Zululand Conservation Trust

2 WEEKS FROM R20 000 PP SHARING*

You will join the permanently employed staff of the Zululand Conservation Trust to support their conservation efforts on Manyoni Private Game Reserve in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. No two days look the same as there is a wide array of work to be done, including;

wildlife monitoring and reserve work;
K9 tracking and training;
night patrols;
caring for orphaned rhino calves and
community work.

You role as a volunteer will give you an in depth look in all aspects of reserve and wildlife management, including the integral role that anti-poaching teams play in protecting our wildlife.

Conserving Protected Areas

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2025 Rates

R 20 000 pp sharing (resident rate)

R 25 000 pp sharing (international rate)

2026 Rates

R 22 000 pp sharing (resident rate)

R 27 500 pp sharing (international rate)

Details

Includes:

Accommodation;
Organisation of transfers.

Excludes:

Food and beverages;
Cost of transfers;
Any excursions during your downtime;
Travel insurance and visas.

Payment policy

A 50% deposit is required on booking. The remaining 50% balance must be paid 4 weeks prior to arrival.

Where does your money go?

There are most costs associated with conservation. From salaries for full time staff to technology items that require replacing from time to time. The Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that relies purely on donations and the success of its volunteer program. Other major costs associated with the conservation work carried out by ZCT are fuel for vehicles, veterinary care as well as water and electricity to run the centre. You can rest assured that your contribution by joining this project will be used to make a difference.

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18 years and older. Applicants younger than 18 years of age will require consent to participate from a parent or guardian.

All participants are required to sign an indemnity form on arrival at the project.

Age & Indemnity

Participation in this volunteer project is limited to a minimum of 2 weeks. This assists the permanent team of the Zululand Conservation Trust with reducing the frequency of volunteer arrivals and departures.

Minimum Duration

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are mandatory and the project located in a low malaria risk malaria area.

Early mornings and evenings spent around the fire after long days of making meaningful differences. No two days are the same as there is set schedule that rotates between different activities.

Wildlife Monitoring and Reserve Work

Use specialised telemetry and other equipment to locate animals like rhinos, pangolins and big cats. The monitoring of these animals gives the reserve team better insight into their behaviours and activities. Reserve work can include physical work like road repairs and invasive plant species removal.

Rhino Orphanage Work

This typically includes cleaning out bomas (holding areas), preparing food and provide enrichment for young, orphaned rhino calves. From time to time, you may be able to assist in a de-horning or relocation of a rhino.

K9 Tracking and Training

Work with experienced K9 handlers and the anti-poaching teams on the ground to ensure their canines are constantly on top of their game. From bite work to scent detection tracking drills, it's bound to give you a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into anti poaching measures.

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A typical week consists of...

You will be staying in a newly built tented camp that can sleep a maximum of 10 volunteers. Each canvas tent can accommodate 2 volunteers and has it's own bathroom with a shower and a toilet. Your towels and bed linen will be provided.

Wi-Fi is available in the central area and there is good cell phone reception throughout the camp.

Meals are not supplied and you will be expected to cater for yourself. You will have access to a fully equipped communal kitchen with fridge, freezer, stove/oven and microwave. Town trips will be planned once a week for you to stock up on suoplies.

There is a beautiful outdoor braai area and comfortable seating arrangements inside the central area.

Shared Canvas Tents

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The Zululand Conservation Trust operates from the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, a 23 000 hectare reserve, home to the Big 5. Whilst the Zululand Conservation Trust has had an established presence for over 10 years, they have recently partnered with Manyoni Private Game Reserve to advance their conservation efforts and safeguard endangered species and their habitats.The project is located 2 hours north of Richards Bay in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province.

Big 5 Game Reserve

Getting There

Transfers can be arranged to and from Richards Bay Airport on Mondays only, at an additional cost of R 2000 per transfer.

Alternatively, you are able to self-drive and park your vehicle securely at the project.

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Why We Love This Project

K9 Work

It's giving wildlife volunteering with an adrenaline rush! You'll work alongside skilled K9 handlers and anti-poaching teams to conduct drills and continuous training.

Rhino Orphanage

Every calf that comes in to the orphanage is a direct result of poaching. You'll assist them with their second chance as they are heal and get ready to be released into the wild again.

Community Interaction

Enjoy weekly interactions with the communities who neighbour the reserve. Brighten the lives of others through food drives, classroom fun or maintaining vegetable gardens.

Image Gallery

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