Volun­teering Siyafunda - Antonia

Profile

Name: Antonia

Age : 28

Project: Wildlife Monitoring

Location: Makalali Game Reserve, South Africa

Duration: August/September 2024

Rating

Support from the NATUCATE team:

Arrival:

Partner on-site:

Accommodation:

Volunteering Siyafunda – Antonia

1) Could you give us a brief overview of your activities/tasks in the project/course?
During the week, our task during the game drives or on foot was to record the animals we encountered. For this, we had a "data phone" equipped with special apps and a map of the reserve. Various data were entered into the apps, such as coordinates, the animal's age, gender, behavior, etc.

Once a week, usually on Saturday mornings, we maintained the paths in the reserve, clearing them of surrounding trees and branches. Also once a week, we washed the safari vehicles and removed the dust from them. Several times a week, between our game drives or walks, we helped the field guides evaluate the photos from the camera traps and enter the data into the "data phone."

In addition, one of the volunteers was always responsible for the data box and the hot box. The data box ensured that all equipment for monitoring the animals was charged and ready during the game drives. The hot box was our coffee break box, which was stocked with coffee, tea, and cookies for each game drive. Every day, two new pairs of volunteers were responsible for cooking and cleaning up after lunch and dinner.

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

The biggest challenge was coping with the temperature differences. At night, it sometimes cooled down to 2-5 degrees, and during the day, it heated up again to 25-30 degrees.

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

Two special highlights were the bush walk and our sleep-out. During our bush walk, we were able to observe nine resting, well-fed lions undisturbed. The sleep-out was an amazing experience, sleeping in the wilderness directly under the starry sky in a sleeping bag. Everyone took a one-hour night watch, and I had my night watch together with a ranger. It was great to gain this experience and have this responsibility. It was a very exciting day, and above all, a very exciting night. We heard lions, hyenas, impalas, and a leopard. It was fascinating to see how the night came alive for some animals.

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

My expectations for the project were to learn more about the animals and to find a project where the well-being of the animals in their natural environment was a priority. My expectations were exceeded. The field guides/rangers who accompanied us taught us many facts about the animals. Great care was taken not to disturb the animals during the game drives. All the field guides/rangers are very dedicated and passionate about their job.

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

During my free time, I took a trip to the Blyde River Canyon and visited Kruger National Park. Both trips are highly recommended. The mountains are very impressive, and it was wonderful to see them up close, as some of them were visible from the reserve.

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)

Not all SIM cards work at the bush camp. MTN is recommended; you can buy this SIM card directly in the town of Hoedspruit. It's a good idea to let the ranger know after your arrival if you need to run a few errands before heading to the reserve. It's also best to have two flashlights with you: a headlamp and a regular flashlight.

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

Aside from the costs of the excursions, I only spent money on souvenirs and snacks. It’s actually not necessary to spend money on snacks, as cookies and fruit were available at all times. More than 200-300 Rand is definitely not needed

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

I had a very wonderful and exciting time in South Africa. South Africa, or rather the southern part of Africa, has always fascinated me, and there has always been a magical allure for me. After this adventure, I can hardly wait to fly back there. The longing has definitely grown even stronger.