"a great experience"
"[Your] 24hr care of us was 'out of this world'."
"The food you 'knocked-up' was amazing. It was delicious."
"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and we were extremely well looked after."
"I am sure all future eco-tourists will get as much out of the experience as I did."
Questions?
What will I be doing?
You will be helping with practical jobs such as boundary fencing or maintaining
water holes. There will be plenty of opportunities to observe and
monitor Komsberg's special wildlife as part of the reserve's survey work
and research - including one or more of our meerkat families. (If
you have a particular interest in birds, mammals, plants, reptiles, or
geology we will make good use of this specific enthusiasm.) The
days will be long and rewarding, with the time to enjoy both the peacefulness
and adventurousness of Komsberg. Basic training will be provided.
Do I need any relevant qualifications or experience?
No, it is enough to have an interest in nature and a willingness to help.
How long are these working conservation holidays?
10 days duration. You will be met from Cape Town International Airport
mid-morning on the first day and returned mid-afternoon to fit in with
most flights on the last day.
Do I need to be fit? Am I too old?
You do not need to be super fit. But you should enjoy walking and
being outdoors, as well as being capable of light physical work. You
should let us know if you have any health problems at the time of booking
your place. People aged 18 to 75 years are welcome; (many of our
guests have been in their 50s or 60s).
Night-time extras
On one or two nights, after the evening meal, you will be able to enjoy
Komsberg after dark. A night safari drive will allow you to see
nocturnal animals such as porcupine by spotlight - part of our regular
monitoring work. You can also stand in awe under the bright stars
of the Milky Way as you will never have seen them before. We are
fortunately situated just a few miles from the South African National
Observatory. Being at the edge of a high mountain plateau,
well away from the light and industrial pollution of cities, Komsberg
is amongst the very best places in the world for viewing the night sky. We
hope that these after-dark activities will further enhance your appreciation
of the natural world and the wider universe.
Where will I be living?
You will be staying on Komsberg in a historical farm house, built in 1817,
recently refurbished to provide accommodation for our guests. Each
person will have their own private bedroom. Meals will be cooked
and eaten together; please note that all food will be vegetarian. Also
please note that we have a strict no-smoking policy, both indoors and
outdoors.
Who will I be working with?
You will be one of a maximum of four guests. You will be looked
after by two friendly and experienced Wildlife For All staff. Numbers
of people are purposely limited to enhance the unique wilderness experience
that Komsberg can offer. (In national parks, for example, you will
see hundreds of people.)
Do I need to take any special health precautions?
Fortunately, the usual essential precautions for travel in Africa are unnecessary. We
are in a malaria-free area and our water supply is clean. However,
we recommend you are covered for tetanus; please check with your doctor. You
will need to bring plenty of sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Where will we meet?
We will rendevouz at Cape Town International Airport at a pre-arranged
time. We have a modern Land Rover for dedicated use by guests.
What do I need to take with me?
A packing list of suggested items, including appropriate clothing, will
be sent to you after booking. We strongly recommend binoculars
to enhance your appreciation.
