education – All Out Africa

Savannah Research Centre Eswatini Q1 2026

Simise — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:41:37 +0000

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.

Marine Conservation Mozambique Q1 2026

Simise — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:21:06 +0000

Marine Conservation Mozambique Q1 2026 marks a dynamic and impactful period for All Out Africa’s Marine Research and Conservation Center. In January, we said goodbye to Jule Buschmann, who has been managing the Marine Research and Conservation Center for the last two years. She will be greatly missed for her valuable contributions, and spent her last month at the MRC training her successor, Therese Lauridsen, who will be managing the center going forward.

We have hosted three volunteers in January, eight in February, and five in March, completing more than 60 research dives! On these dives, 13 Leopard sharks have been identified using AI spot mapping. Two Leopard sharks had not previously been documented, so these were submitted as new individuals for the shared global dataset ‘Sharkbook’. The volunteers named the first one ‘Professor’ and the second one ‘Power’. We also managed to submit a research paper on Leopard sharks “Leopard Sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum) in Southern Mozambique: Population Structure, Spatial Ecology and First Observations of Courtship behaviour” led by AoA and supported by MMF.

This quarter presented great challenges for the community of the Inhambane province. With floods in both January and March, and the cyclone Gezani in February, the research center was challenged on completing the research dives and the regular activities. It was, however, during the 6-day power outage following the cyclone the new Leopard shark ‘Power’ was discovered - hence the name. The volunteers however made these challenges into opportunities, as they offered their support in cleaning up debris and rebuilding, which many from the community expressed moved them.

In March, the Whale sharks finally returned to Tofo, after having been absent since September 2025. The volunteers are very excited, and we are taking every chance we get to swim with these magnificent creatures. Four times we have been able to ID them, one of them has not been documented in the datasets before, so the volunteers are lucky enough to name this one too. The timing could not have been better, as we currently are hosting a three month intern from the Netherlands, coming to study the Whale sharks. She however changed her research topic from Photo-ID and AI spotmapping, to trying to explain this long absence of Whale shark from September 2025 to March 2026. This fits well with another research paper submitted for publication this quarter, where the data sets of Whale shark sightings have been analysed, and suggests a new possibility of a seasonal redistribution and movement patterns of the Whale sharks, which used to be present in Tofo all year.

Overall, the volunteers have shown great spirits through challenging times, and very genuine care for the community and the locals of the area, while still completing their research dives and contributing to the large datasets aimed at marine conservation in Mozambique.
The research center has submitted three different research papers. Follow along on our Instagram, where we will post when they are published

Feeling inspired? Contact us at bookings@alloutafrica.com to learn more about our Mozambique volunteering and internship programs.

We’re Proud to Share Some Big News from Tofo Beach!

All Out Afica — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:33:14 +0000

We’re delighted to announce that a story about an exciting scientific paper - authored by our very own Marine Conservation Project Coordinator, Jule Buschmann - will soon be featured in Shark News, the newsletter of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group! Look out for the article in issue 12 due to be published very soon.

The paper, published late last year in Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights the ground-breaking work being done by our Marine Research Programme in Tofo Beach.

So what’s the research all about?

Over a period of three years, Jule and the team used long-life remote underwater video cameras (LL-RUVs) to observe visitors to the reef - without any disturbance by divers. These cameras were placed at reef “cleaning stations,” where species like manta rays gather to get spruced up by small fish. The result? Over 500 hours of footage revealing 14 different shark and ray species, including reef mantas, oceanic mantas, and even the elusive smalleye stingray.

The footage captured not only who’s visiting these reef spas, but also some interesting and rarely witnessed behaviours and interactions between species. It’s all part of a bigger picture that helps scientists better understand how to protect these incredible (and often endangered) creatures.

Why it matters

The study showcases a low-impact, high-reward method for monitoring marine wildlife, crucial in places like southern Mozambique, a global biodiversity hotspot. By seeing how these animals use local reef, researchers can develop better conservation strategies and ensure cleaning stations are protected for the long haul.

We’re incredibly proud of Jule and the team for this contribution to global marine science, and can’t wait for the upcoming feature in Shark News. Stay tuned to this page for when it goes live in issue 12!

Want to get involved?

You can be part of this pioneering research through our Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Volunteer Programme in Mozambique! Work alongside scientists, assist with underwater camera deployments, help ID species from video footage, and contribute directly to cutting-edge conservation.

