Home

Apply Online

FAQs

Donations

Contact

To apply for an

Enkosini Eco Experience

volunteer project:

ENKOSINI WILDLIFE RESERVE

(with optional safari to Kruger National Park)

Serenity for the Soul

The Enkosini Wildlife Reserve is a bushveld haven, offering a unique malaria-free bush experience for nature lovers seeking more than the classic "Big Five."  Steeped in history and beauty, Enkosini is a spectacular 20,000 acre wildlife preserve located on a magnificent escarpment of rolling mountains and plains in South Africa.  It is home to a myriad of indigenous wildlife, birdlife and flora, and the relaxed atmosphere provides an antidote to the stresses of everyday living.  Coming away from Enkosini, one is left with a feeling of true intimacy with Africa.

The Enkosini Wildlife Reserve was formed in 2001 to protect and preserve Africa's wildlife and habitat.  Enkosini (derived from the Zulu word meaning “place of kings”) was established as a conservancy, by purchasing and joining together large South African farms with the aim of restoring the environment back to its natural state and establishing a larger reserve for the benefit of African wildlife.  Enkosini is a unique conservation initiative that will re-introduce indigenous wildlife onto land they once naturally roamed, ultimately re-establishing all of the original flora and fauna to the area.  Enkosini will also continue to acquire habitat for the long-term survival of the wildlife and the preservation of their eco-systems.

Enkosini's goal is to create a self-sustaining model of responsible conservation that preserves Africa's natural heritage (habitat and wildlife); enhances the South African economy through overseas capital infusion, local and international eco-tourism, and job creation; and promotes education and awareness of conservation issues. 

Volunteer Work

An Enkosini volunteer experience is an absolute must for anyone who is enthusiastic about wildlife and the environment. Volunteers participating in the program all have a common ambition – to see, feel, and smell the African bush while developing a practical knowledge of life in the wild. You will leave with a greater knowledge and understanding of Africa, and a feeling that you made a positive contribution to conservation.

The upcoming years are going to be a fantastic time at Enkosini. Enkosini completed its perimeter fencing in 2009 and we immediately started reintroducing zebra, giraffe, ostrich, impala, waterbuck and leopard.  We will continue reintroducing these species in 2010 as well as blesbok and black wildebeest.  Wildlife reintroductions have been scheduled in 3 phases: 1) plains game including zebra, wildebeest, impala, blesbok, ostrich and giraffe; 2) larger herbivores including rhino and buffalo; and 3) predators including cheetah, spotted hyena, wild dog and lion.  Volunteers will be actively involved in the preparations for these reintroductions.

Enkosini is currently home to the following wildlife species: leopard, brown hyena, jackal, serval, genet, caracal, civit, honey badger, African wildcat, mongoose, porcupine, pangolin, aardwolf, aardvark, baboon, vervet monkey, bushbaby, ostrich, zebra, red harteebest, kudu, waterbuck, giraffe, duiker, bushbuck, impala, mountain reedbuck, steenbok, klipspringer, bushpig, warthog, otter, crocodile and an amazing variety of birdlife (approximately 250 species), reptiles and smaller creatures.  

As Enkosini is currently in its start-up phase, volunteers will get to experience firsthand the early stages of a game reserve and be involved in various aspects of game reserve development and management, including some of the following:

-Re-introduction of wildlife (building wildlife ramps/bomas, releasing and monitoring wildlife on the Enkosini reserve)

-Erection/maintenance/removal of fences

-Vegetation mgmt with fire-breaks/block burning (seasonal)

-Animal carrying capacity analysis for reserve size and vegetation

-Snare removals

-Restoration and rehabilitation of damaged habitat

-Construction of facilities, bomas, bridges, and roads

-Educational and sports outreach with local schools/ communities

-Bird, insect, snake, wildlife and tree identification

-Nature conservation, fencing and law requirements

-Alien plant and soil erosion control

-Horse trail, hiking trail and bush camp establishment

-Development of renewable energy system

The work can be unglamorous at times, but it is very real and crucial to the success of Enkosini. Volunteers are an integral part of Enkosini's conservation initiative, working to rehabilitate and restore the habitat to its natural state, thus enabling wildlife to be re-introduced into the sanctuary where a century ago they would have naturally roamed.

