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To apply for an

Enkosini Eco Experience

volunteer project:

ENKOSINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

(including 3-day safari to Kruger National Park)

The Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary is a bushveld haven, offering a unique bush experience for nature lovers seeking more than the classic "Big Five." Steeped in history and beauty, Enkosini is a spectacular 15,000 acre preserve located on a magnificent escarpment of rolling mountains and plains in South Africa. Enkosini was formed in 2001 to protect and preserve the sanctuary's wildlife and habitat (the land was previously used for cattle and agricultural farming). The sanctuary is now home to a myriad of indigenous wildlife, birdlife and flora, and the atmosphere provides an antidote to the stresses of everyday living.  Coming away from Enkosini, one is left with a feeling of true intimacy with Africa.

Enkosini (derived from the Zulu word meaning “place of kings”) was established as a conservancy, by purchasing and joining together large South African farms with the aim of restoring the environment back to its natural state and establishing a larger reserve for the benefit of African wildlife.  A start-up reserve, Enkosini has amazing bird, reptile and small mammal life, however most of the big African game in the area has been shot and poached over the last 50 years.  Species that have survived and currently reside at Enkosini include kudu, waterbuck, red hartebeest, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck, duiker, baboon, vervet monkey, bushbaby, bushpig, warthog, jackal, leopard, civet, genet, brown hyena, etc.  Upon completion of our perimeter fencing in mid/late 2008, Enkosini plans to re-introduce all of the indigenous wildlife onto the land they once naturally roamed (rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, etc), ultimately re-establishing the original fauna to the area.

Enkosini will also provide sanctuary and protection for orphaned, injured and displaced wildlife, and work to rehabilitate and reintroduce these animals back into the wild. We will continue to acquire habitat for the long-term survival of these animals and the preservation of their eco-systems.

Enkosini's goal is to create a self-sustaining model of responsible conservation that preserves Africa's natural heritage (habitat and wildlife); enhances the South African economy through overseas capital infusion, local and international eco-tourism, and job creation; and promotes education and awareness of conservation issues. 

Volunteer Work

An Enkosini volunteer experience is an absolute must for anyone who is enthusiastic about wildlife and the environment. Volunteers participating in the program all have a common ambition – to see, feel, and smell the African bush while developing a practical knowledge of life in the wild. You will leave with a greater knowledge and understanding of Africa, and a feeling that you have made a positive contribution to conservation.

From all ages, from all walks of life, and from all over the world, Enkosini's volunteers have the experience of a lifetime while making a lasting impact on the environment. We request volunteers commit to a minimum stay of 2 weeks, thus giving the opportunity to become involved in the daily running of the sanctuary.  Volunteers must sign an indemnity form, acknowledging and accepting the risks and consequences of working in Africa.

No previous experience is required, however all prospective volunteers should have a love of nature, a positive attitude, a good level of fitness, a sensitivity and respect for other cultures, a willingness to help and learn, and a strong sense of humour. The sanctuary is run in a spirit of co-operation between everyone present, and all are expected to give their best at all times.  Volunteers should expect to be dirty and exhausted at the end of each day! There is no typical day at Enkosini - each brings its own magical moments, trials and tribulations - all adding to the adventure and spirit of living and working in Africa. Training is continuous and will provide a basic and holistic understanding of the bushveld.

As Enkosini is currently in its start-up phase, volunteers will get to experience firsthand the beginning of a game reserve and be actively involved in various aspects of game reserve development and management, including some of the following:

-Erection/maintenance/removal of fences

-Vegetation mgmt with fire-breaks/block burning (seasonal)

-Animal carrying capacity for reserve size and vegetation

-Anti-poaching patrols (specifically snare removal)

-Restoration and rehabilitation of damaged habitat

-Construction of facilities, bomas, bridges, and roads

-Educational outreach with local schools/ communities

-Bird, insect, snake, wildlife and tree identification

-Nature conservation, fencing and law requirements

-Alien plant and soil erosion control

-Horse trail, hiking trail and bush camp establishment

-Development of renewable energy system

-Re-introduction of wildlife and animal care (sporadic)

The work can be unglamorous at times, but it is very real and crucial to the success of Enkosini. Volunteers are an integral part of Enkosini's conservation initiative, working to rehabilitate and restore the habitat to its natural state, thus enabling wildlife to be re-introduced into the sanctuary where a century ago they would have naturally roamed.

