Overview
Wildlife Research Expedition in South Africa

Get up close and personal with Africa’s large game such as lion, leopard, elephant and hyenas whilst volunteering on a conservation program in a South African game reserve. This incredible expedition is based in two stunning locations of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Learn to use conservation and research equipment to help locate collared predators in the reserve, receive invaluable training in large animal identification, tracking and behavioural study skills and learn to appreciate the complex nature of predator / prey interactions in the African bush. Apply your new knowledge and enjoy the cooler air during satellite camps to some of the breathtaking mountain habitats participating in conservation and biodiversity studies. Volunteers will build upon their training, gaining knowledge and developing practical safari field skills throughout their time on the programme.

Also available on this expedition GVI's unique BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques qualification, click here for more info.

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

What a huge privilege to work so closely with such amazing animals. TV documentaries eat your heart out!

Susie Hamilton, Volunteer, 2008

What Difference Does This Expedition Make?

Volunteers 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. Volunteers 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

Volunteers 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, volunteers 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