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Great Kei Kubusi
Wilderness Volunteer Program
Kei Kubusi, South Africa
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Volunteer Activities |
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Capture and release spring hares, honey badgers, ground squirrels, meerkats, and freshwater fish |
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Assist with raptor rehabilitation and work with eagles and buzzards |
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Help monitor bird behavior and patterns |
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Indentify flowers and native flora |
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Take part in mapping and geological surveys |
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Log GPS location coordinates |
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Educate and raise environmental awareness in local communities |
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Take part in environmental and cultural activities, including canoeing, hiking, fishing, visits to traditional healers, game drives, photography outings, and excursions to sites of interest |
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| Volunteer Program at a Glance |
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Start Dates:
January 4th and 18th, February 1st and 15th, March 1st and 15th, April 5th and 19th, may 3rd and 17th, June 7th and 21st
Program Length:
Minimum: 2 weeks Maximum: 3 months |
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Program Cost:
4 weeks US $2955
*2-week placements may be arranged.
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Cost includes:
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Airport pick-up / drop-off |
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Accommodations at a tented camp |
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Orientation / overnight cultural tour |
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3 meals daily |
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Schedule:
You will volunteer in the mornings and/or afternoons, 5 days a week. The exact hours and details of your day will be decided during the volunteer orientation. Schedules vary depending on program needs, and volunteers should remain flexible.
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Requirements:
A minimum age of 18 applies for all placements. Applicants should also be reasonably fit, as some of the activities are quite physical. |
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What Volunteers Can Do: |
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Volunteers in the Great Kei Kubusi Wilderness Program will work to restore and protect a large and diverse wilderness area in South Africa composed of canyons, grasslands, sheer cliffs, valley bushveld, and riverine subtropical forests. Volunteers will assist with raptor and small animal rehabilitation, reintroduction of endemic fish, and general upkeep and maintenance of fences and enclosures. Volunteers in this program will also have the chance to participate in fun and educational activities including canoeing, hiking, fishing, visits to traditional healers, camping, game drives, and photography outings. |
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Why Volunteer in South Africa? |
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Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is renowned for its long coastline, vast beauty, and varied landscapes. The Great Kei Kubusi area is home to many exotic animal species including leopard, rhino, buffalo, 20 antelope species, and a number of rare raptors and birds. Yet for all its beauty and tourism potential, South Africa suffers from innumerable social and political challenges. Conservation in South Africa is frequently given a low priority, and most land protection initiatives are started by individuals. This means that resources are scarce and volunteers are needed to provide the necessary enthusiasm, hard work, and funding to encourage rehabilitation and sustainability. |
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South Africa Great Kei Kubusi Wilderness Program Goals: |
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The Kei Kubusi mission statement states, "As conservationists, our aim is the protection and preservation of biodiversity of the Great Kei Kubusi Wilderness Area". To achieve this, the program focuses on three main areas: flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Though mammal and raptor monitoring, biome mapping, alien plant control, meaningful engagement with local communities, and many other activities, volunteers can work towards this goal in a productive and balanced way.
The project has a long-term (10-year) target that is regularly broken down into smaller weekly units, each with a specific focus, area of interest, educational component, and fun activity. However, a great degree of flexibility is essential, and volunteers will deal with the most pressing conservation issues that occur during their particular placement, which may deviate from the weekly plan. |
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Airport Pickup and Orientation: |
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After being picked up at the airport, volunteers will have an arrival week that allows them to settle into and develop an understanding of their new and sometimes challenging environment. During this week, the coordinating team and the volunteers will develop a working relationship, learn about the support structures in place, and become familiar with the workings of the volunteer organization.
During arrival week, volunteers will attend an active and informative orientation program. The orientation will feature specialists from a variety of fields and interactive excursions for the volunteers. The following topics will be covered:
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History of South Africa
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Understanding apartheid and the dawn of a new democracy |
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Socio-political developments in South Africa |
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Introduction to basic Xhosa customs and norms – including an overnight stay in a rural Xhosa village |
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Overview of the various biomes within South Africa and within the program's specific region |
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Rocky shores marine life and coastal systems |
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The fragile ecosystems of estuaries |
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The floral diversity of the Eastern Cape |
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Transportation: |
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A representative will meet you upon arrival at East London Airport, and transfer you back to Buccaneers Lodge for the start of orientation. Once the program starts, you will be transferred to the camp on the Kubusi River. |
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Accommodations: |
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During orientation, volunteers stay at the Buccaneers Lodge in Chintsa. The lodge is situated on 8 hectares of coastal dune forest, and the spectacular scenery and warm staff delight all that stay. After orientation, accommodation is at a rustic camp on the Kubusi River, and a communal tent is the hub for meals, relaxing, and learning. The camp is remote and secluded and therefore offers the volunteers an authentic "living in the bush" experience. |
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Meals: |
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. |
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In-Country Support: |
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In country support will be provided during your time in South Africa. The friendly staff will assist in every way, from weekend getaways, to internal flights, to overland tours and safaris. |
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South Africa Excursions: |
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Volunteers are encouraged to travel on weekends, and the program staff will assist in making travel plans and reservations. There are also lots of activities to do around the area. Some examples are:
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Visit to Cape Town |
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Hogsback Excursion |
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Transkei Trip |
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Surf School |
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Mountain Bike Tour |
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Cultural Tour |
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Game Drives |
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Horseback Rides |
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Insurance for Volunteers: |
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BridgeVolunteers provides emergency travel insurance for participants. For more information, please read our Insurance page. |
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