Overview
National Parks Internship Program in South Africa

This program provides interns with an intensive 2 week training course in Kruger National Park, South Africa that covers a vast range of topics and is delivered by industry specialists. On completion of this course interns gain high profile work experience working on conservation and environmental education initatives in one of South Africa's 20 National Parks. Having been placed with the People and Conservation (P & C) department you will work alongside park staff and focus on the development of environmental education and community development projects aimed at integrating the local communities into conservation efforts and development programs. Although no specific experience is necessary, each park has its individual requirements and GVI will match applicants to the appropriate parks. This program is ideal for any intern seriously considering a career in conservation.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

A rollercoaster full of wonderful impressions, amazing landscapes, unique people, different thoughts, precious flora, great discoveries, new friendships, beautiful animals, mysterious cultures.

Kristel Ottoy, Intern

Highlights

Living in the most spectacular locations in South Africa; Learning about conservation in National Parks; Training fortnight in Kruger National Park; Five day tour of parks with fellow interns; Working with local communities and amazing wildlife encounters; Diverse adventure opportunities such as game viewing, camping, hiking, bush walks and canoeing and white water rafting.

Location

Interns will arrive in Johannesburg before attending a 2 week training course at Kruger National Park. After the course interns are transferred to their allocated park by public transport organised by GVI. Of the 21 National Parks in the country, approximately 6 to 10 can accommodate volunteers each year, depending on their permanent staff situation, available accommodation etc. National Parks that regularly accommodate GVI interns include Kruger, Golden Gate Highlands, Tsitsikamma, Wilderness, Bontebok, Agulhas, Namaqua, Augrabies, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The parks all vary in size and the flora and fauna is very different depending on your location.

See Life on the course page for more information

Field Conditions

Depending on your allocated park, you will live within beautiful landscapes from wild savannahs to mountains and coastal plateaus. All interns will have basic accommodation in the parks, which have shared facilities with other park staff. The majority of the accommodation has electricity and running water. You buy and prepare your own food.

See Life on the course page for more information

What's Included

A two week training programme in Kruger National Park, which includes;

• basic field guiding techniques
• Reptile handling course
• Game drives/walk and much more
• A five day tour of the national parks midway through programme
• Discounted entry to all national parks
• FGASA annual membership
• Manual and exam subscription for Level One Theory

See Book Now page for more information