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Volunteer travel specialists i-to-i have today announced a fantastic new opportunity for wildlife and adventure lovers alike to experience life on a big five game reserve in South Africa with their ‘Work with lions and elephants on a Big 5 reserve in South Africa’ project. Volunteers on the project not only do valuable work on the reserve, but also get involved with the project’s rehabilitation centre for lions and elephants, all the while surrounded by the Eastern Cape’s incredible scenery.
The reserve, which is set in the vast plains of the Eastern Cape, aims to preserve the area’s spectacular wildlife through education, wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching initiatives. Volunteers on this fantastic project get plenty of opportunities to see the majestic big five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos) roaming in the wild as they help out with things like lion monitoring, game capturing and fence maintenance.
As well as the animals on the big five reserve, the project is also home to a rehabilitation centre for lions and other predators and an elephant sanctuary. So, when they’re not out in the bush, volunteers can get stuck in looking after the lions and elephants at the centre, feeding them and generally giving them the extra care and attention that they need. Depending on the demands of the project, volunteers may also help out on community initiatives, as well as conservation work such as tree planting.
Volunteers stay in a fully kitted-out lodge in the historical village of Sidbury, just a short walk from the reserve. After a hard day’s work out in the bush, those taking part in the project can relax and chat to other volunteers in the lodge’s lounge or TV room, or chill out by the pool. There’s no need to worry about food either: There are plenty of provisions to eat for breakfast in the lodge’s kitchen, while lunch and dinner are laid on for volunteers, who will be able to sample everything from local African cuisine, to ‘Afro-Asian’
As the project is in the heart of the picturesque Eastern Cape, there’s plenty to explore at the weekend: volunteers can follow in the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers on the Donkin Heritage Trail in Port Elizabeth, lounge on gorgeous sandy beaches or indulge in a spot of surfing in Jeffrey's Bay or wander round the vibrant and historic centre of Grahamstown at the heart of Frontier Country. Or, there’s always the option of staying on the reserve to soak up the amazing scenery.
This incredible experience lasts one week, costing £1,150, but volunteers can extend their stay to up to six weeks at a cost of £330 per week for a longer break. Transfers from Cape Town at the start of the trip then back to Port Elizabeth at the end are included and i-to-i volunteers, as always, enjoy the support of a dedicated in-country team as well as 24hr emergency support. Those who want more information should call i-to-i’s travel experts on 0800 011 1156 or visit http://www.i-
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
