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The reptile project in South Africa takes place at a centre that houses around sixty species and is open to the public. Volunteers play an active part in all aspects of the centre’s running and work to protect species that are often little known to the public. All placements at a wildlife sanctuary
The study and conservation of reptiles in South Africa
The Reptile Centre is situated in the Limpopo region, near the town of Hoedspruit, not far from Kruger National Park. South Africa is home to numerous reptiles, including a large number of snake species. The Reptile Centre has a positive impact on species conservation, thanks in particular to its educational work. Indeed, reptiles – and snakes in particular – are often very poorly understood by the local population. Yet knowledge of a species helps to protect it.
The reptile centre is open to the public
The centre is open to the public all year round, and thanks to its reputation and high standards, it welcomes nearly a million visitors every year. At the reptile centre, you’ll find various species of snakes (such as the boomslang, black mamba and cobra), as well as lizards, iguanas, frogs, scorpions, spiders, crocodiles and tortoises!
The centre does not sell any of its species. It runs a breeding programme for the most endangered species. Its mission is centred on three main areas:
- Species conservation through education and research
- The relocation of rare and endangered species
- Educating the local population about the importance of reptiles to local biodiversity
The eco-volunteer plays a vital role at the centre
Whilst having the opportunity to work with a wide variety of species, you will play a vital role in the centre’s work. Volunteers help with various tasks at the centre. They also play an important educational role, both with tourists and the local community. Their main duties include feeding the animals and cleaning the cages and enclosures.
More broadly speaking, the eco-volunteer’s work includes:
- Cleaning reptile enclosures;
- Species identification;
- Attending career guidance sessions;
- Education on venoms, symptoms and the necessary treatments;
- The rescue, rehabilitation and release of rescued species;
- Contribution towards veterinary care;
- Work in the laboratory;
- Public education.
- Assistance with various maintenance tasks in the park.
Volunteers are regularly taken to one of the many valleys in the Drakensberg to observe reptile activity.
The mission welcomes volunteers all year
round. The minimum stay is 2 weeks and the maximum is 6 weeks.
You can arrive on any day of the week, but it is preferable to arrive at the mission on a Saturday or Sunday to fit in better with the programme schedule.
- 2 weeks: €850
- 3 weeks: €1,230
- 4 weeks: €1,580
- 6 weeks: €2,350
Included in the price
3 meals a day
Accommodation and linen
Return transfer from the local airport or the town of Hoedspruit Internet access (Wi-Fi)
Several return trips to the town each week
A project T-shirt
Not included in the price
- The international flight and the transfer from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit
- Additional drinks and personal expenses
- Insurance cover for assistance, repatriation, medical expenses, cancellation and luggage
- The laundry
Terms and Conditions of Participation
- Open all year round
- No specific experience is required to take part.
- Aged 18 or over, or aged 16 or over if accompanied by an adult
- Language: English (intermediate level)
Accommodation
All volunteers are accommodated in the volunteers’ house, located just behind the Reptile Centre. There are four bedrooms, each with two beds, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom and a lounge with a TV and a pool table.
- Internet access is available in the house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A cleaner comes every week or twice a week.
- The supervisory team does the food shopping, and the volunteers themselves prepare the meals.
Tous les avis sur les missions de VolonTerre Africa
About the partner agency
The partner organization is a French agency founded by Nathalie in 2015, following several years of volunteering experience with an organization in South Africa. It offers various eco-volunteering missions focused on the preservation of endangered species, as well as support for rural communities. The partner agency specializes in missions based in South Africa.
