Journey to South Africa’s largest wildlife reserve, the Greater Kruger National Park, and engage in groundbreaking research to better understand and protect its wildlife
Embark on an unforgettable wildlife research internship in one of the world’s largest National Parks. As a Wildlife Conservation intern, you’ll become part of a dedicated research team, gaining hands-on experience while exploring and studying some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes—as well as countless other species, Kruger offers a unique opportunity to collect data and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Your work will contribute to ongoing research focused on protecting these animals from threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.
Through this Wildlife Research Internship, you’ll not only enhance your skills in wildlife research, but also actively contribute to the preservation of Kruger’s incredible biodiversity. This work is crucial for understanding how the animals interact with their environment and how human activity affects their survival. The research you participate in will support both local and global conservation efforts, providing critical insights into wildlife protection. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or simply passionate about wildlife, this Wildlife Conservation Internship in South Africa offers a unique chance to make a lasting impact while gaining invaluable field experience.
This organization is a social development company that is driven by six individual causes that have been developed through long-term relationships and experience with communities and volunteering in Africa. These causes motivate, excite, and focus their vision, and allow them to offer internships that contribute to wider causes in Africa. As responsible leaders, they are committed to creating a professional internship portfolio, with opportunities that are unique in support and celebrated results. Through cultural immersion, their internships give individuals the ability to incorporate academic and experiential learning outside the classroom.
Projects change throughout the year, so the specific project you’ll work on will depend on when you join this will be discussed during the application process. No matter the timing, you’ll be part of a committed team consisting of dedicated researchers and qualified Field Guides, working under the guidance of the Research Coordinator. You’ll have the opportunity to lead your own independent research project, gaining hands-on experience in wildlife research. Your weekly schedule will include team meetings, fieldwork in the Greater Kruger area, and occasional lectures about the local wildlife. Interns will also conduct literature reviews, analyze data gathered in the field, and write detailed reports that contribute to ongoing conservation research.
You will be staying at Kambaku 2 Camp in a big 5 game reserve. It is a traditional bush lodge set in the heart of the African wilderness with all the facilities and furnishings you need for a comfortable stay. The accommodation includes 7 large dorm rooms overlooking the Olifants River each with A/C and en-suite bathrooms. Regular events are hosted including: movie/quiz/game nights, presentations on conservation issues, outdoor braais, documentary screenings, and sundowner evenings in the bush.
Please consult your doctor with regards to vaccinations. The Greater Kruger Area is a low risk malaria zone, so there is a small risk particularly in the rainy summer months (October to April). You should seek medical advice on antimalarial medication options.
There is free Wifi at the camp to enable you to make contact with home through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc. Please note that you will be in the African bush, so the Wifi can at times be slow & unreliable. There is cell phone reception at camp, however, it is poor quality so there is no need to purchase a local SIM card.
Your meals are included with the fee and consists of a mixture of international and local cuisine. Some examples of traditional South African meals include bobotie, a potjie, a Cape Malay-style curry or the experience and excitement of cooking on an open fire with a South African braai. Or how about a local dessert such as milk tart or malva pudding, perhaps a peppermint crisp tart or sweet koeksisters. If you have an dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know upon application so that the team on the ground can prepare to accommodate your needs.
You will be based at a traditional bush lodge in a Big 5 private reserve on the shores of the Olifants River. The surrounding wilderness is known as the Greater Kruger Area and Africa’s most iconic (and endangered) animals can be found here. When you’re not out on a bush drive, you’ll spend your time relaxing by the pool or hanging out with fellow wildlife enthusiasts while watching giraffes, hippos, elephants, and other wild animals across the river.
Start dates 2025: 5/19 Jan – 2/16 Feb – 2/16/30 Mar – 13/27 Apr – 11/25 May – 8/22 Jun – 6/13/20/27 Jul – 3/10/17/24/31 Aug – 14/28 Sept – 12/26 Oct – 9/23 Nov – 7/21 Dec
Longer stays than 12 weeks are possible; contact us for more information.
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
8 weeks USD 5,750
9 weeks USD 7,410
10 weeks USD 7,965
11 weeks USD 8,520
12 weeks USD 9,075
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
CONTACT
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
