STUDY WILDLIFE IN THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA'S 'BIG 5' HOTSPOT
Looking for a wildlife internship that offers an unforgettable and diverse experience? Look no further than this project, located in the heart of South Africa's Greater Kruger Area. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to study and learn about the iconic 'Big 5' - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo - as well as other fascinating African wildlife such as cheetah and wild dog. But that's not all - this project also allows you to study the lesser-known creatures of the bush and other African animals. Whether your passion is in birds, botany, or climate change, you're welcome to study your chosen species or topic on our wildlife internship.
Join this project and gain valuable experience and knowledge in wildlife conservation while contributing to our greater mission of protecting and preserving the diverse wildlife of the Kruger area. Our program offers an opportunity of a lifetime that you won't want to miss!
DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
Regular game drives and bush walks will provide you with the opportunity to collect data on the location and behavior of your chosen species, while also allowing you to spot some of Africa's most amazing wildlife. You'll also participate in game counts, which will help you assess predator and prey populations and distributions.
With the data you collect, you'll work alongside the team to analyze it and turn it into reports for the project’s partner reserves and conservation partners. This will help everyone to better understand the needs of the animals and the environment, and to make more informed conservation decisions.
As part of your training, you'll learn useful analysis techniques such as QGIS to map the data you collect. This will allow you to determine things like distribution, social networks, family relationships, and corridor use, providing valuable insights into the lives of the animals you're working to protect.
CAMERA TRAPS & OBSERVATION SESSIONS
As a wildlife intern, you'll have the opportunity to study animal species through camera trap surveys, which allow you to assess animal movements and collect data on your chosen species in their natural habitat. You'll be responsible for organizing and uploading these images to Camerabase software and producing comprehensive reports to assist our conservation team. At the end of your placement, you'll present this data, along with the data collected during research game drives, to our team.
If your area of study is botany or birds, we'll work with you to provide observation sessions and learning opportunities on foot.
RESTORE ANIMAL HABITATS
In addition to studying wildlife, you'll also participate in physical conservation tasks like removing invasive plants and clearing encroaching bush. These activities help restore animal habitats and give you a greater understanding of how the ecosystem functions. Physical conservation work is a crucial aspect of wildlife preservation, and you'll have many opportunities to contribute. Whether you're assisting in removing snares or clearing out invasive species, the work you do plays a key role in the survival of wildlife and the success of conservation efforts in the area. It transforms the land back into a healthy habitat where wildlife can thrive.
WILDLIFE PRESENTATIONS & MENTORSHIP
As a wildlife intern, you'll have the opportunity to participate in weekly meetings with your mentor and a professional researcher to discuss the project's objectives, your progress, and areas for improvement.
In addition, you'll attend presentations on wildlife, ecology, habitats, and predator threats, providing you with valuable knowledge and insights into the world of wildlife conservation. These informative sessions will enhance your understanding of the ecosystem and the challenges faced by the animals you're working to protect.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
UNWIND AND CONNECT
After an exciting day of exploration and hard work, unwind and relax poolside, catch a movie, or engage in a fun-filled games night with fellow volunteers at the lodge. In addition, the guides and staff members occasionally host informative presentations, providing further opportunities to discover the fascinating African landscape and its diverse inhabitants, including both wildlife and people. Enjoy your dinner on the scenic deck with a cozy fire to set the mood, often followed by marshmallow roasting. You can also participate in enjoyable fundraising events such as trivia and game nights, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to your stay.
OFF-DAYS ACTIVITIES
Experience unforgettable adventures during your free time on Saturdays and Sundays with exciting trips to breathtaking destinations. Just a short distance away, the Blyde River Canyon offers stunning views, while the Kruger National Park provides opportunities for safari excursions. Whether you prefer microlight flights, white water rafting, extreme hikes, or a weekend safari, the options for adventure are endless. Please note that these activities are not included in the project fee.
