DESCRIPTION: Protecting
wildlife against poaching is the priority of the Mkhaya Game Reserve, located
in Swaziland. In this protected area live black and white rhinos, which
are poached for their horns. Many other species, such as elephants, buffalos,
antelopes, crocodiles, hippopotamus, zebra, giraffes, monkeys, leopards,
etc., can be observed in the Reserve.
SPECIES: White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium
simum), black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis).
HABITAT: African savannah
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Mkhaya
Game Reserve, Lowveld, Swaziland, Africa.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: Airplane
to Mbabane; a visa and a passport valid for at least 6 months after
leaving Swaziland are necessary.
DURATION: Min. 2, max. 5 weeks.
PERIOD: Year round.
AGE: Min. 18.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Volunteers
must speak English, be able to walk long distances and tolerate heat. Some
knowledge of wildlife and birds is helpful. Volunteers must also be prepared
to abide by the specific rules and conditions laid down by the Reserve.
VOLUNTEERS WORK: Participation
in daily monitoring of endangered species, nightly detecting of poaching
activities from watchtowers, animal surveys, maintenance work. Most working
days start before sunrise. Half or full days off from work may be requested
to recover from fatigue. Cooking and cleaning tasks are rotated amongst
volunteers on a daily basis. Volunteers will always work together with
a Swazi ranger, who has absolute authority. The safety of people and animals
is the first consideration during all activities.
LANGUAGE: English.
ACCOMMODATION: Simple huts or
tents close to the working area. Overnight camping is very primitive with
cold-water shower, pit latrine, mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets.
COST: 2 weeks, US$980; 3rd week,
US$210; 4th week, US$133 (fifth week is free.) Flights, visa, local taxes
and insurance not included.
LONG TERM: Max. 5 weeks; inquire
with organisation for possible exceptions.
APPLICATION: The Ecovolunteer
Network (see Organisation list).
