JOIN US

Take the first step into a Conservation Career

At our research centre, we take on students (interns and placements) and volunteers for a range of projects in wildlife and education. Currently, we have three separate structures for participants. We are accepting ongoing applications for all three and have no official deadlines. Please click on any of the links on the below to learn more about volunteering with us.

General Volunteering

Any Duration

Typically for non-academic applicants. If you are just looking to contribute to conservation research by volunteering with us. No skills required - just enthusiasm for nature!

Long Term

2 months +

Typically for university students and graduates looking for medium to long term work experience. Generally forms part of an academic program or research project requirement.

Short Term

Special Projects

Short term highly condensed programs for graduates and students seeking short term placements or assistant roles. No special VISA requirements. Typically for ENVT students

Training and guidance

All research assistants will receive full training for each activity prior to commencing any data collection. Data collection can involve travelling to other farms in the area from our base at Campfornis. If you have a full manual driving license and are happy to help with driving the project vehicle, please let us know in your application.

Workdays can sometimes start with leaving before sunrise and coming back after sunset, but more often the days are split into morning and afternoon shifts. However, with only two project vehicles, all our assistants need to coordinate and may sometimes have to wait for a pick up. Each assistant’s schedule will vary from week to week and will be different to other assistant schedules. We do not have set days off but will depend on what research is taking place when you join us.

For FAQ’s click here

VOLUNTEER

Volunteering is critical to conservation and research in South Africa as it provides essential manpower and resources to protect the region’s unique biodiversity.

Volunteers contribute to habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and anti-poaching efforts, which are vital for the survival of endangered species.

Additionally, they support scientific research by collecting data and assisting in field studies, helping to advance our understanding of ecosystems and inform effective conservation strategies. Their involvement raises awareness and fosters a global commitment to preserving South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations.

We are looking for volunteers who are excited to make an active contribution to the project. Volunteering positions are open-ended, but the longer the better! Most volunteers will work primarily on one of our long-term projects and assist with general activities or other projects when possible. We are open to your background, what is important is that you are passionate about wildlife, conservation or education.

To volunteer with us, having specific experience can be beneficial, but it is not a strict requirement. Here are some key aspects:

1. Passion for Conservation: A strong interest in wildlife and environmental protection is essential.
2. Basic Physical Fitness: Conservation work can be physically demanding, involving tasks like hiking, manual labour, and long hours outdoors.
3. Relevant Education/Background: While not required, a background in biology, environmental science, ecology, or related fields can be helpful.
4. Previous Volunteer Experience: Experience in conservation or similar volunteer activities can be advantageous.
5. Willingness to Learn: Being open to training and willing to follow instructions from conservation professionals.
6. Teamwork Skills: The ability to work well in a team, as many conservation projects require collaboration.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to new environments and situations, including living conditions that may be rustic or remote.

We provide training and orientation, so even if you lack specific experience, your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute will be enough to get started.

Volunteers and students are responsible for their own:

  • International flights (if applicable)
  • Domestic travel to Polokwane
  • Travel insurance
  • Food

Accommodation fees
We have a fixed and non-refundable monthly accommodation fee of R 9,000 per month

for days in excess of a full month after the initial two months have passed is R 296 per night and a daily rate of R 350 per day for stays shorter than 60 days.

Volunteer assistants are required to pay for the total amount of days that they have committed to, which can be discussed and agreed upon. Your accommodation invoice will be sent prior to arrival and can be paid electronically to the AWCRC prior to arrival or within your first week.

The accommodation fee covers:

  1. Accommodation equipped with hot showers, flushing toilets, a gas stove, fridge and freezer, drinkable tap water, gas and use of a washing machine
  2. The use of scientific equipment when it is available
  3. Training, supervision and support
  4. Internet
  5. Transport to Alldays for grocery shopping
  6. Transport to Alldays or Polokwane for medical emergencies

There are no banking services in Alldays, but there are a number of ATMs where you can draw money. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are all accepted at ATMs and stores, however we recommend that you bring some cash just in case.

1-6 Months
Most tourists and visitors will receive a free visa on arrival for 90 days. You can check on the official Home Affairs website here to see whether your country is covered (passport type = ordinary). You will receive a Temporary Visitor’s Permit on arrival that allows you to stay (but not do paid work) in South Africa for 90 days.
If you are volunteering for more than three months (90 days) or would like to travel after volunteering, you can renew your Temporary Visitor’s Permit in South Africa for up to an additional 90 days. You must apply for your renewal within 30 days of arriving.

