Join Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable international internship organization, and invest in your future with a Reserve Management & Research Internship at Kruger National Park.

The Reserve Management & Research internship in Balule, Greater Kruger Park, combines reserve management experience with specialized project activities. This dynamic approach provides interns with a real-world opportunity to gain scientific mentorship and learn practical new skills related to fieldwork, data and ecology.

Interns are accommodated in dormitory style accommodation at Rusermi Camp, located within Kruger National Park’s Balule Game Reserve. The camp is located about 50 kilometres from Hoedspruit and runs beside the Olifants River. The laidback site has a true safari feel - it is not uncommon to see African wildlife grazing throughout the day. There are sweeping views over the Olifants River and distant Drakensberg mountains, with large trees providing ample shade from the afternoon heat.

Eligibility requirement

This internship is perfect for those who are passionate about animals and wildlife conservation. Previous training or experience is not required, since interns are closely guided by Fields Guides and a dedicated Field Training Coordinator. However, due to the project work of this internship, it is recommended that all participants have some relevant academic background and willingness to apply themselves to the research components of the program, in addition to practical fieldwork activities. High School graduates aged 18+ are welcome to apply. All interns must have an adequate level of fitness given the physical nature of the work.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

What's Included

This program ranges from 4-12 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes sourcing of your internship placement, personalization of your project plan, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. For a full list of our transparent fees, check out our website.
 
This location of this internship, at Balule, Greater Kruger Park, provides a coveted wildlife experience, which could only be described as “once in a lifetime”. Base camp is located right on the Olifants River, where you have a prime view to spy the resident wildlife. Interns work closely with resident Fields Guides and a dedicated Field Training Coordinator, to assist with daily reserve management priorities, while tackling an especially assigned research project. This is a hands-on internship in Africa, where you should come prepared to gain practical fieldwork experience, in one of Africa’s most renowned environments.

Reserve Management activities

A day-to-day component of this internship is related to reserve management activities, which you contribute to alongside wildlife conservation volunteers. These activities provide general insight into conservation priorities. You can expect to cover an introductory period at the beginning of your program, where resident Field Guides will teach you about life on the reserve. This involves learning about best practices for reserve management, basic bush ecology training, and gaining an overall understanding of how your efforts contribute to long-term goals and conservation priorities. Tasks are related to:

• Bush craft (i.e. learning about animal identification and behavior, dealing with potentially dangerous game, orientation and navigation techniques, and basic bush skills for health and safety).
• Game drives and camera trapping (i.e. monitoring of rare and endangered species, location and mapping of injured animals by vehicle patrols, vulture nest monitoring, etc).
• Reserve management general labor (i.e. assisting with road maintenance, assisting with bush and alien plant clearing, helping with erosion control measures, fence line patrols, disaster management strategies to mitigate drought, flooding, storms, wildfires, etc).
• Vegetation sampling and habitat assessments.
• Assisting with long term biodiversity surveys.

It’s important to keep in mind that reserve management activities include manual labor. The type of conservation activities you may be involved with is very dependent on dynamic variables, such as weather and environmental conditions, seasonality, animal behavior, etc. All interns need to be flexible with the kind of reserve management activities you’ll be involved with. The above list provides a guide but activities are seasonal and day-to-day itineraries will be determined by the on-site Field Guides, who will plan according to conservation priorities, weather conditions, and other factors.
 
Intern Abroad HQ's South Africa programs are available year-round, with the Monday start date of your choice.

Intern Abroad HQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration on our website.

We match you with innovative and entrepreneurial host organizations around the world that give you the opportunity to make a real contribution on high-impact projects with the support of travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.

Gain valuable international career experience that will boost your employability in a volatile job market.

Our experiential learning approach provides a structured and guided platform for you to think critically about your experiences on your internship. It accelerates and deepens your learning by asking self-reflective questions around the contexts, actions, and outcomes of your placement.

Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record with University of Montana that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.

Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.

• Select your start date & duration: All Intern Abroad HQ programs are available year-round and you can choose to intern for durations on this program ranging from 4 to 12 weeks.
• Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Deposit.
• Pay your Balance: This is only due 60 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 60 days before you start.