Becoming an
Eco-Ambassador

Building a sustainable tomorrow, one Eco-Ambassador at a time

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Become an Eco-Ambassador at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

If you are looking to make a difference by actively participating in the conservation of African wildlife within a fun, safe, stable and stunning environment, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is the place for you.
Although this may sound similar to many other proudly South African volunteering projects, our dream for every person we encounter is to have a lifestyle change towards thinking conservation and living conservation.  We want your time at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge to not only be the experience of a lifetime but an experience that changes your life!  Our aim is to empower ordinary people (people like you!) to protect nature by creating a conservation lifestyle upon your return home.

Overview

So, what do we mean by a conservation lifestyle?

A lasting change in heart, from selfish consumption towards preserving what has been entrusted to us.

The Buffelsdrift Foundation is a starting point for you to become a conservationist, because with your help there can be a better tomorrow.  Our planet and specifically the wildlife that abound in it are a special gift that we have the luxury of experiencing and enjoying.  We want to share that experience with you and more importantly, we want future generations to have the opportunity to have similar enriching experiences.  This can only be achieved through conscious consideration of our current actions and learning new ways to preserve and conserve our greatest gift.

Our conservation projects could not function without the hard work, dedication, and time of our Eco-Ambassadors, officially known by the government here as Voluntourists.

Why Join Us?

By joining us at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge you are becoming part of a generous group of Voluntourists – those who see a country through unique eyes and spend their holiday time and funds assisting conservation around the world.
Funds from our Eco-Ambassador program are reinvested into conservation, enabling us to grow and become even more successful in achieving our vision. “At Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, anyone is a potential conservationist. It is our honor and pride to make you part of a generation that lives conservation.”
You will have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing wildlife species in Africa such as lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, meerkats, and many other indigenous species.  Day-to-day maintenance of the conservation area, as well as food preparation and feeding, are performed by our dedicated volunteers. You will also be part of vital research on wild meerkat families.
The daily schedule may include the following activities:
  • Monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of lion and elephant enclosure
  • Preparing food for elephants and lions
  • Tracking and monitoring free roaming cheetahs
  • Researching and observing wild meerkat families
  • Performing game counts
  • Electric fence and enclosure patrolling
  • Setting up camera “traps” for research purposes
  • Relocating/trans-locating wild-life
  • Mitigating human/animal conflict
  • Contributing to habitat conservation, including planting spekboom
  • Community upliftment via local projects
  • Assisting and support at local farm school
  • Farming work such as maintaining water supply, fixing fences, etc.
  • Ultimately – learning to become a conservationist
Caring for wildlife and their habitat in Africa is not always easy and there are many challenges along the way, including long hours and hard work. But, it’s one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences you will ever have.  We don’t want to romanticize the work we do. Our projects enable you to experience what life is like as a real conservationist.  If you are a go-getter who isn’t afraid to “get your hands dirty” with a passion to get things done, then this is the volunteering opportunity for you.
Join Us

Benefits of being an Eco-Ambassador

Without the time, sweat, energy and financial contribution of Eco-Ambassadors, conservation at Buffelsdrift would not be possible.  By volunteering you become an integral and significant part of our conservation legacy. The benefits are vast and continue to expand and we are thrilled with the progress to date.
Thus far, through the valuable contributions of voluntourists at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, we actively contributed to preserving the meta-population of the cheetah, we enabled the preservation of free-roaming elephants in the Mangetti; we are continuously supporting local farm schools, educating several forums regarding mitigation of animal wildlife conflict, etc.  For more information on our projects please visit www.buffelsdriftfoudation.org. By being a Eco-Ambassador, you become an integral and significant part of our conservation legacy!

Skills you will acquire and/or enhance

  • The proper use of telemetry tracking equipment
  • The use of hand-held GPS devices
  • How to identify wild life species
  • How to set up and use camera “traps” to monitor certain species
  • How to track animals using traditional methods like the identification and following of animal spoor
  • How to collect and analyse data
  • An understanding of conservation and issues of human animal conflict
By taking on this Eco-Ambassador challenge you will increase confidence in your unique ability to make a difference.  You will gain leadership, teamwork, and relationship skills. Learn about self-management and learn to apply the skills you already have, more effectively.
You will also meet people from different walks of life, get the opportunity to make lifelong friends, and enjoy the benefits of communal living. Ultimately, we dream that you will gain a conservation mindset.
Book now

General Information

Timing and duration:

The Eco-Ambassador program runs all year round and kicks off every Tuesday.  The Eco-Ambassador program runs mainly for two weeks, but you can extend or shorten your stay through prior arrangements.

Requirements:

  • Who can apply: Any person above the age of 17 years.
  • Language requirement: We understand English and Afrikaans, pointing and hand gestures will be used where language barriers occur.
  • Documents Required: A Holiday Visa is required to enter South Africa and travel insurance for participating in this program.

Location:

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is located in South Africa, in the Western Cape, approximately 7 km North of Oudtshoorn in an area called the Klein Karoo.

The farm is also located in 60-minute proximity to the Indian Ocean; part of the popular area referred to as the Garden Route and has the added benefit that it is a Malaria free area.Which airport do I fly to?

