| The Eastern Cape in South Africa was an area once | | | | necessary, the unique plant and animal species that |
| inhabited by freely roaming elephants, concentrated in | | | | are indigenous to the area. |
| the thick forests found in the region. Sadly, these | | | | Kariega Conservation Project |
| elephants no longer exist today, and it is highly | | | | Also situated in the Eastern Cape is Kariega Game |
| unlikely, if not impossible, that you will spot an | | | | Reserve. 8,500 hectares of beautiful wildlife with two |
| elephant in the forest. But wildlife conservation | | | | winding rivers make up this unique coastal reserve. |
| projects have brought elephants back into the | | | | The reserve is home to all members of the Big 5, as |
| Eastern Cape, with the Addo Elephant and Kariega | | | | well as hyena, giraffe and zebra, and through their |
| National Parks making some noble attempts to | | | | conservation projects, the park is re-introducing |
| restore a healthy elephant population. | | | | numerous indigenous species into the area. |
| Addo Elephant National Park | | | | If you're interested in saving the elephants, Kariega is |
| The Addo Elephant National Park in 164 000 km2 and | | | | another reserve which gives you the opportunity to |
| includes an impressive 5 out of South Africa's 7 | | | | do just that. If you decide to volunteer here as part |
| biomes. As well as hosting elephants and other big | | | | of your adult gap year, you can get involved with |
| game, the park is home to 450 different bird species | | | | their elephant research project. You'll be out |
| too. With a marine reserve included within the parks | | | | monitoring the elephant's movement patterns, and |
| grounds, it can now boast that it hosts the Big 7 - | | | | record their unique ear markings. You can track their |
| elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, southern right | | | | impact on the vegetation, and really get to know |
| whale and great white shark. With a large amount of | | | | these giant creatures. |
| animal conservation work well underway, this park is | | | | And gap years for adults aren't all work and no play. |
| a great choice for those wishing to lend a helping | | | | When you're not involved with the elephants, you |
| hand with conservation projects. | | | | can enjoy the beauty of this South African |
| Many people are opting to take some time off work, | | | | malaria-free reserve, or explore further regions of |
| and go on adult gap years. Addo Elephant Park is an | | | | the country on your weekends. |
| ideal place to do this. It affords a hands-on | | | | An exciting and rewarding way to spend a gap year |
| opportunity to contribute towards animal | | | | for adults is to become involved with elephant |
| conservation work and it gives you the chance to | | | | conservation work in the Eastern Cape. Whether it's |
| see some of Africa's finest wildlife. | | | | at the Addo Elephant Park or Kariega game reserve, |
| The park is involved with other wildlife conservation | | | | you have the opportunity to help and learn more |
| projects too. With such a diverse wildlife make-up | | | | about these amazing animals. And you get to enjoy |
| the park wants to preserve, and rehabilitate where | | | | the beautiful reserves South Africa has to offer. |
