GVI, Ethical Impact: Wildlife Conservation Volunteer in South Africa

I did the wildlife research expedition in South Africa for 2 weeks. The first point I would like make is that 2 weeks is just not enough. Although I loved my time there and had some extraordinary experiences, I felt there was still so much more to see and learn. Of course, if 2 weeks is all you have, then I still highly recommend doing it. But if you have the chance to go for longer, grab it with both hands and don't look back.

On the first day after we arrived, we had our first reserve drive through the private animal reserve we were staying on. We got to simply observe for this, and to see the staff and other volunteers in action. The rest of the first week was a combination of training, lectures and more drives. Things are pretty fast paced so be ready to pick things up quickly as you go. Everyone on drive usually had a job to do so you will always be busy. The second week was more of the same, usually with a drive in the morning at about 5:30am (I know it sounds early), with another one in the afternoon at 3:00pm. These could be general research drives, or an animal or activity specific drive depending on the schedule.

As well as the daily drives, you will be assigned base duty one day a week. This is where you and your partner will clean the whole base and then make lunch and dinner for everyone. For those a little intimidated by the thought of cooking for so many (for me it was about 15-20 people), they have a step by step recipe book with specific meals scheduled each day. This means it’s really hard to go wrong even for the more culinary challenged (I include myself in this category).

I had some amazing encounters even in such a short time. I got to see all of the Big 5 except for a leopard - although I heard them more than once! Other highlights included a Sunday trip to Kruger National Park (arranged by the volunteers themselves), taking part in a mini obstacle course that was designed by one of the longterm interns and the braais (bbq) we had at the end of the week.

If I had any advice for you before you go, take a camera. I only had my phone and I really regretted not having something better to take pictures. The same goes for a pair of binoculars. Also, if you go to South Africa during their winter like I did (June), then take the hat and scarf. Also, layers are essential. You’ll need them for those early mornings and later evening drives because it really does get cold.

The bottom line for me? It was worth it.

As someone who has always dreamed of traveling to Africa to study the amazing wildlife there, I was so excited to participate in the GVI Limpopo, South Africa Wildlife Research Expedition. Spending every day on game drives, seeing incredible animals, recording vital data, and getting to know people from all over the world only grew my passion for wildlife conservation. The GVI team and staff in South Africa made my experience unforgettable by creating the perfect family atmosphere and a feeling that we were truly making a difference in the world with every day spent volunteering. Every day spent out in the Bush brought something different, and it was such a variety of fun and exciting experiences. I am so thankful for the time that I was able to spend in the African bush with GVI!!

The Bushwise Field Guide course is very informative and allows one to walk away with a verity of qualifications, including ones FGASA level 1. The food overall is quite good but often had to much salt and/or sugar. The trainer's have an amazing knowledge base and it was fantastic to learn from them. The insight given from each trainer as well as the historical and scientific aspects were really great. The trainer's were able to keep positive throughout the course and the new trainer Edward was able to ad much need positivety and some new views on various aspects of our learning material. The different courses included in the Bushwise course such as ARH, 4x4, First Aid Level 2 and rifle competencey were all most appreciated and useful to our future careers.

Bushwise has been everything I hoped for and more. It has given me more knowledge than I could have imagined and feel like I'm only just at the tip of the iceberg. The staff and trainers were excellent and so passionate about not only wildlife but teaching their students more than what was required and educating us about the ethical way of guiding. The admin team are also extremely helpful for international students as they take care of all of the extras needed to complete the course. Without them we would have really struggled to understand what we needed to complete and how to do it. I don't think we'd have finished the course with all of the necessary documents without them. I've made friends and work colleagues for life and couldn't recommend Bushwise enough.

My name is Jelle, I used to be a Data Analyst at a major tech company. Now I am a qualified FGASA field guide and one step closer to living my dream.
Late 2017 I came to the conclusion I had enough of corporate and wanted to follow my dream, working with animals and specifically conservation of wildlife. Ultimately my dream is to work with wolves. This was always a distant dream, as somebody who grew up in a country without nature or wildlife I never thought it would be something attainable.
After some research on how I could start getting experience and skills in this completely new industry I came across the Bushwise course. As soon as I finished reading the description I knew this is what I was going to do. I signed up and here I am.
The course was so much more encompassing than I would have thought. On top of learning about literally every topic in the bush, from grass to birds, from Big 5 to the lichen on the rocks and trees, from the dust at our feed to the dust in space, we also gained skills in tracking, rifle handling, 4x4, first aid, photography and how to entertain and work with guests, you name it. The campus itself is amazing and although we still haven't seen the leopard there is so much wildlife to see and waking up in the mornings in the middle of the bush is something most people can only dream of.
Don't mistake, it is tough as nails. You have exams every week and only a few days to learn each topic for that exam, which has to be done in between drives, chores and briefings. Your choice is often sleep or study and sleep often sounds very inviting. No matter how tough it gets though, waking up in this environment and going on drives near every other day makes it all worth while.
The staff are also amazing. Every 4 weeks you get 1 week off in which you can either return home, go see SA or catch up on some much needed studying. Food is exquisite and the trainers and support staff are fun, fair and very dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. I would highly recommend doing the full year to get the extra 6 months work experience and although I am sad to leave Bushwise and the campus behind I am looking forward to my placement, even here they shine as they match up students with placement venues very well in terms of both what the student is looking for but also the personalities of both the student and staff at the placement.
I give my heartfelt thanks to the entire Bushwise staff and hope to make them proud in the years to come!

This course was ace. The trainers were amazing and enthusiastic. The managers are like family. The location is incredibly beautiful and the accommodation is perfect. The food is delicious, especially the chicken pie (veggie version is even better) and the vehicles are top notch.

Bushwise is totally worth it. The trainers are super professional and friendly. You have a lot of fun and the knowledge base you aquire is second to none. From the day you arrive to the day you leave you are always learning. The campus is ons a 100 hectre game farm where you can go for walks and view animals such as sable and oom okkie, the ostrich. We do most of our practical stuff on Makalali private game reserve where there is big 5 game. You also get certificates for First aid level 2, 4x4 competancy and trails guiding base. You have the opportunity to do your advanced rifle handling and trails. This would set you on the path to become a trails guide is that is what you want to do. Bushwise is in my opinion one of the best, if not the best training provider out there.

I went on the Under 18's South Africa wildlife conservation volunteer program and it was in short, life-changing. It sparked an interest in wildlife conservation, in which I had no previous interest, and has helped me figure out what I want to in the future. I have since researched more topics for a 6000word EPQ and am looking at applying to wildlife conservation university courses!
The activities completed whilst out there were amazing to experience such as walking through the bush and watching cheetahs rest as well as helping in a local school for two days. The trip to Kruger National Park was also incredible, with so much wildlife to see!
One of the most vivid memories was watching the sunrise on multiple occasions, appearing like a different planet.
Not only are the experiences incredible, but you make lifelong friends as well. Everyone gets along straight away, so much so that I am travelling to America (from England) to meet up with someone I met in South Africa.
It was the best experience of my life and would recommend it to absolutely everyone!