Paterson Trip Overview
The Big Five Safari Reserve began in 1999 as a joint conservation venture. Today the reserve consists of six independently-owned lodges. The lodges are owner-managed by the descendants of the original families who arrived here with the British settlers of 1820.
The Big Five Safari Reserve Volunteer Project is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so making a contribution to the conservation of our natural heritage. The challenge has been to re-establish the original flora and fauna species to the area and to return the land to nature.
Gap year students and volunteers can be part of this bigger picture and work and live on this reserve and help with all the aspects of running a safari reserve in Africa.
Additional Info
Duration: 14 days
Starts: Paterson, South Africa
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Hiking & Camping
Explore Paterson Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Paterson, Eastern Cape, South Africa
The Big Five Safari Reserve began in 1999 as a joint conservation venture. Today the reserve consists of six independently-owned lodges. The lodges are owner-managed by the descendants of the original families who arrived here with the British settlers of 1820.
The Big Five Safari Reserve Volunteer Project is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so making a contribution to the conservation of our natural heritage. The challenge has been to re-establish the original flora and fauna species to the area and to return the land to nature.
Gap year students and volunteers can be part of this bigger picture and work and live on this reserve and help with all the aspects of running a safari reserve in Africa.
Itinerary
As a volunteer at the Big Five Safari Reserve, your primary responsibility is managing the free roaming lions, with the rest of the day filled with tasks and duties based around the reserve.
The list below provides the details of various projects experienced by past volunteers. Please note that duties may change at any time, which means no week at the reserve will be the same!
SHORT-TERM PROJECTS:
Game capturing, counting and monitoring
Medicinal use of plants and vegetation biomes
Guided walks, tracking and trails through the reserve
Nocturnal predator monitoring
LONG-TERM PROJECTS:
Game counting
Animal tracking using telemetry sets
Territorial ranges and feeding range monitoring
Lion health and breeding monitoring
Giraffe movement and breeding monitoring
Local community sustainability
Assisting vulnerable children and AIDS orphans
Birds in reserves project
GENERAL RESERVE DUTIES:
Erosion control
Fence patrol and maintenance
Alien plant control
Bush clean and clear up
Road and boma maintenance
Stop At:
• Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Greater Addo, Eastern Cape
