Conservation in South Africa and Botswana (2-Week Summer Special for High School Students)

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Dates: Sunday, 19th July - Saturday, 1st August ; Sunday, 9th August - Saturday, 22nd August

Description: Even before you arrive at our Conservation project in Southern Africa you will see some stunning wilderness on your journey to base camp. You will fly into Polokwane, in the northern region of South Africa, and then drive across the Botswana border. Your final destination is Legodimo - our large nature reserve.

You will stay at the conservation lodge which is well facilitated to accommodate volunteers. It has large dorm rooms, hot water showers open to the stars and a large open air communal area, complete with a fire circle and braai pit (similar to a BBQ). All of this is set against a truly remarkable backdrop, beautiful scenery and the impressive wildlife of the Limpopo River.   

Volunteering on this project is hard work, a lot of fun and extremely interesting. You will be moving from place to place and will be involved in wrapping trees to prevent damage from elephants, removing alien plants and collecting scientific data on the birds and elephants in the reserve. Volunteers will be accompanied at all time by our conservation leader, Gerrit. He has lots of experience with all tasks and activities that volunteers are involved in, as well as a great knowledge of the regions geography and a good understanding of all animals the group will encounter. He will pass on his expertise and enthusiasm to volunteers, who can learn a lot from his experience living in the bush.

This project will appeal to practical, energetic and enthusiastic volunteers.

Highlights: Five times the size of Great Britain, South Africa's position at the southern tip of Africa has created a diversity of lifestyles and a diversity of environments, from the lofty Drakensberg Mountain range to the Cape Vineyards.

Thought to be the birthplace of mankind, this land historically attracted Europeans as a gateway to Africa. At the start of the 21st century, South Africa is leading the way in African politics, and is seen as an inspiration to other countries. With eleven national languages and a variety of religions South Africa truly is the 'Rainbow Nation'.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in South Africa.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Cost in US$: 2,895

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-20

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992