Play a hands-on role in the long term conservation of African wildlife, enjoy first-class wildlife viewing and live on a Game Reserve in the heart of South Africa as part of a wildlife research team.
Work in a reserve as an expedition member in which you will participate in wildlife monitoring projects, including assisting with the research on predator/prey interactions by radio tracking. You may also be involved with the exciting work of darting and the fitting of radio tracking collars to lions and leopards. Intensive training is given on conservation, bird/mammal/reptile identification, ecology and bush first aid.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in a biodiversity study in mountain habitats in the vicinity of the expedition base.
Expedition members are needed for 2, 4, 8 or 12 weeks and short-term internships are also available.
Location Expeditions are run on the Karongwe Game Reserve in Limpopo and Zimanga Game Reserve in Kwazulu-Natal. These areas are big five territories; the African bush at its best.
The reserves are home to predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah. The diverse range of habitats in the reserves supports a wide range of plant and animal life, including elephant, giraffe, wild dog, rhino and various antelope species.
Depending on the base, expedition members live in a farm house deep within the reserves; it includes dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, bathrooms, kitchen, and an outside area.
What is included Pre-departure support Airport pick up and transfer to base (extra cost for Karongwe placements) Food and accommodation Training materials and science equipment Telemetry tracking equipment National Park fees and permits Comprehensive training necessary for research techniques Emergency First Aid course 24 hour in country support 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK Free Careers Abroad field work placement and job vacancy service for ALL former Expedition Members (successful placements depend upon aptitude and attitude)
Excluded International Flights Visas (if required) Items of a personal nature Items not mentioned above
Children are not accepted - the minimum participation age is 18 years old
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This trip: Wildlife conservation expedition in South Africa
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
I had a fantastic time in South Africa.
Not a day went past without seeing something amazing, however the highlight was seeing a female cheetah and her 3 cubs.
We would go on 2 drives a day in the reserve to track the animals which allowed us to get very close to them.
The operator was a good organisation to go Africa with. They are were well organised and looked after everyone on the trip.
2
Client:
Tess Hill - from United States
Trip:
This trip: Wildlife conservation expedition in South Africa
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
What an amazing experience this has been! Each day here at the base is a gift, although the base is rustic and has no electricity or hot water. I found that didn’t matter. The game drives are the primary focus of each day, some days are more fruitful than others but in time the rewards are huge with animal sightings. So far I have over 1600 photos to sort through when I get home.
A few of my favourite encounters include a visual of Zero, the male lion, with his zebra kill. Him and the kill were lying side by side facing opposite directions, the zebra head was still in tact so it looked as though they were napping together!
I went weeks seeing only hippo eyes and noses sticking out of the water and then one evening we spotted a hippo making her way into the water and grunting at another hippo to keep it away from the baby.
Also saw a herd of elephants playing together in a huge mud bath. So many memories, so little paper!
Community days are incredible! It’s very gratifying to spend time with the local school children. One day we taught them computer skills and although they don’t speak English they learned their tasks and loved doing it. On our second community outing we had a number of activities for the children to participate in. Mine was a spoon and marble race. The kids were so excited and had a blast. One group, team name hippos, completely surrounded me giving me hugs from all sides, one girl even tickled me. I will cherish that memory for a lifetime.
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate in this wonderful adventure. They are a phenomenal organisation.
