I volunteered for 4 weeks in May, 2013. Katie and Joe run a fabulously educational program covering virtually all aspects of game reserve management and wilderness conservation. You will work hard, physically and mentally, and play hard...and see big game up close like you've never imagined. You'll learn about big game, small game, birds, reptiles, and South African creatures and vegetation. You'll learn health and safety practices for being in the wilderness, firearms safety training and driving a game viewer. You'll be up early, all day (with rest breaks) and sometimes into the night...when and where game are active.
There is a terrific week-long orientation as well as continuing hands-on learning and work sessions throughout each day; you'll have Saturday afternoons and Sundays off to rest, relax and see the areas nearby. Weekly trips into nearby towns put you in touch with locals, where you can expereince the culture and cuisine. You'll even campout a night in the wild.
Whether for a gap-year experience, or "simply" volunteering for the sake of helping strengthen local game management and wilderness program actvities, this will be an experience you will not soon forget! I highly recommend it!
