Experience A Conservation Safari
KWANTU VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMES
1. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Overview
This program sets out to give participants a holistic experience of life on a big 5 game reserve and thus not only give them some big 5 exposure, but also conservation and fauna and flora, as these go hand in hand. Therefore, the volunteers work with us on a day to day basis assisting us in carrying out all tasks on the reserve.
Who is this ideal for?
For those wanting to make a difference to the lives of animals as well as the environment, while experiencing a range of activities, then this is the place for them.
What can volunteers expect?
As we try to give volunteers an insight into life on a game reserve, we vary the type of possible activities. These activities include:
- Game Capture
- Game Count
- Lion Monitoring
- Removal of Alien Vegetation
- Planting of Indigenous Trees
- Assisting in the Caring Of Orphaned Cubs
- Fence and Anti-poaching Patrols
- And many more
What is Included?
- Scheduled Transfers (one to the reserve and one back to PE/ airport – 2 trips in total)
- Orientation on arrival
- Kwantu Cap
- Kwantu T-shirt
- Accommodation
- Meals while on the reserve
- Beverages with meals
- Weekend Excursions (Transport and Accommodation Only)
How long is the program?
FAQ's
- Can I upgrade my accommodation to either sleep alone or share with a partner? Yes, this is no problem at an additional fee. Please however check availability with us as it is not always available.
- What if I arrive/ want to travel out of the scheduled times? This is no problem at an additional fee
- What is the age limit? 18+, however, we do sometimes allow younger volunteers (16+) with the correct paperwork and when we are not too busy as they normally require extra attention
- Can I play with lion cubs? While we are not a zoo/ breeding centre to guarantee cubs, should we have some available at the time, then volunteers will get a chance to interact with them if possible.
- Can I do a private excursion while at Kwantu i.e. leave for a few extra days during my time? Yes, we have a private excursion form which they normally fill out and are welcome to explore SA should they wish to.
2. GAME RANGER COURSE (8 Weeks)
Overview
The game ranger course is for those who want to participate in our wildlife program, but also have the time and interest in getting bit more education on this. Therefore, the game ranger course largely overlaps with our big 5 wildlife and conservation experience, but additionally includes lectures, study material, practical lessons and of course the FGASA exam (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa – They are the authority on issuing out game ranger qualifications).
Who is this ideal for?
For those who have the time, want a big 5 experience, but also want more details on the wonderful workings of nature, then this is the program for them (and are also not scared to study a bit while with us).
What can volunteers expect?
As there is an overlap with the big 5 wildlife and conservation experience, the above activities are included as well as:
- Lectures (classrom type)
- Lectures (in the bush)
- Practical training
Therefore, this program adds a more educational spin to the wildlife program and allows participants to leave with a recognised certificate once done.
What is Included?
- Scheduled transfers (one to the reserve and one back to PE/ airport – 2 trips in total)
- Orientation on arrival
- Kwantu cap
- Kwantu-tshirt
- Accommodation
- Meals while on the reserve
- Beverages with meals
- Weekend Excursions (transport and accommodation only)
- FGASA Study Material (level 1)
- FGASA Registration (level 1)
- First Aid Level 1
- FGASA Training
- FGASA examination (theory)
How long is the program?
8 Weeks (starts on set dates)
While the course is 8 weeks, it can be combined with any other program should participants want to stay longer.
FAQ's
- Will I definately get my qualification? We will give the participant the necessary training and assistance to pass the exam, but as the exam is externally moderated, we cannot give any guarantees as this is up to the amount of work which the particpant puts in
- Is the exam/ course difficult? As it is the intro course, it is not very in depth. While there is some self study required, with a bit of studying and discipline, the participant should have no problem.
- Once I pass, am I a fully qualified game ranger (technical term is Field Guide)? Once the participant writes and passes the exam, they will receive a certificate from FGASA advising that they are a field guide. However, should they want to work, they would need to be registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and would need to undertake a practical assessment in the area that they would like to work as the wildlife and fauna/flora differ from area to area. Once this has been completed, they can then work as a ranger in geographical parts covered by FGASA.
- What is the age limit? 18+
3. KWANTU VETERINARY EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
The Kwantu Veterinary Experience Program sets out to allow participants a chance to get involved and understand what it entails to be a “wildlife doctor”.
This would give participants exposure to certain hands on veterinary work, as well as exposure to animal management, as the best treatment is always prevention.
Activities Include, but are not limited to:
- Wildlife management
- Rearing of orphaned animals
- Game counts
- Game capture
- Wildlife structure enrichment
- Conservation management
- And much more
Please Note: Our programs are highly dependent on external factors, which are out of our control, and therefore no particular activity can be guaranteed.
The course caters for those interested in the field of veterinary science as well as those already in the field, as it covers a wide range of activities, which also include wildlife and conservation activities.
4. GARDEN ROUTE COMBO SAFARI
Overview
The South Africa Experience is offered to satisfy the demand for a short program which effectively excompasses the best of what South Africa has on offer. As South Africa is so diverse and offeres so much, we have decided to cover the main elements which are the famous big 5, the Garden Route of South Africa, and of course all of the sights along the way including Table Mountain.
I would also like to add here that the tour specifically been designed to allow volunteers free time during the trip to engage in activities of their choice and have therefore not made it a guided tour, but rather a tour which we facilitate.
Who is this ideal for?
Those that only have a short while to travel, want to experience everything of SA, even if just on the surface, then this is the program for them.
What can volunteers expect?
- 1 week big 5 volunteering to give them a taste of South Africa’s wildlife
- 1 week along the Garden Route covering an activity per day, and then allowing them free time to engage in their own activities.
What is Included?
Kwantu Game Reserve
- Scheduled transfers (one to the reserve on arrival)
- Orientation on arrival
- Kwantu cap
- Kwantu-tshirt
- Accommmodation
- Meals while on the reserve
- Beverages with meals
Garden Route
- Daily tansport
- Accommodation on a BB basis
- 1 activity per day as per the schedule
- 1 meal in Cape Town on the last night
- Transport to the airport on last day (scheduled time)
How long is the program?
2 weeks + (starts on specific dates and extra Kwantu weeks can be added on)
FAQ's
- Can I upgrade my accommodation to either sleep alone or share with a partner along the Garden Route as well? Yes, this is no problem at an additional fee. Please however check availability with us as it is not always available due to us working with external service providers.
- What is the age limit? 18+
- Can I do my own activities along the Garden Route? Yes, you are more than welcome and encouraged to do so during your free time
- Do we go into town with the other volunteers on the weekend excursion during our week on the reserve? This is not actually included, but we do try to accommodate the volunteers where possible.
5. OTHER PROGRAMS
Kwantu Private Game Reserve strives to enhance and increase our product offerings. So should you feel that you would like an experience which are not currently covered by any of our other programs, or you would like something more tailor made, please feel free to chat to any one of our reservations team, and we will be happy to assist you.
Group Travel , Youth and School Groups
Due to the various camps which Kwantu has, Kwantu is also ideal for group travel where the participants will be catered accordingly.
As we understand that certain groups, which want to experience a truly authentic African experience, are under certain time and travel constraints, we are happy to propose various packages based on the needs of the groups.