Volun­teering Siyafunda - Clara

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Name: Clara

Age : 18

Project: Wildlife Monitoring

Location: Makalali Game Reserve, South Africa

Duration: August-September 2024

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Volunteering Siyafunda – Clara

1) Could you give us a brief overview of your activities/tasks in the project/course?

During the eight weeks I spent on the project, the weekly structure was always the same. From Monday to Friday, we would head into the bush both in the mornings and evenings, either for a monitoring drive or a bush walk. On these drives and walks, as soon as we spotted animals, we documented data about them. For this purpose, we used the "Data Phone." Various apps were used to record data such as species, gender, number, activity, weather, and habitat. On the walks, we also supported the anti-poaching unit by simply being present in the bush.

During the midday breaks, we assisted the interns and rangers with the Wildlife Protection Services (WPS). This involved analyzing footage from wildlife cameras placed throughout the reserve. These findings were also entered into the "Data Phone."

On Saturday mornings, we always carried out maintenance work for the reserve. For instance, we collected trash from the riverbeds, cleared fallen trees from the roads, protected areas against erosion, or helped open new roads. By Saturday afternoon, we would clean the vehicles, which often got very dusty over the week.

Additionally, there were various tasks assigned on a weekly basis. For every drive, we brought along a "Hot Box." One person was responsible for packing hot water, tea, coffee, and biscuits. The second item was the so-called "Data Box." A volunteer was in charge of charging the Data Phone and flashlights and ensuring they were brought on each drive. Sometimes, the telemetry device was also included, which allows tracking animals with radio collars. Finally, we were assigned in pairs on a weekly schedule for cooking and dishwashing duties.

2) What was/were the biggest challenge(s) for you during the project/course?

The biggest challenge for me was the sometimes extreme temperature differences. The most significant variation occurred at the bush camp, where one morning the thermometer showed 2°C, and by midday it was over 35°C. Because we were often out early in the morning or in the dark in the evenings, I always carried a thick jacket on every monitoring drive — even if we started at 36°C.

A smaller challenge was adjusting to the new daily structures and approaches at the beginning. Life there is slower and more relaxed, and things don’t always go according to plan. However, over time, I learned to appreciate and embrace this lifestyle

3) Was there anything that you particularly liked? Or something that you remember particularly negatively?

What I enjoyed most were the two sleep-outs. The first overnight stay took place in an open area in the middle of the bush. Around midday, we hiked there in two groups and cooked over a fire. Since it was a new moon, we could see many stars and even a few planets. There were also animals near the camp; we heard leopards, lions, and hyenas. That’s why we always had a night watch, with someone sitting by the fire and keeping an eye out with a flashlight. It was an adventurous feeling to be on watch at night, knowing that big cats were nearby.

The second time, we slept in a riverbed and made stick bread over the campfire in the evening. Since it was a full moon, we could see a lot at night and hardly needed a flashlight. In the morning, we saw a brown hyena running up the riverbank near the camp. Although we were out in the wild all night, our safety was always a priority, and we never felt unsafe.

4) Did you have any specific expectations before you traveled to the project/course? If so, were your expectations met, disappointed, or perhaps exceeded?

From the project, I expected to learn a lot about the local animals and plants, gain insight into conservation and research, and have an enjoyable time. The first point was definitely fulfilled, as the guides shared a great deal of knowledge and were always open to questions. Additionally, great care was taken to ensure that the animals were not disturbed.

In terms of research, we were only minimally involved, although according to what we were told, this is expected to change in the near future. My expectation of having many experiences was far exceeded. Every day had its own little highlight, which made the overall very enjoyable time fly by.

5) Did you do anything in your free time that you can recommend to future participants?

Sundays were always our day off. I did a "Forest Zipline & Zwakala Brewery Tour," which is highly recommended, especially for groups of friends. The ziplines run through a beautiful gorge, and the brewery afterward feels like a lovely beer garden. I also went on a boat tour in the Blyde River Canyon, which is highly recommended. The landscape is fascinating, and afterward, you can swim at a small waterfall.

From the camp, we attended a "Down to the Wire" workshop. "Down to the Wire" raises awareness about the issue of poaching by transforming wire snares into jewelry. There, we had the chance to craft our own piece of jewelry from a snare.

6) What tips/recommendations would you give to other participants who want to do the project/course? (e.g., tips that would have helped you in advance or during the trip)

You should approach the project with an open mind and try to participate in as many activities as possible. It’s definitely worth it! If you’re visiting during the colder months, bringing your own warm sleeping bag is essential. You should also be prepared for much colder temperatures than you might expect. I was very glad to have a thick sleeping bag, gloves, and a hat during the first few weeks.

If you plan to buy a SIM card, I recommend getting one from MTN. Unlike others, it worked almost everywhere in the reserve.

7) Can you estimate how much additional cost you had on site? – We can pass this information on to future participants.

Expenses on-site mainly depend on whether and which excursions you choose to do. These usually cost between €50 and €100. On Mondays, you could have a very nice breakfast and lunch in Hoedspruit, each costing around €10.

Optionally, you could buy snacks, drinks, or other items, which typically cost me around €10 every two weeks. However, the camp generally provides enough fruit and snacks, so you usually don’t need to purchase anything yourself.

8) Here is space for any other questions/suggestions/ideas/reports, or stories from you:

I would recommend this project to everyone because it’s a true adventure. The close connection to the wilderness, combined with the deep respect for it, makes the project unique. Every day, we had visits from nyalas in the camp, and sometimes a herd of elephants would come to drink at the nearby reservoir.

I experienced things there that I will talk about for the rest of my life. For instance, being woken up at night by the roar of lions. Or stopping on the road to watch a herd of elephants take a dust bath right in front of us. One of my highlights was observing a spotted hyena, a brown hyena, and various vulture species at a giraffe carcass.