Volunteering at the centre
VulPro hosts many volunteers per annum, from right across globe.
Being a non-profit organisation, having the assistance of willing and capable hands is of great help with our organisations daily tasks.
VulPro promises to be an experience to remember, truly emerging people into the life of vultures. Our team of staff are always eager to share their knowledge and passion of these magnificent creatures, ensuring one will leave VulPro with a different mind set.
VulPro has a way of changing peoples lives, of truly leaving a mark on every single individual that passes through the gates.
Experience Vulture Conservation On The Front Lines
The VulPro Volunteer programme
VulPro offers a unique, once in a life time experience to a select few individuals each year. We offer volunteers the opportunity to experience vulture conservation on the front lines. Our volunteer itinerary guarantees a hands-on, practical experience, truly showcasing the work VulPro staff undertakes on a daily basis.
Volunteers will be involved in at least one field excursion during their time at VulPro. Depending on the time of year, field excursions could include population surveys of critically endangered tree-nesting vulture species, colony monitoring of endangered cliff-nesting vulture species, as well as undertaking critically important power line surveys. When not out in the field, participants will have the opportunity to partake in our work at the VulPro facility, and assist with various tasks which are essential for the efficient operation of our Centre. Additionally, opportunities may arise where participants may be able to assist with vulture rescues and retrievals throughout South Africa.
Field sites are located throughout the Limpopo and North-West Provinces of South Africa, and promise beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to experience the beauty of our bushveld and a wide variety of wildlife.
TRAVELLING TO VULPRO
All volunteers are responsible for their own travel costs including flights, travel insurance, and airport transfers.
The shortest way, internationally, is to fly to Johannesburg Airport (OR Tambo). You must arrange your own transport from the airport or your port of entry. We highly recommend a door to door shuttle operator (costs are about R550) which is the safest method. Contact Bes at Best Shuttles, 082-492-0823 or best.shuttle@yahoo.com to arrange.
VulPro is settled nicely close to the Magaliesberg Mountains, just 10 driving minutes from Hartbeespoort and about 40 driving minutes from Pretoria City and 50 minutes from Fourways out of Johannesburg.
Accommodation & Food
At the VulPro Centre
The accommodation at VulPro is in a shared house. Typically, volunteers may have a room to themselves, but this is not always possible, so same sex roommates may be assigned during busy seasons. Smoking is not permitted in the house and on the whole property. The two bedrooms are separated from the main house but close by, so that you can easily use the communal kitchen and the bathroom with hot shower. Outside is a nice sitting area with the possibility to braai (Barbecue). There is washing machine and clothes washing line for laundry once a week, maximum.All volunteers will need to share household chores like washing up and are expected to respect their housemates and keep shared areas clean and clear of personal belongings. Everybody is responsible for purchasing and cooking his/her own food. There is a fridge and freezer and enough space in the cupboard. The kitchen is well equipped and you are welcome to use all cutlery, pots, pans, etc.
On Field Excursions
Fully inclusive accommodation is provided at each field site. Meals are not included in the price. Generally, we suggest that staff and volunteers jointly purchase and prepare food during field excursions. Although field sites may alter, below are a few examples of those that you may experience during your stay
Olifants River Private Game Reserve: ORPGR is a 6200 ha privately owned big 5 game reserve located next to the Limpopo River in the Lowveld region, approximately 6 hours drive from the VulPro facility. Both African White-backed Vultures and Hooded Vultures can be found nesting on the property. Please note that this is a Malaria area, and volunteers are cautioned to take necessary preventative steps such as Malaria tablets.
Manutsa: The Manutsa Cape Vulture colony is the 3rd largest colony in the world, with just over 600 breeding pairs. It is located on privately owned land with small game, in the Limpopo Province, about 5,5hours drive from the VulPro Centre. This is the only Vulture Colony located in a North facing direction, making them vulnerable to global warming.
Omega Game Farm: Omega Game Farm is located in the North West Province, approximately 4 hours drive from the VulPro facility. It is home to just under 50 African White-backed Vulture breeding pairs. Please note that dangerous game is present on the property, so we ask that you please adhere to all guidance and instructions from staff whilst moving in this area.
Kransberg Cape Vulture colony: Kransberg boasts the third largest Cape Vulture Colony in the world. This site is located in the Marakele National Park, in the Limpopo Province and has stunning mountain scenery and a wide variety of game. Indemnity forms will need to be signed.
Requirements
We remind you that you need to be flexible as plans may change in response to the weather, local conditions or other factors. We are looking for enthusiasm, common sense, self- starters, independence, perseverance and patience. Bare in mind that South Africa is a developing country and things may well be different from what you are used to at home. A positive attitude and a sense of humor are vital. Volunteering is about what you can do for the project and we are looking for cheerful, willing workers. If you have any medical conditions, disabilities or other special needs, you MUST inform us before your arrival so that we can assess whether or not our facilities will suite your needs as well as ours.
What to bring
The following items are necessary:
- valid passport and visa, and a photocopy of your passport to leave with us international and valid driver’s license
- a note of your insurance policy number and emergency phone numbers
- South African compatible (plug types M and C) electrical converter for any of your personal electrical appliances
- warm clothing for cool days and cold nights – e.g. Sweaters, fleece, gloves, hat, scarf
- long trousers and long sleeved shirts or tops in neutral colours. You need to be covered up to protect against insect bites, sun and cold.
- walking boots and/or closed-toed shoes for field work and work inside the vulture enclosures insect repellent
- good torch/flashlight (with spare batteries, preferably rechargeable)
- sunscreen, sunglasses and hat to protect you from the sun
- work gloves, for use when cleaning cages, etc.
- rubber gloves, for use when cutting meat or removing carcasses water bottle
- any medication you need
- notebook and pen or pencil
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute to the conservation of African vultures, so be sure to book your experience as soon as possible.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT VULPRO,
PLEASE CONTACT KERRI WOLTER ON:
kerri@vulpro.com
+27 82 808 5113
Please follow these links to gain more information on volunteer preparation as well as volunteer contracts.