Quest Overseas - Gap Year Travel

The Shewula community are moving ahead with the plan to introduce 6 giraffe into the Shewula Nature Reserve using funds from Quest Overseas volunteers.  They’ve had a series of meetings with the community and the chiefs inner council. The rules have been finalized and now the document must be signed by the chief after a community general meeting.

To protect the new introductions from poachers the community have mobilised volunteers from different areas who will start working on law enforcement after the appropriate training.

The 6 giraffe are set to be released in May 2010 which coincides with the Quest Overseas Gap Team.  Check out the project here and have the chance to be part of this important event which will help Shewula which is Swaziland’s first community eco-tourism project.

Lubombo Conservancy Reserve Guide to Shewula, Mlawula and Mbuluzi

‘Gap year’ volunteers long term commitment to Swaziland Conservation

Funds from Quest Overseas ‘gap year’ students has been earmarked for the reintroduction of giraffes into the Shewula Conservation Reserve in Swaziland, Southern Africa.  The funds, totalling £6000 will be used to purchase 6 giraffes that will in turn increase tourism providing the local community with a sustainable income.

Our team in April 2010 are set to continue working with the Shewula community and Swazilands game reserves.  Work will include classroom renovation, species surveys, trail bashing, invasive weed clearing and a game ranger course.  Find out more about the 3 month Gap Year project and expedition here.