Swaziland Savannah Conservation

Past conservation efforts have focused on reversing the decline of large game, but their habitats and smaller species are also becoming increasingly threatened.

Volunteer Role

As a volunteer, you will investigate the ecology of savannah species, getting involved in research and hands on conservation in northeastern Swaziland.

For example, the raptors and predators that are at the top of the food chain suffer from the increasing effects of the degrading of savannahs, yet they can roam massive distances and are therefore exposed to a variety of threats. Also, relatively little is know about bats and reptiles, which both play an important role in the ecosystem, and often become overlooked.

The project has uncovered important findings about the conservation of savannah species and without this, some of these species may be lost. The project has identified the species that can be used as general indicators of the health of the savannah ecosystem. Therefore the main focuses on the project will be on:

Monitoring rhinos and elephants in order to identify their activity patterns and changes in social structure
Monitoring threatened birds and bats, in particular their movement and reproduction.
Monitoring of tortoise movements and activity.
Surveying threatened plants (some of which are not found anywhere else in the world) to monitor reproductive success and survival.

Location

The Lubombo Conservancy area, North-Eastern Swaziland.

Accommodation and Meals

Your accommodation will vary, depending on the time that you are there and the project needs.

You will either be staying in a rustic cottage or camping out in tents in a National Park, where you will experience the excitement of the bush, by getting back-to basics.

You will have access to communal bathrooms and kitchen facilities. You will be provided with 3 meals a day.

Programme Overview

Price:
2 weeks £899, 3 weeks £1199, 4 weeks £1495, 8 weeks £2195, 12 weeks £2695

How to book & pay:
£195 deposit to secure place, balance due 12 weeks before departure

What is included?
Airport transfer
Project Fee
Orientation
Savannah Conservation work
Camping equipment when required
Meals
Accommodation
Pre-departure assistance
24 hour support

What is not included?
Flights
Insurance
Any extra activities
Souvenirs and personal items
Email, internet or phone access
Soft drinks and alcohol

Programme Summary:
Your volunteer work will help with the understanding of the ecology of African savannahs and their threatened species, by monitoring important indicator species.
Other Swaziland Programmes

Programme start dates:
This project starts on the first monday of every month (not available in December).

Swaziland Travel Advice:
Visit our Swaziland Travel Advice page for useful travel information.

Ask a question

If there's anything you'd like to know, call 01892 516 164
or complete the form below and we'll be able to help.