Other Activities

Relaxation is an important part of the Enkosini experience, and there will be time on weekends to explore the beautiful sanctuary. Enkosini is a hikers paradise. Rockpools and waterfalls provide for great swimming, horseback riding is available for experienced riders to explore the sanctuary, and the Buffelskloof Dam offers fishing. Volunteers may also have opportunities to enjoy sleep-outs in the bush, and experience traditional culture by overnighting at local homesteads or visiting local schools.

For a change of scenery, the nearest town, Lydenburg, is an hour drive away and has all the usual amenities including medical clinic, supermarkets, restaurants, and Internet cafés. Lydenburg is only visited 2-3 times every month for supplies. Volunteers also enjoy side excursions to Kruger National Park and surrounding communities, providing a wonderful mix of wildlife and cultural experiences.

Field Conditions

Volunteers will either stay at Suikerbos Camp (rock rondavels) or Buffelskloof Camp (wooden cabins) depending on the needs of the sanctuary - some volunteers will have the opportunity to experience both camps.  The camps are completely eco-friendly and have been built almost entirely from natural materials from the sanctuary.  We strive to maintain harmony with nature by using solar power and fire-driven water heaters.  There is no permanent electricity although limited solar power will be provided for charging cell phones, camera batteries, etc. 

Accommodation is very simple and rustic - dorm style rooms with outdoor bathroom/shower at Buffelskloof and indoor bathrooms/showers at Suikerbos.  Pillows and fitted sheets will be provided, however volunteers must bring their own sleeping bag.  This program will suit people who enjoy natural places, simplicity and practical work.

Program Co-ordinators

Program co-ordinators are responsible for each volunteer during their time at Enkosini from the time of arrival until departure. The project co-ordinators are the point of contact to allocate work projects, act as guide and tutor/mentor, and generally look after the volunteer’s welfare. 

Costs

Volunteer Contribution:

2 weeks: GB£495 / US$995

3 weeks: GB£595 / US$1195

4 weeks: GB£695 / US$1395

In addition to covering meals, accommodation, local transfers and activities at the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary, the volunteer contribution also includes a 3-day, 2-night camping safari to Kruger National Park - all-inclusive (guide, transport, camping fees) excepting international conservation fees/meals of approximately £15 per day. 

Flights and travel/medical insurance are NOT included. The only additional spending money required will be for personal purchases (curios, alcohol, soda, luxury/imported goods, chocolates, sweets, toiletries), excursions away from the Sanctuary, and pre/post project travel.

Please bear in mind that the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing your placement!

* Long Term Volunteer Placements Available*

Please contact us if you are interested in a long-term placement at Enkosini.  Enkosini is currently accepting volunteers to work as rangers for a minimum timeframe of 6 months. Enkosini will supply food and accommodation, however volunteer rangers must supply their own quad bike for mobility on the property. The minimum quadbike cost is R35,000 South African Rands (approximately £2195 GBP / $4395 USD). The investment is significant, but reasonable when considering the 6-12+ month stay and the fact that approximately half of the funds may be recouped by selling the quadbike upon departure. The volunteer ranger position is a great way to gain experience, knowledge and references for working in the field of conservation.

Please email info@enkosini.com if you are interested and we will send you our standard volunteer ranger contract and expense overview for your review.  Additionally, interested South Africans should contact us for resident rates and conditions for volunteer work at Enkosini.

Dates

Volunteers can arrive on any of the following start dates:

2008 dates

Per the above schedule, we will arrange for volunteers to take the Bushveld Link Shuttle on the Sunday before their start date, departing Johannesburg International Airport at 12:45pm and arriving into Lydenburg at 5:00pm. Volunteers must arrive into Johannesburg on Sunday by no later than 10:00am.  At the airport, the shuttle specifically departs from the bus stand at the Intercontinental Hotel (follow the signs for bus stop/pre-booked shuttles, past the car rentals and out the right of the building to the back of the Intercontinental Hotel's main door). The Bushveld Link Shuttle is a white Quantum bus. Although the shuttle departs at 12:45pm, the driver Desmond van der Merwe has asked that you arrive by 12:15pm. The rate of R215 South African rands per person (£15 GBP/$25 USD) can be paid directly to the driver. 