Documents Required:

  1. Appointment letter
  2. Application form including the check list and VAF
    Proof of application payment
  3. The proof of sufficient available financial means (i.e. bank statements)
  4. Brief letter explaining why you want to extend.
  5. Letter of apology if you have applied for your visa after your initial 30 days in country.
  6. A valid return air flight ticket or proof of reservation thereof
  7. Valid passport AND a scan of your valid passport which expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
  8. Scan of your arrival visa stamp
  9. Proof of accommodation (provided by us)

6+ Months
In your home country you can apply for a Visitor’s Volunteer Visa for volunteer work for up to three years. This visa process can take up to 90 working days so please ensure you apply for all of your necessary documents (see below) six months in advance. You can apply for this visa here.

Documents Required:

  1. Duly completed online form. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by Department of Home Affairs.
  2. Valid passport which expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
  3. The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days prior to the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
  4. A valid return air flight ticket or proof of reservation thereof
  5. The proof of sufficient available financial resources contemplated in section 11(1)(b) of the Act in the form of a recently bank certified statement, for the last three months.
  6. A medical report.
  7. A radiological report.
  8. Statement or documentation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit in terms of regulation 11(1)(a)
  9. Where the application is for the attendance of an activity or event, include a letter from the organisation under whose control the activity or event will take place, confirming such attendance and whether or not the foreigner will be remunerated, and if remunerated, the amount of the remuneration.
  10. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area)
  11. Proof of payment of the applicable fee
  12. Original Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years except for South Africa, in respect of criminal records or the character of that applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required from a foreign country in the case of renewal or extension of a visa)
I'd like to volunteer!

LONG TERM

We welcome students from universities who want to carry out a professional placement or internship for their undergraduate degree, master’s degree or PhD. Your project can either be one from our list or a project you come up with yourself that falls in line with our aims. We will support you through the process, but the data collection needs of the project are prioritised over personal projects. As such, the time you are allocated to work on your personal project, aside from data collection, may be restricted. This may mean that you will have to focus on data analysis and writing up during your time off or when you return to your home country. Assistants completing such projects will be expected to give a short presentation of their methods and results to staff and other research assistants before they leave.

We recommend that you apply for your voluntary position at least six months before you are due to begin to ensure enough time for paperwork, visas and that there are positions available for your start date.

Long-term job placements or internships in conservation is instrumental in building a successful and impactful career in this the conservation of natural sciences fields. It offers stability, which is essential for professional growth and developing expertise. As conservation efforts often require sustained, consistent effort to address complex ecological issues, long-term roles enable aspiring professionals to see projects through from inception to completion, ensuring more effective and meaningful outcomes.

Long term positions are typically aimed at students in the process of completing thier degree or course and require a placement or research project as part of thier curriculum requirements

Additionally, long-term job placement provides opportunities for ongoing professional development. Conservation is a dynamic field, and long-term roles often come with access to training  and other resources that help individuals stay current with the latest scientific advancements and conservation techniques. This ongoing learning is critical for career advancement and for maintaining the effectiveness of conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.

In essence, long-term job placement in conservation not only enhances individual career trajectories but also contributes to more robust and sustained conservation outcomes. It allows professionals to build the expertise, relationships, and resilience needed to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Their involvement raises awareness and fosters a global commitment to preserving South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations.

Requirements for Long-Term Job Placements or Internships in Conservation

  1. Duration
    • Placements usually serve as a sandwich year and range from 5-12 months. Your university may require you to carry out data collection for your dissertation or to rotate through several projects to gain a wide range of experience and skills.
    • Internships are usually carried out over one semester and range from 6-12 weeks, but they can sometimes be longer depending on your university’s requirements. Interns usually develop their own specific research question with our guidance to assist on a pre-existing project or on their own smaller research project. We welcome interns who are happy to design their own study with our guidance. 

