Private Game Farm
About the project:
The Game Farm is a privately owned game farm situated in the Balule Nature Reserve
(65 000 Hct.), which is included in the Kruger National Park – real original Big 5 country.
Since it is an open ecological system for many square kilometres with no internal fences,
the project does not have any animals in camps, cages or captivity – therefore it is not a
“hands on with animals” project. Animals are seen and enjoyed in their wild and free
state.
Education is the focus of the program and volunteers can expect to learn about many
different subjects and bush skills. Our mission statement is “Conservation through
Education”
Location:
This program is situated in the Balule Nature Reserve – which forms part of the Greater
Kruger National Park. It is approx. 20 km from Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province.
The curriculum (one month)
Geology
Why it is important to understand the difference between animal conservation
versus conservation of natural ecosystems
Ecology
Understanding of all natural and man made ecosystems and how this influence
decision made by game farmers
Food chains and energy flow
Botany and grasses
How to identify trees, scrubs and grasses
The importance of grass as an indicator specie and basic food source to
herbivores and omnivores
Mammals and animal behavior
Classification, identification and general information regarding mammals
Protection behavior
Grouping behavior
Reproductive behavior
Communication behavior
Birds (Aves)
Classification, identification and general information regarding birds
Learn bird calls
Reptiles
Classification, identification and general information regarding reptiles
Snake safety, identification and venom types
Fish and Amphibians
Classification, identification and general information regarding fish and
amphibians
Arthropod (Insects and their relatives)
Classification, identification and general information regarding Arthropod
Identification of potentially dangerous spiders and scorpions
Taxonomy
How classification of animals work
Conservation management
What are the duties of a game ranger versus a nature guide?
Management aspect of a game farm
Practical – Build your own game farm
Historical human habitation
Stone ages and Iron Age
Local tribe’s traditions and cultures
Additional lectures:
Hunting versus poaching
Do we have a elephant overpopulation problem in Southern Africa
Open discussions
Students are given the opportunity to pose questions to the qualified staff
about any nature related topics
Bush skills and practical application of lectures:
Tracking
Practical identification of mammals, birds, trees & grasses and insects
How to make a fire without matches or lighters
How to find direction during the day and night
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How to find water and food. What you can eat and what not.
General survival skills
Conservation work:
Anti erosion
Anti poaching (Sweep for snares etc.)
Road maintenance
Camp work:
Depending on projects e.g.
Eco friendly veggie garden
Why this project needs you:
This project needs you to assist with all game farm management related tasks, erosion
control, water hole management.
Feedback:
My journey began many ago, leaving the dreary weather of UK behind for a life, chasing
the sun around the world. I spent a few months traveling round the different cultures that
the Middle East has to offer, searching for new and different experiences, in which people
look for, but never find. After 4 long and different months, I soon found myself on a plane
heading back towards my heritage, South Africa, but this part of my travels was not a
journey of self-discovery, but a completely new experience.
Giraffes, elephants, Impala was a welcomed sight to see, and soon a sense of relaxation
revered through my body, that brought that smile that only travelers can master, but for an
known reason.
The truck entered the camp, and I soon found myself surround by such green flora and
fauna that could light up any landscape. I unloaded my belongings and was shown to my
rondawel. I was to experience many walks into the bush, studing the flora, attempting to
being mocked charged by elephants. I was taught about the wildlife that surrounds the
camp. Whilst finding the energy to volunteer with the bushand camp work, we found
ourselves either painting under the African sunrise or grafting the much erosion work
needed doing surrounded by the beauty of the wildlife in the bush.
Aside the learning, working and the bush walks I lost myself watching over the unique
African bush sunset where most night I sat and stared in awe as the sunlight glided along
the savannah blacking out everything it touched, just to show its magnificence before
falling asleep under a transparent sky so clear you could see every star that the night had
to offer.
I came to the Private Game Farm to experience something different, and what I got was
very much unique. The weeks that passed were unforgettable adventure, the ones I shall
remember until my end of days, and I hope to return to this cappadoccia of Africa and
rekindle that experience again.
What animals can the volunteers expect to see?
Elephants, lion, leopard, buffalo, white rhino, cheetah, giraffes, kudus, wildebeest,
zebras, waterbuck, impala, steenbuck, grey duiker, warthog, eagles, vulutures, small
birds, spiders, scorpions, ground squirrels, insects, bats, moths, butterflies, snakes,
beetles, branded mongoose, jackal, hyenna, hares.