Volunteer Update: Jan – August 2025

02Oct

volunteer update

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2025 has been a busy and purposeful year, with the Kariega Volunteer Programme focused on uplifting communities and strengthening our conservation efforts – while having maximum fun!

Kariega Game Reserve is looking beautiful after a rainy winter and the wildlife is abundant and flourishing.

We believe it is the combination of this unique environment, and the impact volunteers create in benefit to our planet and people, that sets our programme apart. Our volunteers play an enormous role in the success of many of the Kariega Foundation projects. For those who have joined the programme, thank you and for those who are thinking about joining, we cannot wait to meet you.

We were delighted that we had eight volunteers who returned to us this year – some for the 4th or 5th time! This gives us such encouragement that we are getting the programme right and we are so hopeful that more volunteers are planning repeat visits soon. We love welcoming old friends back to your ‘home away from home’.

The volunteer home-base at the Kariega Conservation Centre (KCC) has seen some exciting enhancements. 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 sign up for.

When out on the reserve for conservation days, volunteers are now kitted out with binoculars and tablets which ensure the data we capture contributes accurately to science and research, saving the planet one data entry at a time. Great wildlife viewing is a bonus!

“Our generation has the ability and the responsibility to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.” Natalie Portman

We are excited to share some of the highlights from this year so far.

Volunteer Highlights

Conservation Impact:

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. Your involvement in each of these areas ensures our projects move steadily forward. From January 2025, the following has been achieved by our wonderful volunteers:

• 149 Earth Ranger reports completed, providing vital wildlife tracking data to support protection and reserve management.
• 27 elephant ID kits updated as part of an ongoing study of Kariega’s 75 elephants, supporting accurate tracking and behavioural research.
• Key areas are now more accessible, as volunteers assisted with road clearing.
• 16.3 hectares of alien plants removed, targeting four invasive species and restoring vital habitat.
• Rewilding and land expansion plays a big role in our aim to conserve species and biodiversity. Volunteers were part of 6 fence removal and reserve clean-up operations, enhancing habitat connectivity and reducing wildlife hazards.
• 7 veterinary and management procedures supported, including a cheetah introduction, lion treatments and relocations, and black and white rhino collaring and care.

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.

In the past 6 months, our volunteers have showcased their talents and illustrated their big hearts, with the following highlights:

• Creative infrastructure upgrades, including painting and decorating jungle gyms with colourful numbers and designs.
• A ‘Save Rhino, We Love Rhino’ sign designed and created by volunteers, raising awareness and advocacy within the community.
• Strong community engagement and acceptance was experienced throughout: “Community members are always so welcoming when we come into the area. When we drive past, they recognise that we bring positive change.”
• On 16 June, volunteers joined local and Foundation children for a soccer game on the beach, creating a fun and meaningful opportunity to connect with more children in the community through sport.

Reflections from Jaco Mitchell – Conservation Coordinator & Programme Manager

What a privilege it is to be on this journey with you all. Every time a new group of volunteers arrives, I am reminded of why I do what I do - to share the beauty of Kariega’s nature, to teach, and to learn alongside you. Seeing your faces light up when you spot your first rhino, track a lion, or watch the sunrise over the reserve are the best parts of my job.

This year has been full of incredible moments: From cheetah introductions to rhino procedures, from stargazing to river cruises, from clearing alien plants to connecting with our local communities. None of this would have been possible without your energy, your willingness to get stuck in, and your passion for making a difference.

Thank you for every early morning wake-up, every data sheet completed, every fence removed and laugh around the campfire. You have left a mark on this reserve, on our community, and on me personally.

My hope is that your time here has inspired you as much as you have inspired us. You are part of a much bigger story; the story of protecting wildlife, restoring ecosystems, and building bridges between people and nature. I am excited to see where this journey takes you next, and I hope to welcome many of you back to Kariega - your “home away from home.”

Thank you for being part of the Kariega family and for choosing to be a force for good. Together, we are making a difference.

See you on the reserve,

Jaco

How You Can make a difference:

There are many ways to support the Kariega Volunteer Programme and the Kariega Foundation. Whether you can give your time, resources, or financial support, every contribution makes a difference!

Recommend us – If you have been here, and loved it, let your friends and family know or invite them back with you to volunteer and play on our beautiful reserve and in our very special communities.

Volunteer with Us – Experience hands-on conservation work while supporting local communities. Your time and energy directly impact wildlife protection and community development. No day is the same and we have excitement waiting for you.

Donate to the Kariega Foundation – Financial contributions go directly to anti-poaching initiatives, conservation research, community education, and sustainability projects. Every donation, big or small, makes an impact. You can donate securely online at https://kariegafoundation.com/

Give in Kind – If you’d like to donate supplies, we always appreciate:

• School supplies for local children
• Clothing for children from ECD level to High Schools
• Sport supplies for our Ubuntu Cup players
• Outdoor gear for community and rangers
• Research equipment such as camera traps
• Seeds and tools for the community food garden

Spread the Word – Follow, like, and share our journey on social media! Raising awareness is a powerful way to support conservation.

Instagram: @kariegafoundation and @kariegavolunteers

Facebook: Kariega Foundation and Kariega Volunteers

Your support helps us continue our mission to protect wildlife, preserve habitats, and uplift communities.

Thank You!

Kariega conservation through community volunteers arrive as strangers and leave as family. Thank you to all who have joined our programme. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, smiles and laughter and for getting up every morning ready to change the world. The work you do here leaves a lasting impact and we are so grateful to you all. Thank you for being part of the change we wish to make in this world!