Megafauna behavioural research & conservation
Protect & monitor keystone species at a reserve research camp near the Kruger Park
Placement summary
Who should join this placement?
Those wanting to volunteer or work at a remote research station on a huge South Africa reserve.
Study and monitor "megafauna" including elephant, wild dog, lion, cheetah, rhino, hyena and support them via habitat management projects.
This massive 25,000-hectare reserve is located near the world-renowned Kruger National Park & Blyde River Canyon.
Ideal for university students needing a wildlife study placement in Africa, anyone wanting to gain career experience or gap year style travellers looking for an unforgettable experience.
Location: Kruger National park region, South Africa
Length: 1 week min - 3 months max.
Group sizes: 3 - 10 average plus trainers
What you'll be doing:
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Elephant behavioural research
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Lion monitoring & research
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Buffalo monitoring
- Wild dog monitoring & protection
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Cheetah monitoring & research
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Habitat management & protection
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Rhino monitoring & protection
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Leopard monitoring & research
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Hyena monitoring & research
Volunteer and research assistant roles and duties
Volunteering and studying on a large wildlife reserve in South Africa means a surprise every day, work and learn under the experts who pioneered elephant management and contraception though their groundbreaking work which based policy on the needs and natural behaviour of the animals.
Along with the elephants, join a team and support projects, study and monitor targeted species of “megafauna” to help protect endangered species, record data based on observations, help analyse results and ensure habitat biodiversity and as you further scientific research.
Complete projects in field both on foot and via vehicles as you explore the African wilderness.
Example | Weekly project schedule
Monday to Saturday
A full-time work week split into morning and afternoon slots, projects run Tuesday - Saturday.
Monday - the day of the week volunteers and students arrive and depart, as a group you’ll drive into town to welcome or say farewell to new or leaving participants.
For anyone who isn’t leaving, you’ll have a chance to resupply at supermarkets, treat yourself to a restaurant meal or visit local craft shops.
Tuesdays - targeted towards elephant monitoring and research, after an early morning drive to monitor priority and keystones species, head out to locate GPS or VHF collared elephants tracking equipment.
Wednesday – mornings are typically focused on hyena research and monitoring, locate several hyena dens on foot and via vehicle to observe and gain data on these mainly nocturnal species.
In the afternoon you’ll search for lions and hopefully manage to capture photo or videos which are used to update identification kits, monitor movements or even record findings such as prey mortality used for research and management of this keystone species.
Thursday – A change of pace from research and data login to get physical, support reserve management, from removing invasive species of plants to erosion prevention or even bush clearance for fire risk prevention.
Then search for the reserve’s buffalo herds to monitor health, record any new births, herd count and location.
Friday – Head out and search for the reserve’s elephant population again to gain additional data on ongoing contraception research.
Evenings you’ll head to one of several watering holes for a 2 hour timeslot to record wildlife movements, patterns and trends while watching the sunset.
Saturday – A half day, spend the morning doing habitat and reserve management duties cleaning brush or even helping maintain vehicles or research camp.
In the evening you’ll either relax at camp for an evening and traditional South African braai (BBQ) or head into town for a drink or meal at a local pub or restaurant.
Sundays and free time
As a group and with your new friends, choose to go on a reserve-based activity or leave the reserve to try various offsite optional extras.
The Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon area is heaven on earth and world reknowned!
You could explore a national park bigger than some countries, walk the waterfalls and temperate rainforest of Blyde River Canyon, take river cruises, visit a baobab café, nearby reptile or wildlife centres, try a rope swing or complete the panorama tour on the world’s largest green canyon.
We’ll help give suggestions and organise optional extras - Our key advice? Make the most of every moment!
Please note: This schedule is an example, the exact order of projects depends on seasonality, animal movements as well as logistical or staff requirements.
Join any time
Placements are available throughout the year. Please contact us to arrange your dates.
Long-term placements
Looking for a long-term volunteer or internship more than 3 months?
Contact us us for support.
What is included?
We have taken care of all the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!
The placement includes:
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Airport transfers to and from the reserve
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Accommodation during your stay
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Transportation in South Africa
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Project participation
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Food and drink
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Lectures and workshops
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All project equipment
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Wi-fi access
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Onsite researcher support
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Fellow volunteer contact list, to be sent out prior to departure
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24-hour emergency onsite support
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100% financial security with your booking
What is not included?
Please note, we do not book, manage or coordinate the following:
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Flights
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Visa and Immigration requirements
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Vaccinations and health screening/checks
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Personal travel insurance
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Optional activities
Requirements
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Must be above 18
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Able to take part in physical activities
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Must have valid travel insurance
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Must have booked return flights
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Must organise any relevant travel and immigration documents
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Must undergo any relevant medical checks and vaccinations
These are your personal responsibility and proof that all requirements have been met must be sent ahead of your arrival.
What you can expect
Meet & study megafauna
Bigger isn’t always best, but the enigmatic megafauna is what make African wildlife special, every animal has a story and secret to tell, from the gentleness of an elephant mother to the power and secrecy of a leopard, get your chance to uncover it all.
Learn from experts in conservation
With over two decades of leading conservation expertise and experience, you’ll learn from those who helped define how we need to live and manage animals based on behaviour, ecological understanding and adaptive management.
Authentic African experience
With the mountain cliffs of Blyde canyon on the horizon and the bushveld in front of you, an incredible adventure awaits. This area is one of Africa’s vast wild frontiers, live within the landscape for an incredible adventure.
Projects by foot and road
By taking part in research and conservation projects on foot and via vehicle, you’ll have different opportunities for different perspectives. Learn and build your skills, experience and confidence taking part projects to enhance your career or studies.
Protect endangered species
Make a tangible difference by supporting wildlife research and the safeguarding of this biodiverse area, you have a duty not just to study the animals you’ll live with but to act as their steward, ensuring their future through direct involvement.
Discover an incredible location
Between Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger National Park is a region of wonder, fall in love with it, its sights, smells and sounds. During projects gain an intimate knowledge of the reserve your based on and during weekends, the chance to travel far and wide.
