Volunteer Programme Newsletter Issue #1 2026

07Jul

Volunteer Testimonials, Volunteer Updates

#volunteer update #conservation #community

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Welcome to the first half of 2026! Crazy how time flies when you’re travelling and having fun. Kariega Game Reserve continues to look vibrant, the wildlife is thriving, and our volunteers have been instrumental in helping the reserve and neighbouring communities flourish.

We said goodbye to Jaco, our previous volunteer coordinator at the end of 2025, as he moved on to pursue the next steps in his career. Thank you, Jaco, for your dedication and all you’ve done for Kariega. Wishing you every success and happiness in your new chapter.

Join us in warmly welcoming Amber and Nic to our Kariega Foundation Volunteer Programme, our new volunteer management couple. We’re excited for the energy, care, and experience they bring to the team and look forward to the great work ahead with our volunteers and communities.

Since January 2026, we have hosted 82 volunteers with 3 returning since their stay in the beginning of the year. We are so happy to hear and see volunteers that return to our programme. Always great to hear the positive feedback about the facilities and staff!

The KCC team remains dedicated to making sure volunteers are comfortable and energised, ready to engage fully in each days conservation or community activities so you can make the difference you signed up for.

Thank you for being part of creating a better place for our communities, wildlife and environment. We are excited to share some of the highlights from this year so far.

Volunteer Highlights:

Conservation impacts:

The Kariega Foundation has a multi-facet conservation approach, incorporating communities, research, habitat expansion, alien plant control, anti-poaching unit, community upliftment and wildlife management. From January 2026, the following have been achieved:

• Camera traps checked and maintained regularly, contributing vital ecological data.
• Volunteer involvement in veterinary work: movement of 8 buffalo (Kariega East → Kariega West); de-collaring of 3 elephant matriarchs with Bring the Elephant Home (Brooke & Antoinette); 2 lion procedures; 1 white rhino procedure; and a cheetah procedure that included replacing a male cheetah’s collar battery.
• Multiple erosion-control sites identified; various methods explored and implemented.
• Special wildlife moments: volunteers viewed Thandi and her 6th calf, Twinks (born early March).
• Camping in the poort continues to be a memorable volunteer experience in the warmer months.

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Gary Snyde

Community engagement:

At the Kariega Foundation, we believe conservation and community go hand in hand. Our volunteers are helping to uplift, inspire, and connect across generations.

• 84 learners at Nompucuko Primary School received donated pens and pencils via a SEL lesson led by volunteers and Mali.
• 16 dog kennels painted and distributed across local communities.
• Donation of two seedling trays and 40 kg compost to the Alexandria Computer Hub to support gardening and environmental activities.
• Volunteers continue to visit at Mama G’s Soup Kitchen, playing with children and assisting with meals remains a meaningful experience.
• Volunteer support at mass sterilisation events in Marselle and Alexandria; 50 dogs sterilised over two days in Marselle.

"How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world!"  Anne Frank

Volunteer Spotlight:

Some of the feedback we have received so far for the year:

1. “I had a truly wonderful experience and am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the programme again. The coordinators were incredibly friendly, supportive, and passionate, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The programme is very well organized, diverse, and meaningful, and it creates a great balance between learning, contributing, and having fun. Thank you for creating such a memorable and rewarding experience! “ - Leonie Strelecki (3 weeks, 09 March 2026- 30 March 2026) - Testimonial
2. “Amazing week”! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the most incredible experience! Nic, thanks for answering all my questions! Amber, thank you for the warmest welcome and making us feel like part of the family! Thank you, Mali, for all the fun times! Keep being you! You do such invaluable work in the community and have total respect for everyone! Thank you for the memories, I will treasure our short stay! This is not goodbye, this is.......until next time! P.S. Thanks Thomas for everything too and helping with the braai. “Leah – Ireland (TD agent, 25th May- 30th May 2026) - Testimonial
3. “Have been here for two most amazing, unforgettable, intense weeks, leaving after tomorrow and feeling KCC- homesick already now. Thanks to Jo, Mali and Thomas for their tireless effort, so that we can all keep the team spirit high and make the world a better place. Thanks to the entire KCC team! I left my comfort zone for so much peace and comfort here.... For sure I’ll be back!! Take care and a big hug!” (Petra, from Germany, 16th Feb – 02 March 2026) - Testimonial

A message from Amber Tweedie and Nic Mortley- Conservation Coordinator and Programme Manager

As the Conservation Coordinator and Programme Manager, we've loved welcoming and getting to know all of our volunteers during the first half of the year. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such passionate people, making a meaningful difference through conservation projects and community engagement.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store!

How you can help

• Recommend us: Tell friends and family about the Kariega Volunteer Programme or invite them to join you.
• Volunteer again: Return for hands-on conservation and community work. Every visit makes a tangible difference.
• Donate to the Kariega Foundation: Financial gifts support anti-poaching, conservation research, community education, and sustainability. 
• Donate securely at https://kariegafoundation.com/
• Give in kind: We always appreciate donated supplies, including:
• Pens, pencils, stationery and simple school supplies
• Dog food, veterinary supplies, kennel materials
• Seedlings, compost, gardening tools and potting mix
• Camera trap batteries, SD cards, basic electronics/solar chargers
• Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, headlamps)
• Building materials and tools for erosion control and community projects
• First-aid and personal protective equipment for field and veterinary work
• Educational materials and craft supplies for community workshops

To volunteer, donate, recommend, or arrange an in-kind contribution, visit https://kariegafoundation.com/ or email volunteer@kariega.co.za for more info.

Thank you to everyone who has given time, skills and heart to Kariega in these past six months. Together we protect wildlife, support communities, and steward this beautiful reserve.