The Academy
Siyakwamukela! Welcome!
Comfort
Adventure
Give back to wildlife
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION IN NATURE AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
The Thula Thula volunteer programme truly is a must for everyone, from students, corporate groups and those with a lifelong dream to work in the wild African bush and make a difference to conservation.
The Thula Thula Volunteers programme offers both local and international volunteers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get involved in wildlife conservation, reserve management and environmental studies. Thula Thula welcomes you to join a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable rangers, reserve managers, veterinarians and general nature lovers, in our efforts to continually develop a link between people and the wilderness which we cherish so much.
RECONNECT WITH NATURE
Volunteers will experience 1 to 6 weeks of living in the African wilderness, sharing experiences with others, growing their skills and making a difference. Programmes will vary slightly throughout the year, as the challenges involved in wildlife conservation are constantly shifting and certain issues may receive more focus than others. Thula Thula offers a well-rounded program aimed at covering both the needs of the reserve and surrounding community, as well as providing a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience for the volunteers.
During their stay with us, volunteers will see themselves as “Assistant Conservation Managers”, as all the work done and data collected by them will be utilized by Thula Thula for conservation on the reserve.
Our volunteers also get the opportunity to explore South Africa’s other game reserves as Thula Thula is close to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and St Lucia heritage site, (at an additional cost).
OUR MISSION: EDUCATE AND INSPIRE
Education is essential to bring a better understanding and more awareness to the necessity to protect endangered species, and a greater respect and appreciation for our conservation efforts.
Volunteers will be provided with practical experience the reserve has to offer in the following areas:
Game Reserve Management
Research Projects
Community skill Development and Education
The Thula Thula Volunteer Academy is situated adjacent to our Wildlife rehabilitation centre, in a securely fenced area, with the most magnificent view over the whole game reserve and Mkhulu Dam, the favourite spot of our herd of elephants. Currently, a maximum of 8 volunteers can apply per session, one of the volunteers being from the local communities. Accommodation will be basic but comfortable, in 8 double tents, entirely lit by solar lanterns and wooden poles ablution area. Accommodation and basic food items will be provided during your stay with us and you will stay in your own tent if you are single, and couples will stay in a double tent..
A recommended stay would be two weeks, but you can choose to stay only from a few days (or a weekend) to up to 6 weeks.
If you are interested in doing your own research project we suggest a minimum of 3 months, as a reliable research takes time.
A day in the life of a volunteer!
Your camp
Thula Thula Volunteers Camp is located directly next to the Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre overlooking our special Mkhulu Dam.
You sleep in comfortable tents, with double beds and there are communal showers and toilets. The main meeting point is our kitchen dining area and being in the African bush the fire place is where one can meet and discuss the days activities!
Community Work
Thula Thula is surrounded by 5 different communities who often rely on our assistance. Also during every volunteers course one local joins from these 5 communities, to learn the importance of wildlife and nature conservation.
Wildlife Conservation
On some of the courses you may join our dedicated veterinarian team when we have to assist our animal family. Wildlife conservation also consists of clearing areas of invasive plants, fixing paths and checking fences.
Costs
All of our conservation projects, as Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching, the Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and our Elephant Land Expansion project for elephant habitat, are financed through the Thula Thula Non-Profit Organisation The South African Conservation Fund
The THULA THULA VOLUNTEERS ACADEMY is a part of the SOUTH AFRICAN CONSERVATION FUND and, as such, the proceeds (money left after expenses) of what you pay for your experience as a volunteer, will be redistributed towards our conservation projects.
COST PER NIGHT: (as per your country of residence)
South African residents ZAR 1’200
North and South America and Asia residents USD 120
European residents Euro 120
UK residents GBP 120
