Wildlife Research
Volunteer Activitites
As a volunteer, you will join the Selati Research Team and be directly involved in our daily tasks. Each volunteer’s contribution is heavily valued as we would not be able to carry out our conservation work without the extra hands. You will contribute to real conservation through:
- Hands-on fieldwork that supports the conservation management of the reserve
- Authentic engagement with a small group of passionate people
- Exposure to wildlife experts and day-to-day wildlife management practices
- An opportunity to contribute towards building a conservation legacy
OUR GOAL is to provide education around conservation and wildlife management, facilitate an unforgettable experience with memorable moments, and utilise your extra hands to help us conduct our conservation work.
Education – you will learn about…
Wildlife & Nature
Learn about the reserve’s ecology, biology and interesting animal behaviour.
Monitoring
Learn how to monitor animals with radio telemetry and GPS tracking, along with the traditional method of using tracks and sign.
Ecosystem
Understand the role that certain species have on the ecosystem.
Wildlife Management
Learn about how interactions among and between wildlife and its habitat influences the decisions taken to manage the reserve.
To make your adventure complete
Working in conservation is hard work, but the long and hot days are balanced with great fun and incredible sightings. We take time to explore the reserve through sundowners, climbing koppies, or even having a sleep-out in the middle of the bush! Braai, play games, and talk with like-minded people about wildlife & conservation.
There are lots of tourist attractions in the area surrounding Selati Game Reserve, including the world renowned Kruger National Park, and the scenic panoramic route. Upon request and availability we can organise excursions to a wide range of different local attractions. A set cost is charged per volunteer for each excursion.
From time to time, we enjoy a sleep out in the middle of the African bush under the open sky. We have a number of safe sleep out locations around the reserve, giving volunteers the chance to fall asleep under the stars and listen to the wild sounds of Africa. These experiences are subject to the availability of field guides.
Occasionally we go and visit Hoedspruit, play some soccer and eat out at local restaurants and pubs.
Sunday is Braai-Time! At least every sunday we braai and make a campfire to sit around talk about our adventures of the week.
We love a little competition during our game nights so feel free to bring some games to play!
A Day as a Volunteer
Summed up: Waking up to the sounds of nature, spending time in the bush and having fun in the evening. More in detail it means: Joining in on 2 game drives a day (one in the early morning & one late afternoon) where you will support us in the field – it’s where the magic happens. During the middle of the day, when temperatures are rising and the animals are hiding in shady spots, you will help us process data in the office. But don’t worry, you will also have enough time to relax, work on your own projects, read up on conservation topics or enjoy the animals visiting our waterhole in the camp.
| Time* | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5.30-10.00 |
Wake up & research drive (3-4 hours) |
| 10.00-12.00 | Back at camp & office time / relax (Processing data and your free-time) |
| 12.00-13.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00-15.30 | Office time / relax (Processing data and your free-time) |
| 15.30 -18.00 | Research drive / Sundowner (2-3 hours) (field work) |
| 18.30- | Dinner & Game-Night/ Campfire |
*: Time-Schedule can change due to weather, season and special tasks.
Volunteer Experiences
At the Heart of Conservation – Volunteering with a Wildlife Research Team in South Africa.
Celia, a german Selati Research Volunteer wrote a very interesting Blog about her time with us.
- THE ROLE OF SELATI RESEARCH
- THE RESEARCH CAMP
- A DAY AS VOLUNTEER
- A SPECIAL OPERATION
- ELEPHANT IMPACT SURVEY
- LEISURE TIME WELL SPENT
In September 2022 I got the chance to volunteer with Selati Research, a wildlife conservation and research program based in Selati Game Reserve. For a total of 3 weeks I joined the research team in their day-to-day duties and experienced first hand what it’s like to work as wildlife conservationist in the field. My absolute highlight during this time was the opportunity to take part in a very special field operation, where I got up close and personal with 2 wild lions. An experience I will never forget! Read more…
“Everything about my time at Selati was unforgettable—the people, the volunteers, the facilities, Lizka’s amazing cooking, the wildlife, Camelot, and those breathtaking sundowners!
Highlights like rhino dehorning, wild dog collaring, and the honey badger release made the experience even more special. Friday sundowners were a perfect way to take in the incredible views.
The rooms were great, the beds super comfy, and the showers spot on. The food was fantastic—always something for everyone, and Lizka’s milk tart is next level!
A huge thank you to everyone at Selati for an incredible stay—I’ll definitely be back!”
Leah Conway, from Ireland, volunteered with us in 2023 for 2 monthsFollow Selati Research on Social Media for more insights:
