Your chance to make a difference to Conservation with a placement at UmPhafa!
Two-week placement: Contribution of £800.
We are pleased to be able to offer a special two week programme with 10 places available to book for each two week placement. Whether you are a recent graduate, in employment or retired, this is a fantastic opportunity for those who are keen to lend a hand to nature and explore a beautiful part of the world outside of our usual busy season.
Over the two weeks you will be involved in every aspect of the reserves management, including: Animal studies, game counts, reserve maintenance, field patrols, data collection and night drives. You will also have opportunities to explore the local landscape and get immersed in local culture.
This in itself is much more fulfilling than simply visiting Africa as a tourist and you will have the satisfaction of being close to the animals, knowing that your contribution is having a direct influence on the wellbeing of the flora and fauna of UmPhafa Reserve.
We are looking for those who are committed and passionate about nature and are not afraid of a bit of hard work. Applicants must be prepared for physical work in South African summer temperatures (Activities will be tailored daily to try to suit the mean temperature). A full kit list is provided in the pack.
Check out the video below created by Emma Barker, who spent three months on UmPhafa.
Please contact wendy@colchesterzoo.org for information about our Internship dates.
– Airport pick-up and drop off (Durban King Shaka airport)
– Experienced staff
– Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared dorm rooms)
– WiFi at the accommodation
– All meals
– Welcome induction and location orientation
– All necessary project equipment and materials
– Research training
– Wildlife identification techniques
– Teamwork experience
– 24-hour in-country support
– Confidential professional reference (where requested)
– Medical and travel insurance
– Visa costs (if necessary)
– Personal kit
– Extra local excursions and personal shopping
Apply Here
Download our application form
Please send your completed internship application form and an introductory email to:
wendy@colchesterzoo.org
Testimonial:
Eleanor (June 2025)
“Amazing, I really enjoyed the experience and the range in day to day activities was great. Thank you so much for this incredible, once in a lifetime experience.”
Ellie (June 2025)
“Great place providing a perfect environment for multiple species along with conservation. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and the accommodation was very cozy and fitting.”
Hannah (June 2025)
“Overall the placement has been an invaluable experience which has granted me the opportunity to witness conservation in action. It has been a long term dream of mine to visit South Africa and I have not been disappointed. The internship has been incredible and I will cherish the memories I have made from this trip.”
Irah (June 2025)
“This has been an amazing experience that has taught me a lot about this industry, which I hope to be involved in. I would love to return to Umphafa.”
Katie T (September – October 2024)
“My placement was for 2 weeks, I would have liked to stay longer. I’ve really enjoyed my time and would of loved to have more time to experience more. I have learnt a lot of valuable skills. Thank you very much for letting me have the opportunity to come and volunteer at UmPhafa, and hope that all your continuous efforts to preserve and maintain this fascinating nature reserve carries on to protect it’s species for years to come.”
Katie A (September – October 2024)
“I found 2 weeks a good amount of time. It gave me the opportunity to fit in a trip like this around my full-time job and still felt like I experienced a lot. Thank you for an amazing trip.”
Andy (September 2024)
“I could not have asked for a more positive 2 weeks. From pick up, to game capture, to cooking, to game count, maintenance and outside activities, it has been an experience I will not forget.”