So you have been thinking about a holiday but you don’t want to do the same beach or sightseeing trip you do every year. After much deliberation, you have come to the conclusion that you want to have a rewarding break, and are going to spend your time becoming a wildlife volunteer, helping with the conservation of endangered wild animals. This is all well and good, but where on earth do you start? Thankfully, this article is here to talk you through the process step by step...
1. Pick the animal you want to help and the destination you want to go to!
Walking with elephants on the Rhino and Elephant Conservation Project in Zimbabwe
The first decision is definitely the hardest! You need to decide which animal you want to help and where in the world you want to go to. As the two subjects go hand in hand it is very important that you get this one right! Here at The Great Projects, we offer you the chance to visit Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, allowing you to witness the animal life associated with these countries. Whether it be tigers in India, orangutans in Borneo, or sloths in Costa Rica, you’ll be able to find a species of animal you are passionate about helping.
2. Choose how long you want to volunteer for!
Turtle release on the Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Experience
This choice is exactly what it says on the tin. With the options varying from a two-week stay to a six-week one, you can head out for as long as your passion for volunteering (and of course budget) allows you to! A two-week stay can be just as memorable as a four week one, but chances are once you have got a taste of the volunteer lifestyle you’ll want to extend your visit!
3. Book your trip and your flights!
You have done the hard part and all of your research is complete. You know you want to help save the elephants/orangutans/great white sharks in Namibia/Borneo/South Africa, and all you have left to do is to book. This is the easiest part of the trip as you’ve got two very simple options: you can get in touch with us here at the office where we would be happy to answer any more of your questions, or you can book online and be one step closer to embarking on an exciting new adventure. Once this is sorted and it’s been confirmed that you will be joining a project on one of its start dates, you are now free to book your flights knowing exactly when you need to arrive and when you need to leave. Need a little help with your flights? Let us know and we'll try our best to help you out!
4.Kit up!
Volunteers dressing the part on the Panda Volunteer Experience
Once you are booked in you will receive a document from us detailing all you need to know about your destination. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should shake hands or go for a hug for a Maldivian introduction, or if there is a cash point available near the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, then this document will tell you it all. It also tells you exactly what you’ll need in your kit bag, so before you jet off you will have the chance to buy your new shorts, boots and anything else you’ll need.
5. Get Excited!
Spending time with the local school children in Africa
Everything is done. You know where you are going, you know when you are going, and you know your bag is packed and ready for action. The only thing you have left to do is get overly excited about your upcoming trip! You’re guaranteed to make not only amazing memories for yourselves, but also for the animals you help at the project sites, so I think we can all agree it’s better than sitting by the side of a pool for a week!
Hopefully this piece has given you a better idea of how to become a wildlife volunteer, but if you have any other questions don’t hesitate to get in touch! We look forward to hearing from you.
