Wildlife Research Internship in South Africa
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Facilitated Wildlife Research Internship in South Africa

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Location

Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

Available

May – Oct

Duration

8 Weeks+

Price From

$5,565

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

Supervisor Guidance

Get one-on-one assistance from our Research Coordinator.

Focus Drives

Enjoy twice weekly, focused intern-only game drives.

Design Your Own Project

Develop your own project on arrival at the Wildlife Research Internship.

Provide Guidance

Assist the Research Coordinator from the first week.

In The Kruger Area

Stay on the doorstep of one of South Africa’s most popular parks.

What You’ll Do as a Wildlife Research Intern
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Facilitated Wildlife Research Internship in South Africa.
Research Projects
The Greater Kruger Area is a hotspot of diversity when it comes to the natural world, meaning research topics are plentiful. You’ll get to design your dream research project, you might delve into the wonders of mammals, birds, reptiles or even entemology in the summer months. As long as it aligns with our mission to protect this extraordinary ecosystem, it’s yours! This internship is your chance to make a real difference, one groundbreaking discovery at a time.
Data Collection and Analysis
Regular research game drives will allow you to collect data on the movements and behaviors of key species. From this, you will then help analyze raw data and turn it into reports that are given to our partner reserves and conservation partners to assist in the preservation of wildlife. Through training on useful analysis techniques such as QGIS, you will learn how to map the data we collect to determine things like distribution, social networks, family relationships, and wildlife corridor use.
Camera Traps and Observation
If you choose to study an animal species, we will supply additional camera traps to assist you in assesseing animal movements out of hours and collect data on your chosen species in their natural habitat. As part of this wildlife internship, you will be responsible for organizing and uploading these images to our Camerabase software and help to produce comprehensive reports that help our wider conservation team.
View an example week
Monday – Friday

Morning

07:45 – 11:00

Daily Game Drive and Data Collection

Morning

11:00 – 12.00

Free time

Lunch

12:00 – 12:30

Afternoon

12:30 – 13:00

Preparation for Afternoon Activities

Afternoon

13:30 – 16:00

Data Processing & Research

Dinner

18:30 – 19:00

Evening

19:00 – 21:00

Free time, games night or movie night

Life in the Greater Kruger Landscape

Accommodation

Our Camp

You’ll stay in a rustic research camp located inside the reserve itself, meaning you’re fully immersed in the landscape from the moment you wake up. Accommodation is simple and practical, designed for fieldwork rather than luxury, but comfortable enough to relax after long days outdoors. You’ll share dorm-style rooms in traditional African huts or safari tents, creating a strong sense of team life and shared experience. Please note images are renderings, camp is under construction.

The camp offers several communal areas, including a boma (outdoor fire area) where evenings are often spent together. Living here means early mornings, wildlife sounds at night, and a real sense of being part of a working reserve.

The Meals
Meals are simple, hearty, and designed to fuel active days in the bush. Most dishes are traditional South African in style, often prepared over an open fire or in the camp kitchen and shared together as a group. Expect filling, home-style meals that prioritise energy and practicality over presentation; the kind of food that tastes even better after a morning spent tracking wildlife. Breakfast is usually light and quick before heading into the field, while lunches and dinners are more substantial. Evenings often centre around the boma, where cooking and eating become part of the social rhythm of camp life. Fresh produce is sourced locally when available, and dietary requirements such as vegetarian and vegan options can be accommodated with advance notice.
Support Team
You’ll be guided by an experienced team of conservation professionals, field guides, and reserve staff who oversee research, habitat management, and wildlife protection. They bring practical knowledge of predator ecology, elephant behaviour, bush safety, and ecosystem management, and they’ll train you in the skills you need to contribute effectively. From your first day, the team will provide an in-depth orientation covering field protocols, data collection methods, and safety procedures. Throughout your stay, they’ll supervise activities, answer questions, and help you understand the bigger conservation picture behind each task.
Connectivity
Due to the reserve’s remote location within the Greater Kruger landscape, connectivity is limited. Phone signal can be intermittent depending on your network provider, and WiFi is not guaranteed at camp. Many volunteers see this as part of the experience – a chance to step away from constant notifications and fully immerse themselves in life in the bush. Electricity is typically solar-powered or generator-supported, which means power availability may follow certain schedules. Charging points are available, but bringing a power bank is strongly recommended. Before arrival, you’ll receive clear guidance on what to expect regarding connectivity, along with emergency contact details that can be shared with family at home.
Safety
Needless to say, your safety is a priority at all times. On arrival, you’ll receive a detailed bush safety induction covering wildlife awareness, safe distances, emergency procedures, and behaviour protocols in the presence of large animals. All field activities are supervised by trained conservation staff and experienced field guides. As a volunteer, you’re never expected to operate independently in areas where wildlife is present. Clear communication systems are in place, and staff are trained in emergency response and first aid. Anti-poaching operations involving enforcement are conducted only by professional rangers. Your role supports conservation efforts within a structured and carefully managed environment designed to prioritise both volunteer and wildlife safety.
View rates and inclusions
Fees cover accommodation, meals, project costs, transfers, support, and in-country orientation.

