Amakhala Volunteers Experience

During this rewarding and unforgettable hands-on conservation experience, enjoy the opportunity to give something back to both the Amakhala Game Reserve and the local area.

Volunteers are actively involved in a variety of tasks which run from Monday to Friday, with the average working day being around 8 hours, and include a whole range of duties and experiences including the following:-

Conservation services

Covers the involvement in aspects of both animal and land management. The tracking and monitoring of animals, particularly predators and their impact on the population numbers of their prey, forms a core of the work by volunteers. When animals are introduced or relocated, the volunteers sometimes have the chance to assist the vet and ecologist in the process. Land management activities includes the monitoring of grazing patterns, road and fence maintenance and the removal of alien vegetation.

Community services

Includes assisting the Amakhala Foundation’s commitment to environmental education to school children. Volunteers also spend time at the Isipho Centre which cares for orphans and vulnerable children, along with basic maintenance and gardening.

Fun elements

are also included too, such as guided walks and overnight camping, canoeing and boating on the Bushman’s River, Xhosa culture and medicinal use of plants, target shooting, and stargazing.

Excursions

Each week one of the following excursions will be offered (subject to availability):

• Excursion to world-renowned Addo National Elephant Park
• Horse riding safari
• Beach walk and marine conservation

Weekends

As there are no volunteering activities, you have the option to explore the area, or to simply relax at the reserve. Alternatively, why not upgrade to a luxury lodge experience with a 2 night stay at The Safari Lodge, Amakhala from just £328 per person which is fully inclusive and with two game drives per day.

What's included

Departures: Every Sunday from 09 Jan-04 Dec 2022.

Accommodation: In comfortable rooms, which are serviced daily, within the renovated Old Railway Station in Sandflats. Facilities include a swimming pool, outdoor ‘braai’ area, internet facility, laundry service and popular pub next door.

Meals: Food is supplied for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is self-prepared by the volunteers at the Old Railway Station.

Tour price: The price shown for this experience includes international flights, onward domestic flights, transfers to/from Amakhala Game Reserve, 7 nights accommodation and meals (self-prepared).

Why not extend your stay with 3 nights in Cape Town? Stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge from £161 per person, which includes breakfast and return private transfers from/to Cape Town airport.