terrestrial Research Project
The Wildlife Research program gives participants an opportunity to get involved in conservation, research and wildlife management. Assistance is given through field work (data collection, behavior observations, trail camera deployment), entering and analyzing data, maintaining trail cameras and analyzing their photos. We leave evenings and weekends open which allows the chance to explore South Africa and take part in various cultural and tourist activities. Based in the beautiful coastal town of Hartenbos, South Africa our participants have a unique experience of working hands on in conservation on wildlife reserves and national parks while living within walking distance to our pristine blue flag beaches.
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Operating with the embodiment of Nkonzo Wildlife ideals and goals, the mantra of “Educate Act Empower” is nowhere more evident than in the Wildlife Research and Conservation Program. Participants are assisting in critical hands on research and conservation initiatives in the field that impact the wildlife and environment in both short and long term goals and solutions. These two areas, Educate and Act, work together to foster and facilitate the most important aspect of these ideals, to Empower. Through hands-on initiatives and education one leaves Nkonzo Wildlife with a better understanding of the problems plaguing African wildlife, the efforts being made to assuage these issues, and how they can continue to work with conservation and make a change for the better of wildlife, ecosystems, and our planet.
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Field Work
When participating in the Wildlife Research program participants are involved in various research and conservation initiatives and projects. Projects and initiatives are peer-reviewed and foundational concepts to improve the welfare and understanding of wildlife in and outside protected areas. Primary work is dedicated to field observations and duties, data management and wildlife management assistance. All participants rotate through the various initiatives at Nkonzo Wildlife when participating in the Wildlife Research Program, this includes our research.
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You will be working alongside the team to observe, collect data, develop projects, and data entry. Please keep in mind that time spent on the various projects will be determined by monthly quotas, weather, and animal cooperation. Training in “bush basics” such as survival, track and sign, reading animal behavior, and ethical approach methods will also be provided. The team takes great pride in only ethical operations and approaches and find it important to provide the information and understanding as to why we operate in the field the way we do.
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Requirements |
Schedule |
All participants must be of reasonably good health, physically and mentally. Participants will be required to work days and partial days on foot (the other days will be spent primarily in a vehicle/stationary). During on foot days the team hikes to access the areas needed to complete our work. Participants must be able to hike up and down hills and across this terrain whilst carrying their own backpack that contains their provided lunch, drinking water, personal snacks, additional layers (weather dependent), and their share of the day’s equipment such as nets, camera traps, clipboards, binoculars, reference books etc.
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Participants will be met by one of our team members at George Airport (GRJ), South Africa to be transported to their accommodation. Once at the facility participants will be given a tour of the accommodation as well as appropriate introductions and instructions for the remainder of the day. The following day will be our orientation and safety Introduction which will include reserve operations, living in South Africa, recommended areas such as beaches, restaurants, shops and introductions on the research and conservation work they will be assisting on during their time here. Depending on schedules, orientation may be done on day of arrival. The next day will begin with field operations. Arriving and departing flights should be scheduled to and from George Airport (GRJ), South Africa.
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We ask that all participants understand that our work is conducted on wildlife reserves and that schedules may change based on animal locations, accessibility, weather, and other factors.
LifestyleAll of our participants stay together in the pristine town of Hartenbos.
Various activities can be booked for weekends. Nkonzo Wildlife also leads multiple weekend trips (2 or 3 nights) to lesser known areas of the Western and Northern Cape that are exclusive to our volunteers. Please note, these weekend activities are not included and will be available at an additional cost. |
IncludedShared accommodation
Basic cold breakfast 7 days per week (Cereals) Packed Lunch Monday-Friday Conservation fees Daily access to wildlife reserves Project related transported 24/7 emergency standby team Guided research and management activities All training material Housekeeping Airport Transfer (GRJ) Unlimited WiFi Certificate |
ExcludedDinners and weekend lunches (fully equipped self-catering kitchen available and restaurants within walking distance)
Curios and other souvenirs Drinks Weekend activities Flights Visas Laundry Anything not stated |
Project applications
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM BY EMAIL TO INFO@WILDLIFE-RESEARCH.COM
Funding opportunities for your internship can often be found through enquiring at university Study Abroad Office or Career Center as well as though fundraising websites.
Apply here
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2024 Rates- 28 Nights 2699 Euro
- 14 Nights 1399 Euro * Please enquire about extended participation rates |
Cancellation Policy
I. Cancellation 60+ days before your intended arrival, will be provided a full refund minus your original non-refundable deposit of €500.
II. Cancellation 30 to 59 days prior to your arrival we will be able to return 50% of your program fee.
III. Cancellation 30 days or less before arrival does not receive a refund as expenses have already been made for your scheduled time with us.
IV. Should an participant decide to leave the program early, no compensation, monetary or otherwise, will be given.
V. Should an participant break the Agreement with Nkonzo Wildlife (Indemnity Form and Conduct Form) it is at the discretion of Nkonzo Wildlife to dismiss said intern from the program with no compensation, monetary or otherwise.
VI. Should a participant be quarantined or denied entry on arrival alternative dates for participation will be provided, subject to availability.
II. Cancellation 30 to 59 days prior to your arrival we will be able to return 50% of your program fee.
III. Cancellation 30 days or less before arrival does not receive a refund as expenses have already been made for your scheduled time with us.
IV. Should an participant decide to leave the program early, no compensation, monetary or otherwise, will be given.
V. Should an participant break the Agreement with Nkonzo Wildlife (Indemnity Form and Conduct Form) it is at the discretion of Nkonzo Wildlife to dismiss said intern from the program with no compensation, monetary or otherwise.
VI. Should a participant be quarantined or denied entry on arrival alternative dates for participation will be provided, subject to availability.