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FAQ
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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Participants in this project will directly care for abandoned and injured baby rhinoceroses at a conservation center in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. You will provide specialized care, treatment, and nutrition alongside a professional team.
The project site is home to various African wildlife, including giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, kudus, and monkeys, in addition to baby rhinos. Join this meaningful effort to preserve the endangered African ecosystem, interact with wildlife you’ve only seen on TV, and spend precious time in Africa that you can’t experience anywhere else!
1. Participate in Africa’s Ecosystem Conservation Project
Due to reckless illegal poaching driven by human greed, Africa’s ecosystem is increasingly deteriorating, and many animals are facing extinction within the next few years. In South Africa, many adult rhinos are being killed by illegal poaching, and baby rhinos orphaned by these killings are suffering from trauma and attacks by poachers and predators. This project helps heal these baby rhinos' wounds, socializes them, and prepares them to return to the wild. Join in this activity to ensure that wildlife can live freely and safely in their natural habitats!
2. A Special Journey with Africa’s Grand Nature Right Before Your Eyes
The project takes place in the Mpumalanga region, home to the world’s largest wildlife sanctuary, Kruger National Park. Here, you’ll see, feel, and enjoy the mystical landscapes of Africa that you’ve only seen on TV. Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of famous tourist spots like Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, and the Blyde River Canyon, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime special journey in Africa while coexisting with its mysterious flora and fauna.
3. Safe and Enjoyable African Volunteering Experience!
Africa may feel distant and intimidating, but with this project, you can travel with peace of mind. The project site ensures that volunteers are well-managed and safe throughout their stay. You will always follow the guidance of professional teams for safe animal care, and there is a 24/7 support system in place for emergencies. Additionally, accommodations are in dedicated volunteer spaces with quick access to nearby hospitals within 20-30 minutes. Put your worries aside and get ready to enjoy Africa with a well-established safety system!
# Just like ‘Infinity Challenge’s’ Doto Dad, Jeong Joon-ha, meet your own Doto now!
“Don’t be sick, Doto. Doto, Zambo~” Remember this incredibly addictive melody? In the 2015 MBC Infinity Challenge episode ‘Extreme Overseas Part-time Job,’ Jeong Joon-ha met Doto, an injured baby elephant at the Nairobi National Park elephant orphanage in Kenya, and provided warm care and interaction, touching viewers deeply. Even now, African wildlife is suffering from cruel poaching and needs help. Become a second Doto Mom or Dad at the baby rhino orphanage!
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In the South African wilderness, many rhinos are sacrificed by poachers who target their horns, believing they have medicinal properties. Experts warn that rhinos in Africa could become extinct within the next decade due to these wildlife crimes. To counter this, orphanages have been established to protect severely injured and traumatized rhinos and help them return to the wild. Most baby rhinos recently rescued from the wild arrive at the facilities with severe trauma from losing their mothers, attacks by poachers and other predators, and stress from transportation. Therefore, they require immediate veterinary care and intensive management. Additionally, observing and managing the socialization and feeding behaviors of these rhinos requires close human interaction throughout their recovery. |
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
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■ Physical Requirements ★★☆☆☆ This project mainly involves outdoor activities and hands-on care of baby rhinos, so it requires a fair amount of physical activity. Please assess your health and fitness before starting the project!
■ English Proficiency ★☆☆☆☆ - This project involves protecting and managing orphaned baby rhinos in the wild, and all activities and communications are conducted in English. Anyone who can communicate at a basic level with local staff and other volunteers can participate. |
■ Example Activities
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Time |
Activity |
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06:30 - 07:00 |
Prepare and feed the rhinos in the morning |
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07:30 - 09:00 |
Clean and manage the rhino enclosure / Refill food |
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09:00 - 09:30 |
Discuss the day's tasks - Volunteer meeting |
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09:30 - 10:00 |
Volunteer breakfast |
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10:00 - 12:00 |
Prepare and feed the rhinos |
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12:00 - 14:00 |
Volunteer lunch and rest |
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14:00 - 17:00 |
Final feeding / Check if rhinos have returned to their enclosure Check and clean the surrounding area |
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17:00 - |
Volunteer dinner and free time |
- The start date of the project is every Tuesday, and the end date is Wednesday.
ex) If participating in a 2-week project starting in the first week of November, it would begin on the first Tuesday and end on the third Wednesday
- On the first day of the project, there will be an orientation covering the organization, activity details, rules, etc.