  2. Academic and Professional Background
    • Enrolled in or recently completed a degree or course in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, environmental science, conservation, or a related discipline.
    • Completion of a placement or research project as part of curriculum requirements.
  3. Project Involvement
    • Active participation in long-term conservation projects, seeing them through from inception to completion.
    • Ability to contribute to sustained efforts addressing complex ecological issues.
  4. Skill Development
    • You want to achieve proficiency in field research techniques, data collection and analysis, habitat management, and other relevant skills. 
    • You want development of specialized expertise in specific areas of conservation.
  5. Collaboration and Networking
    • Orientated towards collaboration with other professionals, researchers, and stakeholders to enhance conservation efforts is essential.
  6. Commitment to Conservation Goals
    • Demonstrated passion and commitment to conservation goals and the preservation of natural heritage.
    • Active contribution to raising awareness and fostering a global commitment to environmental preservation through education efforts with local communities.
  7. Adaptability and Resilience
    • Ability to adapt to changing conditions and challenges in the field.
    • Demonstrated resilience in the face of setbacks and a commitment to achieving long-term conservation outcomes.
  8. Ethical and Professional Standards
    • Adherence to ethical and professional standards in all aspects of conservation work.
    • Commitment to responsible and sustainable conservation practices.
  9. Documentation and Reporting
    • Regular documentation and reporting of project progress, outcomes, and impacts.
    • Contribution to scientific publications, reports, and presentations as required.
  10. Communication Skills
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective dissemination of research findings and conservation messages.
    • Ability to engage with diverse audiences, including local communities, policymakers, and the general public.

By aspiring to meet these requirements, individuals in long-term conservation placements can build successful and impactful careers, contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes, and play a vital role in addressing pressing environmental challenges and impactful careers, contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes, and play a vital role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Volunteers and students are responsible for their own:

  • International flights (if applicable)
  • Domestic travel to Polokwane
  • Travel insurance
  • Food

Accommodation fees
We have a fixed and non-refundable monthly accommodation fee of R 9,000 per month

for days in excess of a full month after the initial two months have passed is R 296 per night

Volunteer assistants are required to pay for the total amount of days that they have committed to, which can be discussed and agreed upon. Your accommodation invoice will be sent prior to arrival and can be paid electronically to the AWCRC prior to arrival or within your first week.

The accommodation fee covers:

Accommodation equipped with hot showers, flushing toilets, a gas stove, fridge and freezer, drinkable tap water, gas and use of a washing machine
The use of scientific equipment when it is available
Training, supervision and support
Internet
Transport to Alldays for grocery shopping
Transport to Alldays or Polokwane for medical emergencies

There are no banking services in Alldays, but there are a number of ATMs where you can draw out money. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are all accepted at ATMs and stores, however we recommend that you bring some cash just in case.

1-6 Months
Most tourists and visitors will receive a free visa on arrival for 90 days. You can check on the official Home Affairs website here to see whether your country is covered (passport type = ordinary). You will receive a Temporary Visitor’s Permit on arrival that allows you to stay (but not work) in South Africa for 90 days.
If you are volunteering for more than three months (90 days) or would like to travel after volunteering, you can renew your Temporary Visitor’s Permit in South Africa for up to an additional 90 days. You must apply for your renewal within 30 days of arriving.

Documents Required:

  1. Appointment letter
  2. Application form including the check list and VAF
    Proof of application payment
  3. The proof of sufficient available financial means (i.e. bank statements)
  4. Brief letter explaining why you want to extend.
  5. Letter of apology if you have applied for your visa after your initial 30 days in country.
  6. A valid return air flight ticket or proof of reservation thereof
  7. Valid passport AND a scan of your valid passport which expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
  8. Scan of your arrival visa stamp
  9. Proof of accommodation (provided by us)

6+ Months
In your home country you can apply for a Visitor’s Volunteer Visa for volunteer work for up to three years. This visa process can take up to 90 working days so please ensure you apply for all of your necessary documents (see below) six months in advance. You can apply for this visa here.

Documents Required:

  1. Duly completed online form. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by Department of Home Affairs.
  2. Valid passport which expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
  3. The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days prior to the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
  4. A valid return air flight ticket or proof of reservation thereof
  5. The proof of sufficient available financial resources contemplated in section 11(1)(b) of the Act in the form of a recently bank certified statement, for the last three months.
  6. A medical report.
  7. A radiological report.
  8. Statement or documentation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit in terms of regulation 11(1)(a)
  9. Where the application is for the attendance of an activity or event, include a letter from the organisation under whose control the activity or event will take place, confirming such attendance and whether or not the foreigner will be remunerated, and if remunerated, the amount of the remuneration.
  10. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area)
  11. Proof of payment of the applicable fee
  12. Original Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years except for South Africa, in respect of criminal records or the character of that applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required from a foreign country in the case of renewal or extension of a visa)
Apply for a long term placement

Special Projects

If you are looking for short term research projects for school or university this is the role for you. Typically, these placements requirements are for 6 weeks or less and have very specific academic outcomes in mind.

