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  • Life On Land

Bioacoustic Monitoring Research Internship

location
2 - 8 weeks  Â·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Explore South Africa’s most incredible landscapes and national parks.
  • Develop practical bioacoustic research skills while recording and monitoring the calls of African wildlife.
  • Photograph incredible wildlife while in the South African bush.

Highlights

  • Explore South Africa’s most incredible landscapes and national parks.
  • Develop practical bioacoustic research skills while recording and monitoring the calls of African wildlife.
  • Photograph incredible wildlife while in the South African bush.
  • Gain hands-on experience with bioacoustic equipment and field techniques while monitoring wildlife through sound.
  • Discover how sound can reveal the hidden lives of wildlife while contributing to bioacoustic research in South Africa.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Our research internships combine academic knowledge with hands-on field experience, giving participants the practical skills needed for a career in field research.

    Our research internships bridge the gap between academic learning and hands-on field experience. Participants develop practical field skills and research knowledge while working on real-world projects, preparing them for careers in field-based research. Interns gain valuable practical and ...

    About the program

    Our research internships bridge the gap between academic learning and hands-on field experience. Participants develop practical field skills and research knowledge while working on real-world projects, preparing them for careers in field-based research. Interns gain valuable practical and theoretical experience in data collection and management, field research methods and strategies, and develop an in-depth understanding of specific local research issues. We feel this is important because field scientists often lack practical training in the field.


    While here students will learn how to use remote bioacoustic monitoring equipment such as PAMs. Students will analyse data collected by these remote recording devices and interpret results. This project is important because we aim to assess how the loss of big carnivores affect ecosystems by comparing them to intact ecosystems like Kruger. 

    Students must be self-starters, eager to learn new things and fit. We will deploy PAMs at a range of different sites and hiking in difficult terrain is required. Please make sure you are able to do this. Sites include big five reserves, local communities, urban areas and reserves with plains game. You will be required to do extensive health and safety. The minimum required stay is 2 weeks as there is a certain amount of training required. 

    Typical day

    We work on a 2 week schedule and within that each week we use PAMs in different locations. 


    When deploying in Kruger National Park we either stay in a hide for a few hours or set up the equipment in camp. 

    Within our campsite we use PAMs in camp. 

    If we go to Blyde Canyon we hike for a few hours and ...

    Typical day

    We work on a 2 week schedule and within that each week we use PAMs in different locations. 


    When deploying in Kruger National Park we either stay in a hide for a few hours or set up the equipment in camp. 

    Within our campsite we use PAMs in camp. 

    If we go to Blyde Canyon we hike for a few hours and set up the recorders. Between site deployment days we are in camp analysing the data on computers. 
    Staggered times based on the month. Later starts in winter 

    March Day 1: 
    6:30 - 9:00 Generally hike or drive to a deployment location and set up a device. 
    Do a walking transect approx 2 hours long to see what species are in the area. 
    10:00 upload data to volunteer data portal. 
    11:30 - 15:00 free. 
    16:00 - 17:30 taxonomic lectures/surveys

    Day 2: 
    6:30 - 9:00 Taxonomic surveys/walking transects
    10:00 upload data to volunteer data portal. 
    11:30 - 15:00 free. 
    16:00 - 17:30 taxonomic lectures/surveys

    Day 3/4: 
    6:30 - 10:30 assist with camp maintenance (include helping with dogs, greenhouse, roads, fences, snare sweeps. 
    10:30 - 15:00 free. 
    16:00 - 17:30 taxonomic lectures/surveys

    March Day 5: 
    6:30 - 9:00 Collect deployment location and set up a device. 
    Do a walking transect approx 2 hours long to see what species are in the area. 
    10:00 upload/analyse data from PAMS in volunteer data portal and Kaleidoscope Audio Analysis. 
    11:30 - 15:00 free. 

    March start times: 6:30 
    April - September 7:00
    October: 6:30 

    Free-time activities

    We have a large pool (14x10m) for volunteers to swim in. 

    We go to town on Tuesday. 

    Our neighbours are a horse back safari lodge and you can book either a 1 hour (beginner) or 3 hour horse safari (advanced).

    There are a lot of opportunities to sightsee during the program but you can also book other ...

    Free-time activities

    We have a large pool (14x10m) for volunteers to swim in. 

    We go to town on Tuesday. 

    Our neighbours are a horse back safari lodge and you can book either a 1 hour (beginner) or 3 hour horse safari (advanced).

    There are a lot of opportunities to sightsee during the program but you can also book other activities.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Required Documents

    CV, Cover letter and Reference

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    You must be able to hike for 8km carrying up to 12kgs. For data analysis you will need to be able to use a computer and interpret results.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 06:30 - 17:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your price includes 12 meals per week including breakfast: cereal and a muffin and a piece of fruit, lunches: sandwiches (peanut butter or jam) and fruit), accommodation, wifi. Kruger trips (1 day per week - usually in 2 or 4 day stays) are included. Food in Kruger is not included. 






    Accommodation

    Large safari tents overlooking the Olifants river are on wooden tent decks. Each deck has hammocks and tents have a table and chair as well as a cabinet for clothes. 

    There is an ablution block with hot and cold showers, toilets, a washing machine and tumble dryer. 
     

    There is a communal kitchen where you will help our staff cook meals 

    Food & Beverages

    Our menu is as follows: 

    Breakfast: 
    Ceylon tea or coffee, choice of cereals with oat or dairy milk. 
    Seasonal fresh fruits. 
    Lemon and poppy seed or chocolate muffin. 

    Lunch: 

    Selection of sandwiches. 


    Your accommodation is shared (single supplement option available) on the banks of the Olifants (elephant) river. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    For 2026 we have availability until 6 January.


    For 2027, there are weekly start dates from 15 March. Please note we do pick ups on Tuesdays only as the weekly schedule runs Wednesday to Monday. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $621 per week 2 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    5.00
    ・
    15 reviews

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Hoedspruit

    Meet your project coordinator

    Carolynne
    15
    reviews
    5.00
    Outstanding
    2016
    Founded

    Verified

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Afrikaans, Italian
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Conservation Work in South Africa
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