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Brilliant 4.75rating (69)

Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Work with a team of volunteers assisting a wildlife monitor on some of Zululand's finest wildlife reserve teaming with the most incredible animals found in Africa
  • As you will be volunteering with free-roaming wild animals, it is very difficult to predict what you may be asked to assist with and every wildlife reserve has a specific need and priority species
  • Learn how to use equipment like telemetry tracking, camera traps and GPS equipment and how to identify different individual animals. Great practical experience for those studying related fields.

Highlights

  • Work with a team of volunteers assisting a wildlife monitor on some of Zululand's finest wildlife reserve teaming with the most incredible animals found in Africa
  • As you will be volunteering with free-roaming wild animals, it is very difficult to predict what you may be asked to assist with and every wildlife reserve has a specific need and priority species
  • Learn how to use equipment like telemetry tracking, camera traps and GPS equipment and how to identify different individual animals. Great practical experience for those studying related fields.
  • The opportunity to work on multiple reserves depending on the length of your stay. For 2 weeks, you will work on 1 reserve, but for every additional 2 weeks you stay, you will rotate reserves
  • Experience truly wild African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Vultures and other magnificent wildlife in a true African bush experience... sunsets are unforgettable

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer with endangered species with a team of dedicated conservationists, researchers and wildlife experts on protected reserves- a true African bush experience

    Numerous wildlife reserves within South Africa cannot afford to fund a dedicated monitoring team due to finances which affect staff numbers. Volunteer and be part of a small, dedicated team providing a monitoring service in order to ensure the safety of these endangered species and filling this much ...

    About the program

    Numerous wildlife reserves within South Africa cannot afford to fund a dedicated monitoring team due to finances which affect staff numbers. Volunteer and be part of a small, dedicated team providing a monitoring service in order to ensure the safety of these endangered species and filling this much needed gap

    Please be aware that as these are all truly wild animals that are not human-habituated, no hands-on contact takes place unless under exceptional situations when the animals are sedated and strict supervision of the monitors, other conservation experts and veterinary supervision. The animals are free roaming over large tracts of land to live a natural life and breed as nature intended. You will need to be physically in good health for this conservation project as sometimes tracking is done on foot.

    Your daily duties for which you will be practically trained by your wildlife monitors may include:

    • The daily tracking and locating of priority species wildlife in the wild, seated on an open 4×4 vehicle, using radio telemetry equipment. You will be taught how to telemetry track satellite collared wildlife for research 
    • Mapping the sightings using GPS equipment. You will be taught how to use the equipment.
    • Observing animal behaviour (e.g. wild dog pack dynamics) for research purposes.
    • Photographing and creating identity kits (for recently reintroduced relocated animals).
    • Periodically setting up camera traps at watering holes and game trails.
    • Assisting with ongoing game counts if needed.

    Occasionally throughout the year other activities take place in which volunteers can take part in, but this is not guaranteed:

    • Radio collaring of animals.
    • Notching (identity marking) of animals such as Rhino.
    • Night tracking excursions – for example Hyaenas.
    • Animal Call-Ups (for example Lion)
    • Relocation or re-introduction of endangered species.
    • Vulture counts and nest surveys.
    • Bird ringing & alien plant control

    Working with wildlife is unpredictable and volunteers need to realise this and try and be flexible. This also means that sometimes there are very early starts and late endings to the duties of the day, but you will have plenty time at midday when the sun is at its hottest, to have a break to relax.

    Each Reserve has a different focus in terms of the work being done. While the project does plan and follow basic schedules, the nature of the work being done dictates that the animals and their environment are our number one priority, and therefore our schedules may at times have to be altered due to unforeseen circumstances or incidents within this wild and dynamic environment.

    The primary function of the volunteer teams with their wildlife monitor, is to provide the vital monitoring service for these reserves, and that does take up most of the time as tracking wildlife can be a time-consuming task!



    Typical day

    Every day in the African bush working with free-roaming wildlife is different so our schedule is a rough idea of how your day could be...

    Wake up before sunrise to freshen up and prepare yourself a quick bite to eat and a coffee before the days volunteer duties start.
    Depending on the season, ...

    Typical day

    Every day in the African bush working with free-roaming wildlife is different so our schedule is a rough idea of how your day could be...

    Wake up before sunrise to freshen up and prepare yourself a quick bite to eat and a coffee before the days volunteer duties start.
    Depending on the season, volunteers leave by vehicle before sunrise to locate the animals that needed to be monitored that day. Once sighted, you will monitor and capture data of the sighting, location and behaviour before moving on to the next species. If there is a situation like an injured or missing animal, you could find yourself out for a lot longer depending on the need.
    Late morning, head back to the camp to prepare yourself something to eat and relax from the midday heat. If you are up for it, there are camp and garden maintenance tasks that need to be attended too. Or you might just want to have a quick shower to cool down, read a book, play cards, do a bit of yoga or just had a nap.
    Around 14:00 to 15:00 (depending on the season) you will go out again on the vehicle to try and track the animals that were not sighted in the morning session. 
    After sunset return to the camp to prepare supper, enjoy a bush campfire and discuss the day before getting a good night's rest for the early start to the day.

