4 - 12 Weeks | Eswatini | Conservation Project
Help to protect the incredible savannahs of Eswatini and monitor their wild inhabitants, experience spectacular sights, camp in a remote location in the middle of a game reserve and have fun on a life changing experience.
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DESTINATION(S): |
Eswatini |
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DURATION: |
4 - 12 Weeks |
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INCLUDES: |
Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff |
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START DATES: |
1st Monday of the Month (every month except December) |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Adventurers, conservation/biology/ecology students, gap year projects, wildlife and nature enthusiasts |
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RATES (FROM): |
Please contact us for a quote |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
As an intern, you will experience hands-on field research relevant to the Conservation of savannah ecosystems in Africa.
Join us and study birds, reptiles, ungulates, rodents, small predators, bats, vegetation and a variety of other plants and animal life in one of southern Africa’s most unique Conservation areas within a global biodiversity hotspot.
Investigate the interface among protected areas, rural communities and commercial agriculture in Eswatini’s Lubombo Conservancy while based in the private Mbuluzi Game Reserve and also working in neighboring Hlane Royal National Park and Mlawula Nature Reserve.
Although savannahs are well represented in African Conservation areas, they are subjected to increasing degradation as a result of human influences through land use and climate change. Though well known for large charismatic game such as elephants, rhinos and lions, there are a variety of smaller species that are threatened and are arguably more important to the functioning of savannahs.
Although this project is based in areas containing big game, our research activities are focused on a large variety of fauna and flora including birds, ungulates, small predators, rodents, reptiles, bats and vegetation. You can be involved in biodiversity monitoring, radio telemetry movement studies, small mammal trapping, mist netting to gain valuable field experience.
YOUR ROLE
An intern, although unpaid, is different from a volunteer in that they are expected to bring some knowledge and/or experience in the area they are working in. There are fewer internship posts available so competition for these is higher. Interns will be working at a more career focused strategic level and developing local capacity to work effectively and with meaning, as well as gaining valuable hands-on practical experience during their placement. Interns are also expected to take on more responsibility and to create their own goals and seek activities to be involved in or lead. They will have a mentor assigned to them to guide them during the internship.
The research may involve weighing, measuring, tagging and banding young birds (especially raptors), bats and reptiles and rodents to monitor their condition and enable the study of their population dynamics and dispersal. It also may involve fitting radio-transmitters to track the animals to determine their home range, distribution and movements.
Some of the activities you will get involved in may include:
Biodiversity Monitoring
Monitoring of large mammals
We contribute to citizen science projects monitoring populations of certain animals such as giraffe, hyena, genet and zebra by photographing animals when sighted so that unique markings can be used to ID individual animals. Sightings are uploaded onto databases used to monitor worldwide populations. These are long term ongoing projects
Control of invasive species
Within the parks, certain invasive species of flora are monitored need to be periodically removed. You will learn about how invasive species are monitored and controlled and are likely to assist with this work of digging up and removing species deemed when it is deemed necessary.
Please note: The activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that interns are likely to participate in.
Itinerary for your experience
Day 1
Fly into OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you by road from Johannesburg to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Day 2
Day 3
The third day begins with an early start as you are transferred to our Savannah Research Centre in the east of Eswatini in Mbuluzi Game Reserve. Here you will meet your knowledgeable research coordinators and will receive a thorough orientation to life at the camp and the research activities.
Day 4-5
and other weekdays for the duration of your stay. You will spend these days assisting with research and Conservation activities. camp and the research activities.
Day 6 - 7
Weekends are free at the SRC, but please appreciate you are in a rural environment far from city infrastructure! Bring a book, writing pad, go for a run/walk, or enjoy other passions of yours as you enjoy the beautiful savannah reserve.
Day 29
Return Home. Sadly all great adventures must come to an end and on your final day you will transfer by road to Johannesburg.
Airport transfer is included and facilitated by All Out Africa if on the designated departure day.
Day 29 Onward
Onwards Continue with your volunteer project as described on days 4-5, giving you more time to contribute to your project. Departure by road transfer to Johannesburg on your final day.
RATES
Pricing Details
What's Included
- Comprehensive 24 hours, 7 days a week support from All Out Africa
- Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role As a volunteer, upon arrival
What's Included
- Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
- Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensure the volunteer experience is valuable
- All food and accommodation throughout your stay
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Documents/Visas
- Personal Trips
- Daily Travel Costs to Your Project Placement
DATES & AVAILABILITY
This project starts on the first Monday of every month, except December.
GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION
What To Bring
- Mobile phone with roaming OR “unlocked”(Buy local network SIM on arrival)
- Sunglasses/Sun hat/Bandanna/Sun cream
- Insect repellent
- Day pack/rucksack for everyday
- Small torch (a head torch is preferable)
- Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes(You can easily buy toiletries on arrival in Eswatini & Cape Town)
- Personal first aid kit/ Painkillers
- Boots &/or sturdy trainers
- Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
- Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
- Light waterproof jacket
Accommodation
- During your stay, you will be accommodated at the Savannah Research Center located in the Mbuluzi Game Reserve*. Accommodation will be in 2-man tents, fitted with mattresses and pillows.
- Hot showers
- Clean toilets.
- Three meals a day will also be provided, some on a self-serve basis and others cooked for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need experience to join this project?
How long is the work day?
This can vary but typically you will depart from your accommodation around 08:00am to arrive at your project and get started around 08:30. There is always a lunch break of at least one hour, and projects will resume in the afternoon with a finish time around 16:00. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore in the evenings and at weekends.
How many people will I be working alongside?
Each month we have a variety of volunteers join us from all over the world. In most cases you will be staying at a lodge with shared accommodation with perhaps 4-20+ other volunteers, however, these volunteers may be split amongst several different volunteer projects during the day. This is a great opportunity to meet and mix with volunteers who have different interests, but still get to have an intimate project experience!
What is the typical age of participants on the programme?
When/how should I book by flights?
Do I need any vaccinations?
Please check with your primary healthcare provider for the most current advice and let them know that you will be traveling to southern Africa. They may want to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date and may have health recommendations for you. Essentially, it is up to you to seek current advice and decide whether you want to want to get vaccinated or take any malaria prophylaxis.
What about visas?
Visa requirements will depend on your nationality and it is your own responsibility to check whether or not you need a visa, so make sure you check on your local governments’ travel site for the most up to date information. However, many nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry at the border. If you are staying for longer periods our staff will help you with an extension in the country.
What about travel insurance?
It is your own responsibilty to obtain sufficient insurance cover for medical emergencies and other mishaps that could occur on your trip. It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a valid travel insurance policy that will cover them for the duration of their stay.
Where does your project fees go?
By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering with an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad.
Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.
BOOKING
Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.
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Phone/WhatsApp:
+268 7865 4029 -
Email:
bookings@alloutafrica.com -
Office Details:
All Out Africa Projects, Lidwala Lodge,
Roki Centre, MR 103, Ezulwini, Eswatini -
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8h00 - 17h00
Sat - Sun: CLOSED
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