We will also reserve for you to stay at the A&J Kruger Guesthouse (www.ajkruger-guesthouse.co.za) in Lydenburg on Sunday night. The guesthouse staff will pick you up at the shuttle dropoff in Lydenburg (Wimpy’s) and then the Enkosini staff will pick you up from the guesthouse on your start date between 12:00pm – 2:00pm. We have been able to negotiate a discounted rate of R120 per person (£8 GBP/$15 USD) for shared rooms, plus an additional R110 for dinner and breakfast.

Other

Enkosini is based in a malaria-free area and there are no formal vaccination requirements for entering South Africa, however it is incumbent upon each person to get their own medical advice on vaccinations and on whether or not to follow a malaria prophylactic programme (it is possible that volunteers may enter malarial zones during their safari to Kruger National Park).  See FAQs for complete packing list.

Testimonials

“A huge thank you to Kelcey and Mitch for welcoming me into their home and giving me the most amazing opportunity and experience... I have never felt as happy, comfortable and complete as I did at Enkosini.  In the best way I don't think my life will be the same.  Enkosini has made me realize things about life and the direction I would like my life to go in... I think you guys are doing a wonderful thing, and I am proud that I was a able to contribute something to it.” -Rebecca Dicks, England

“It is difficult to know where to start when talking about my visit to Enkosini. It was one of the most amazing things that I have ever experienced. The way that Kelcey and Mitch have built up such an incredible relationship with the animals left me "open-mouthed" and, of course, more than a little jealous! Enkosini itself is my idea of heaven. To someone born and brought up in the centre of London, the quiet, the darkness and the beauty is almost impossible to describe to someone who has not experienced it. I was also fascinated by the bird-life. I had never seen sun-birds close up before. I am so grateful for the day that I was in the AfriCam chatroom and someone mentioned the existence of Enkosini.” -Sheila Knight, England

“I had a really wonderful time at Enkosini... your animals and your mountains and your crisp, fresh air and your shuddering sea of tawny-colored bushgrass and that lovely spectrum of colors which paint the land in every direction you look... when I cry or joke about staying forever, it's not because home is so bad but because Enkosini is that good.  It is magical and addictive and worth fighting for.” -Kathleen Graham, USA

“Just wanted to let you know that we arrived home safely. We had such a wonderful time in South Africa and the highlight of our trip was spending time at your sanctuary… I truly believe that you guys will win this case and that you are the ambassadors for those that will follow in your footsteps. Knowing now what your “big picture” plan is, I think that Enkosini is going to be the most beautiful, tranquil sanctuary for wildlife in all of Africa!” -Jeff & Trina Gawron, Vancouver B.C., Canada

“I don’t know where to begin in thanking you for all of your hospitality while I was in South Africa. Visiting Kruger, the Baboon Sanctuary and the Elephant Sanctuary were highlights of my life… More importantly, you have introduced me to the serious threats that South Africa’s wildlife faces and I plan on doing as much as I can in the future to promote programs such as yours. I truly admire the life that you have chosen and know that wildlife is in good hands if it has you to look over it… I am looking very forward to my next visit and thank you again!” -Kelly Loyd, USA

“I'm now back from South Africa and I wanted to say THANK YOU. I had the best time ever, you're doing a great job. I'm seriously thinking of coming back for a longer period of time, four to six months!” -Sophia LeRoy, France

“A week has passed since me and my father returned home from South Africa. Our visit to Enkosini was certainly a highlight to our trip, as my father and I have spent more than a few nights telling family and friends about our experience.  The relaxed atmosphere you provided was appreciated…. getting to know local people in an informal environment was a highlight for both me and my father.” -Richard & Charles Pace, USA

“Just wanted to write and say thanks for the amazing experience I had with you at Enkosini! Everybody here is so jealous of what I did and fascinated by what you're doing.” -Charlie Sabey, Channel Islands

“Hi everyone! I am home safely and yet I feel sick for Africa and I can’t wait to jump on a plane and come back! Thank you so much for your hospitality and friendship while I was there. I really did feel at home with you. I am really looking forward to raising money for the local school…” -Sarah Stares, Australia