WELCOME TO
KARIEGA BIG FIVE CONSERVATION
Step into the heart of conservation in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where you’ll volunteer on a Big Five reserve while also working directly with local communities. This program is evenly split between wildlife conservation and community engagement, giving you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in both areas.
As a volunteer, you’ll spend half your time on the reserve, tracking and monitoring key species, assisting with habitat restoration, participating in game counts, and supporting anti-poaching efforts. When needed, you may also help with wildlife relocations or veterinary care.
The other half of your time will be dedicated to community initiatives, where you’ll work on education programs, sustainability projects, and efforts that promote human-wildlife coexistence.
This immersive volunteer experience allows you to develop hands-on conservation skills while also contributing to the well-being of the communities living alongside South Africa’s wildlife—ensuring a lasting impact in both conservation and local development.
Up to 16 volunteers
2-12 weeks
Starting each Monday.
Minimum age: 18
Arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) on Monday, 09:00-14:30. Departures after 12:30 on Monday.
Transfer between Port Elizabeth Airport and Kariega: 25 Euro/way, payable directly.
Cell service available; purchase local SIM/data at the airport. Free but limited Wi-Fi at Volunteer house.
Why Choose the Internship with Wildlife Research in South Africa?
Tangible Impact in Wildlife Conservation
Dive into hands-on conservation work at Kariega. From monitoring majestic elephants and rhinos to contributing to vital research through camera trap data, your efforts play a crucial role in the reserve’s ecological well-being.
Diverse Activities for a Holistic Experience
Kariega’s program goes beyond wildlife. Engage in habitat management, support anti-poaching efforts, and participate in enriching community outreach, offering a comprehensive insight into conservation.
Adventure and Learning Combined
Experience educational bush walks, thrilling game drives, and unique bush sleep-outs. Kariega is not just a destination; it's a place of learning, discovery, and active environmental stewardship.
Weekend Adventures Near the Coast
Your workweek is filled with conservation efforts, while weekends offer a chance to explore. Just a short journey from the Indian Ocean, discover the region's stunning beaches and local attractions.
Commitment to Conservation and Community
Kariega stands as a beacon of effective wildlife conservation and community involvement, making it an ideal location for those passionate about making a meaningful difference.
Immerse in the detailed monitoring of elephants and rhinos, key species on the reserve. Track and observe these magnificent creatures, documenting their range utilization, dietary habits, and social interactions. By identifying individuals through unique ear markings and other features, you'll contribute to vital studies on population dynamics and health. Additionally, assist in anti-poaching efforts to protect rhinos, learning about their behavior and helping to safeguard them from the persistent threat of poaching.
Engage in monitoring the feeding habits of Kariega's lions. Documenting their prey selection provides essential insights into the health and dynamics of the pride and helps maintain the balance between predator and prey. For leopards, assist in camera trap setup and analysis. These efforts are crucial for understanding leopard populations, their movement patterns, and interactions with the environment, contributing to potential reintroduction and conservation strategies.
Participate in game drives to observe, record, and understand the behaviors of various species. During night drives, focus on nocturnal animals and learn about their unique adaptations. Alongside this, contribute to bird monitoring projects in collaboration with Avian University. Documenting bird species, their breeding status, and numbers provide vital information on the overall health of the ecosystem and helps identify any ecological imbalances.
Actively participate in maintaining and enhancing the reserve's landscape. Engage in the removal of alien plant species, helping native flora and fauna to thrive. Assist in bush encroachment control, ensuring diverse habitats for different wildlife species. Road maintenance and river crossing repairs are also crucial tasks, facilitating effective movement and management within the reserve.
Play a pivotal role in community engagement initiatives. Teach basic English and other subjects to local children, providing them with valuable skills and fostering mutual cultural understanding. Your involvement in these community projects not only enhances the educational opportunities for local children but also strengthens the relationship between the reserve and surrounding communities, fostering a shared commitment to conservation.
You may get to experience the exhilaration of participating in wildlife capture and relocation operations, a vital aspect of managing animal populations and maintaining ecological balance (not guaranteed). You will also get to enjoy the serene beauty of nature with sleep-outs in the bush, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the wilderness and observe the nocturnal activities of wildlife. Additionally, unwind with peaceful river cruises, offering a different perspective of the reserve's diverse landscapes and inhabitants.
While weekdays at Kariega Big Five Conservation are dedicated to conservation and wildlife management, weekends are an opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Here are some thrilling activities that you can enjoy during your time off:
• Horseback riding on the beach, Sky diving – tandem, Bungee jumping, Deep sea fishing and shark cage diving, Two-day overnight canoe trail on the Bushman's river, Quad bike riding and canopy tours, Addo Elephant National Park field trip
dive into the details
Why we love it
monitoring iconic African elephants and rhinos
Dive into the heart of conservation with hands-on activities like monitoring iconic African elephants and rhinos, contributing to vital research that aids in the preservation of these majestic creatures and their habitat.
Making a tangible difference
Beyond wildlife, embrace a holistic conservation effort through engaging community outreach, teaching basic English to local children, and participating in environmental restoration, making a tangible difference in both ecological and human communities
South Africa's wilderness
Experience the raw beauty of South Africa's wilderness with unique adventures such as bush walks, game drives, and unforgettable sleepouts under the stars, enriching your connection to nature and wildlife.
breathtaking Indian Ocean coastline
Located a stone's throw from the breathtaking Indian Ocean coastline, Kariega offers a perfect blend of conservation work and leisure, allowing for weekend explorations of endless sand dunes and serene beaches, creating a truly rounded and memorable experience.
Make an enquiry for
Kariega Big Five Conservation
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.
