The Kariega ‘Big 5’ Conservation Project has introduced some exciting new developments. In addition to the current activities, such as night drives and camp-outs under the stars to discover the reserve's nocturnal wildlife, tracking and monitoring of the iconic ‘Big 5’ species, potential game captures, and participating in reserve management tasks, the project has now integrated some amazing new community-based activities. This aligns with the project's approach of building conservation through community involvement.
Kareiga's mission is to leverage the impact of ecotourism to bring together a conservation community dedicated to the eternal protection of the reserve's biodiverse landscapes and wild animals. This is achieved by promoting the development, education, and well-being of under-resourced communities living within and around these areas. Here are the highlights of the new community-focused activities:
Helping in Local Early Childhood Development Centres and Soup Kitchens
Volunteers will assist in local Early Childhood Development Centres and soup kitchens to help prepare and serve nutritious meals to the community.
Education and Youth Development
Volunteers will step into mentorship roles, imparting valuable life skills to children in local schools. They will also assist in classrooms, helping with english, maths, and science lessons, and support coaches in after-school sports clubs. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young lives and foster a love for learning and sports.
Infrastructure Upgrade
Volunteers will also participate in various maintenance and construction tasks, assisting with the repairing, cleaning, and inspection of facilities such as school buildings, community structures, and vegetable gardens. These efforts will help prevent deterioration and ensure that all essential infrastructure, which forms the backbone of the community, remains in good working condition.
Assisting in Community Vegetable Gardens
Another new community-focused activity is assisting with planting, caring for, and harvesting fresh produce while sharing insights on eco-friendly gardening techniques. This will enhance resilience, self-sufficiency, and sustainability within local communities. Whether volunteers are maintaining existing vegetable gardens or starting new ones, their efforts will help create a lasting positive impact.
Domestic Animal Care
The final new activity is for volunteers to work within rural communities to lend a hand during veterinary treatment days, pitch in to build dog houses, and be at the forefront of education initiatives on Domestic Animal Care days. The goal is to support the local community in looking after their beloved cats and dogs, ensuring the well-being and happiness of both the people and their pets!
Even more excited to join the Kariega ‘Big 5’ Conservation Project in South Africa now? Reach out to our expert travel team to discover upcoming availability and secure your spot on this incredible adventure!
