Volun­teering South Africa Zululand - Beate

Profile

Name: Beate

Project: Species Protection Zululand

Duration: 6 Weeks

Time frame: December 2025 - January 2026

Freiwilligenprojekt Artenschutz, Zululand

"There are no coincidences – it comes to us." 

True to this motto, I embarked on one of my greatest adventures. What began at a trade fair led me straight into the untamed wilderness of Zululand. Across three reserves, I worked hand in hand with the local organisation.

My deepest respect goes to the trained researchers, monitors, and game rangers – young, highly motivated professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting endangered species. They often work under challenging conditions, alongside volunteers who sometimes arrive with completely unrealistic expectations and don’t always fulfil the task they have chosen for themselves.

An absolute highlight was working with the rare African wild dogs: we fed them in the boma (an acclimatisation enclosure), including impala meat, to prepare them for release back into the wild.

My daily life as a monitor was a real school of life:

• Up close to the action: 
  Whether fitting a tracking collar on a lioness, tracking rhinos, pangolins, buffalo and elephants, or protecting a cheetah from farmland conflicts, every day brought new challenges.

• Sobering realisations: 
  I was particularly struck by the discovery that even here in the bush, invasive plants threaten the ecosystem. It was shocking to encounter species such as watercress, hibiscus, or common privet – plants we often thoughtlessly use in Germany as “throwaway” garden or cemetery greenery, now aggressively displacing native flora in the African bush.

• Community in camp:
  Life was defined by simple accommodations that kept me grounded. A fridge stocked with fresh vegetables and “wild meat,” communal cooking, and the Sunday invitation to a braai (traditional South African barbecue) made the camp feel truly like home.

• Inner work:
  This journey demanded a big heart and a lot of tolerance – not just for the wilderness, but also for the wide range of personalities and my own personal limits.

• Pure magic:
  Despite little sleep, every deep red sunrise and sunset, the wildlife right at our fingertips, and the warmth of my companions made every effort worthwhile.

This experience has left a lasting mark on me. I have learned how rewarding it is to take small steps to preserve our planet, embracing new challenges with courage.

My decision is clear: I am already saving up to return soon and support this invaluable work on the ground again through Natucate. A part of my heart has long belonged to Southern Africa.

A heartfelt “Vergelt’s Gott”.

Thanks to Beate for her lovely report and her commitment to the species conservation project!

Learn more about the Species Protection Project in Zululand!