Program Description

Tutuka Family Conservation Project

Description

Tutuka, from the Zulu word 'to grow', encourages your family to work together in the African bush, assisting with current conservation work within a stunning reserve forming part of the Greater Kruger area. From conservation and habitat management work to observing the majestic native species in their own habitat, every aspect of of this project is aimed at including all ages and differing ability. You'll explore conservation philosophy and current nature conservation issues that South Africa faces as part of this project.

Research in the reserves surrounding Kruger National Park is essential in ensuring collaboration of research between the reserves, where borders are open and animals move freely. The community element of the project is vital in establishing the ongoing link between conservation and the local community, working alongside an established charity, Children's Eco Training.

All aspects of this project are focussed on ensuring each member of your family is contributing at a level of work suitable for them. Whether this is the more physical aspect of the work or the theoretical knowledge which accompanies the research of species such as elephants, rhino and predators within the reserve. Your whole family will discover and explore the bush ecosystems in a way suited to your age, so from youngster to grown up, there is something to learn. The African bushveld will be explored by both vehicle and on foot and will involve night viewing.

Highlights

Conservation elements of the project will include some of the following:

Conservation and habitat management within the Big 5 reserve
- Physical habitat management including erosion control, river clean ups and rehabilitation of land through re seeding of vegetation and removal of alien plant vegetation

Working on research projects within the reserve to assist in the management of species:
- Recording elephant movements, herd dynamics and behaviour
- Recording seasonal and migratory movements of buffalo
- Establishing territory size and producing identification kits for rhino
- Predator studies of lion, leopard and cheetah

Theoretical studies out in the bush learning skills including:
- Identification of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and trees
- Animal behaviour identification and interpretation of behaviours when working in the field
- Dealing with potentially dangerous animal
- Bush craft and survival techniques

Work in the local schools:
- Working with the wildlife club in the local schools you and your family help with teaching conservation concerns to African school kids
- Establish vegetable gardens for local school kids

Further Information
Cost Description: 

Program costs include meals, accommodation, project funding and transfers from the airport

Languages Learned/Spoken: 
English

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Program Info

Country: 
Botswana
City(s): 
Rural Areas
Volunteer Types: 
Work with Children
Research
Conservation
Length of Program: 
1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
Cost: 
See site for details.

Program Photos

Tutuka volunteers