Volunteer Program

Shi-awela now offers a volunteer program, another opportunity to enrich our own lives by seeing others being enriched. The combination of valued conservation work, education, and fun is unparalleled by any other.  Having the help of volunteers looking to experience Africa is a double sided blessing to those volunteering, wildlife and habitat conservation, and to our organization. We are greatly benefited as are those who come to learn the culture and to seek a greater understanding of the Africa and self.

What to Expect

First and foremost, our program offers a great opportunity to enrich your own life in combination with valued conservation work, education, and fun.  Specifically, we offer the following:

  • 4-6 week program
  • Conservation related work & general helping hand
  • Room and Board
  • Off-premise excursions
  • Limited internet access
  • Airport transfers

Volunteers will come for the 4-6 week duration in which they will work, enjoy and explore our land. The work will include:

  • Wildlife observations and data recording gathered by monitoring game cameras and observing animal behavior from various points on the property (koppies, waterholes)
  • General patrolling implementing presence awareness.
  • Monitoring and recording coordinates of warthog burrows & observations
  • Boundary patrols
  • Fence maintenance
  • Invasive plant monitoring and eradication
  • Daily check list


Volunteers must be able and willing to do mild physical work (able to lift at least 50lbs). Volunteers must be in fair fitness, able to climb koppies and walk variable distances.

Excursions

Not included in the program, but available at an additional cost:

  • Hoedspruit: Blyde River Canyon, Snake Park, Animal Rehabilitation center and Boat trip
  • Venda: Dzata Ruins and museum, art & culture
  • Mapungubwe: Overnight archeological and wildlife tour at recongnized World Heritage national park
  • Soutpansberg Mountain: Archeology, plants and scenic views
  • Kruger National Park: Animal sighting and exploration

Volunteer Accommodation

We will house our volunteers in a variety of lighted bushcamps, satellite campsites, and homesteads. Hot and cold water are provided. We will have some meals catered and food provided for self catering as well (alcohol and bottled beverages are not included). Our staff will do a basic cleaning and basic laundry service for volunteers.
    
**Extra items will be available in the nearest town for purchase to suit needs of individuals.

What to Hope For

In the translation of the word, you find Shi-awela means “peaceful place of rest”; this is exactly what one can hope for. Each individual will have an experience of their own as they rest under the African sky. The expanse of the country side, the untouched beauty, and the magnificent wild is more than can be put into words. No volunteer will miss out on the true value of their choice to visit Shi-awela; no volunteer will leave without having the experience of Africa that is truly life-changing.

There is something more to hope for in God’s creation; there is something to hope for in Africa…

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