Feature: Giving something back with gap year conservation projects
When it comes to a gap year adventure, sometimes the best idea isn’t to plan too much. Whether you’re taking time out of work for one month, have just finished school or university, or are there for the long-haul, you’ll be overwhelmed by sights, sounds, and travel experiences. But sadly, the more people travel, and the more the world’s population increases, the bio-diversity we travel so far to see suffers the impact.
While numerous non-profit organisations offer teaching and humanitarian volunteer opportunities to people, why not give something back with a conservation encounter?! For one week to however long you like, you can feed, clean, and take care of endangered animals all over the world. And what better time to do it than when actually travelling through the world yourself?! Some people choose to organise their volunteering sessions while travelling, by just turning up in a city or village and enquiring about where to volunteer. Although this does cut down on the cost, new time backpackers will be pleased to hear that numerous organisations offer pre-packaged all inclusive trips so you don’t need to worry about a thing! So whatever your choice of organisation, we’ve provided some excellent ideas and companies to at least get you thinking about it!
The voluntary specialist
It’s so nice to know there are people giving up their time for free, or actually paying money to help out endangered animals and ecosystems. One of the pioneers in the field is i-to-i, a company specialising in English teaching, conservation work, humanitarian work, and adventure travel. Why not break up your backpacking adventure with a two week trip bathing elephants in Sri Lanka, feeding and cleaning pandas in Xian, China, getting up close with leopards in South Africa, or helping conserve sea turtles on the beautiful Caribbean coast. Most of the volunteering opportunities are two weeks long, and include accommodation and food. This means you can break up your backpacking or adventure trip by making new friends while helping the creatures you love.
Orphaned wildlings
The barren lands of Namibia are home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife. This is a country of national parks - from the dune fields of the Namib-Naukluft Park to the game rich haven of Etosha. Here sweeping dunes and dry forests merge with the beautifully barren expanse of the Skeleton Coast, where bronze whaler sharks swim through the rusting skeletons of forgotten ships. But this south west African country is also home to iconic beasts like the zebra, baboon, cheetah, wildebeest, and hyena – in other words a country perfect for an animal retreat.
Close to Botswana is Noah’s Ark Wildlife Centre, which has been caring for orphaned animals for over 30 years. Set in the remote and stunning Omaheke region, as a volunteer you can feed cheetahs and baboons while hand rearing baby animals like the adorable meerkat. The charity also works with farmers to stop the shooting of ‘problem’ wildlife, as well as healing injured animals and re-releasing them into the wild. Depending on the time of year there could be a chance to volunteer with the African Wild Dogs Project. These animals are highly endangered, so your job would be to monitor individuals and record their social and eating habits. Lodge cabins sleep four in a room, and three meals a day are provided. Prices start from £945 for two weeks.
For grown ups
Gap Year for Grown Ups specialise in all manner of independent travel for all ages, but mainly caters for people above the age of 30. If you’re thinking of taking a sabbatical, career break, or just want to see the world after the kids have moved out, travel companies like these are great for helping you plan a trip by including a detailed itinerary to help you mingle with like minded people. A good choice is the three week long Galapagos Experience which includes wildlife sightseeing and conservation. These iconic and mythical islands off the west coast of Ecuador are a perfect example of natural beauty. Here the animals rule, where unique species like the Galapagos giant tortoise and flamingos live in abundance, untouched by man. On the tour, you will spend time in Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela, where you will have the opportunity to help remove foreign plant species, reforest, care for domestic animals, and help the locals farm organically. Prices start from £1699.
Not only does a conservation trip allow you to witness the miracle of life while meeting new friends from around the world, you can rest easy knowing your money has helped to make the world a better place...
