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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