Shamwari Conservation Experience – South Africa

This Conservation Experience is a once in a lifetime chance to get behind the scenes and involved with the conservation efforts of an established Game Reserve. Africa faces a huge challenge against poaching and this is an opportunity to get up close and personal with a conservation organisation and to understand the challenges and preventive measures the industry is taking in order to protect these majestic wild animals for generations to come.

This game reserve is located in the Eastern Cape 2 hours from Port Elizabeth airport, is a fully operational 25,000 hectare 'Big 5' game reserve and our experiences are based around the requirements of various short and long term projects conservation projects and the need for assistance by the Wildlife and Conservation Department.

The centre also boast a multi-purpose student centre and other facilities geared to host several activities and get participants involved in various components of conservation. The experience is a true reflection of the day to day operational requirements needed to manage the game reserve and its resources.

There is also an opportunity to support a local township community, based outside the reserve and contribute to the long term community project Shamwari support.

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT THIS DESTINATION

• Leopard Tracking
• Rhino and elephant monitoring
• Game Drives
• Fence building/mending
• Conservation Techniques
• Veterinary work experience
• Removal of alien plant species
• Service Learning project in the local township of Alicedale
• A Visit to the Born Free Foundation

I am currently studying a Level 3 extended Diploma in animal management and would like to go into marine conservation / marine biology. I have always cared for people by volunteering at my local church by taking the children's liturgy at ) 09:30 every Sunday, and by volunteering in their repository for Saturday Mass. I also Volunteer at a local primary school for impaired and disabled children (summer side). I have a L2 BTec in health and social care, and volunteering in Africa is the next step!

You may not see the effects of what this money is spent on; but this is not about us... This is about the children of the world, our children, and their children. Being good stewards to the world. Some species of rhino are already extinct. The hyena is now on the red list; there are less than 200,000. These are breathtaking creatures, weather you believe them to be creation by the lord our God, be the processes of evolution from mutations over millions of years, or sneezed out of an aliens nose!

This money will go the the Ardmore company. Their provide "experience Education tours for schools and public". £1400 of that money will go to the 4* Shamwari Conservation Game reserve to provide:

• 24 hour armed protection.
• Language school.
• 4 birth bunk cabins for 2 weeks.
• Local care.
• Food and drinks.
• Classes at potes.
• Travel around the game reserve and local township of Alicedale.
• £800 will go on flights. £100 goes on goes on other expenses like insurance, airport travel in the UK, ect. The remaining £240 will go on personal expenses such as buying specialist gear / clothing, and acquiring vaccinations, and visas.

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