Unique Kruger Big Five Research Learnership

About

Contribute your time and skills in this conservation programme dedicated to research, endangered species protection, and more.

This programme is committed to conservation through long term ecological monitoring and research to ensure best practices for reserve management, and endangered species preservation.

This 2020 and 2021, get stuck in some practical conservation and research, while living in an authentic bush camp based in Kruger National Park!

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About

Ready to yourself and learn?

Overview

South Africa’s Kruger National Park boasts nearly 2 million hectares of land and is truly the flagship of South Africa’s national parks. The park is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals - including the ‘Big Five’. During your time on the conservation project, the staff will aim to help you learn about and identify as many species as possible. Based within the park, the Organisation is committed to conservation through long term ecological monitoring and research to ensure best practices for reserve management, and endangered species preservation. They are committed to conservation education through hosting volunteers and interns who can learn about conservation needs and get involved with the practical application of biodiversity management. Alongside wildlife and ecological conservation, another main focus of the organization is the empowerment of local communities. Sustainability projects such as community gardens and educational programs are also facilitated through the Organisation.

Role & Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you may be involved with the following:

Ecological fieldwork, including;

  • Collecting data for ongoing research projects
  • Species identification
  • Ecological monitoring and surveys
  • Camera trap maintenance 
  • Monitoring plant species and the identification and removal of invasive species
  • Fence monitoring, road maintenance, and building gabions
  • Empowering local communities through practical education workshops, assisting in school gardens, clinics, and daycare centres.
  • Volunteers with relevant experience and interest may be assigned specific tasks related to their studies, depending on current project needs.
Location and Accommodation

The accommodation is located in an authentic wilderness camp within the Kruger National Park. Volunteers sleep in comfortable dome tents in the camp. The camp also has warm showers, standard toilets, a lounge, and a bar. Staff members live in the camp as well and prepare daily meals where you can enjoy the company of fellow volunteers as well as the beautiful views of the national park.

Start dates for this programme are the 1st and 15th of every month in 2020 and 2021, and should be arranged for Hoedspruit Airport (HDS). If you need to arrive or depart on any other day, transfers from the airport to the camp can be arranged at an additional cost.

Example Schedule
Programme Requirements
  • You must be at least 18 years of age with no maximum age limitations to join this conservation programme.
  • The program is run in English so you need to be able to communicate effectively in English and understand health and safety briefings which are taught in English.
  • You should be relatively physically fit as a large part of the program involves walking.
  • You should have enthusiasm, passion for wildlife conservation, and the ability to learn as you go.
  • Any participants must be willing to comply with the organisations code of conduct, health and safety policies, and ethical policies.
Services

What's included in your learnership programme?

Transport

If you arrive on the 1st or 15th of the month you will be met at the airport and taken back to the camp. You’ll also be taken back to the airport at the end of your programme so you don’t need to worry about transport arrangements or costs.

Accommodation

You will be living in a communal bush camp base, located in a private area of the Kruger National Park. Your home away from home boasts beautiful views of Kruger park, and you will fall asleep in your comfortable dome tent to the sounds of the bush. Meals are served on-site, and each evening you can look forward to dinners under the stars. 

Food

3 meals a day 7 days a week, prepared by staff members.

Meaningful Project

You’ll receive training, research guidance, on-site transportation, game drives, bush walks (guided), field supervision, training manuals, survey equipment, and educational lectures. All equipment required for fieldwork and activities is provided. 

Support

Daily support from an experienced and passionate on-site team who will ensure your safety, and help you to learn vital bush and research skills. You will also receive a comprehensive arrival orientation, covering a vital health and safety briefing, important background information on the project and ongoing research, an introduction to your bush camp accommodation, and tips for a safe and comfortable stay in Kruger National Park.

Enhanced CV and Career Development

Following your placement, you will receive a letter of participation and reference that you can use going forward, and Bridging Gaps will provide continued career advice and support. 

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KEY INSIGHT

Why Bridging Gaps?

Three ways we stand out from other internship programme providers

Totally customised

Our programmes are tailored to meet your specific interests and goals and we provide a wide range of opportunities in many different inspiring local organisations.

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Holistic and immersive

We are committed to providing each of our participants with a personal and holistic experience of the vibrant Mother City, and ensuring that your adventure runs as smoothly as possible.

Suitable for all

Bridging Gaps Programmes are suitable for people looking for Gap Year opportunities abroad, professional placements to supplement their studies, post-graduate international work experience and meaningful career breaks.

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Programme Costs

2 Weeks:
£995
3 Weeks:
4 Weeks:
£1 615
5 Weeks:
6 Weeks:
£2 145

Custom: All IMMERSE learnerships are customisable. We will design a programme to suit you and work with your host organisation to accommodate your requirements as far as possible. Please follow the normal enquiry process and we will talk you through your options.

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NOTES:
Fees are calculated in South African Rand.
All of our programmes deposits are 100% refundable and backed by industry leading guarantees.