Savannah Conservation Volunteering, Eswatini (Swaziland)

Experience hands-on field research related to the conservation of savannah ecosystems in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly called Swaziland). Although savannahs are well-represented in African conservation areas, they are subjected to increasing degradation as a result of human influences, including land use and climate change. Well known for large charismatic game such as elephants, rhinos, and lions, there are a variety of smaller species that are threatened and are arguably more critical to the functioning of savannahs.

Depending on priorities and active studies at the time of participation, volunteers may study vegetation, bats, hyenas, small predators (like mongoose, genets, and jackal), rodents, ungulates (such as giraffe and antelope), reptiles, birds, and other plant and animal life in Eswatini’s Lubombo Conservancy. They will examine the interface among commercial agriculture, rural communities, and protected areas in this Southern African region and learn from our experienced conservationists. They will be based at our Savannah Research Centre and camp in the private Mbuluzi Game Reserve, working at the Mlawula Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park located nearby.