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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Participants in this project will work with professional staff at an animal rescue facility in North West Province, South Africa to help wild animals injured in the wild and orphaned regain their health through various protection activities. The center is home to a diverse range of African wildlife, including big cats (lions, cheetahs, white lions, tigers, etc.), hyenas, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and giraffes, offering you the chance to encounter a variety of animals. Your role will be to assist these injured wild animals so that they no longer need human care and can return to the wild. The ultimate goal of the project is 'the return of wildlife to the wild', so the focus is on rehabilitation care and training rather than just interaction with the animals.
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1.Don't miss out if you love animals! A project to become friends with wildlife
In this project, you will be closely observing and caring for injured wild animals from Africa. By feeding lions, tigers, and cheetahs—animals whose names alone are daunting—taking them on walks in the savannah, and playing with them, you will find that these once-feared wild creatures become adorable friends. Especially, working alongside the facility's professional staff allows you to gain a deep understanding of wildlife as you assist with their rehabilitation. This project is highly recommended for animal lovers.
2. A special travel project enjoying the vibrant animal kingdom
How thrilling would it be to live with African wildlife that you might only see in a zoo? The facility where the project takes place is home to magnificent African animals such as big cats (lions, cheetahs, white lions, tigers, etc.), hyenas, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and giraffes. You will witness the kingdom of animals unfold before your eyes every day! Additionally, * thrilling experiences unique to Africa, such as game drives, await you. Don't miss this rare opportunity to truly experience Africa—make the most of it!
*Game Drive: A safari tour where you search for wildlife while driving in a vehicle
3. No words needed~ A project to unite with friends from around the world
Friends from 20-30 countries around the world join this project to experience real Africa. Bond with fellow animal lovers from around the globe, work hard, and feel a deep connection. Enjoy conversations, understand each other’s cultures, and as you work together for the animals, you'll find that you become incredibly close friends without needing words. Naturally, your English skills and confidence will improve too!Make unforgettable memories with friends from around the world.
4.4 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
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PROJECT ACTIVITIES
■ Project Details
- The project starts every Monday. (The airport transfer day is Sunday after the project ends.)
- On the first day of the project, an orientation will be held to introduce the organization, activities, rules, etc.
- The schedule below is an example to help understand the activities; specific activity details may vary depending on field conditions.
| Example of activity details: fence maintenance, weeding and tree care, animal care/play/walking/feed, farm maintenance, etc. |
- Activities are generally held from Monday to Saturday. (Thursday is a full-day outdoor activity)
- Every Thursday is designated for outdoor activities. Choose from the available outdoor activities for that week and pay the fees directly on-site. Costs vary by activity, approximately $30 to $200 (estimate, subject to change). Details of the costs and activities will be provided after confirmation. (Example outdoor activities: quad bike tour, monkey sanctuary, cultural village, cable car, zipline, etc.)
- Every Sunday is a day off, allowing you to relax at the accommodation or participate in additional outdoor activities (additional cost).
- To participate in the project, you must have travel insurance including medical benefits for the duration of the participation.
Insurance can also be arranged through local organizations, so if you prefer to obtain insurance through the organization, please make a separate request.
- For those wishing to participate for more than 4 weeks, please inquire separately. (koreagapyear@gmail.com)
■ Example of Project Activities
| Time | Activity |
| 8:00~9:00 | Animal enclosure maintenance, walking with animals like lions and elephants |
| 9:00~10:00 | Breakfast |
| 10:00~12:00 | Spending time with animals, farm management, lion training, etc. |
| 12:00~14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00~15:00 | Elephant mud baths, *game drives, *bush walks, etc. |
| 15:00~ | Volunteer dinner and free time |
*Game Drive: A safari tour driving in a vehicle to find wildlife
*Bush Walk: Walking on wild mountain paths to experience nature
※ The above schedule is an example for understanding and may vary depending on local conditions.
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■ English Proficiency ★★☆☆☆ This project involves caring for and training injured wildlife, and all activities and communication are conducted in English. Anyone who can communicate basic information with local staff and other volunteers can participate.
■ Physical Fitness Required ★★☆☆☆ This project involves direct care of animals and participation in outdoor activities, so it requires physical stamina. Please check your health and fitness before starting the project! |
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# Tips for Those New to African Wildlife Conservation Volunteering!
1. Is it safe to live with wildlife? Yes, it is safe! Volunteers live in a separate volunteer house, and a professional protection team is on-site, available 24/7 to assist if needed. Additionally, there is a hospital within 20-30 minutes by car from the project site, so you can receive medical attention promptly in case of emergencies.
2. Are there any specific emergency medications or vaccinations needed before departure? The North West province where the project takes place does not officially require any specific vaccinations. However, the organization recommends tetanus vaccinations and the use of mosquito repellent. It is advised to consult with a medical professional from relevant health institutions for more detailed information.