Select currency

⌄

USD

8 weeks

$6,250

($782 per week)

10 weeks

$8,030

($803 per week)

12 weeks

$9,810

($818 per week)

GBP

8 weeks

£4,750

(£594 per week)

10 weeks

£6,105

(£611 per week)

12 weeks

£7,455

(£622 per week)

EUR

8 weeks

€5,565

(€696 per week)

10 weeks

€7,150

(€715 per week)

12 weeks

€8,730

(€728 per week)

AUD

8 weeks

$9,065

($1,134 per week)

10 weeks

$11,645

($1,165 per week)

12 weeks

$14,225

($1,186 per week)

inclusions
  • African Impact bush style accommodation
  • 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
Exclusions
  • Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.
Requirements
  • The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
  • The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
What our interns say

“My time here has truly exceeded all expectations. From start to finish, everything was incredibly well organized, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff deserve a special mention — they are exceptionally kind, attentive, and always ready to assist with anything you might need. Their professionalism and friendliness made a real difference and added so much value to the entire experience.”

Luna Verschaeve

Belgium

What our interns say

“In my time interning here, I’ve experienced so much. From seeing things and doing things I’d never even dreamt of to the actual work itself. Everything has been so rewarding. If you come out here with the right mentality and a genuine passion to learn as much as you can then this is the place for you. When I look back I’m shocked at how much I have been able to pick up in my time here.”

Dominic Kitson

UK

What our interns say
“If you’ve ever felt like you want to contribute to conservation in Africa, then this one is for you. With friendly, knowledgeable guides leading you on game drives, helping you identify animals and birds, through to logging their activity. Add in a bit of physical conservation work, removing invasive plant species, there is never a dull day. Returning to camp after a dusty game drive to a great hot shower is an added bonus. The food is good and plentiful. All in all, a great experience.”

David Livinstone

UK

What our interns say
“This was an extremely well done and meaningful experience to learn more about the environment while getting to positively impact it and also travel abroad. The community feeling was great and I’d say really every part of this trip from setting it up to traveling here to being here has been an efficient and positive experience. My only regret is not being able to stay here for a much longer amount of time!”

Benjamin Anasis

US

What our interns say
“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 Castellanos

Research intern

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!

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.

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.

Our favourite weekend activities in the Kruger Area
Head out on a Kruger safari, explore the epic viewpoints of the Panorama Route at Blyde River Canyon, visit conservation initiatives like Down To The Wire or Rhino Revolution, or add a thrill with quad biking and adventure activities at Magoebaskloof!
Magoebaskloof Adventures

Enjoy an action‑packed day with ziplining, river tubing, cliff abseiling, hiking, biking, and thrilling kloofing adventures, perfect for adrenaline lovers seeking unforgettable outdoor fun.

Blyde River Canyon

Experience thrilling white‑water rafting, soar on a gorge swing, or enjoy an unforgettable microlight flight offering breath-taking views over the canyon’s dramatic landscape.

Explore Kruger

Discover this renowned game reserve’s breath-taking landscapes, rich with wildlife, offering unforgettable sightings and an immersive experience in one of Africa’s most iconic natural havens.

Down To The Wire

Learn how wire snares are transformed into meaningful jewellery, attend an inspiring talk, and craft your own piece while supporting a powerful conservation initiative.

Rhino Revolution

This organisation rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned rhino calves affected by poaching, offering vital care and giving these vulnerable animals a second chance at life.

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