Earthwatch: South Africa - Walking with African Wildlife

Survey populations of giraffes, zebras, elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife in world-class protected areas, including classic acacia woodland, bushveld, and forest. Volunteer on this Earthwatch Expedition in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa.

You will work in teams of two, yourself and an armed guard, walking eight-to-ten-kilometer transects through classic acacia woodland, bushveld, and forest, starting at first light of dawn. Walking over a diverse landscape ranging from rugged hills to gently undulating terrain, you will make every attempt to observe all wildlife, including the park's full complement of predators, along the way. When you spot a herd or individual of one of the 15 target herbivore species, you will record the species, herd size, compass bearing, and distance. This is a rare chance to walk through scenery most people only see from a Land Rover. Your data will inform appropriate management interventions, ensuring the diversity of wildlife species in one of Africa's oldest wildlife reserves. In the evening, you will gather around the campfire under southern constellations to share the day's encounters.