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Impact:
Wildlife Conservation
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Destination:
Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

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Duration:
8 Weeks+
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Fee: From $6,000
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
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SDG’s:
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Contribute to Important Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Imagine yourself embedded within the vibrant tapestry of the Greater Kruger Area, collaborating with a dedicated research team on a conservation-driven initiative. This unique and highly personalized wildlife research internship transcends the boundaries of traditional programs, empowering you to design your own field research project focused on an African species that ignites your passion.

Within the expansive embrace of the Greater Kruger Area, encompassing over 20 private wildlife reserves bordering the world-renowned Kruger National Park, lies a thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse life. These reserves, united in their unwavering commitment to conservation, form a critical sanctuary for some of the planet’s most remarkable creatures.

Project Highlights

Here are some top highlights from this project.

Project Destination

Immerse yourself in the untamed majesty of the Greater Kruger Area, a sprawling tapestry of over 20 private reserves seamlessly woven together. Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, this vast landscape pulsates with life, serving as a sanctuary for an extraordinary array of threatened species – from the majestic lion to the powerful elephant, the humble giraffe to the endangered African wild dog.

The whole area comprises almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land where animals roam freely across wild savannah. The Greater Kruger Area offers endless opportunities for wildlife encounters – the elephants might join you for dinner and just wait until you hear the hippos at night!

Project Impact Areas

Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Wildlife Research Internship in South Africa.

Important Logistics and Ground Support

Everything you need to know about this project in one place!

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Flights & Arrivals

Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) is your best bet, just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kambaku II Camp. Arrive anytime on the Sunday that your placement begins and depart anytime on the Sunday it ends. We’ll be there to greet you! Look for the African Impact sign and a friendly face ready to welcome you.

If you are arriving from somewhere other than Hoedspruit, our partner shuttle company offers African Impact interns a discount when booking with a promo code. Please request this from your Destination Specialist.

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Location

Immerse yourself in the Greater Kruger Area, a vast network of over 20 private reserves adjoining Kruger National Park. This 5.5 million-acre sanctuary teems with life, protecting species like lions, elephants, giraffes, and African wild dogs. Animals roam freely across the unfenced savannah, offering endless wildlife encounters – from elephants joining your dinner to the nighttime calls of hippos.

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Accommodation

You will be staying at Kambaku II Camp in the heart of the African wilderness. It is a traditional bush lodge with all the facilities and furnishings you need for a comfortable and authentic stay in Africa. The accommodation includes seven large dorm rooms overlooking the Olifants River. All the rooms have air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Some of the facilities include a swimming pool and outdoor fire pit where we have braais (BBQs), all set in a great shared social space.

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Meals

Meals are provided 7 days a week at Kambaku II Camp and can cater for any dietary requirements, with enough notice. Our local chefs prepare a variety of meals from delicious and nutritious menus including bobotie, a potjie and a Cape Malay-style curry. Experience the excitement of cooking on an open fire with a South African braai twice a week.

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Communication

Cellular signals can be variable. If you are purchasing a local, South African SIM Card, we would recommend using MTN as the service provider. WiFi is available throughout the lodge.

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Climate

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. You will need a waterproof jacket.

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Staff

Meet Elisha Harrison, our dedicated Research Coordinator. With a specialized qualification in Exotic Animal Nursing & Wildlife Rehabilitation, Elisha brings a unique blend of practical skills and scientific knowledge to our team. Her diverse experience spans continents, from pioneering beaver rewilding projects in the UK to studying manta ray behavior at a cleaning station in the Maldives. Elisha’s true passion lies in the dynamic world of wildlife research, where she thrives on developing and refining research projects. Her commitment to data-driven conservation practices ensures that our efforts are always informed by the latest scientific insights. With Elisha at the helm of our research initiatives, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in wildlife conservation.

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Safety

Our qualified Field Guides are trained in wildlife encounters, have valid driver’s licenses and our vehicles are well-maintained. Our vehicles are all fitted with radios to ensure we always have contact with base camp. Our project is committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff and the environment. Our team is trained in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. The base is equipped with fire safety equipment, evacuation plans and has access to an ambulance service. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided for physical conservation work. Upon arrival, our staff will induct you on our policies, procedures, and code of conduct to ensure your safety and awareness.

Our favourite weekend activities in the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

The Greater Kruger Area offers an abundance of weekend activities for wildlife and conservation participants. From picturesque scenes of the Drakensberg Escarpment, waterfalls, and canyons, to informative conservation-based initiatives and trips to the town of Hoedspruit – there’s something for every participant to enjoy.

How to Apply

Choose a destination in Africa and a project then enquire to ask any questions.

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Connect with our advisors who can answer any questions you have.

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Once you are ready, head to our booking form, secure your place with a small deposit.

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Get ready to volunteer or intern abroad. Our team will support you at every step!

Project Enquiry

After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.

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STEP 1 - Personal Information

Let's collect some basic information to get started.

STEP 2 - When do you want to Volunteer or Intern?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also choose ‘I’m not sure yet’ if you aren't sure about your preferred start dates.

STEP 3 - How long do you want to Volunteer or Intern for?

Select your preferred duration.
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Project Booking

Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

PRICE

Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 8 weeks, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.

Start days: Every second Sunday. Every Sunday in July and August.

PROJECT FEE INCLUDES

  • African Impact bush style accommodation with swimming pool
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • All project transport, equipment and resources
  • Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
  • Full orientation for responsible project contribution

PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES

Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

The minimum age for this project is 16 years of age. Please note that Parental Consent is required before arrival for those aged 16 and 17.

DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?

Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.

Recent Reviews

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 olifant 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!

Sebastian CastellanosWildlife Research Internship, Greater Kruger Area, 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 olifant 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!

Kayleen LabuschagneWildlife Research Internship, Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

Wildlife Research Internships News and Posts

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Project FAQs

HOW DOES THIS INTERNSHIP SUPPORT 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 THE RESEARCH 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.

WILL I BE WORKING HANDS-ON WITH ANIMALS?

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 FIVE AT THIS PROJECT?

Whilst there is evidence of the African Big Five (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.