Wilderness Experience

Key Information (4 Home Truths about Themba Travel)

1) Themba means ‘hope’ in the Xhosa language. You can become part of our mission to restore hope and dignity to people by sharing your skills and experience. We have selected the projects we work with because we have known and worked with them for years, trust them and know that they greatly impact their surrounding communities. You are there to help, share and learn. If you feel the need to take charge, you are in the wrong place.

2) You might not know what you are doing from one day to the next. Any given day’s activity will be set by the project leader locally. Of course, we love to use your specific skills, but those steps need to be swept sometimes! You must be flexible and adaptable.

3) You are going into what is likely to be a very foreign feeling environment. You will meet wonderful people, and create new connections across countries and cultures, but face some of the harsh realities of life in South Africa. You need to have an open mind; you will also need resilience.

4) Your weekly fee covers charming, comfortable en-suite accommodation, daily transport to and from your chosen project, meals, and welcome transfers. Overall, you can expect to be comfortable and well looked after while on your Themba volunteering holiday. Your fees also include a donation, the level of which varies by project up to 5 %.

About the project

Embark on a profound 8 or 14-day wilderness journey at Sibuya Game Reserve in the extraordinary Eastern Cape of South Africa. You’ll gain hands-on experience in vital wildlife and marine conservation, immersing yourself in the “Bush, Ocean, Estuary” ecosystem and contributing directly to a sustainable future.

This comprehensive holiday package ensures a deep connection with nature, combining thrilling safari experiences with meaningful conservation work. Guests will discover the diverse habitats and wildlife of the region through guided activities designed for active participation. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to truly live and breathe conservation while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Cape.

This exclusive 8-day wilderness experience at Sibuya Game Reserve offers more than just a safari. It’s a deeper, hands-on connection to South Africa’s diverse ecosystems, combining guided wildlife immersion with real conservation impact.

Nestled between riverine forest and coastal plains, Sibuya is one of South Africa’s only game reserves accessed by boat — setting the tone for an experience that’s off the beaten track, immersive, and rooted in nature.

Your Impact

Apart from wildlife and coastal conservation efforts, by participating in eco-conscious daily operations—such as recycling, food sustainability, and supporting local farming initiatives—you help reduce the project’s ecological footprint. Every task you take on supports a wider vision: a healthier planet and a stronger, more resilient local community.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Environmental decline often stems from habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and the growing conflict between humans and wildlife. Through your participation, you’ll help address these issues by supporting efforts to protect ecosystems, restore natural habitats, and promote coexistence between communities and wildlife. Understanding the causes of environmental degradation is the first step toward meaningful action—and your involvement helps drive real, lasting impact on the ground.

Skills and Experiences required

No special skills are required. Training will be provided. All you need to have is a curiosity for wildlife, being teachable and have a keen interest on how your stay with leave a positive impact.

Arrival & Orientation

The Wilderness Experience begins with the volunteers arriving at Sibuya Game Reserve at Kenton-on-Sea parking area at 12 noon and 15:30. Guests needs to check in 30 minutes earlier at Reception. This is the only game reserve in the country that is accessible only by boat and every guest experience starts with a tranquil river cruise along breath-taking natural scenery. Volunteers will settle into their accommodation at Intaka Lodge by the guides.

Schedule

Volunteers take part in a meaningful mix of conservation and community activities that span the reserve’s diverse environments — from the bush and estuary to the nearby coastline. Each day offers a different focus, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in wildlife protection, ecosystem management, and local outreach.

Volunteers begin their journey with a warm welcome and orientation at Sibuya Game Reserve, settling into Intaka Lodge before diving into the week’s conservation work. Over the following days, they’ll engage in a range of immersive activities such as:

Elephant monitoring and conservation, including observation, data collection, and learning from expert presentations.
Rhino protection initiatives, contributing to field monitoring and understanding anti-poaching strategies.
Fence management and invasive plant clearing, helping maintain the reserve’s boundaries and promote biodiversity.
Bird counting and ornithology sessions, supporting ongoing research on local avian species.
Community outreach projects, assisting with initiatives like environmental clean-ups, soup kitchens, and distributing essential goods in nearby towns.

The week also includes time to relax and explore, giving volunteers the opportunity to discover nearby highlights such as Mountain Zebra National Park, Jeffreys Bay, or the Alexandria Dune Fields. Optional activities like boat cruises, safaris, and river excursions are available for those wanting to experience more of the Eastern Cape’s natural beauty.

The final day is spent enjoying the peaceful surroundings before departure — a moment to reflect on an inspiring week of conservation, connection, and personal growth.

Accommodation & Location

Intaka Bird Lodge is the accommodation for volunteer, the perfect place to unplug and unwind, and ideal for true nature lovers. A beautiful Eastern Cape Guest Lodge, 14km inland from the amazing sandy beaches and rivers of Kenton-On-Sea. Set in rolling gardens within 60 hectares of untamed Eastern Cape bush, Intaka Bird Lodge is a calm and tranquil paradise offering amazing wildlife boasting a huge variety of bird life. The resident FGASA Guides makes sure volunteers settle into a warm family environment. Shared double bedded en-suite rooms. Swimming pool with BBQ facility and communal kitchen.