Volunteer Experiences - Shamwari Conservation Experience

Volunteer Experiences - Shamwari Conservation Experience

Posted by Connor Whelan on 26th Nov 2015

Todays volunteer review comes from Liz and her trip to the Shamwari Conservation Centre in South Africa. Have a read of what Liz got up to on her trip!

What would you say was the highlight of your trip?

The fulfilment of working in a great team, doing small things to help support this amazing reserve with an awe inspiring range and density of wildlife. My wildlife highlights were many and varied, but top 3 would be: monitoring herds of elephants and getting to know them by name, assisting on a surgery on a rhino savagely de-horned by poachers, and coming across beautiful and intimidating lions several times while out and about.

South Africa Elephant

Would you like to venture back to the project or even take on some new volunteering trips?

I hope to go back again next year for a longer stint. I would also like to volunteer at other centres. It’s so much more of a fulfilling break from work than just looking at things, it’s total immersion.

Do you have any expert tips for new travellers?

Be reasonably fit, as every morning is physical work, though not too hard. Pack everything on the list even the woollies, as early morning and at night it can be very cold, particularly in winter/spring.

South Africa Lion

Did the trip inspire you to help with animal conservation in any other way?

Yes, I’m now assisting on the Activate panel of Born Free, who have a big cat rescue centre at Shamwari and who campaign to keep wild animals wild and prevent abuses in captivity. The Activate panel co-ordinates particular campaigns and we write letters to politicians and leaders to request action. It’s great to have a voice not just be part of the silent majority.

Why do you think others need to experience travel?

The right kind of travel gives you a holiday from yourself – meeting a range of inspiring people, exploring different horizons, doing different things. All of these things help rewire your brain to remove previous worries and give you fresh perspective and energy. And you often surprise yourself by doing and trying things on holiday that you wouldn’t do at home, which is great for building confidence. Without all that, it’s too easy to settle into a rut of our daily concerns and not lift up our heads to look at the horizon and the possibilities, and life just trundles on by.


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987