Wildlife Learning Experience

This project is the perfect starter package into the natural wonders of the African bush! Situated within the Greater Kruger National Park, you’ll experience what it is like to live in the African bush. Explore the reserve on foot or in a vehicle accompanied by an experienced and very knowledgeable field guide. Go on excursions included in the programme. Explore Kruger National Park. Visit a local township. Help local outreach programmes. Visit a rehabilitation Centre and admire a giant Baobab tree. Gain in-depth knowledge of the natural world and how to sustain it… All this and more in a comprehensive 2-week programme.

Volunteer and elephant in the bush in South Africa

The two week package is ideal for those with little time available, but getting the most out of their stay. It also provides an ideal introduction to South Africa and wildlife in combination with other projects Chameleon Travel Africa offers; for those who wish to spend more time in the country.

Walking across giraffe in the bush
Bushdrive with lions

You can expect to take part in the following activities:

  • Bush walks, game drives in the Greater Kruger Area
  • Short informal lectures and discussions to gain bush knowledge and to enhance the walks and drives in the reserve
  • Exciting excursions 
  • Practical work in the bush to aid conservation efforts (e.g. alien plant control, erosion management)
  • Practical support of sustainable projects run by intern students
  • Assisting community upliftment projects
  • Any additional activities that may arise (observing the local wildlife vet when attending to an injured animal, a conservation event, e.g.)
Helping hand in the bush
Learning about tracks and environment

Social responsibility too is very important to the project and they offer continual practical and financial support to worthwhile local initiatives.

 

Please note that although there is a planning in place, the programme may be disrupted at any point by weather conditions or game viewing opportunities, whether it be elephants visiting at the camp fence, giraffes passing by or an early morning wake-up call to go see lions!!

 

You can be assured that the project leaders will walk the extra mile to give you an incredible experience!

Huge elephant in the bush very close by

Excursions

The following excursions and activities (detailed info) are included in the price and form part of the programme:

  • 2-Days in Kruger National Park
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation tour
  • Rural community outreach work (alternating 2 worthwhile causes)
  • Reptile Park interactive guided tour
  • Visit to 2.000-year-old Baobab and pancake restaurant
  • Boat trip, and hike to waterfall and pools for swimming, including picnic lunch (or when closed for filming: trip to Mountain view-point and thereafter swimming area)
  • Guided walking tour of local village
  • Trip to local restaurant
  • Sleep-out in the bush

On arrival, participants may also choose from a variety of optional extra excursions (prices vary per excursion) which can be fitted into the two week programme:  Panorama Drive – touring the natural beauty of Limpopo’s breath-taking landscapes and waterfalls, Horse-back Safari, airborne Microlight Safari, quad biking, mountain biking, walking trails, an additional day-trip into Kruger National Park.  

Education of recycling bottles
Learn all about tracks

Leisure:

There will be leisure time to relax at the pool, sit on the huge tower looking over the bush to spot some wildlife and take in the vastness of the stunning natural surroundings. Or, for those who wish to connect with the home front, to share your adventures.

 

Meals:

Breakfast and lunch are prepared by participants and dinners are delicious home cooked meals prepared by the camp’s matriarch Suegnette. Special diets are catered for.

Playing in the mud in the bush, relax in South Africa

Accommodation:

The camp is situated in a private game reserve (nature reserve) where ‘The Big 5’ (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) roam freely, as well as all the other wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, warthog, and various species of antelope, and smaller carnivores such as hyena, jackal and cat species such as cheetah, caracal, serval and plenty more lesser known yet amazing animals.

 

There are five separate rondawels (chalets) to accommodate from 1-8 persons as well as five caravans to accommodate from 1–2 persons. Apart from this, there is a 3 story tower where you can sleep out under the stars above tree level. The separate ablution block has hot and cold running water, flushing toilets, and showers. All bedding is provided, but bring your own towel and sleeping bag (for sleeping on the tower or in the bush).

 

There is a huge lookout tower in camp, a kitchen/dining area, a communal area, a lecture and games room, and a swimming pool. The phone signal at Camp varies with some ‘hotspots’ for good signal. Wifi signal is fine, yet not as fast as you may experience at home. There is electricity in camp.

Lioness and her cub hugging
Elephants during bushdrive

Please contact us for information regarding programme costs.

Price includes:

  • Our assistance and guidance throughout all stages of your trip; from planning the idea to when you get back to your home country
  • Our comprehensive pre-departure pack, full of information
  • Accommodation
  • 3 Meals a day (special diets catered for)
  • Transfers between the local airport and the project
  • The excursions as set out above
  • Donations towards worthwhile causes
  • Bush walks and game drives
  • The programme, including lectures
  • Weekly town trips for shopping
  • WIFI
  • Laundry
  • A local contact person from CTA. We are here for you and your family to answer any enquiries or to assist you in case of an emergency
  • Certificate on completion of your programme
Wild dogs in South Africa
Volunteers jumping and are very happy

Not included:

  • International and domestic flights/transport (we're happy to assist you)
  • International bank costs 
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Visa costs if your stay in South Africa is going to exceed 90 days (we're happy to offer advice and assistance)
  • Conservation levies at the gate  into the Nature Reserve
  • Personal expenses, such as toiletries, additional drinks and snacks, and any additional optional excursions you’d like to partake in

Requirements:

  • Participants must be 18 years or older, or be accompanied by an adult. 
  • Fair knowledge of the English language is recommended.
  • Fair level of fitness.

No experience is needed to join the project, just a passion for the African bush and an open mind to explore different cultures and values.

 

Group size: 2 - 6 participants.

 

Minimum stay: The project runs a programme of 2 weeks. Please contact us for available dates.