South Africa Wildlife Research Expedition Course

Travel to a private reserve in South Africa, home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, and live alongside an international research team assisting in critical wildlife conservation work.

Witness nature unfiltered, from a lion taking down its prey, to newborn cheetah cubs playing for the first time, or even a stand-off between two massive elephant bulls. Experience the African savannah landscape on safari. Unlike a conventional safari trip, this program allows you to play an active and meaningful role in the research and long term conservation of South Africa's natural resources.

This program, which takes place in 4, 8 or 12 week durations, is of particular relevance to students wishing to gain practical exposure and experience in the field, as well as to develop the necessary ‘on the ground’ skills in order to become a more well-rounded wildlife field researcher in the conservation industry.

Through hands-on experience, game drives and lectures, students will have the opportunity to develop their bush and field biologists skills and to elevate their understanding and skills as field biologist.

This could possibly include:

1. Interpreting the environment for field safety, specifically utilising and using field survey techniques
2. Gaining skills to set up and manage field camp
3. Learning fundamental skills in identification of fauna and flora
4. Learning how to interpret animal behaviour in relation to safety and scientific data collection
5. Developing techniques and skills for studying wildlife, animal behaviour and biodiversity survey of reptiles, birds, amphibians and arthropods
6. Gaining training and skills in 4×4 driving and learn how to communicate via VHF radio
7. Learning fundamentals of tracking animals using tracks and signs.

Some highlights that could possibly be enjoyed include;

• Blyde River Canyon: boat trips, kloofing, whitewater rafting, paintball, hot air ballooning and camping to name just but a few.
• Kruger National Park: Orpen and Phalaborwa Gates are just an hour and a half’s drive from the campus. Day Trips/overnight camping available as well.
• Moholoholo Rehab Centre: endangered species rehabilitation, a fascinating adventure for those interested in the conservation field.
• Panorama Route: Bourke’s Luck potholes, God’s Window and waterfalls are just some of what you can see, easily completed in a single day.
• Giant Baobab/Upside Down Restaurant: get up close with huge baobab trees, and don’t forget to try the great pancakes.
• Debengeni Falls, Tzaneen: stunning waterfall, picnic area and hiking trails. Talk to one of our trainers to learn more about this.

Accommodation is in shared rooms with shared bathroom facilities at the field station of 2 people per room. We try and keep these same sex but on the odd occasion you may need to share with someone from the opposite sex when there are odd numbers however this will be communicated with you in advance. There is hot water available for showers. Flush toilet facilities are available, and participants share general cleaning duties around base and are responsible for their own rooms.

Highly skilled staff to facilitate project & training

• Additional drinks and gratuities
• Extra local excursions
• Flights
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Medical and travel insurance
• Personal items and toiletries
• Personal kit
• Police or background check
• Police or background check (where necessary)
• Recommended reference books
• Visa costs