Your chance to make a difference to Conservation!
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.
2025 two-week placement: Contribution of £800.
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:
University of Suffolk
22nd August – 2nd September 2024
Anna – Loved it! The coordinators had a wealth of knowledge of the Bush, living arrangements were everything they needed to be, comfy beds, stocked up kitchen! Wish I could stay longer.
Skye – Very fun, once in a lifetime experience with things you wouldn’t normally be able to do on a normal Reserve. Learnt lots of new skills.
Writtle
17th June – 2nd July 2024
Kayleigh – I would 100% recommend this trip, I enjoyed getting to experience the Reserve life outside the UK including the Wildlife, the people and their cultures and different activities involved with working on the Reserve. I overall had an amazing time and would love to return in the future.
Kiera – I loved my placement overall, it was very educational and I feel I have learnt a lot from being here, and I would definitely recommend it to people as I would also like to come back.
Rhianna – I most enjoyed on my placement was to do things I probably would never do at home like fire breaks and a chance to get close to animals I’ve only seen in a Zoo. Would absolutely recommend it!
Jessica – Loved being out on the Game Viewers seeing the animals and loved learning from the Intern Co-ordinators, loved all of the placement, really enjoyable and great staff.
East Coast Turing
30th April – 14th May 2024
Michelle – ‘It was such a lovely experience to be able to learn new things first-hand and see the cultural side.’
Ellie – ‘The placement was inviting, exciting and engaging, I’m very appreciative of the opportunity and couldn’t have imagined a better place to do it. It’s been an experience I’ll take with me forever. Thank you to everyone for being so hospitable and accepting.’
Tracy – ‘I have been waiting all my life for something like this and I cannot thank you enough for this amazing opportunity, I can’t describe how much I enjoyed it. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful.’
Alex – ‘Best placement! The staff are incredible, the animals were a great sight to see and the manual work was great!
Ben – ‘I feel so lucky to be here and all the staff have made it wonderful – Thank you.’