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GYC1068 - Shamwari Game Reserve Country: South Africa Cost: £1699.00 Please note: All our rates include your return transfer and pick up from airport, all accommodation for the duration of your placement, all meals and placement activities. We are a fully bonded agent through IATA; in conjunction with South Africa Airways we can offer some fantastic rates on international airfare. Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food, kit and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance or visas      Duration: 4 weeks (6 and 8 week durations available) Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7511 or

 

	This placement would suit... This is the ultimate experience or apprenticeship for veterinary, biology, zoology or ecology students. It is also a good placement for someone who just wants to have an amazing experience and likes wildlife. There are special offers for last minute booking for this trip, with discounts of up to 40% off for trips in December and January! Mention Gapyear.com when booking and save £100. Conservation at Shamwari is about the management, development and rehabilitation of the environment to create a sustainable ecosystem through the implementation of fundamental conservation principals. The conservation department at Shamwari has a highly effective team including a qualified wildlife veterinarian, ecologist and environmentalist. The Wildlife Department also boasts a breeding centre, an education centre and an anti-poaching unit. To ensure the lasting sustainability of the reserve as an ecosystem rich in biodiversity, the ecology department strives to protect and where necessary to improve the environment. As a conservation volunteer at Shamwari you will have the chance to assist with many on going short and long term projects. As your placement will only be a relatively short time in regards to many projects there is no guarantee that you will be involved in all during your placement. Game Monitoring / Counts Community Project - C.A.R.E General Reserve Maintenance Wilderness Experience - Camping out under the stars in the wilderness area (Weather dependent) Shooting and APU (additional cost) Orientation of camps and facts Fence, wire and rubbish clearing Fence Patrol Survival Sleep out Road Maintenance and Bush Clearing Rock packing along fence lines Updating data and information on to computer Game Counts As part of your placement there may also be the opportunity to help and assist at the Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat sanctuary situated within the Reserve. It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger, and provide them with excellent life time care. As a conservation volunteer you may be involved with the feeding of these big cats as well as the maintenance of their enclosures. Latest Update Our volunteers at Shamwari have recently played a huge role in the funding and building of a jungle gym at the local commnuity care centre. Donations and fundraising helped to get the money together to buy the necessary equipment and parts. The project was completed in November and has brought the local kids much enjoyment during their play time. CO2 Emission offset for Every Shamwari Placement The average flight from London-PE to Cape Town Centre produces a whopping 2.13 tons of CO2 emissions per person! Upon arrival at Shamwari or Sanbona the guests will have opportunity plant trees to offset the gases created on their journey. The current figure used for offsetting this is 0.5 tons per tree planted, so each student would need to plant 5 trees at Shamwari/Sanbona, which would be part of their conservation work - This project is due to start in October 2007. 0845 344 7511 Worldwide Experience offers volunteers a unique conservation opportunity to work on some of Southern Africa's premier private game reserves or leading marine ocean research projects. A conservation placement is the ultimate life changing experience gives you the chance to give something back and make a difference to the natural environment.