Other Activities

Relaxation is an important part of the Enkosini experience, and there will be time on weekends to explore the beautiful sanctuary. Enkosini is a hikers paradise. Rockpools and waterfalls provide for great swimming, horseback riding is available for experienced riders to explore the sanctuary, and the Buffelskloof Dam offers fishing. Volunteers may also have opportunities to enjoy sleep-outs in the bush and excursions to Kruger National Park and surrounding communities/schools, providing a wonderful mix of wildlife and cultural experiences.

The nearest town, Lydenburg, is an hour drive away and has all the usual amenities including medical clinics, supermarkets, restaurants, and Internet cafés. Lydenburg is visited once a week by the Enkosini staff for supplies.  Volunteers will not be able to join these supply trips, but will have an opportunity to visit town before/after their excursion to Kruger National Park.    

Field Conditions

The volunteer camp is completely eco-friendly and "off the grid."  We strive to maintain harmony with nature by using solar power and fire-driven water heaters.  Drinking water flows from one of Enkosini’s many natural springs and there is no permanent electricity, although limited solar power will be provided for charging cell phones, camera batteries, etc.  Volunteers may also stay at other camps depending on the activities of the reserve.   

Accommodation is simple and rustic.  Volunteers sleep in comfortable dorm style rooms, with shared bathrooms.  Pillows and fitted sheets will be provided, however volunteers must bring their own sleeping bag.  This program will suit people who enjoy natural places, simplicity and practical work.

Couples, friends or families volunteering together who wish private accommodation may reserve a private room for an additional GB£185 / US$295 per person per schedule (1.5x single supplement). 

Program Co-ordinators

Program co-ordinators are responsible for each volunteer during their time at Enkosini from the time of arrival until departure. The program co-ordinators are the point of contact to allocate work projects, act as guide and tutor/mentor, and generally look after the volunteer’s welfare. 

Costs

Volunteer Contribution:

1 week: GB£475 / US$795

2 weeks: GB£595 / US$995

Extra weeks: GB£295 / US$495 per week

2011 dates:

The Enkosini program starts every other Monday.  We will arrange for volunteers to take the Bushveld Link Shuttle on the Sunday before your start date, departing directly from the Johannesburg International Airport at 2:00pm and arriving into Lydenburg at 6:00pm (discounted cost of R200 South African rands for Enkosini volunteers - www.bushveldlink.co.za). Volunteers must arrive into Johannesburg on Sunday by no later than 12:00pm as it can take some time to go through customs and collect your luggage.  

We will also arrange for you to stay at The Manor Guesthouse (www.lydenburgmanorhouse.co.za) in Lydenburg on Sunday night (cost of R260pp sharing or R360pp single in South African rands, including dinner, bed and full English breakfast). The shuttle will drop off directly at the guesthouse and the Enkosini staff will pick up from the guesthouse on your start date.

On your departure date, we will arrange for you to take a Translux/City-to-City bus (very modern and convenient) departing Lydenburg at 10:25am and arriving Pretoria at 3:15pm or Johannesburg at 4:30pm.  Outbound flights should not be booked before 7:00pm.

Off-schedule transfers will only be arranged when absolutely necessary and will cost R795 South African rands for the first person and R195 per person thereafter.

Training / Qualifications

From all ages, from all walks of life, and from all over the world, Enkosini volunteers have the experience of a lifetime while making a lasting impact on the environment. No previous experience is required, however all volunteers should have a love of nature, a positive attitude, a reasonable level of fitness, a sensitivity and respect for other cultures, a willingness to help and learn, and a strong sense of humor. The sanctuary is run in a spirit of co-operation between everyone present, and all are expected to give their best at all times.  There is no typical day at Enkosini - each brings its own magical moments, trials and tribulations - all adding to the adventure and spirit of living and working in Africa.