Overview
Wildlife conservation expedition in South Africa

This wildlife research expedition takes you to play a hands-on role in the long-term conservation of African wildlife; enjoying first-class wildlife viewing and living on a game reserve in the heart of South Africa as part of a wildlife research team. Run in conjunction with partners such as the Karongwe Ecological Research Institute, this conservation expedition will see you participate in wildlife monitoring projects, including assisting with the research on predator / prey interactions by learning how to radio track, as well as possibly get involved with the darting and fitting of radio tracking collars to lions and leopards. Experience the spectacular mountain habitats on satellite camps helping with conservation and biodiversity studies. College credit may be available for those attending this expedition. Consult GVI’s college credit page for helpful tips and advice.

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

My most positive experiences were the amazing sightings of the animals on the reserve and taking part in real world conservation research.

Cady Etheridge, 2007 expedition member

What Difference Does This Expedition Make?

Expedition Members collect vital behavioral data on reintroduced predators and larger herbivore on reserves where they do not have the manpower, time or resources to carry out intensive monitoring. GVI spends up to 12 hours a day following large predators such as lions, leopards, cheetah and wild dog to determine their feeding ecology spatial use, competition and behavior. The information gathered is used to give an accurate picture of the predators impact on prey populations, determine social structure, genetics, and spatial movement. This vital information helps maintain a healthy balance of these natural resources and ultimately conserve some of Africa’s natural heritage bioregions.

Highlights

Experiencing a unique African bush adventure at the heart of a spectacular game reserve; mastering radio telemetry techniques and learning to track animals through the bush; getting acquainted with big game and all the main predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and rhino; exploring nearby regions to experience such breathtaking views as from the Blyde River Canyon in the Drakensberg Mountains; living and working alongside FGASA qualified South African Guides getting constant learning and inspiration; having the chance to sleep out in the bush under the spectacular African stars and wake up to a beautiful sunrise.

Skills And Qualifications Received

Mammal Introduction and Herbivore Identification, Survey Skills – Radio Telemetry; GPS use, Field Guide’s Reptile Course, First Aid & CPR training (certification optional), Individual Predator Ecology and behavior, Wildlife Management, Basic wildlife diseases, Large herbivore ecology and behavior, Basic animal tracks and sign skills, Basic Field Guide skills, Biodiversity survey techniques (Small mammal trapping, Invertebrate surveys), Field Safety – Radio use, Emergency Action Plan implementation and drills

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

The Karongwe Game Reserve (KGR) and Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve (VLNR) are situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, approximately 500km northeast of Johannesburg. These areas are true ‘Big Five’ (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos) territories and reveal the African bush at its best, being the home to such majestic predators. Expedition members will be allocated their base upon arrival in country, and those on ten-week expeditions will get the opportunity to experience two of South Africa’s finest reserves: Karongwe and Venetia, spending five weeks in each location.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Field Conditions

Expedition members live in an old farm house on Karongwe, and in a stunning permanent tented camp at Venetia, both situated deep within the reserves, which contain dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, bathrooms, a kitchen and an outside area. While on the mountain phase, expedition members live in a cozy cottage in the mountains, on the edge of plantations. It too includes dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, including a bathroom, kitchen and sitting room, and has occasional hot water and limited solar electricity.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Internships

A ten-week internship is available for qualifying expedition members.

See Internships page for more information