African Conservation Experience: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Going on a Gap Year Placement with African Conservation Experience - Work with the Wildlife

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Tuli Conservation ProjectIn the Tuli Block of Botswana volunteers work alongside experienced rangers to establish a baseline ecology study of the wildlife in this vast and unfenced trans frontier region.
  • Zingela Predator Conservation ProjectAt Zingela, you can study some of Africa's most elusive and persecuted predators, focussing on cheetah conservation, leopard and brown hyena studies.
  • Phinda Wildlife Research ProjectAs a 'Big 5' safari reserve, Phinda offers superb wildlife viewing while you conduct field research on the populations of lions, leopards and elephants, amongst other species.
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation CentreVolunteering at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa gives you hands on experience in animal care, rehabilitation and hand rearing of wildlife. Join an experienced and dedicated team caring for injured and poisoned wildlife.
  • Khulula Wild Care
  • Game Capture TeamJoining the Game Capture Team lets you participate in the exciting work of capturing and relocating many wildlife species, including rhinos, buffalo, giraffe and large herds of antelope - this is hands-on and adrenaline fuelled work!
  • Hanchi Conservation ProjectWhile volunteering at Hanchi, you assist in the management of a 9,000 hectare reserve from horseback, which operates a breeding programme for rare antelopes as well as a cheetah sanctuary and predator study.
  • Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary ExperienceThe Wildlife Veterinary Experience gives you the opportunity to work alongside experienced wildlife vets in South Africa, accompanying them on all wildlife cases and learning first hand and up close about this exciting work.
  • Nholwasi Community ProjectAn immensely rewarding experience, working with local children to promote sustainable and long term conservation, enrich their lives and work with the children of the future.
  • The Dolphin and Whale Research CentreAt the Dolphin and Whale Research Centre you assist renowned marine scientists studying the populations of humpback and bottlenose dolphins, byrde whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales, along South Africa’s coast.
  • Mauritius Dolphin Conservation ProjectAs a volunteer at the Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project you assist with monitoring and controlling the impact of eco tourism on the local populations of spinner dolphins, melon headed dolphins and bottle nosed dolphins.
  • Tutuka Family Conservation ProjectWork with your family to bring your children's learning to life. Contribute to the conservation research of a Big 5 reserve and join our local community project.
  • Game Ranger Guide CourseThe Game Ranger Guide Course gives you a thorough introduction to the wildlife and habitats of South Africa and Botswana.
  • Wildlife Tracking CourseLearn advanced tracking skills and interpret animal behaviour while following wildlife through the wilderness of Botswana’s Tuli Block. This is a tough and adventurous experience.

Do I need to be a student?

No, we sometimes refer to our volunteers as students because when you are on placement you will be a “student of conservation”.

What is the age range?

Our volunteers are aged from 17 to 70 something!

What injections do I need?

As we are not medically qualified to give medical advice, please contact your GP or MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Traveller Abroad). You may be recommended to have a rabies injection, which is optional.

Can people from outside the UK join?

Yes - we accept volunteers from all over the world. You can either arrange your own flights direct from your home country, or you can fly to London to meet up with our flights. If you choose to arrange your own flight, we can deduct £500 from the placement cost.

How much will it cost?

Find out more about the project costs here. Once you have an idea about which project you are interested in and how long you want to go for, contact us and we can give you an exact cost. 

Can I go with a friend?

Of course - you can be placed together on the projects and will also be able to fly out together. But you'll meet some great people out there, so we also ask that you make sure you are part of the group too while at the project.

Can I split my time between two projects?

Yes you can! Ideally you need to spend a minimum of 4 weeks on each project, so in a 12 week placement, you can do 3 different projects. However, some projects you can do for two weeks.

What are the dates?

Most projects run throughout the year and don't have set start dates, so its pretty flexible. The dates for the Game Ranger Guide Course can be found here.

How long can I go for?

Anything between 2 and 12 weeks.

What is the accommodation like?

The accommodation varies from project to project, but is usually shared twin rooms with separate shared ablutions and a living/eating area. There is always an outside space where you can sit by the fire under the stars! Have a look at the gallery for photos of each project's accommodation.

Can the projects cater for vegetarians?

Yes of course - we can cater for most special dietary requirements. Please let us know in your application form.

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