Facilitated Wildlife Research Internship in South Africa

My time with African Impact was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I was exposed to a lot of new experiences in areas of community outreach and engagement, as well as research and data collection. The outline of the program was well-thought out regarding the breadth of activities available to an intern. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in all aspects of the research, photography and community sectors. I was challenged with an independent approach to conservation research but found it satisfying to achieve.

I came here to research Giraffe and have been given plenty of support by all the staff at AI. Unfortunately lots of data that i could have used has been lost due to staff turnover but these things happen in research and you always have to have several backup plans.

I have had a great time with African Impact. I met so many people from all over the world. I learned a lot about the animals, more than I expected. The guides are great and take the time for you. The lodge staff takes great care about the accommodation and the good food!

From the time I stepped off the plane to the time it came for the 'goodbye train' of hugs and plans to meet again, I can safely say my experience with African Impact at Dumela Lodge could not have been better. The opportunities that have come about during my three months are huge, I have enjoyed living in the bush and with the wildlife around me. The food here is amazing both a mix of food from home and trying the traditional plates, I've fallen in love with Pap and Chakalaka. My room and on-suite has always been 'homey' and clean, air con during the summer season is a godsend too. The drives are always for-filling, especially the camp over at Balule, great way to be at one with the wildlife. Weekend trips come in a huge variety and I've not once been disappointed by any of them. I can call Dumela Lodge my home, for sure.

Dumela has become my home away from home. The guides and staff are now part of my extended family. Volunteers come and go as their stays are usually much smaller than mine but this has given me the opportunity to make many wonderful friends. The drives are always so much fun and you learn so much. This is a unbelievable experience that no one should pass up.

It was overall a great experience, African Impact is a well organised organisation. It immediately felt as my second home. Except for the cost of the internship and activities i enjoyed every little bit of it.

At this place the housing is very good, although it is quite expensive. There are a lot of activities to do in the weekends and a lot of opportunities to have a fun night at the lodge. You also meet many amazing people.

I did a twenty week internship at African Impact in the Greater Kruger area. It was an amazing experience where I will tell stories about for the rest of my life. As an intern you are involved in the volunteer activities and go almost daily on game drives. furthermore, you have your own research. The lodge is beautiful, the staff amazing! Also it is amazing to have the change to get to know people from all over the world and learn more about there culture as well. I will never forget my twenty week here and can recommend it to everybody!