Savannah Research Centre Eswatini Q1 2026 highlights a productive period of conservation work, volunteer engagement, and community outreach across Eswatini. Earlier this year, the SRC team hosted a World Challenge group (11 participants) at Wide Horizons Mountain Retreat. The group actively engaged in various conservation activities, including rodent trapping, camera trapping, and the removal of invasive species.
In addition, they contributed to community outreach by teaching over 65 local pupils about ecology and conservation, helping to raise environmental awareness among young learners.
During this period, the SRC hosted 2 interns and 18 volunteers. Their primary contribution was to the large herbivore monitoring project, focusing on giraffe and zebra photo identification. Participants received training prior to fieldwork and were involved in both data collection and data entry. As a result:
- 24 giraffes were successfully identified
- 8 zebras were successfully identified
Furthermore, two call-in surveys were conducted in Mlawula Nature Reserve as part of the Spotted Hyena Monitoring Project.
SRC staff attended a workshop hosted by RECAP_BR at Mabuda Farm Lodge in Siteki. The workshop focused on empowering African students through funding opportunities to conduct research within their home countries, with the aim of generating locally relevant knowledge and supporting community development.
A concrete slab was successfully constructed in the dining area around the kitchen. This improvement enhances the functionality and durability of the camp’s communal space.
The SRC experienced several operational challenges during this period:
- Heavy rains led to flooding and erosion within the SRC camp. Fortunately, no major damages were incurred, and the camp was restored promptly.
- Weather conditions also made field operations difficult during the World Challenge programme; however, all planned activities were successfully completed.
- Roads within Mbuluzi Game Reserve were damaged due to the rains, resulting in two instances of tire damage to the Mahindra vehicle, requiring replacements.
- Power outages, caused by a faulty solar electricity system, disrupted daily operations during the volunteer and intern programme.
Despite these challenges, SRC maintained operational continuity and successfully delivered all key activities.
Feeling inspired? Contact us at bookings@alloutafrica.com to learn more about our Eswatini Conservation volunteering and internship programs.
