Wildlife conservation expedition on Karongwe Reserve

We run wildlife research expeditions on the Karongwe game Reserve and Venetia Limpopo Nature reserve, both in the Limpopo province. We have been working in conjunction with local partners since June 2000.

The aim of this research is to determine the impact of reintroduced mammals on game reserves and to develop some of this land into fenceless wilderness areas. The results are shared with the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve, which is funded by UNESCO. South Africa's Game reserves are of key importance to South Africa's natural heritage because they house over 55% of the natural life on the subcontinent.

Following an intensive training week with lectures on topics including animal behaviour and ecology and tuition in the use of telemetry, volunteers will participate in wildlife and vegetation monitoring projects, including assisting with the research on predator/prey interactions, elephant impact surveys, reserve mapping and wild dog breeding programmes. In some circumstances the team might get involved with the exciting work of darting and the fitting of radio tracking collars to lions and leopards.

Expedition Members that participate for 10 weeks will get the opportunity to experience both Karongwe and Venetia; 2 of South Africa’s finest reserves, spending 5 weeks in each location. Both bases have a satellite camp, located in the mountains. The fresh mountain scenery, varied flora and fauna and panoramic views provide a refreshing break from the heat of the bush.

This is a great opportunity to be part of an expedition that really is making a difference to the survival of Africa's natural heritage. You will be working towards a long term conservation strategy amongst staff whoare dedicated to their work. Not only is it a spectacular location for game and scenery but the training and experience of the African bush are second to none.

Leisure activities during your free time: Research is a priority although if time allows side trips can be arranged to various local attractions including; a reptile park, wildlife rehabilitation centres, mountain picnics and white water rafting (dependant on water levels). An action packed day as described by a volunteer.
The team woke to the dawn chorus. Those on camp duty turned on the water pump, while we made breakfast. Weighed down with water bottles and slippery with sun-cream we set off in the open vehicle to carryout our daily research tasks. Our group travelled over the undulating terrain, passing herds of impala and giraffe, in search of the elephant. We were using the radio telemetry techniques learnt in the training course, we are really getting the hang of it now.

We struggled today as the elephants seemed to have crossed the Makustswi River last night. It is flowing strongly now with the rains, so we had to take a long detour route to the only river crossing. On our journey we spotted 4 hippos wallowing in a pool, which we tried to identify and it took over 2 hours before we heard the elephants breaking branches. By now the temperature had soared and it was only 10am! As we were far from camp we had lunch in the middle of the bush. This afternoon we are tracking and monitoring Lion and setting up a photo transect.

We are all looking forward to sundowners this evening, followed by a hearty meal, a 'Braai' prepared on the open fire and bush stories under the African sky. Next weekend we are off on a two-day white water rafting safari. A great way to celebrate the end of the first 5 weeks of the expedition.