Your Pre-Departure Pack: Everything You Need Before You Go

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South Africa Wildlife & Conservation

14 Days

Work on a private game reserve, protect wildlife, and experience nature up close.

Your Trip is ABTOT Protected
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14 Days
18-35
Years
Meals Included
22
Max Group
Arrival Transfers
Accom'
Tour Summary
Live and work in the wild. For two weeks you will be based on a private game reserve, getting involved in real conservation work alongside experienced rangers. Your days are varied, from animal monitoring to environmental projects that directly support the reserve. You will also head out on game drives across the reserve, spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, including the Big Five. It is immersive, hands-on, and a completely different way to experience South Africa.
What's Included
13 Nights Accommodation
Wildlife Lectures
Stated Meals
Local Community Sessions
Working with Wildlife Experts
Project T-Shirt
Game Drives
Full Orientation
Pool Access*
Tennis Court Access*
All Required Equipment
Pre-Departure Support
Like-Minded Travel Group
In-Country Transport
Airport Pickup on Arrival
Not Included
Flights
Optional Activities
Travel Insurance
Visas

Visa

UK Citizens

The entry requirements for South Africa can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements.

Currently, UK citizens can travel to South Africa and stay up to 90-days visa free. It is your responsibility to check the travel advice and entry requirements prior to travel.

Flights

Arrival

Your journey starts in Port Elizabeth. Fly into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), where you’ll be met by the local team and transferred to the game reserve. From here, everything is organised. You’ll settle in, meet the group, and begin your induction before heading into your first days on the reserve.

Departure

Your experience will finish at the game reserve. You’ll depart from Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), with your return transfer arranged on your final day. From start to finish, everything is taken care of — so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Important

Please note all flight information must be uploaded at least 8 weeks before your arrival or you will not receive airport pickup.

Insurance

You must have travel insurance to join a FurtherTravel trip. You can request a quote with our insurance partner here. Please upload a photo/screenshot of your insurance confirmation (showing name, dates, policy number etc.) to your Portal.

Vaccinations

Port Elizabeth is a malaria-free zone.

Important - Please note that here at FurtherTravel we are not medical professionals so we can't provide any advice on vaccinations. We recommend you check with your GP.

Emergency numbers

In-Country Emergency Numbers

Police: 10111

Ambulance: 10177

Int Dialling Code: +27

In case of emergency

In case of emergency, please contact your local guide (number in Whatsapp group chat).

In the unlikely event that you encounter any issues with or any aspect of your tour, (like accomodation or activities etc) please reach out to your local guide first. If your local guide is unable to resolve your issue to your satisfaction, please contact our in-country manager who will be happy to assist you further.

Kwantu Game Reserve +27 42 203 1400

UK Office

For assistance from another team member, feel free to reach out to our UK office (Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm): +44 (0)161 222 3780

Itinerary

From day to night, your itinerary’s packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s the lowdown.

Life On The Game Reserve
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be living and working on a private game reserve in South Africa. After a short induction, you’ll get to know the land, the wildlife, and how the reserve operates. This is your base for the next two weeks, surrounded by nature, wildlife, and a completely different pace of life. Early on, you’ll head out on a game drive across the reserve, with the chance to spot iconic species including the Big Five. It’s the perfect introduction to where you’ll be living and working.
Conservation Work
Your days are built around hands-on conservation. A typical day runs from morning through to late afternoon, with a break in the middle of the day. Work varies depending on what’s needed on the reserve, keeping every day different. You could be: - Monitoring wildlife and tracking movements - Taking part in game counts - Maintaining the reserve and surrounding environment - Supporting planting and conservation projects - Learning through interactive wildlife talks and sessions Some days are more physical, others more educational, but everything contributes to the bigger picture of protecting the reserve.
Wildlife & Rehabilitation
Alongside conservation work, you’ll also get involved in the reserve’s **animal rehabilitation centre**. Here, you’ll support the care and feeding of animals being rehabilitated, helping them recover before being released back into the wild. It’s a chance to get closer to the animals and understand another side of conservation work beyond the reserve itself.
Community Impact
Your experience also extends beyond the reserve. You’ll spend time supporting a local township community project, helping to prepare meals for children who don’t always have access to regular nutrition. It’s a simple but meaningful way to give back and connect with the wider community around the reserve.
Downtime & Weekends
It’s not all work. Evenings are yours to relax and enjoy life on the reserve, whether that’s unwinding by the pool, hanging out with your group, or just taking in the surroundings. Weekends are free for you to explore more of South Africa. Head to Port Elizabeth for beaches, cafés, and coastal views, or make the trip to Jeffreys Bay for surfing and adventure. You can keep things relaxed or fill your time with activities, it’s completely up to you.
A Flexible, Real Experience
Working with wildlife means no two days are exactly the same. Plans can change depending on the needs of the reserve, the animals, and the environment, and that’s all part of the experience. It’s real, hands-on conservation, where you’re part of what’s happening on the ground.
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Accommodation

Overview

Kwantu Private Game Reserve

You’ll be staying at Kwantu Private Game Reserve for the next two weeks. This amazing location will get you up close and personal to some of South Africa’s beautiful landscapes. You'll be staying on the game reserve in shared single sex dorm rooms with shared single sex bathroom facilities. (Accommodation is shared between all Kwantu volunteers and room sizes can vary). The accommodation also features a lounge area, entertainment area with TV and an on-site shop. You’ll also have access to the pool and the games room. Free wifi is available.

