Lion, Rhino and Elephant Monitoring Expedition in South Africa

  South Africa

Johannesburg,  Mpumalanga,  Phalaborwa

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: Set in over 30,000 hectares of African wilderness this project in particular will delight wildlife lovers with rhinos, elephants and leopards all wandering by (but hopefully not too close!). Lions will be your primary focus though, and you'll have the opportunity to actively monitor a lion pride and get up close to these amazing animals. Recently the research has expanded to include Rhinos and Elephants and these studies are combined with the focus on the Lions in the reserve making for an even richer experience. Your help is vital for the immediate and long term success of the project, so your contribution, like your memories, will last long after you return home.

*What does the project do?
The Research programme was developed in 2004 with the main focus to monitor behaviour patterns, movement and the impact on prey and predator species that the reintroduced lions have on the reserve. The aim of the lion monitoring expedition is to learn more about their behaviour and produce a detailed report that will enable reserve owners and managers to determine the carrying capacity and sustainability of large predators on the reserve. Recently the research has been expanded to include Rhino and Elephant studies within the reserve creating a more detailed picture of the interaction between the different species. In addition the research programme is currently expanding and is hoping to incorporate leopard and other mammal research of a similar nature as well as helping the reserve monitor its vegetation communities.

*What you'll gain from the experience
This is a unique opportunity to get involved with a pioneering research programme and gain knowledge from highly trained staff; remember you are not just observing the research but also actually doing it! This is a chance for you to learn skills such as tracking collared lions using radio telemetry, navigation techniques, using a GPS, animal identification and gain an awareness of the fauna and flora in the area.

*Why does the project need volunteers?
The results of the research you'll be helping with and your direct involvement in the project will allow reserve managers to make well-informed decisions about how to manage the lions and the ungulate populations of the game reserve. Your project fee not only goes towards your food, accommodation, and full training but also is also crucial in funding and maintaining the research programme.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Tracking the lions every day - probably the most exclusive safari in the world!
* Experiencing a genuine African 'bush experience
* Getting up close to amazing wildlife

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:

You must have an interest in animals and research and be prepared to spend many hours observing lion behaviour. Hours will be based upon the animal's movement, so you must expect early mornings and late nights. With guidance, you will learn how to use all the relevant equipment and will be trained in all areas of data collection and input. You should be prepared to get involved in all areas of the research and base logistics, as we will all work a team. The project is expanding so expect you may be part of a team working towards collaring and habituating leopards for new research initiatives, when you are not monitoring the lions.

Your role as a volunteer:

Once trained, you will generally be out in the game drive vehicle twice a day, tracking, spotting and then observing and recording the lions' behaviour. The hours vary, depending on their movement and activity, so you could be out late into the night. During the heat of the day, you will find yourself entering the data you have collected from the field, becoming involved in reserve or house maintenance or getting involved with the other research programmes conducted on the reserve.

Cost in US$: USD 2195.00 for 2 weeks, USD 660.00 for every week thereafter

* Shared dormitory room in volunteer house on reserve
* Food: Self-catering - food provided
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

When you go on an i-to-i Venture we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994