GREATER KRUGER AREA, SOUTH AFRICA

GREATER KRUGER AREA, SOUTH AFRICA

When it comes to incredible wildlife encounters in South Africa, the Greater Kruger Area is simply unparalleled. Sharing a fenceless border with the iconic Kruger National Park – often considered one of the best game parks for wildlife viewing in Africa – the Greater Kruger Area is a sprawling expanse of over 20 private game reserves.

This exclusive region allows travellers to embark on exhilarating game drives throughout the African bush to experience up-close encounters with some of the area’s most iconic wildlife. Roaming freely from the Kruger National Park, travellers in the Greater Kruger Area can expect to see Africa’s big five – lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants – among other stunning wildlife, without the crowds that often fill the neighbouring national park. The Greater Kruger Area is a hub for some incredible conservation efforts that aim to protect South African wildlife. Travelling to this stunning region means embarking on endless wildlife conservation adventures that are as impactful as they are exciting. If you are looking to experience Africa’s wildlife in an authentic, impact-driven setting, the Greater Kruger Area is the ultimate destination for you.

Our projects are developed alongside local communities to ensure the work we do is ethical, responsible, and relevant to the needs of their communities. Our teams live and work alongside these communities, which allows us to offer sustainable and transformative experiences that provide real value where it is most needed.

African Impact Volunteer Wildlife Conservation Big 5 19
African Impact Volunteer Wildlife Conservation Big 5 8

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

You will be staying at Olifants River Camp in the heart of the African wilderness. It is a traditional bush lodge set in a big 5 reserve with all the facilities and furnishings you need for a comfortable and authentic stay in Africa.

The team are passionate about environmental conservation, and it is reflected in how the lodge is run. Recycling, sustainable use of resources, environmental education, and the use of locally grown produce and ethically sourced ingredients are all important aspects of life at Olifants River Camp

Available year round.

Nearest airports: Johannesburg or Hoedspruit.

Climate :The project is situated in the Lowveld – a semi–arid region. We are blessed with good weather all year round. Summer season (October to March) can be wet and hot. The hottest months are usually December, January and February. Winter Season (April to September) is dry and sunny. The coolest months being June and July when it does get cold at night and early mornings

Programme Focus

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY  

 

African wildlife is hurting in unprecedented ways, making sustainable conservation work necessary to ensure our animals’ future. 

  • Only between 3,500 and 5000 Wild Dogs remain on the planet (International Union Conservation of Nature).

  • Lions are classed as vulnerable by the IUCN with only 23,000-39,000 mature individuals estimated to remain in the wild and with three quarters of populations in decline
  • Africa’s elephants are now classed as endangered and critically endangered (2021).(2021).Ling

Habitat loss is identified as a main threat to 85%  of all species described in the IUCN’s red list.

Conflict between humans and animals is one of the main threats to the continued survival of many species across the world and is also a significant threat to local human populations.

 

Across Africa, wildlife is under intense threat. Negative interactions with humans and environmental dangers like climate change have put South Africa’s impressive species in a precarious situation, with many at risk of extinction within the century. When you join our wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa, you will work to support sustainable conservation efforts that put the lives of African wildlife and communities first.  You can learn in depth about the issues that surround human and wildlife conflict and look at some long term solutions.

Embarking on game drives into the heart of the African bush, your work will focus on conducting valuable field research on the local wildlife’s health, behavior, and populations. This research will be integral to informing conservation decisions in the area, ensuring long-term wildlife preservation aims across the Greater Kruger Area are met in the best way possible. Your teams could be involved in one of the following conservation programs.  

CAMERA TRAPS AND RESEARCH

 We utilise camera traps to capture valuable data on animals. These camera traps help us see animals we wouldn’t normally see on game drives. In the past these photos have helped us identify injured animals, we have spotted poachers, we have even seen very elusive animals such as leopards, pangolins and more.

Students can help us record essential data on their health, migration patterns and behaviors. Working with our research team, you will add your observations to databases that are foundational to informing sustainable conservation efforts. 

PHYSICAL CONSERVATION PROJECTS

On our projects there are always plenty of rewarding opportunities to practice physical wildlife conservation techniques. These modest conservation tasks, such as removing invasive species, significantly improve wildlife habitats and support healthy populations.  

 

Sample Greater Kruger Area Itinerary

All our itineraries are tailored for every school. 

10, 21 and 28 day
Itineraries are also available. 

21 and 28 day itineraries can be combined
with our Cape Town Project.

This itinerary is a sample

Day

Activity

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Day 1

Depart UK

Depart UK

Travel

Overnight Flight

Day 2

Arrive into Johannesburg Airport

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation

Orientation and welcome. Visit apartheid museum in Johannesburg.

Welcome dinner

Day 3

Excursion

Visit Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO world heritage site

Transfer to Greater Kruger project site

Welcome, Orientation and Dinner

Day 4

On project

Outline project goals and activities

Survival activity, Build a shelter!

Cultural night

Day 5

On project

Conservation overview

Set Camera traps

Movie night

Day 6

On project

Review camera trap pictures and learnings

Game Count

Game Drive

Day 7

On project

Human/Wildlife Interaction presentation

Game Drive

Dinner

Day 8

On project

Visit Farmers of the Future project site. Meet farmers and help in the garden.

Meet Farmers 

Review and planning session

Day 9

On project

Physical conservation work

Physical conservation work

Dinner

Day 10

On Project

Research game drive

Review and learning session

Planning sesion

Day 11

Excursion

Visit Hoedspruit

Research game drive

Review, Learnings and dinner

Day 12

Excursion

Panorama Route, Full day excursions

Panorama Route, Full day excursions

Panorama Route

Day 13

Depart

Transfer to Johannesburg

Depart for UK

Overnight Flight

Day 14

Arrive home

Arrive back in UK

Price Inclusions

Exclusions

  • Student/staff ratio 10:1. 
  • Pre departure information and communication
  • Meet and greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers
  • Experienced dedicated group leader throughout
  • All Meals
  • Accommodation, staff in twins. Students in twins/dorms
  • Experienced dedicated group leaders throughout
  • Project management
  • Project materials
  • All activities and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • Wifi 
  • 24/7 Security guards at accommodation
  • 24/7 Emergency medical support throughout
  • Single supplements for staff
  • Additional excursions
  • Visas
  • Covid testing (where necessary)