Enjoy the spectacular backdrop of South Africa whilst working at a baboon orphanage, where baboons that have been orphaned, injured, abandoned by owners, or even shot, are rescued and rehabilitated. Immerse yourself in the incredible experience of bonding with a wild animal and making a positive contribution to its release back into the wild, whilst spending time exploring the enchanting surroundings of this magical southern African country. Nicknamed "The Rainbow Nation", South Africa has something to offer everyone; a colourful and enjoyable country full of history and culture that will make you never want to leave! If you have an interest and passion in primates then this project is perfect for you. From the moment you arrive on site, you will be involved with a wide range of hands on activities and working alongside the expert park rangers, and making friends for life!
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
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Become a surrogate to the baboons
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Discover the Rainbow Nation
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Make a positive contribution to releasing the baboons back into the wild
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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Location |
South Africa |
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Activities |
Cleaning living quarters
Caring for the babies
Aiding the baboons with social skills |
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Transport |
Bus to nearest station |
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Accommodation |
Shared volunteer house |
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Before you go |
Pre-departure support & documentation
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Advice on visas & equipment
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier t-shirt |
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In-country |
Project orientation
Accommodation
Ground transfers to project
Project equipment
In-country emergency support
24-hour international HQ back-up |
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
One of the sad consequences of population growth and economic development in Africa is that animals have become increasingly under threat by habitat destruction, poaching and hunting. As a result, many orphaned or injured animals can no longer live in the wild and need caretaking and support. Bush meat is the most significant blow to wildlife populations in South Africa, and refers to the unsustainable over utilisation of the wildlife resources of this part of the world where natural habitats are being denuded of their indigenous wildlife. Primates in particular are hunted for their meat, as pets and for medicine, and their habitats are being destroyed at an alarming rate.
Wildlife refuges and rehabilitation centres are a crucial means of providing this support and, wherever possible, reintroducing animals back to the wild. They're also vitally important as a means to educate the public about human wildlife conflicts.
You will be helping with all activities of the centre – maintaining the animal's living quarters, helping with game reserve maintenance, caring for the orphaned animals and helping maintain the reserve in general. The work will be hard but extremely rewarding and being so close to some of the world's most fascinating primates is sure to be an experience that you'll never forget!
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Working at this amazing and outstandingly worthwhile sanctuary gives you an unmissable chance to study the behaviour of these incredible animals each with their own unique character. You will work to build up a relationship with the baboons and they will learn to trust and accept you. The daily routine will include a very varied schedule including cleaning out their living quarters, caring for the babies (for example bottle feeding and even changing their nappies), transferring them between enclosures and visiting older monkeys (who have behavioural problems due to abuse by humans in their living quarters). You will also spend time everyday inside the enclosures aiding the youngsters with their social skills and indulging in a little rough and tumble with the adolescent baboons!
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
Please aim to fly into Johannesburg. You will then be collected from the nearest bus station or other prearranged location. This will be arranged in good time with the staff of the sanctuary.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
Whilst participating on this project, you will be sharing accommodation with your fellow volunteers, which is a great opportunity to make friends and build a great team spirit. You will be staying in a communal, rustic, house in the bush, situated at the heart of the project site.
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
This project is self catered, giving you the chance to enjoy communal cooking with your fellow volunteers. You will have access to cooking facilities which you will share with your housemates. Once a week staff members will go into town to stock up on supplies for the group. You'll have great fun cooking with your new friends, so make sure you have a look at some cookbooks before you head out!
What Next? Apply Now!
I still found time for my favorite activity, monkey massage!
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8 Jul 2010
With one look at the picture on the website I was hooked!
My first friend was Mr. ...
Read more
I wish I could take my trip all over again
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21 Feb 2010
The 2 months I spent at the Baboon Sanctuary were the 2 best months of my life. I just got ...
Read more
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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The project site is located near the Kruger National Park, one of the most spectacular and biodiverse areas on the planet. Catch a glimpse of awe inspiring mammals such as elephants, giraffes, and many more. Take in the dramatic landscape from the back of a jeep, as you get a taste of the real and raw Africa. The project site is in the Limpopo region, which is famous for its outstanding natural beauty.
