Overview
A once in a lifetime chance to get behind the scenes and involved with the conservation efforts of a Big Five Game Reserve. Wildlife conservation volunteers take part in game monitoring, assisting at the Born Free big cat sanctuary and looking after orphaned animals at the wildlife rehabilitation centre. We also offer a Vet Experience with a world-renowned wildlife vet at Shamwari.
Testimonial
“We would like to thank you for your help and for arranging for us to join the Shamwari volunteer team.
The environments were amazing, the Rangers are very kind and their knowledge unsurpassed. The organisation was perfect and the meals were delicious. We have learnt a lot and would like to continue volunteering in future.”
Renata & Tamas, Hungary
Video
Watch this clip to understand how Shamwari has evolved from being a barren lifeless farmland 20 years ago to the present day with 23,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Hear from other volunteers about what life is like as a volunteer at Shamwari!
Highlights
Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of game reserves and home to the coveted Big five and is located in a malaria-free environment. We also offer a Vet or Pre-Vet experience working alongside our resident wildlife Vet. Help out the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and help in the Wildlife Rehabilitation centre.
Location
Shamwari Game Reserve is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, only an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. This area historically had an abundance of wild game roaming free with one of the richest wildlife areas on the African continent.
Free Time
There are several adventure and leisure based activities available from seasonal whale watching in Algoa Bay, surfing J-Bay’s world-renowned Super Tubes, to bungy jumping at the Bloukrans Bridge, visiting Addo National Park and exploring the coastline of the Tsitsikamma National Park.
