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When can I come?
Refer to our published dates, but if you would rather different dates then let us know.
How long can I come for and can I extend my stay?
Minimum stay is four weeks. The maximum is twelve weeks.
What is covered on the Research Assistant Program?
Bush Safety
Developing your bush senses
Wildlife identification
Research equipment and techniques
Basic wildlife tracking
Reserve management - Alien plant iradication and anti poaching
Data entry
Research patrols
Do I need to have experience?
Most of our projects do not require previous experience. Your field ranger/coordinator will provide any necessary training. Above all we require you to have a
passion and desire to assist in African wildlife research and conservation.
Is there a selection process?
A completed application form is required. Applicants should be self motivated and have a 'can do' attitude to help overcome problems if they occur. Days can
be long, our base in located in a remote area of pristine bush veld, therefore an ability to operate independently is essential.
You should be in good health. It should be noted that the nearest medical facilities (doctors surgery) is approximately 1 hours drive.
The climate?
Although our base is not in a Malaria zone, you will travel to malaria zones on occasion.
Average daytime temperatures are between 22C and 33C. During the winter nights temperatures can be below 10C
You will be responsible for ensuring that any special dietary requirements are catered for.
Are there security issues?
We are based in a remote location away from cities and the associated problems that cities have. As with many other countries of the world there are some
other areas and places, which unaccompanied travellers would be wise to avoid. Security advice for international visitors can be obtained from their home
country embassy and South African Authorities. Further information can be provided on request.
What to bring
Requirements include:
Spending Money – You will need sufficient funds to buy alcoholic drinks if required and sundry items. We advise that you do not carry cash, but use ATM’s to
obtain small sums as required.
Personal clothing - shorts and light shirts are sufficient, although a pair of trousers in the evening will not go amiss. A long sleeved shirt or sarong is also
recommended to protect arms and legs from the hot sun. Khaki or light-coloured clothing (not white!) is preferable.
Personal Items:
• Hat
• Toiletries, including insect repellent
• Suntan lotion/Sun block
• Torch
• Binoculars
• Camera equipment, spare film and batteries
• Jersey / tracksuit for cool evenings
• Walking boots
• Note book and pen
• Pocket Knife or multi tool
• If possible a lap top or notebook computer
• If possible a hand held GPS
• Water bottle or container for use on bush walks
• Bedding (sleeping bag or sheets) and a pillow case
• Personal medical requirements (if asthmatic, diabetic etc)
• Mobile phone for use in South Africa. Cheap mobile phones can be purchased locally for around ZAR300. Local SIM cards are readily available,
however please ensure that non-SA phones are cleared for use with a different service provider.
We prefer Research Assistants to use environmentally friendly products with reusable or biodegradable packaging.
Important
In recognizing that assisting in research with wildlife has inherent dangers, you will be required to complete an Indemnity Form before undertaking any task.
How much does it cost?
Refer to our Price page . A minimum of 70% of your project contribution will go locally directly into the conservation projects.
What is included in the cost?
Cost includes accommodation, food, training, transportation within the project, project equipment and support unless stated otherwise. In addition a two day
camping trip per month to the Kruger National Park is included.
What is not covered in the cost?
Costs do not include phone, Internet access, spending money, international flights, travel to Lydenburg, departure tax, travel and medical insurance, medical
assessments and any other medical inoculations.
How do I book?
Email us to check availability and receive a application form.
Can I come with friends or as a couple?
Yes. Couples and friends are welcome.
How old is the average Volunteer?
The minimum age of Volunteers is 18, and there is no maximum.
What should I pack?
We will e-mail you a suggested packing list after confirming your booking for one of our projects.
Will I be met at the airport?
You are responsible for getting to Lydenburg. We can advise on the bus service that runs from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg airport code
JNB). We will meet you in Lydenburg and transfer to your project base.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is simple and rustic, clean and tidy but more basic than what you would expect on a luxury tourist holiday or guided tour. In most cases
accommodation will be in a simple room or tent. Such accommodation will suit people who enjoy nature, simplicity, quiet, and focused practical work.
What is the food like?
You will be responsible for your own cooking, so food will be as tasty as you make it!
Do I need to be physically fit?
Most projects require a moderate level of fitness.
Will I have Internet access?
There are no Internet facilities in the premises but we will take you once a week to the nearest town where Internet is available at the current local fees.
Are there laundry facilities?
You’ll be responsible for doing your own laundry at the laundry facilities in town.
Will I have any free time?
Yes, you’ll have one day per week completely off to relax. Town visits will be once per week when you can shop, use Internet, catch up on your laundry, and
explore the surrounding environments. Please come prepared to entertain yourself, as there will be no planned activities during time off.
Can I visit other areas and Game Reserves during my stay?
Yes. Our research assistants often arrange to visit other areas for a few days. This is at their own cost but we can assist with advice and help with local
arrangements.
What is involved in being a research assistant?
Camera trapping: We set motion activated cameras along game trails and paths to photograph passing animals. The resultant photographs are linked to a
GPS reference and used in compiling ID kits for major carnivore species as well as an input to our overall data base analysing animal movement and density.
Tracking: You will be given basic training in tracking and spoor recognition and thereafter be involved with foot surveys of our research areas.
Spoor casting: We take plaster casts of any worthwhile tracks. Then dependant on location, add them too or cross check against our ID kits, photographs,
existing data and ID kits, to map and area.
Wildlife Capture: We sometimes need to capture animals to fit GPS or VHF tracking collars before release back to their home range. This varies from Leopard
and Hyena to Serval and Caracal. You will be trained in the fundamentals of wildlife capture and if your assignment coincides with a capture program you will
actively assist with our work.
Monitoring via Telemetry: We are currently monitoring leopard and other species via GPS and VHF tracking collars. You will be trained in the use of telemetry
equipment prior to monitoring the movement of these animals.
School support: We support local rural schools and make regular visits to assist with things such as basic computer training and sports skills, but as important
is for the school children to meet other people from elsewhere.
Environmental improvements: We are based on the 6,000 Hectare Thaba Tholo reserve where from time to time we assist with alien plant control and
ecological improvements.
Where will I be based?
Our base in on the Thaba Tholo reserve approximately 20km's from Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. You will stay in our research base, normally sharing a two bed
permanent tent with shared ablutions. You help to set the menu for each week and asked to assist with cooking and general household chores on a rota basis,
maintaining a high standard of hygiene and tidiness. Due to it's isolated position, there is likely to be unreliable cell phone reception at your accommodation,
however there are various local hot spots where cell phone reception is available. Similarly Internet access is limited at best but there are Internet cafés in
Lydenburg.
We operate outside of formally protected area's where there are vitally important wildlife conservation issues to deal with. In these wild area's animals
(especially predators) are harder to view than in managed game reserves. Radio telemetry, tracks and camera trap pictures are used to monitor many
species.
Please note that on very rare occasions we may need to use raw meat as bait to assist in luring carnivores. We understand that some people prefer not to
come into contact with animal carcasses and therefore this element is optional. It goes without saying that no animals are killed for this purpose, rather we
utilise those that have died of natural causes or in accidents and are donated to the project by benevolent landowners.
What is the deal?
We will provide training and accommodation, together with a defined research aims and objectives for each individual. In return for this, volunteers will be
expected to conduct wildlife research as directed by the Project management.
Research Assistants are required to make there own way to Lydenburg South Africa.t.
Important
In recognizing that opting to assist in research with wildlife which has inherent dangers, you will be required to complete an Indemnity Form before undertaking
any task.