Important Accommodation Notes

All of our accommodation is pre-booked for every participant, however due to standard expectations, booking numbers, and delivery of service these may change. However if these do change we will ensure to provide the same standard of accommodation for your trip and provide as much notice as possible.

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Loadshedding

South Africa is currently subject to loadshedding, a process implemented by the South African Government in order to protect the National Energy Grid. Loadshedding is a temporary cut off/redirection of the energy supply in order to protect against a full blackout/shutdown.

You can download the 'ESP' app which will use your live location to provide you with the weekly days/times that the power will be cut off in our area. During these periods (usually 2 hours at a time), there will be no electricity across the volunteer accommodation. There are still LED lights at this time, but it is a good idea to ensure your devices are charged before loadshedding begins. We also recommend bringing a torch and power bank. In case of an emergency, the office building does have limited access to electricity during these periods.

*Please note accommodation is subject to change dependant on availability.

More Information

You’ll stay on the game reserve itself, in traditional volunteer accommodation that keeps you fully immersed in the experience. Rooms are shared, single-sex dorms, with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities. It’s a simple, authentic setup, designed for community living rather than luxury. The camp includes social and communal spaces, along with access to facilities across the reserve such as a swimming pool, games areas, and outdoor spaces to relax after a day of conservation work. You’ll be part of a wider volunteer community, with people joining from around the world, not just your FurtherTravel group, creating a social and varied environment throughout your stay.

Dress Code

We advise wearing shorts on hot days and bringing trousers/leggings for colder days. You will be getting hands on so we always advise bringing clothes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty, as well as some sturdy shoes and a pair of work gloves. It can be cooler in the evenings so we recommend bringing some layers to keep you warm.

Packing List

  • Sunglasses/Hat/Sun cream
  • Insect repellents/ Mosquito spray and antihistamines
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Lightweight towel
  • Travel adaptor (see photo of the plug type below)
  • Extension cord to charge multiple appliances
  • Torch
  • Power bank (see loadshedding above)
  • Small medical kit, including rehydration sachets
  • Light & comfy wear for activities on hot days
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Camera
  • Padlock for bag and personal belongings
  • An unlocked phone, should you want to get a local sim
  • Scanned & printed copy of your passport (in case you lose it)
  • Walking boots/trainers
  • Suitable clothing for conservation work (see dress code above)
  • Swimwear
  • A few evening outfits for nights/meals out
  • Day bag/bum bag
  • Light rain jacket
  • Warm clothing (it can get cold in the evenings)
  • Earplugs for sleeping if needed
  • Deck of cards/games
  • Work gloves (for when you’re working in the fields)

FAQs

What kinds of extra activities are available on this tour? *

Skydiving, horse riding on the beach, surfing are just a few of the activities available. The weekends are free for you to enjoy with transfers to Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth available.

*All additional activities come at an additional cost.

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How much money should I bring?

This depends on the activities you choose to do at the weekend. Consider money for transfers, meals, drinks, additional activities. During the week you are unlikely to need any spending money.

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How do I speak to the group before departure?

We’ll add you into a Whatsapp group around 3-4 weeks before your departure so you can start chatting and getting to know everyone you’ll be traveling with. Before then you can join our Facebook group.

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What type of bag should I bring?

Either a large backpack or suitcase is fine. You won’t be transporting around too much but just make sure you’re able to carry it (we would recommend trying to stay under 20kg if you can).

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Is there Wifi?

Free wifi is available. Although we aim to provide a good level of wifi for the duration of your trip please be aware this may only be in communal areas and may be limited during loadshedding. Out in South Africa wifi is normally available in restaurants, cafes and hotel communal areas, but if you wish to have access to the internet throughout your whole trip wherever you go we advise on getting a local sim or e-sim. These can be purchased prior to arrival or at the airport after you clear through immigration, in order for your phone to be compatible you must make sure this is unlocked for any network. You can expect to pay around £20/30 for sufficient data for a month.

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Should I bring cash or card?

It’s always handy to have some cash with you but we recommend also taking a travel card to give you more freedom and security for your money. There are a lot of different travel cards that offer no withdrawal fees so our best advice is to look around for the best deal. Cards are widely accepted in South Africa.