    Data capturing is crucial, and this takes place between and during the morning and afternoon sessions or one day a week is set aside to catch up on data capture and analysis. 


    Free-time activities

    As you are in the heart of the African bush, there are no shops, restaurants, bars or nightlife in the area. That means you will need to enjoy the isolation and the sights and sounds of living in the bush. Bring a good book, take time to edit photos you might have taken, play a game of cards with ...

    Free-time activities

    As you are in the heart of the African bush, there are no shops, restaurants, bars or nightlife in the area. That means you will need to enjoy the isolation and the sights and sounds of living in the bush. Bring a good book, take time to edit photos you might have taken, play a game of cards with the other volunteers or chat around the campfire taking in the whole magical atmosphere of being under the African skies with their multitude of stars. As you are at a bush camp in a wildlife reserve with the Big 5, hiking is not permitted unless with your monitor and you may not stroll off from the camp as it is too dangerous with apex predators free roaming. 


    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.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    3 meals a day, shared volunteer accommodation at bush camps within the reserves, meeting you at the Richards Bay airport on arrival, airport collection and drop-off from Richards Bay Airport, pre

    -departure support, in-country staff, 24- emergency help and more.

    Airport Pickup at Richards Bay Airport

    Airport pick up and drop off from Richards Bay Airport is included. 

    The arrival flight must be on the Monday the project starts before 12:30 as the volunteer shuttle leaves at 14:45.

    The departure flight on the Monday the project ends, must be after 12:30 as ity is some distance from the reserves to Richards Bay Airport. 

    For a more diverse experience, a few days before or after your project at one of the beautiful beach holiday accommodations, are a great way to experience a little more of the area. Please let us know if you would need assistance. 


    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is shared onsite camps within each reserve. It is basic but comfortable with essential amenities. Bedding is provided but please bring your own towels. Bathrooms are also shared as is the kitchen and dining area and most of the camps have a barbecue (braai) area. Couples, families (if family members are over 18 years old) and friends can be accommodated

    Food & Beverages

    Food is provided for 3 meals a day and volunteers take turns to cook in the communal kitchen. Vegetarians can be accommodated for. Please let us know if you have any other dietary requirements when booking.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay. 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

    Starting and finishing days are set Mondays. 

    2025 

    • 06 or 20 January
    • 03 or 17 February
    • 3, 17 or 31 March
    • 14 or 28 April
    • 12 or 26 May
    • 09 to 23 June
    • 07 or 21 July
    • 04 to 18 August
    • 01, 15 or 29 September
    • 13 or 27 October
    • 10 or 24 November
    • 08 to 22 December

    The following are the dates that have been set for 2025 year’s bi-annual project monitor staff meetings:

    2025 MID-YEAR Staff Workshop:  Tuesday 03 & Wednesday 04 June 2025. This affects ALL volunteers who book for, or over, the 2 weeks between Monday 26 May and Monday 09 June 2025.

    2025 YEAR-END staff Workshop: Tuesday 18 November & Wednesday 19 November 2025. This affects ALL volunteers who book for, or over, the 2 weeks between Monday 10 November and Monday 24 November 2025.

    We would like to ensure that any volunteers enquiring to join us over these times, will be made aware of the information about the compulsory St Lucia leisure excursion, and the associated additional costs, before they confirm their places for these dates.

    Whilst the project monitors are attending the Monitor Staff Meetings, ALL our volunteers will be required to spend these 2 nights away from the monitoring projects.
    We will transport all our volunteers (from ALL the monitoring projects) together, to the beautiful, small coastal village of St Lucia on the east coast of northern KwaZulu-Natal, for those 2 nights.

    Our volunteers who have been with us over these periods in the past, have told us that they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see more of beautiful Zululand, and appreciated the affordable yet really lovely accommodation as a base from which to explore St Lucia, (along with all the other volunteers.)

    This trip is at the participants’ own cost, but we have organised a special rate for the accommodation, which is very affordable.

    This is also the perfect opportunity to take part in a safari night drive in the famous iSimangaliso wetlands, take part in a hippo, crocodile and bird boat safari on the lake, horse safari, visit Cape Vidal for snorkeling or even take a turtle tour as St Lucia is home to the southernmost turtle nesting grounds in South Africa. 

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,941€
    4 weeks 3,093€
    6 weeks 4,003€
    8 weeks 4,973€
    10 weeks 6,005€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 6,975€
    Average fees 775€/week

    Program fees

    775€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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
    4.8
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    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

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    Meet your project coordinator

    Sharon
    69
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    4.75
    Brilliant
    2020
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    Verified

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Afrikaans
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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