- The above schedule is a basic example of activities. Instead of following a fixed schedule, the activities will be conducted on a flexible schedule based on the health of the rhinos and their needs.
- Main activities include directly caring for baby rhinos, feeding them milk/food, and recording their feeding behaviors and growth development.
- The animals need help every day, so activities will continue without official holidays.
However, on weekends, the schedule is more relaxed, and you can participate in activities such as caring for the rhinos or outdoor excursions (additional costs apply).
*Examples of outdoor activities (Excursions): Kruger National Park, Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon, etc.
- To match the project participation dates, airport pick-up will be as follows:
(Airport → Project Location: Tuesday morning / Project Location → Airport: Wednesday evening)
- To participate in the project, you must purchase and submit travel insurance that includes medical coverage for the duration of your stay.
Insurance can also be arranged through local agencies, so if you prefer to purchase insurance through the agency, please make a separate request.
- If you wish to participate for more than 4 weeks, please inquire separately. (koreagapyear@gmail.com)
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1. Is it safe to live with wildlife? Yes, it is safe! Volunteers stay in a separate volunteer house, and a professional protection team is stationed at the center, available 24/7 if help is needed. Additionally, there is a hospital within a 20-30 minute drive from the project site, so you can receive medical care immediately in case of an emergency.
2. Are there any emergency medicines or vaccinations that I need to prepare before departure? For travel to the project area in 'Mpumalanga,' a tetanus vaccination is required. Additionally, while the actual risk is low, Mpumalanga is a wildlife conservation area, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional about malaria prevention before departure. The organization also recommends using mosquito repellent. For more detailed information, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional from a relevant institution.
3. Africa seems very hot... What if it’s too hot to participate in activities? Forget the misconception that Africa is always hot! The northern region of South Africa where the project takes place has seasonal variations between summer and winter. In summer (September to April), temperatures average 31°C, similar to summer weather in our country. Afternoons can have brief thunderstorms lasting about an hour. In winter (May to August), temperatures average 23°C with little rain, generally clear days, and cool nights, so a warm jacket or scarf is needed. It is recommended to participate in the project during May to August to enjoy sunny weather!
4. Do I need specialized knowledge to volunteer? Not at all! The protection center has a dedicated team that manages the overall rehabilitation of rhinos. Volunteers assist the professional team by caring for the rhinos, feeding them, and observing their behavior. If you love animals and are interested in animal protection, anyone can join!
5. Is the cost of living very cheap in Africa? Don't assume that everything in Africa is cheap! Like most African countries, South Africa relies heavily on imports for daily necessities rather than local production, so living costs are not significantly lower. Depending on your spending habits, it is generally comparable to the cost of living in our country. |
* Detailed participant reviews can be found at Gap Year Story (Click).
* More participant reviews are available at the bottom of the project under "Participant Reviews".
SUPPORT
 Local Orientation |
 Online Orientation |
 Online Consultation |
 Local Institution Completion Certificate |
 KGY Certification |
 Pre-Departure Care |
 KGY Consultation |
 KGY Mission |
 24hr Emergency Care |
 Flight Ticket Booking Assistance |
 Real-Time Consultation Service |
 KGY Note Book |
 Project and Participation Costs |
 KGY Mission Scholarship |
 OT Documents |
 Local Volunteer Accommodation |
 Round-trip Transportation between Johannesburg and the Activity Site |
 Three Meals per Day (Western and Local Cuisine) |
 Project Activities and Training |
 24/7 Emergency Contact with the Local Organization |
 One Group T-shirt |
 Welcome Pack |
 Local SIM Card (1GB Data) |
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Personal travel insurance (can be applied for separately)
- Visa fees (if participating for more than 30 days)
- Other local expenses
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The project is conducted at a wildlife protection center located in Mpumalanga, a region in the northern part of South Africa. This center was established to protect the endangered wildlife and conserve the sustainable wildlife ecosystem. Here, rhinoceroses, giraffes, kudus, and various other wildlife live together. The center aims to rehabilitate abandoned and injured animals so that they can eventually return to the wild. A team of specialized animal protection staff is stationed there to carry out these conservation activities. Thus, most animals are not kept in the center for the rest of their lives but are instead given rehabilitation treatment with the goal of returning to the wild.