3. Africa seems very hot... What if it's too hot to participate in activities? Forget the stereotype that Africa is always hot! The project takes place in Northern South Africa, which experiences seasonal changes between summer and winter. In summer (September-April), the average temperature is 31°C, similar to the summer weather in Korea. There may be short thunderstorms for about an hour in the afternoon. In winter (May-August), the average temperature is 23°C with minimal rain, usually clear weather during the day, and cool nights, so a warm jacket or scarf is needed. We recommend participating in the project from May to August to enjoy sunny weather!
4. Do I need specialized knowledge to volunteer? Not at all! The protection center has a dedicated professional protection team managing all aspects of animal rescue and care. You will assist this team and learn specialized knowledge about animal feeding, health care, and rescue operations up close. Anyone who loves animals and is interested in animal protection is welcome to join!
5. Is the cost of living in Africa very cheap? Don't be misled by the idea that everything is cheap in Africa! Most African countries, including South Africa, rely heavily on imports for essential goods, so living expenses are not significantly cheaper. Depending on consumption patterns, living costs are generally comparable to those in Korea. |
* Detailed participant reviews can be found at Gap Year Story (click).
* More participant reviews are available at the bottom of the project page under "Participant Reviews".
SUPPORT
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Personal travel insurance (available upon separate request)
- Visa issuance fee (if participating for more than 30 days)
- Additional outdoor activity costs (Thursdays, weekends)
- Other local stay and travel expenses
* Please book your flights and transportation only after confirming project participation and final departure schedule.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The project takes place at an animal rescue facility located in a quiet village in North West Province, about an hour's drive from Johannesburg, the major city in northern South Africa. This facility operates under the motto "Animal Come First", and it protects a variety of wild animals that are injured or orphaned, including big cats (lions, cheetahs, white lions, tigers), elephants, hyenas, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, giraffes, and more. The facility is a place where animals, nature, and people live in harmony.
Message from the Local Project Manager
I joined this project as a volunteer in 2013.
I fell in love with the people there, especially the animals, and a year later, I returned to work as a project manager.
Now, I am responsible for connecting international volunteers who come to South Africa for the project.
Through my direct experience with the project, I realized there is something truly special that cannot be found anywhere else.
I am very happy to be able to share this special experience with the hundreds of volunteers who come every year :)
From the moment I meet you at the airport until we say goodbye, I will be there to assist you.
I look forward to meeting you!
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Participants will stay in volunteer accommodation managed by the facility. The volunteer accommodation is located in an independent area within the center. The accommodation is shared among 2-8 people, with a maximum of 26 people living together. The rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and electrical facilities. Bathrooms are shared and adjacent to the accommodation.
Meals are provided at the accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily. Below is an example menu (subject to change based on local conditions):
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Breakfast: Cereal, milk, toast, fruit, oatmeal, etc. Lunch & Dinner: Salad, meat (chicken, steak, lamb, etc.), sandwiches, pizza, burgers, etc. |
The accommodation features a pool and a living room, where volunteers can relax and spend time with fellow volunteers during their days off.
* The accommodation provides bedding but does not provide other personal items. Please make sure to bring personal items such as a hairdryer and towels.
* Laundry is provided once a week for free. If you wish to use it more frequently, you may do so by paying an additional fee.
| Dormitory / Shared Bathroom / Meals Provided (3 Meals Daily) / Wi-Fi (1GB per week) / Pool / Living Room / Bedding / Laundry (Once a Week) |
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: North West Province, South Africa
As the name suggests, the North West Province, located in the northwestern part of South Africa, is a region mostly comprised of vast grasslands and trees, preserving its natural beauty. It is home to South Africa's largest wildlife reserve, the Madikwe Game Reserve, and Pilanesberg National Park. Both parks are inhabited by numerous mammals and birds, including the Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, buffalo). Additionally, it is a popular vacation spot among locals, with the world-renowned 'Sun City Resort' featuring a large casino complex, water parks, amusement rides, and golf courses, making it a beloved family vacation destination. The North West Province offers a unique blend of untouched natural wonders and thrilling entertainment.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
Eligibility
- Adults over 18 years old in good physical health
- Anyone dreaming of a special African adventure
- Animal lovers
- Those with a strong spirit of adventure
- Anyone wanting to experience the mystical African continent firsthand
- Those who wish to join activities protecting Africa's ecosystem with friends from around the world
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Recommended target audience by the planner This project involves caring for wildlife and assisting with their training to return to the wild, so a strong love for animals and good physical health are essential! Adapting to a different environment may require some adjustment, but if you want to enjoy this unique opportunity and create priceless memories of Africa, we highly recommend this project. |
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ This project starts every Monday.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 1 week.
■ The cost of this project can be found at the top of this page, where detailed prices are provided by duration and option.
* If you wish to participate, a registration fee of 500,000 KRW is required to process your participation confirmation (non-refundable once confirmed)
* This project is available for up to 12 weeks. If you wish to join for a different duration, please contact us separately. (koreagapyear@gmail.com)
■ 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.
