Get out of your comfort zone

Berkophile Harry McGrath explains how volunteers can get involved with wildlife projects in South Africa.

Not so strange strangers – under that banner, each summer we at Hamba Africa are joined by and have the privilege of hosting many volunteers from around the world in aid of the Wildlife Conservation Projects we operate in South Africa.

Although every participant has their own life stories, experiences, ideals and often cultural heritage, this diverse background, while definitely enjoyed and appreciated, isn’t actually important; rather, the fact that these ‘strangers’ are all united under the same principles.

That said – the overwhelming majority who join us are women – come on chaps, football down and adventure hats on please!

Travelling for purpose

There’s a growing trend both in Britain and globally that people are prioritising experience over the more lazy and luxurious all-inclusive holiday by the pool – not to dismiss luxuriating by a pool for a second!

Coupled with the growing realisation that the world is just one planet that we all share, there’s a surge of demand and interest in ecotourism and ethical travel.

There are many ways to get involved and travel with purpose, based on both your goals or interest, as well as the local need and opportunities available.

Volunteer opportunities | where we operate

Hamba Africa operates across several provinces in South Africa. Volunteers join us only after we’ve discussed and selected the specific placement that’s right for them, matching the projects on offer to the volunteer’s interests, existing skills, or even skills they would like to gain and build, or just what sounds most exciting.

From supporting huge ‘Big 5’ reserves teeming with African wildlife and breathtaking,  ancient landscapes, to working with rural communities, to surveying coral reefs off South Africa’s tropical coast… there’s several lifetimes’ worth of adventure waiting for you.

Volunteer attitudes | Who joins us and why

Some are just fellow animal fans, wanting to get to the heart of the action, and instead of staying at a lodge for a safari holiday, they would rather join the team of wildlife researchers whose job is to take the road less travelled.

Explore a massive wildlife reserve, search for endangered animals, record new births, gather ecological data, even spot medical emergencies and support during veterinary responses.

Others have direct or relevant professional experience that they want to give and share with staff or projects to help make a difference. From teachers supporting afterschool programmes in rural communities, horticulturalists getting involved in agroecology, writers or designers wanting to help with scientific communication with projects, animal carers wanting to help rehabilitate endangered species… the reasons are endless.

Career and research opportunities

Hamba Africa and our placements are developed specifically to prioritise the success of practical conservation, based on scientific research.

In recognition of this, each year we host many students from various universities, both individually under set traineeship programmes, or as groups for specific research or syllabus reasons.

Regardless of if you’re a student or not, you’ll gain the same knowledge and experience that leading universities and institutes endorse.

Volunteer highlights when working with wildlife

The exact moments that become lifelong memories are always unique to the individual. Usually, it involves a personal encounter with an animal they have a personal affinity with, or maybe the animal was just doing something silly, and all who witnessed got to share in that humour. (Did you know elephants sometimes wear hats?)

Overall, in addition to the incredible wildlife sightings, the education and knowledge gained from working with leading conservation experts, the adventure and new experience, support given to a good cause, the consensus of most volunteers, and what stays with them long after they’ve returned is often very simple: the sense of achievement.

For when you change the perspective of a bad day in the office with wild claims of ‘You think this is something? I remember when I got stuck in a vehicle at night surrounded by lions… now that was something!’ then congratulations, you’ve grown out of your comfort zone.