Participants will get involved in the following activities:
- Wildlife population studies
- Vegetation population studies
- Erosion control
- Alien vegetation clearance

Wildlife population studies

There will be morning and evening game drives to capture data on animals including: species, identifying marks, numbers, location, sex, age, condition, time-date, activity and food source. The data captured will provide wildlife managers with useful data for monitoring changes in population densities and dynamics and can be correlated against local conditions and disturbance regimes, including droughts and fires.

Vegetation population studies

Participants will conduct canopy and base cover surveys on foot in pre-determined sites to assess vegetation density and the reserves carrying capacity. This information will provide an insight into changes of primary production of the reserve and will be correlated with animal movements. The impact of the elephant population will also be assessed.

Alien Vegetation Clearance

Over many years a number of non-indigenous species have been introduced to South Africa for a variety of reasons, from agriculture to gardening. Participants will help in identifying these species and, where appropriate, removing them.

Erosion control measures Such as building gullies etc.

A ranger will conduct all driving and as well as protecting the safety of the participants they will ensure the validity, consistency and continuity of the data and assist with identifying various flora and fauna. They are also a mine of information, anecdotes and stories about conservation, Africa and a host of other topics!

Game Drives are conducted in a vintage Land Rover, affectionately known as ‘Scorocoro’ (which translates as ‘heap of junk’). Whilst at 35 years old it won’t be used on public roads, it is perfect for the reserve and adds a real touch of nostalgia! For more information on data capture methodology please click here.

Other activities

On rest days there will be the opportunity to head into the nearest town (Hoedspruit) to do some shopping, catch up on emails or simply relax with a book and a coffee! We also provide optional day trips to take in some of the sights in the surrounding area, including into the National Park or the Blyde River Canyon. We charge a nominal fee (in Rands and payable locally) to cover fuel and details will be provided on arrival.

Camp Maintenance

We provide a cook / camp manager to undertake some of the day to day activities such as cooking, so freeing up participants to get involved in the interesting stuff. However, some assistance will be required with camp chores such as collecting firewood, path clearance and (unfortunately) washing dishes!