Biodiversity and research expeditions
Discover, document and record rare or unknown species on an African wilderness area
Placement summary
Who should join this placement?
This placement is unique for operating in a wilderness area, a 30,000 hectare reserve closed for commercial use, only research as part of these projects can access the area.
If you are serious about scientific surveys or research in academic or professional capacities, this placement is for you.
University students can also benifit with opportunities in entomology and herpetology, as well as zoology, ecology…even archaeology.
Location: Near Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo, South Africa.
Length: 2 week typical
Group sizes: 5 - 8 average plus leaders
What you'll be doing:
-
Large mammal monitoring and data collection
-
Dung beetle research
-
Insect and entomology research
-
Identifying new species
-
Mega herbivore research
-
Vegetation surveys
-
Invasive species management
-
Reserve maintenance
-
Research presentations
-
Outdoor orientiering
Volunteer and research assistant roles and duties
Living and working on a wilderness area in South Africa
The 30,000 hectare wilderness area you’ll be researching and conserving is home to species such as: Lion, hyena, cheetah, wild dogs, elephants, zebra, eland and more (including hundreds of birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects!), it also contains unique and under documented archaeological sites.
​
Only allowing members of this research group to explore and study the environment, this is a rare opportunity to experience truly wild South Africa.
As a team led by onsite experts, you’ll leave the research camp each morning to head out on an expedition to explore the reserve. Take part in various scientific research projects to help uncover the secrets of this remote area and protecting the animals that call it home. .
Monday to Friday
The work week is full-time, after a briefing each morning to discuss the project you’ll be focusing on, head out into the bush with your equipment and objective in mind.
As you’ll support various different scientific disciplines and areas of ecological research, you’ll have a huge opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in zoology, wildlife behaviour and entomology.
Group leaders will be with you every step of the way, together you’ll learn how to identify different species, whether that’s large mammals or the smallest insect, you’ll learn and record data to the scientific standard and engage in talks and presentations on these subjects.
After field work and while back at camp, you’ll help analysis data, process results or even support research and article writing based on your findings.
Weekends and free time
As you are living in an isolated wilderness area, there are very few recreational activities you can take part in outside of your normal research or project work.
The Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park (a world heritage location) combines stunning viewpoints, cultural heritage sites, and diverse ecosystems, offering a unique blend of nature, history and adventure waiting to be explored, these parks are near to where you’ll be based and its possible to discuss with onsite staff if day trips to these locations are viable on weekends.
​
Weekends are oftern used to analyse samples, record data or just relax and have an evening braai (BBQ).
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.
£1675
Per 2 week
What is included?
We have taken care of all the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!
The placement includes:
-
Airport transfers to and from the reserve
-
Accommodation during your stay
-
Transportation in South Africa
-
Project participation
-
Food and drink
-
Lectures and workshops
-
Offsite weekend activities
-
All project equipment
-
Wi-fi access
-
Onsite researcher support
-
Meet and greet event in the UK
-
Fellow volunteer contact list, to be sent out prior to departure
-
24-hour emergency onsite support
-
100% financial security with your booking
What is not included?
Please note, we do not book, manage or coordinate the following:
-
Flights
-
Visa and Immigration requirements
-
Vaccinations and health screening/checks
-
Personal travel insurance
-
Optional activities
Requirements
-
Must be above 18
-
Able to take part in physical activities
-
CV or Resume
-
Must have valid travel insurance
-
Must have booked return flights
-
Must organise any relevant travel and immigration documents
-
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
Scientific research expeditions
This is what every conservationist dreams of, explore a wilderness area still gifting us its secrets, you’ll learn and understand how to conduct scientific research in areas that are still being mapped and surveyed.
Truly Wild-life!
Most animals across South Africa see people every week… not here! A wilderness area that’s closed to the public means the only people the animals see are you, which means the data and observations you’ll make are even more valuable to science and ensuring the animals health.
Entomology & ecological research techniques
Use a variety of different equipment and techniques, from entomology focused research using UV light or pit fall traps, to camera trapping for large mammals and various other software’s and tools ecologists use to get the job done in South Africa
Industry-leading training and experience
A wilderness area means only expert staff. Research groups are led by guiding instructors, the people who teach guides about the bush. You’ll be under their wing, learning from the best in how to operate and complete scientific research in the wilds.
On foot and via vehicle
The projects you’ll take part are a mixture of vehicle-based and on-foot work. 30,000 hectares is a big area, covering and getting to underexplored regions is important when conducting the various surveys that research relies on. Explore both via vehicle, as well as on foot to get to more inaccessible areas.
An incredible landscape
North Limpopo, South Africa. This is a place home to powerful animals, ancient and wise baobab trees, granite mountains from extinct volcanos and seasonal river valleys… a wild and inspiring place to explore.
