South Africa
In South Africa, Save The Snakes has partnered with Hoedspruit Reptile Centre to create Snake Education and Community Awareness Program (SECAP). SECAP aims to work with learners, community members and healthcare workers to mitigate human-snake conflict and reduce the number of snake bites that occur in the greater Hoedspruit area. Our goal is to create better relationships between people and snakes through research, sharing knowledge and building trust with the communities we work in. Our holistic approach to snake research, education and conservation will hopefully contribute towards reduced conflict and snake bites.
The Hoedspruit Reptile Centre, where you will be based, is located in the town of Hoedspruit, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Hoedspruit is a small town known for its proximity to various natural wonders. The immediate area surrounding Hoedspruit boasts remarkable biodiversity, with the presence of diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The town serves as a gateway to both the Blyde River Canyon and the renowned Kruger National Park. The Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, is just a short distance away from HRC, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the meandering Blyde River. The iconic Kruger National Park is easily accessible from HRC, making it an ideal base for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers and the good conservation work the Centre does. Whether assisting with reptile research, participating in educational programs or rescuing a snake in conflict with people, volunteers at the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre are immersed in the town’s remarkable biodiversity and have easy access to the wonders of nature.
Although the Hoedspruit area in the Limpopo province is home to a large diversity of snakes, only six of the approximately 30 species found in the area are considered extremely dangerous including black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), puff adder (Bitis arietans), common boomslang (Dispholidus typus viridis), Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica), snouted cobra (Naja annulifera), southern twig/vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) and three are considered dangerous (no antivenom required if bitten) intermediate shield-nose cobra (Aspidelaps scutatus intermedius), bibron’s stiletto snake (Atractaspis bibronii), snouted night adder (Causus defilippii). The southern African python (Python natalensis) is not a venomous snake; however, it can inflict a severe bite and is often encountered in human-snake conflict. Puff Adder and Mozambique Spitting Cobra are two snakes commonly featured in snakebite.
What you will be doing
Since the volunteer program is associated with Hoedspruit Reptile Centre, you will primarily be doing day-to-day activities at the park including maintenance of animal exhibits, animal husbandry, handling venomous snakes, creating animal enrichment, research projects and joining in on presentations and courses that the park hosts. You can see the HRC volunteer program for more information on the team, activities and where you will be staying!
You will also be partaking in our SECAP activities which might include a visit to a rural school, community or a hospital/clinic. You will learn about the importance of education and outreach in snake conservation and what you can do to educate others about snakes.
Your day will start at 8:00 when the centre opens and depending on the courses booked, you will sit in on reptile orientation courses and veterinary courses, partake in interactive tours with the public, cleaning animal enclosures and making sure they have enough food and water. Our herbivores love their fruits and veggies so you will be prepping that. You will also have an opportunity to design your own enrichment project for one of our animals and our curators will happily guide you on the way. When we have an outreach visit booked, you will come along to one of the rural schools that we visit and listen in on the presentation and demonstration that we give the learners. You will also have the opportunity to take one of non-venomous animals to the learners so that they can interact with it.
Other areas you may help with are fundraising, office work, data input and social media. This will depend on what we need assistance with at the time when you join us.
The best time to volunteer at the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is during the summer season, as this is when wild reptiles are most active. It presents a unique opportunity to observe and learn about their behaviour, breeding habits, and natural habitat. We have lots of ponds around the park that attract many frogs and a wide variety of bird species that also live here. However, winter is also a good time to work at the park. With cooler temperatures, reptiles may be less active, but this allows volunteers to focus on other important tasks such as habitat maintenance, research, and educational programs. Whether it’s summer or winter, volunteering at the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre offers valuable experiences and a chance to contribute to our reptile conservation efforts.
Accommodation
House
Mamba Manner, nestled within the snake park property, offers shared accommodation for those seeking to contribute their time and efforts. With its self-catering kitchen and shared bathrooms, residents can enjoy a comfortable and convenient living space. The lounge provides a cozy area for relaxation and socializing, while the large garden and swimming pool offer refreshing outdoor activities. To stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the house, ensuring volunteers can stay connected with friends and family.
Meals
Volunteers at the house have the opportunity to cook their own meals using the ingredients provided. The self-catering kitchen is equipped with everything they need to prepare their favourite dishes. By utilizing the provided ingredients, volunteers can exercise their culinary skills, create delicious meals, and enjoy a personalized dining experience during their stay.
Pricing
$75.00 per day incl. VAT
This includes the program, meals and accommodation
