Join a wildlife conservation team and research Africa’s big predators

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Program Overview
Life on the Program
Program Details
Volunteer Testimonials

Program Overview

This expedition offers you the unique opportunity to assist GVI with important conservation research and get up close and personal to South Africa’s incredible wildlife, such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and elephant.

You will collect vital behavioral data on reintroduced predators and large herbivores on a private game reserve. In order to assist with this work you will be trained to use research equipment to help locate predators in the reserve and you will receive invaluable training in large animal identification, tracking and behavioral study skills.

During your time on the expedition you will enjoy many spectacular sunsets, sleep out in the bush under a blanket of African stars, work alongside qualified field guides and explore the beautiful local area.

Life on the Program

A typical day involves spending time out in the reserve tracking the wildlife and conducting research from the game vehicles. This usually happens during the cooler weather at dawn and dusk when the wildlife is more active. Most of the research is on predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyena but we also monitor other wildlife, including elephants.

There is a daily schedule and if not assisting on game drives then you may be working on data entry or helping with camp and cooking duties.

Camp is basic and you will share accommodation with your fellow volunteers.

Program Details

Please note that exact project details are always subject to change due to weather conditions, time of year and game movements.

A typical expedition may involve the following;

Detailed monitoring of predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena).

Herbivore sex/age ratio - data is analysed to see how it effects predator movement.

Vegetation monitoring - Elephant impact vegetation surveys are also carried out, monitoring their impact on sensitive areas of the reserve.

Other activities and ecological studies – such as darting/fitting radio collars to predators, invasive vegetation species eradication.

Community projects – when possible visits to the reserve are organised for local school children and we plan fun and interactive lessons to teach them about the importantance of conservation.

Volunteer Testimonials

A few of my favourite encounters include a visual of Zero, the male lion, with his zebra kill. One evening we spotted a hippo making her way into the water and grunting at another hippo to keep it...

Tess Hill, USA

A few of my favourite encounters include a visual of Zero, the male lion, with his zebra kill. One evening we spotted a hippo making her way into the water and grunting at another hippo to keep it away from her baby. Also saw a herd of elephants playing together in a huge mud bath.

Community days are incredible! It’s very gratifying to spend time with the local school children. The kids were so excited and had a blast. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate in this wonderful adventure. GVI is a phenomenal organisation.

Glyn Donaghy, Australia

My favourite moments were on the drives collecting data and observing the animals, improving my knowledge and understanding of the environment and working with young people who were committing time to help understand and improve the world in which they live. It was most reassuring to see young adults working together. The project gives one a more intimate knowledge of the environment and the animals, than it would seeing them as a tourist.