Volunteer: Crocodile and Terrestrial Herpetofaunal Surveys
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.
Ready to dive deeper into this program?
Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 2-4 Weeks
- 1-2 Years
- Birdwatching
- Eco Tours
- Ecology
- Hiking
- Nature Tours
- Safari
- Student Tours
- Tours
- Animal Welfare
- Biological Research
- Conservation
- Eco-Tourism
- Environment
- Parks
- Wildlife
Updated Nov 5, 2025
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
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about African Biodiversity Research Expeditions
Be the first to review African Biodiversity Research Expeditions
If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.
Review this ProgramInquire
Inquire about this program
Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
834 reviews
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.96
27 reviews
The ranch is home to over 90 species of animals and reptiles and is one of the largest cheetah breeding centers in the world. The ranch is intern...

Penda Photo Tours
4.75
8 reviews
Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, So...
Have more questions?
We're here to help!
The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and African Biodiversity Research Expeditions is also happy to answer any questions you have.
Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997