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Wildlife Conservation Internships in Africa

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Looking to Gain Experience as a Wildlife Conservation Intern in Africa?

Launch your career in conservation with our extraordinary internship programs in South Africa. With many species and habitats facing critical endangerment, your role as an intern is more crucial than ever. Our internships offer more than just field experience; they provide a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in real-world conservation efforts.

As an intern, you’ll dive into hands-on work – from tracking elephants to restoring natural habitats. Each day brings new challenges, adventures, and opportunities to apply your academic knowledge in practical settings. You’ll work alongside seasoned experts, gaining invaluable insights into wildlife management and conservation strategies.

This internship isn’t just a line on your resume – it’s a life-changing experience that deepens your connection with nature while building essential skills for your future career. Develop your professional network, enhance your research abilities, and contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation.

VIEW WILDLIFE CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP PROJECTS

Our Impact on Wildlife Conservation in Africa

Our dedicated team of Field Guides and Researchers in South Africa actively support the above Sustainable Development Goals with the help of their interns, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SDGS

Why Intern On Wildlife Conservation Internship Projects With African Impact?

Here are some top highlights from our Wildlife Conservations Internships.

DESIGN YOUR OWN PROJECT

Arrive with your focus area, or develop one on arrival.

PROVIDE GUIDANCE

As an intern you’ll provide valuable guidance to our volunteers.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Experience the diversity of Africa’s wildlife! From elephants and big cats, to nocturnal animals rarely seen.

DATA & ANALYSIS

Capturing data on game drives and hands-on initiatives.

ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS

Through research-based field work or conservation photography.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Experience the diversity of Africa’s wildlife! From elephants and big cats, to nocturnal animals rarely seen.

DESIGN YOUR OWN PROJECT

Arrive with your focus area, or develop one on arrival.

PROVIDE GUIDANCE

As an wildlife conservation or photography intern, you’ll provide guidance to our volunteers.

DATA & ANALYSIS

Capturing data on game drives, as well as during physical conservation initiatives.

ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS

Through research-based field work or conservation photography.

Why Choose a Wildlife Conservation Internship Project with African Impact

Every beginning of a new journey into the unknown is a determining factor to the outcome, and with us, you’ll be guided every step of the way! From the get-go, our goal is to offer Conservation Internship programs in Africa that are unique to your selected placement location and structured around how to cater to the most immediate needs within the region. We make sure we look at the bigger picture, but also have a focus on people, infrastructure and conservation. We carefully select and negotiate with local groups in areas where we believe we can make a sustainable impact on conservation.

Browse All Wildlife Conservation Internship Projects

Whether you’re passionate about protecting endangered wildlife, or capturing nature’s beauty through photography, we have an internship opportunity tailored for you. Join us in making a tangible impact on the environment while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in conservation efforts that shape our world’s future.

SEARCH FOR A PROJECT

Wildlife Veterinary Internship Project in South Africa

South Africa (Mossel Bay) Wildlife Conservation

a photographer taking photos of elephants

Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa

South Africa (Greater Kruger area) Wildlife Conservation

a woman sitting on a couch while using her laptop

Facilitated Wildlife Research Internship In South Africa

South Africa (Greater Kruger area) Wildlife Conservation

Need Guidance? Start Here

Are you unsure where to start, or would prefer to speak with one of our team members? Just answer a few questions and we’ll find something suitable together.

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Africa Highlights: Meet Our Favourite Continent

Culture & Lifestyle

Africa’s rich culture offers interns an unparalleled learning experience. As you embark on your conservation internship journey, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of diverse traditions, values, and perspectives. By approaching your work with an open mind and respectful attitude, you’ll gain invaluable cross-cultural competencies that are highly prized in today’s global marketplace. Moreover, the relaxed pace of life in many African countries provides a unique opportunity to reflect, grow, and hone your professional skills without the usual urban rush. An internship in Africa isn’t just a professional stepping stone – it’s a transformative experience that will shape your worldview and career trajectory.

Language

Common local languages spoken in Limpopo include Sepedi, Xitsonga and Tshivenda, though English is used whilst during your internship. Take the challenge and task yourself to learn some names of animals in the local languages for extra cultural immersion.

Locations

Both of our conservation internship opportunities operate out of our base in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa. Photography and facilitated wildlife research internships will mingle with one another, offering enhanced learning opportunities.

Weather

May to September (winter in the southern hemisphere) are the cooler months and temperatures can be chilly in the evenings and early mornings. Daytime temperatures are mild, usually between 22°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F), and days can be clear and sunny or overcast. Night-time temperatures can drop to 6°C (43°F).

October to April (summer in the southern hemisphere) most days will be hot and humid. In the middle of summer, temperatures can often reach 34°C+ (93°F+), and the sun is strong.

Most days are clear and sunny, with heavy showers or thunderstorms in the early evenings.

Wildlife

The continent’s various ecosystems, ranging from savannas and deserts to wetlands and forests, provide habitats for a vast array of species, making it a prime destination for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. African wildlife is renowned for its incredible diversity and abundance of species. A visit to Africa promises unforgettable experiences and encounters with some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet.

