VOLUNTEERS ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
Working with South African wildlife in the natural setting of a ‘big five’ Eastern Cape game reserve is the latest volunteering project available through BUNAC’s well-established Volunteer South Africa programme. This is a new and unique opportunity to spend four or eight weeks getting up close and personal with the animals on conservation projects in stunning rural areas of southern Africa. Volunteers work as part of a field team in the day-to-day activities of the game reserve, which can range from the capture and redistribution of animals, to hand-rearing lion cubs. Best suited to flexible, hard-working, adventurous individuals, this is a challenging yet hugely rewarding way to enjoy an extended summer or winter vacation or a career break.
Since 2002, BUNAC’s Volunteer South Africa programme has offered participants the chance to work on Cape Town community development projects in areas such as teaching, health awareness and the environment. This new wildlife option now takes volunteers to the very heart of an African game reserve where, dependent upon skills and experience, daily tasks could include monitoring animal migration patterns and feeding habits, animal and plant rehabilitation, plus setting up and implementing programmes to educate local communities on the importance of animal and nature conservation. Applicants must be British citizens, aged 18 or over and have a background in or experience of the environment, zoology or horticulture. Working hours on placements usually range between 35 and 40 per week with two days off to enjoy the natural beauty and local culture of the surrounding area.
Starting at £1,050, the programme fee covers all meals and accommodation for a four-week project placement plus a comprehensive seven-day arrival orientation, including bed and breakfast accommodation and excursions in and around Cape Town. Programme materials, full pre-departure support from BUNAC in the UK, plus guidance and supervision from BUNAC’s South African partner are also included as is a financial contribution to the upkeep of the game reserve. Participants also need to budget for flights and insurance. Further information and a Volunteer South Africa Application Pack are available at: www.bunac.org/volunteersouthafrica or by calling (020) 7251 3472.
Traditionally known for its popular camp counselling programme, Summer Camp USA, today the market leader in work abroad also offers volunteering/teaching placements in Ghana, Costa Rica, Peru, Cambodia, China and the USA, plus flexible working holidays to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For further information, visit: www.bunac.org.
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Press: for further information, contact Sarah Leavesley or Haydn Parks at BUNAC.
Tel: (020) 7251 0662 (please quote 020 7251 3472 in articles), e-mail: sarah.leavesley@bunac.org.uk
or haydn.parks@bunac.org.uk
Photography is available.