How about contributing to this cause by taking care of the animals with your own hands every day, helping them safely return to the wild and making a difference together?
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Participants stay in log cabin-style accommodation managed directly by the organization, located in an independent space within the center. Volunteers will share rooms with 2-6 people per room.
The accommodation features a common lounge and veranda where participants can gather and chat after a day’s work. Additionally, the kitchen is equipped with basic cooking utensils, allowing participants to cook meals together. Meals are provided daily at the accommodation, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and consist mainly of Western and local foods.
| Shared Rooms / Shared Bathrooms / Kitchen / Laundry (Weekly) / Lounge Area / Data SIM Card (1GB) |
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location : South Africa, Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is a region located in the northern part of South Africa, meaning "the place where the sun rises." It boasts sunny weather year-round and is home to South Africa’s premier national park, Kruger National Park, the third largest canyon in the world, and some of the world's oldest caves. With abundant flora and fauna, Mpumalanga is often referred to as a 'traveler's paradise.'
Especially in Mpumalanga, various activities are conducted to conserve the wildlife ecosystem. The renowned Kruger National Park, the largest national park in the world, is rich in biodiversity and is a leader in both technological and policy efforts to ensure animals can live freely without human threats. The region promotes sustainable tourism to preserve the wildlife ecosystem, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature while protecting its beautiful natural environment.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
Eligibility
- Anyone aged 18 or over in good physical health
- Anyone interested in wildlife rescue activities
- Anyone with a strong spirit of adventure and a desire to take on new challenges
- Anyone who wants to experience the mysterious African continent firsthand
- Anyone who wants to have a meaningful experience saving lives with friends from around the world
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Recommended target audience by the planner The program takes place in a wildlife reserve away from urban areas, surrounded by the vast nature of Africa. Caring for injured baby rhinos requires significant attention and physical effort. However, the joy of seeing these baby rhinos recover their health and interact with you, nurtured by love and care, is indescribable. Although it can be physically demanding at times, this project comes highly recommended for those with a strong passion for conserving Africa’s wildlife and saving lives. |
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 1 week .
■ Participation Costs
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1 week |
2 weeks |
3 weeks |
4 weeks |
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3,010,000 |
4,670,000 |
6,080,000 |
7,520,000 |
■ Gap Year Mission ( ▶ Learn More )
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount, please make an advance payment of 500,000 KRW and settle the remaining amount within 2 weeks. The process for confirming your participation will begin from the date of the advance payment, and we will check availability and TO. It is important to secure your spot early to participate on your preferred date and period! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for the remaining payment may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
All Gap Year projects are recommended to apply at least 3 months before the project start date due to the normal processing procedures and preparation period. The principle is to apply no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if there is an urgent need to participate in the project, you can use the emergency application service to pay an additional fee for faster processing.
* While we will assist with the fastest possible processing, there is a basic amount of time required for communication with local agencies and for confirming participation. Since all procedures are the same as for regular participants, those using the emergency application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operation team.
** Those who apply more than 180 days before the start date can receive an Early Bird discount.
*** Emergency application services can be applied for through the options above. For inquiries regarding emergency application services, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- What is Provided: Gap Year mission and notes auto-application / Full OT materials provided upon participation confirmation / Emergency additional staffing / Support for necessary documents, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In the case of emergency applications, there may be no TO due to local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to the Gap Year refund policy. Additionally, any issues caused by participant non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
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