You can fly to George National Airport from Cape Town or from Johannesburg and then take the 60-minute scenic drive to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge making use of transport via car or bus provided by us on selected days.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is provided in a large, newly built, tented camp with up to four people (same gender) sharing each tent. The rooms and tents are basic, but our single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (duvets and pillows). Showers and toilet facilities are en-suite and hot water is supplied by gas geysers. Power sockets for electrical items are available in each tent and in the communal area. Eco-Ambassadors also have access to Wi-Fi in the tented camp. The three daily meals are prepared by a staff member.
What is included?
  • Transfer from George on Tuesdays
  • Transfer to George on departure day
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Support and assistance from program coordinator
  • Foundation t-shirt
What’s not included?
  • All flights
  • Visas
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Optional extra activities
  • All free time activities
Qualities that we look for in our Eco-Ambassadors
  • Enthusiasm! Being energetic and having a positive attitude can help to motivate yourself and others – fun is guaranteed if you come prepared.
  • Flexibility and creativity
  • Reliability and integrity
  • Teamwork and willingness to serve
  • Passion to live what you have learned and to spread the conservation story.
Book now

Plan your weekend off

Buffelsdrift Foundation is nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo, an integral part of South Africa's renowned Garden Route in the Western Cape. Conveniently located just 6.5 km from Oudtshoorn, known globally as the Ostrich Capital, our lodge offers easy access to this vibrant town. Additionally, we are merely 300 meters from the main tar road that leads to the famous Cango Caves, making us an ideal base for your explorations.

Eco-Ambassador Program

Why cooperate

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and Global Serving Hands (GSH) recognize a shared passion for conservation and social upliftment and want to involve volunteers to share this passion. Our aim is that it may lead to a lifestyle change with a broader worldview for a better future.

In a joint effort, we can create a fascinating All-inclusive package in Oudtshoorn and offer the volunteer the experience of becoming part of our diverse South- African culture.

The volunteer will be fully committed to the projects and get in touch with:
  1. Social Development
  2. Cultural Development
  3. Wildlife
  4. Sustainability
  5. Conservation
Both organisations have extensive experience with volunteers in their own fields of expertise: Buffelsdrift is the expert on Wildlife, conservation and sustainability, and GSH is the expert on social, cultural and educational awareness.

What’s the deal?

The strength of the package is that the entire organisation of the volunteer experience takes place under one roof, which keeps it simple while keeping high standards of service and reaching for exceptional experiences. The basic package is as follows:
4-week voluntary work package consisting of:
  • 2 weeks focus on social and cultural development at a school, retirement home or community project organised by and under the supervision of GSH
  • 2 weeks focus on wildlife and conservation at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.
  • Working days from Monday-Friday, and Saturday – Sunday is open for own initiatives
The total package includes:
  • transport from and to George airport
  • accommodation
  • 3 Meals per day
  • Snacks & Beverages for own account
  • back-up/guidance/ support
  • mediation between volunteers and project
Transport:
That the organisation with which the volunteer starts their program, will be responsible for the pick-up at George Airport. The organisation with which they end their program will be responsible for the transport back to George Airport. The transport (“the switch”) between the two programs will be arranged accordingly.
Benefits of a joined package:
You “the volunteer” will benefit from exposure to a broader spectrum of our lifestyles. You will get a chance to make a difference in various surroundings while gaining cross-cultural experience and broadening your worldview.
In this complete package, you will meet numerous people from different backgrounds, social as well as professional, and will find yourself in awesome places.
For you, this cooperation means a worthwhile adventure organised with ease within a trusted network.

Rates:

Oct 2024 – Sept 2025 4 Week Package Total:
R 49 700.00
Oct 2025 – Sept 2026 4 Week Package Total:
R 54 740.00
You are more than welcome to extend your stay at any of the organizations, it can be arranged beforehand.
Book now

Global Serving Hands

GSH is a small-scale non-profit organization that makes it possible to gain a unique experience as a volunteer or intern in, for example , education, nature or healthcare in South Africa or to go on a mission trip.
With your talent, knowledge and dedication you make a difference in local projects and at the same time you get to know the people and their culture. Note: it is not just about work so you have energy left for the cool excursions!
The preparation for your trip starts in the Netherlands with an X-cultural workshop. Here we tell you about the circumstances, the project and how you can prepare for an enriching experience where you are immersed in the culture .
The Dutch and South African roots of the organisation allow us to provide sound personal support so that you can get the most out of your trip.
Read more here

Eco-Ambassador Program

October 2023 – September 2024
R 1615.00 pppn
October 2024 – September 2025
R 1775.00 pppn
October 2025 – September 2026
R 1955.00 pppn
Book now

Cancellation Policy

Deposit & Payments – 100% of booking total to be paid in order to secure the reservation.
  • Cancellation will be [Free of Charge] in the event of it being due to either medically related travel limitations and/or any other restrictions imposed by government which prohibits travel. Payments received may be refunded under these circumstances. However, retaining these funds as credit to be used towards future bookings will be preferable.
  • Seasonal rates (as @ the time of confirming the booking) will be honoured when bookings are amended (dates) due to travel related limitations/restrictions as mentioned above.
  • Refunds will be approved by management to comply with cancellation policy

Payment Policy

The cancellation policy above is applicable in the absence of a written payment agreement which stipulates special terms as agreed to by both parties.

Payments

Payment can be made directly into Buffelsdrift Game Lodge bank account via an Internet or bank transaction – Bank details are as follows:
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge ABSA Bank – George Branch Code – 632 005
Account Number – 405 769 4468 Swift Code – ABSAZAJJCPE
Please email proof of payment with all relevant information – i.e. name of company / person, booking dates & amount to +27 44 272 0108 or e-mail volunteer@buffelsdriftfoundation.org
Visa & Master credit cards accepted.

Eco-Ambassador Testimonials

Our Partner

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+27(0) 44 272 0000
lucius@buffelsdriftfoundation.org
Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn, 6620