorms at the Reserve. The dorms are gender based, which means, men and women have separate dorms. In case the volunteers want to stay as a couple, it can be arranged at an extra cost and also depends on the availability of rooms unless arrangements were made prior to arrival. You are more than welcome to socialize in the common area such as the entertainment area, lounge, TV area etc. Laundry services are provided two days in a week. Internet service is also available with the accommodations.
Your basic breakfast would consist of cereals, bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee, and cheese, but at times you will be served eggs, sausages or baked beans, and sometimes a combination of the above.
As for lunch and dinner, you have a wide variety ranging from burgers, chicken and chips, vegetarian dishes, potato casserole and so on (you definitely won’t go hungry!).
-
Can vegetarians be accommodated?
-
Yes, however, you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.
Connect with Past Volunteers
-
How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions South Africa alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?
-
We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions South Africa program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer page on our website.