Whether you're a budding marine biologist or just passionate about ocean life, this is your chance to make a difference and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Learn more & apply now– limited spaces available! SPECIAL OFFER FOR NOVEMBER 2025 START!

To celebrate this publication we are offering a very special discount for volunteers wishing to join us in November 2025: Book a four week placement for the price of three weeks – Yes, that’s right, one whole week free.

Email bookings@alloutafrica.com quoting “Shark News” to claim this amazing offer.

*Direct bookings only

Be sure to follow on Instagram or Facebook to see latest news, photos and videos from the project in Tofo Beach

What are the Accommodation and Living Arrangements like for Volunteers in Eswatini?

All Out Afica — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 11:26:05 +0000

When embarking on an incredible volunteering journey with All Out Africa in Eswatini, volunteers not only get the opportunity to make a positive impact in the local community but also enjoy comfortable accommodation and living arrangements. In this blog post, we will explore what volunteers can expect in terms of accommodation, meals, and the overall experience of staying at Lidwala Lodge.

Accommodation at Lidwala Lodge:

Lidwala Lodge, located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, serves as the base for volunteers during their time in Eswatini. The lodge offers dormitory-style rooms, where volunteers have the chance to live and socialize with other like-minded individuals who share the same passion for making a difference. The communal living environment fosters a sense of camaraderie, collaboration, and friendship among volunteers.

Lidwala Lodge dormitory-style room

Comfortable Dorms:

The dormitory-style rooms provided by Lidwala Lodge ensure that volunteers have a comfortable place to rest and recharge after their busy day of volunteering. The rooms are equipped with cosy beds, clean linens, and secure lockers for personal belongings. This setup ensures that volunteers have a safe and relaxing space to unwind, connect with other volunteers, and reflect on their experiences.

A group of volunteers conquering the Sheba’s Breast hiking trail, embracing nature’s beauty and forging lasting bonds.

Delicious Meals:

Lidwala Lodge takes care of volunteers’ nutritional needs by offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of their stay. These meals are typically served buffet-style and feature a variety of local and international dishes to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Volunteers can look forward to enjoying delicious and wholesome meals, providing them with the energy and nourishment needed for their volunteer activities.

Community Living Experience:

Staying at Lidwala Lodge not only provides a comfortable place to rest but also offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in a vibrant and inclusive community. Volunteers have the chance to interact with fellow volunteers from around the world, sharing stories, cultural experiences, and forming meaningful connections. The communal living experience fosters a sense of unity and friendship, enabling volunteers to support and learn from one another.

An amazing team of volunteers, smiling together in front of the picturesque Lidwala Lodge deck, creating lifelong memories

Additional Amenities:

In addition to comfortable accommodation and delicious meals, Lidwala Lodge offers various amenities and facilities for volunteers to enjoy during their free time. These may include a swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, internet access, a bar, and communal spaces for socializing and relaxation. Volunteers can take advantage of these amenities to unwind, recharge, and connect with others after their volunteer work.

Volunteers bonding and connect with each other after a fulfilling day of making a difference

Volunteering with All Out Africa in Eswatini not only provides an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact but also ensures a comfortable and enjoyable living experience at Lidwala Lodge. With dormitory-style rooms, delicious meals, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, volunteers can create lifelong memories while collaborating on meaningful projects. The accommodation and living arrangements at Lidwala Lodge foster a sense of camaraderie and provide a safe refuge for volunteers to rest, reflect, and recharge. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable volunteer journey in Eswatini, where both personal growth and a sense of community await.

Contact bookings@alloutafrica.com to book your next volunteer experience.

Taking action towards a sustainable future

All Out Afica — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:57:53 +0000

All Out Africa recently attended an event hosted at Lozitha High School in celebration of World Environment Day, taking action towards a sustainable future. The event kicked off with a plastic cleanup campaign, where attendees were able to witness firsthand the positive impact of small actions towards a cleaner environment.

Axel, a volunteer from All Out Africa, was seen picking up litter with the children of Lozitha Primary School.

Throughout the day, we were treated to performances by talented individuals from the school, as well as speeches by esteemed environmental entities such as the United Nations, Eswatini Environmental Authority, Pelum Eswatini and many more. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate the environment and discuss ways to protect it for future generations.

Students at Lozitha High School fully engaged during the speech.

As an organization dedicated to sustainable travel and responsible tourism, All Out Africa recognizes the importance of protecting our planet. We believe that events like these are crucial in educating and inspiring the youth to make positive changes in our environment. Every small action counts, and we are proud to have been a part of this important event.