GVI, Ethical Impact: Wildlife Conservation Volunteer in South Africa

My experience in South Africa was a once in a lifetime experience. I was able to see first hand wildlife in its natural environment. I learned about a variety of species, from small to big mammals and insects. The overall internship is a great opportunity to discover the importance of conservation in SA and the impact these creatures have on the planet. The internship gave me an understanding of the animals in SA, their behavior, the importance of protecting the species, prey/predator relationship, rhino dehorning, tracking, bird watching, as well as the out reach programs around the local community. The staff at GVI SA had a wealth of knowledge and their willingness to teach and the effort that they made to make each day full of adventure and a wonderful time.

I only went for two weeks but it has changed my entire perspective on life and helped me find myself. I went over there a little lost having no idea what I truely wanted to do. I study a Bachelor in Science in Conservation and Biological Science and I came over to test if it was something I truely wanted to pursue. And man did I make my mind up. It’s 110% what I want to do an you and the team helped me come to that realisation. GVI Karongwe are so inspiring and supportive For anyone that is considering going on a GVI trip I cannot recommend it enough, even if you want a holiday, consider doing GVI, it is so rewarding and you see parts on the country and its community that wouldn’t be able to see as a mere tourist. There is no previous knowledge necessary, the team trains everyone up to get ready to hit the safari. I made life long friends on this trip from all over the world, from UK to Ireland to Columbia. We still talk atleast 1-2 twice a week. It's an experience you’ll never forget. But don't take my word for it, DO IT!

I stayed with GVI on an Under 18’s project in summer 2017 in Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town. Me and three other girls spent one week working in a township with pre school children, and one week travelling the Garden Route along the coast of South Africa. Our goal was to construct an eco-friendly greenhouse for a pre-school in a local township, it’s an amazing opportunity to experience the life in townships and great to play with the children as well.

As we were such a small group, we ended up getting the most amazing holiday Home for accommodation- this was separate to the adult volunteer accommodation. However I also went inside the adult accommodation and it was still really nice and had a communal feel, although it was more basic.

I’m vegetarian and the food was amazing, they have fresh meals made by a chef and cater for all dietry requirements. Tap water is drinkable. One member of our group was ill for one night however it was dealt with well and we were not staying on GVI base camp at the time so don’t worry. The rest of us were absolutely fine.

Exploring the Garden route in the second week was one of the most memorable parts of the trip! It gave us a real chance to experience as much as South Africa as possible within the second week. There were a few ethical issues based around the excursions we did, however after further investigation GVI have said they will no longer be going to certain tourist attractions (one of the safaris). I am confident they put their ethics/morals at the forefront of the projects.

Child safety and organisation is outstanding. No phones on project, everything is done to the highest standard. I was even put in contact with other volunteers before project and organised flights to Cape Town with another girl. GVI make you feel so comfortable and it really is like living with a big family (cliché I know!!)

I was worried about getting home sick but it was absolutely fine, there’s WiFi and opportunity to message family/friends.

GVI really tried to make my project memorable and I’m so glad I was brave enough to do it! Would recommend it to anyone and I definitely want to do another project in the future.

I had a fantastic time in South Africa, coordinating a holiday sports programme at the local primary school and doing construction in a local crèche. It feels great knowing I took part in such an amazing project, and managed to make a difference in the community as well as leaving something permanent behind. My time in Cape Town has taught me so much about myself and has allowed me to take part in activities I never thought I was capable of. I've loved working in the community and making a change, and I've had so much fun along the way. I'd thoroughly recommend GVI Cape Town, and I'd love to go on another GVI programme and help even more!

This trip has opened my eyes. Working with children, and working in their poor environments has made me stop thinking about all the negatives in my life and to start focusing on the positive and instead of counting what I don’t have, to start counting what I do. But most importantly it made me realise, that I am incredibly lucky to have a home, a decent government, a healthcare system that everyone has access to, an education, a family who love me and opportunities, I can go to college or university if I want, it’s my choice, and it’s a choice not many get and after this trip, I am so thankful to be privileged enough to have an option. GVI has shown me something that I don’t think I will ever forget.

GVI is definitely the best thing I have ever done. It has improved my self-esteem as well as my confidence massively. The programme was very eye opening and a good way to compare what we have in England and how little they have in Cape Town and to be grateful of our luxuries. It has given me confidence to work with children of all capabilities and backgrounds. The children were so grateful for everything and especially for your time. You also gain a lot of free time especially at the weekends so you are free to explore the country. I did ticked off so many things off my bucket list including shark cage diving, boulders beach, table mountain the list is endless.

The support from GVI has been amazing and if anybody wants to volunteer abroad I would definitely recommend the company as they help you every step of the way from booking to arriving in Cape Town to coming home, they have it covered. I have just booked my second adventure with GVI but this time it is a 6 month internship in Costa Rica!

I choose to volunteer Karongwe, South Africa program for a month this past September. I found it quite exciting as well as educational. The experience made my passion for wildlife conservation even stronger (I also participated in an another conservation in Namibia in the past). The staff was very helpful. Base Manager Leah was very open and helped with adjusting to the new environment as well as staff members Greg, Malen, and others. Learning behaviors of animals up close and personal gave additional appreciation for wildlife for me. Also, the community program ran by staff member Faith was excellent. Teaching local kids in Africa and helping build schools is a great way to combine the the conservation efforts. I plan on going to the GVI Thailand marine conservation next year.

I’ll start with just a brief history of myself I’m 31 years old, left school at 18, decided against going to university and since then worked within the retail sector as a floor manager.
I have no previous education in relation to wildlife or wildlife conservation but I have always had a keen interest, just never really knew where to begin.
The decision to quit my job and try something new was slightly daunting, but I can happily say that I made the right decision. My experience with GVI has given me the direction and inspiration I’ve always lacked to get more involved and hopefully have a career doing something I feel so passionate about.

The day to day life on base involves going out on drive each morning (5am) and afternoon (3pm) with the main focus of tracking the animals using telemetry and collecting data. This is where you will get up close with an array of animals including the big 5 (lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, rhino) so be sure to bring a camera you will definitely need it. Twenty minutes into my very first drive we encountered a mother cheetah and her four beautiful eight week old cubs about 50 meters away feeding on a freshly killed Impala.

The impact of the program on the ground was a privilege to be a part of, waking up at 4.30am for morning drive and not knowing what you might see is a great feeling to wake up to. Everything you do on a day to day basis is a learning experience, but its done in a such a way that you don’t realise its happening. No classroom or website could have taught me in a month what I learnt during my time on Karongwe and not just the surrounding wildlife, but conservation, culture and history.
The staff were all phenomenal and went above and beyond to make everyone feel at home and within two days it was. Facilities on base are basic, depending on the weather you could go without power for a couple of days and the elephants love to play with the water pump which meant we had no showers for 24 hours. I personally dont look back on these as negatives and just the reality of being where you are and becoming fully immersed in the experience.
Saturday night is braai (bbq) and an opportunity to enjoy a few drinks, sit around a huge fire and take in the nights sky, seeing the Milky Way spread across the sky is something you to experience yourself. Sunday is your day off with the opportunity to take a day trip out (Kruger national park) or simply relax on the veranda, nothing more surreal than reading a book and noticing two giraffes walk into your yard.

To anybody taking a gap year or looking for a career break or simply wanting to try something new I cannot recommend GVI enough, you will meet some incredible people and get to be apart of something truly worthwhile and rewarding.