Safety

Our wildlife conservation projects are fully committed to safeguarding our interns, volunteers, staff, and the environment. Our bases are secure with security staff patrolling 24/7, and our team members are trained in various Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies.

Our vehicles are well-maintained at prescribed intervals, and our drivers possess valid licenses and are knowledgeable about safe routes.

We have policies and procedures designed to protect everyone involved. Upon arrival, you will be inducted by our trained staff on these policies, procedures, and our code of conduct to ensure you understand how to keep yourself safe and informed.

Recent Conservation Internship Reviews

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Abel Nagy, 21, HungaryWildlife Photography Internship, South Africa
“I had a life changing experience at African impact. The environment is absolutely incredible with a very welcoming atmosphere. The activities are very fun and it is positioned in a unique and awe inspiring setting. The program is really made truly special by the staff who have supported me every step of the way and opened my eyes to so many new perspectives of the world. Being here was truly humbling and a once in a lifetime experience. I wouldn’t change coming here for the world.”

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Kayleen Labuschagne, 22, IrelandFacilitated Wildlife Research Internship, South Africa
“The research internship I had participated in for 12 weeks was the best experience of my life! I had never done anything like this before and was quite nervous when I arrived but the staff and other volunteers/ interns made me feel right at home. The facility is amazing and kept clean twice to three times a week and the food is delicious! Being located right next to the Olifants River gives you a first hand experience with the wildlife and there’s nothing as surreal as a herd of elephants coming up to camp. This internship has changed my life and would recommend it to anyone questioning themselves on whether to come here or not. Do it, you won’t regret it!”

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Renée Pots, 50, NetherlandsWildlife Photography Internship, South Africa
“It is great to have three months of focus on wildlife and photography. We had a lot of great moments with a variety of animals and learned a lot of them and their behavior. Improving my photography and editing skills was one of my goals, the help of the staff is really great for that. I loved being here and hope to be back.”

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Sebastian Castellanos, 19, ColombiaFacilitated Wildlife Research Internship, South Africa
“I really believe this had been the best 3 months of my life so far, in a beautiful place right next to the Olifants River, the accommodation is excellent, with braai and pool included. The staff have a great energy and I would especially like to thank Elisha for her incredible work and helping me out with all the animal projects I wanted to do.”

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Mryga Kumari, 21, IndiaWildlife Photography Internship, South Africa
“I am really grateful that I came to Africa impact and it has been such a amazing experience overall. I have learned a lot from being in the African bush for 2 months. I am leaving this course with memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Wildlife Conservation Internships News and Posts

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Conservation Internship Testimonials

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VIEW ALL BLOG POSTS

Wildlife Conservation Internships FAQs

How do wildlife research internships help conservation?

Your research goes beyond personal growth and resume building – it has real-world impact! After analyzing your data with our experienced team, you’ll co-author an official wildlife conservation report. This report isn’t just a line on your CV; it’s distributed to local reserves, NGOs, and conservancies, directly informing critical decisions about protecting your chosen species. Imagine your research guiding real-world conservation strategies – that’s the incredible power you hold as a Wildlife Research Intern!

How do conservation volunteer and internship projects differ?

While both are incredible experiences, our Wildlife Research Internships are more research-focused and customizable than our Wildlife Research Volunteer project. These internships are ideal for anyone looking to gain professional practice in wildlife conservation, engage in innovative research to put on their CV, or would like to have a more academically-focused experience. Our internships are essentially an extension of our volunteer projects, offering Interns the opportunity to form part of our team from week 4. For our photography projects, interns will assist our team in leading projects, receive individual mentorship from our team and have the opportunity to work on their own projects under the guidance of our Photography Coordinator.

Will I be working hands-on with animals as an wildlife conservation intern?

Due to the nature of the Greater Kruger Area being completely wild, we cannot promise any hands-on work. However, from time to time, we observe abnormalities with animals which may require veterinary intervention. In these instances you may have the opportunity to get much closer to animals.

Will I see the Big 5 on these projects?

Whilst there is evidence of the African Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo) all around us, we cannot guarantee that you will see them all. Our project is based in a wilderness area where animals roam freely and do as they please, however, the Olifants River in front of our base attracts plenty of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a multitude of bird species.

Do I need prior photography experience for the internship?

Absolutely not! Our wildlife photography program welcomes enthusiasts at all levels, especially those driven by a passion to learn and capture the magic of Africa’s wildlife. Our expert guides will provide comprehensive training and mentorship, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to transform your passion into stunning images. So, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your journey, a true photography adventure awaits!

How does my photography contribute to conservation efforts?

Our wildlife photography volunteer program often partners with research institutions or conservation NGOs, which means your photos may be used for various purposes, such as monitoring animal populations, documenting specific behaviors, raising awareness about threats, or contributing to educational materials. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of conservation challenges while playing your part in protecting Africa’s precious wildlife.