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Volunteer: Crocodile and Terrestrial Herpetofaunal Surveys

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$600-900Program Costs
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Program Overview

The Pongola Game Reserve is a private wildlife reserve situated along the Pongolapoort Dam in northern KwaZulu-Natal province. This program encompasses monthly Nile crocodile daytime and spotlight counts, as well as terrestrial herpetofaunal surveys, which are conducted for a week each month during low moonlight conditions.

The terrestrial habitat consists of thornveld savanna. Crocodile counts are conducted from a boat. Herpetological assessments rely on pitfall and funnel trap arrays, which are checked twice a day.

Volunteers are transported across the protected area in an open-backed vehicle. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including hippos, ostriches, and several game species, which are frequently sighted during field activities. Elephants and leopards are occasionally observed.

The program runs from November 16 to 23, 2025; December 14 to 21, 2025; January 18 to 25, 2026; and February 15 to 22, 2026. Accommodation, food, and transportation from the Richards Bay airport are included in the participation price.

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Program Highlights

Have the opportunity to do day-time and spotlight boat counts of the nile crocodile.
See various species of African wildlife, like elephants, hippos, and leopards.
Be part of groundbreaking environmental research that will be published in peer-reviewed scientific articles.
Receive training for setting pitfall and funnel traps for herpetological surveys, identification skills, as well as other monitoring skills.
Experience hands-on fieldwork in South Africa to use as a reference for future environmental science jobs.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Required Equipment
Training

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • South Africa

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

All Ages

Duration

  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 1-2 Years

Starts At

$600-900

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