This varied and exciting conservation project offers volunteers an opportunity to become involved in conservation issues within the Greater Kruger Park area whilst enjoying a typical African bush (Big 5) experience.

You will stay at beautiful Paradise Camp, an isolated rustic open bush camp deep within the Balule reserve. The camp is located on a rise approximately 2km from the Olifants River and is open on all sides so animal movement is not restricted in any way.

At the camp you will be accommodated in one of five elevated double chalets each with room for two volunteers. Each cabin has two single beds and a small storage locker, with a sliding door leading onto a private deck and stairs. A mattress, pillow and sheet are supplied, so you will need to bring a sleeping bag (this is also useful for nights when you choose to sleep out on the game viewing deck).

The game viewing deck towers 12m above the camp and offers uninterrupted views across the reserve – this also provides a safe recreational environment away from any wildlife that may approach or enter the camp. An open camp fire forms a popular focal point for meals and catching up on the day’s activities. The evenings are filled with the sounds of the African bush, and it is not unusual to hear lions roaring, hyenas whooping or jackals calling during the night.

Cooking primarily takes place on the open fire with gas stoves available for when weather conditions make this difficult. All meals will be cooked and prepared by project staff. Volunteers will be allocated duties around the camp on a rota basis to ensure everyone has an opportunity to help out with camp cleaning, firewood collection etc.
Basic ablutions consist of flush toilets, sinks and showers with a reed screen for privacy – there is nothing quite like taking a bush shower with the open sky above you – you can choose to join the local birdlife for their daily dawn chorus or enjoy a spectacular starry night sky in the evening.

As a volunteer you will be assisting with a wide range of tasks including:

Wildlife Data Capture - You will join regular morning and evening game drives to capture data on animals encountered including; species, identifying marks, numbers, location, sex, age, condition, time and date, activity and food source (e.g. which plant species a giraffe is feeding on).

During the evening drives, spotlights will be used to identify crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife.

Vegetation Data Capture - Volunteers will conduct canopy & basal cover surveys on foot in predetermined monitoring sites to help assess vegetation density and the reserves carrying capacity. Grass vs woody plant ratios will also be assessed.

Elephant damage will also be assessed regularly, including the height and phonological stage of trees damaged. A ranger will conduct all driving and will be able to assist with identifying the various flora and fauna encountered on the drives.

All project staff are well trained and experienced conservation officers and rangers, and each will be armed with shotguns and rifles while in the bush.

What's included?

• Johannesburg Airport collection and drop-off.
• Overnight accommodation in Johannesburg before and after your project
• Return transfers between Johannesburg & Balule.
• A welcome brief and introduction with a member of the on-site project team.
• Accommodation for the duration of your stay.
• All meals during your project.
• An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to the Balule Conservation Project.

If you are adding the optional Cape Town Week, the following will also be included:

• Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
• A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in, and an opportunity to let your
  family or friends know you have arrived safely.
• An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
• 9 nights’ accommodation at AVIVA House in Cape Town with self-service breakfasts (8 nights before your project and 1 night when you return to Cape Town after your project)
• A full-day Peninsula Tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.
• A half-day Cultural Tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa’s recent political history before and after Apartheid, includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa’s second largest township after Soweto.
• A full-day tour to the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Wine tastings and lunch included.
• Our booking service for all attractions and events.
• Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
• Return flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg to join your project.
• If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Johannesburg (or Cape Town) before your planned arrival date.