This placement would suit... Those seeking an intimacy with the ‘real’ South Africa. This combination placement exposes the many different faces of this fascinating country. It provides diverse challenges in an inspiring environment giving a unique experience Experience the ultimate African safari, thrilling wildlife encounters combined with life changing conservation and local community projects. Based in a ‘Big 4’ game reserve, south of the Kruger National Park, we challenge you to help run an exclusive lodge, assist rangers on safari and make a real difference to the lives of local people. Placement summary This placement offers a fascinating mix of conservation, eco-tourism and community projects - the three Leaps. Kwa Madwala Game Reserve Kwa Madwala is home to a well-renowned safari lodge called Manyatta, cleverly built into the sides of local kopjes. It is situated south of the Kruger National Park, just a few hours from Mozambique. Here your time will be split between helping run this fantastic safari lodge, and assisting in the local conservation and community projects. This diversity will ensure you leave Africa both fulfilled and exhilarated, as you will make an enormous contribution to some of Africa’s most valued wildlife and fast-disappearing tribes. Despite South Africa being one of the most modern countries in Africa, Kwa still provides the essence of ‘real’ Africa away from westernisation. There is a huge amount to do in the rest of the country, such as whale watching off the coast of Cape Town, travelling along the famous Garden Route or even venturing off the beaten track into Mozambique. Helping who? - Kwa’s park rangers - Lodge managers - Swazi community Helping how? Leap 1: Kwa Madwala’s game lodge - Assist the rangers with the elephant-back safaris. - Assist in all aspects of lodge management, such as bar service, working in the kitchen, general maintenance and escorting guests on safari. ![]() Leap 2: Community - Play football and help out at the local orphanage. - Construct housing in the reserve for the local communities. - Teach English amongst the staff and local community. Leap 3: Conservation - Map wildlife whilst on game drives. - Construct bird hides and decks to help monitor animal migration. - Build cheetah bomas and elephant-back safari stables. - Help on their leopard-breeding project. Adventure - Safaris in search of the 'Big Four' - Micro-light over the reserve - Safari in the Kruger National Park Group size: 10 - 12 volunteers per placement. Cost includes... UK - Interview, consultation and briefing - Organisation and preparation of entire placement from start to finish - Supporting travel documents including effective fundraising guide - Management, advice and 24-hour back-up and support ![]() In-country - Safety briefing and induction - Management and support by a professional placement manager and team leaders (ratio: one leader to eight volunteers) - Full payment to the host towards your in-country costs - 24-hour emergency back-up and support - Airport pick-up and transfer to and from the placement - Full board and accommodation - Park fees (if applicable) whilst working
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