Due to the (very) compressed nature of these types of internships and placements they are not as flexible as some of our other programs. They generally also require us to do more than the usual amount of supervision and time management.

For these roles we suggest a fair bit of reliance on specific projects that have a lot of historic data already available. Animals are not so predictable that we can guarantee you will get all the data you need from scratch. We have many long standing projects that can be used for this purpose and we always welcome new perspectives!

There is always something new to find…even in the archives!

We have successfully accommodated many students in this role, and we are regularly approached by the École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse in this regard.

Placement Requirements

  1. Academic Focus
    • Projects must have very specific academic outcomes in mind.
    • Suitable for students seeking short-term research projects for school or university. Usually this is defined by coursework you are already familiar with.
  2. Flexibility
    • Limited flexibility compared to other programs due to the compressed nature of these internships and placements.
    • Minimum data collection time of 4 weeks (please speak with us beforehand to determine optimal periods based on your requirements – there may be seasonal variability)
  3. Supervision and Time Management
    • Higher levels of supervision and time management are required compared to other programs. Make sure you are well aware of your universities requirement and it is always beneficial to try and get hold of example projects from previous years students so we can see exactly what you are trying to achive.
    • More oversight and structured schedules are necessary.
  4. Project Selection
    • Preference for projects with substantial historical data already available.
    • Due to the unpredictability of working with animals, reliance on existing data is recommended to ensure that academic needs are met.

Additional Recommendations

  1. Preparation
    • Students should clearly define their academic objectives and desired outcomes before starting the placement.
    • Familiarize themselves with existing data and background information related to the project.
  2. Communication
    • Maintain regular communication with supervisors to ensure alignment with academic goals.
    • Proactively seek guidance and feedback throughout the placement.
  3. Resource Utilization
    • Make effective use of available resources and historical data to support research findings.
    • Understand the limitations and constraints of fieldwork and working with live animals especially in limited timeframes.
  4. Institutional Coordination
    • Institutions and students should coordinate closely with the placement organization to align expectations and objectives.
    • Ensure all necessary documentation and approvals are in place before commencing the placement.

By adhering to these requirements and recommendations, students can make the most of their short-term conservation research placements, achieving their academic goals while contributing to meaningful projects.

Volunteers and students are responsible for their own:

  • International flights (if applicable)
  • Domestic travel to Polokwane
  • Travel insurance
  • Food
  • Accommodation fees

We have a fixed and non-refundable minimum accommodation fee of R 18000,00 for programs up to 2 months or daily for R 430 per day for projects shorter than 6 weeks (42 days).

Volunteer assistants are required to pay for the total amount of days that they have committed to, which can be discussed and agreed upon. Your accommodation invoice will be sent prior to arrival and can be paid electronically to the AWCRC prior to arrival or within your first week.

The accommodation fee covers:

Accommodation equipped with hot showers, flushing toilets, a gas stove, fridge and freezer, drinkable tap water, gas and use of a washing machine
The use of scientific equipment when it is available
Training, supervision and support
Internet
Transport to Alldays for grocery shopping
Transport to Alldays or Polokwane for medical emergencies

There are no banking services in Alldays, but there are a number of ATMs where you can draw out money. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are all accepted at ATMs and stores, however we recommend that you bring some cash just in case.

1-6 Months
Most tourists and visitors will receive a free visa on arrival for 90 days. You can check on the official Home Affairs website here to see whether your country is covered (passport type = ordinary). You will receive a Temporary Visitor’s Permit on arrival that allows you to stay (but not do paid work) in South Africa for 90 days.
If you are planning for more than three months (90 days) or would like to travel after completing your project, you can renew your Temporary Visitor’s Permit in South Africa for up to an additional 90 days. You must apply for your renewal within 30 days of arriving.

Apply for short term placement

additional info

Below you can find everything related to your planned trip to South Africa. Everything you may need before and after your arrival is probably covered in the 5 sections below, from what to pack to what to read and ,importantly, how to stay safe in the African bush! hopefully this is the start of a wonderful conservation career and we can’t wait to meet you!

1

Hazards, Health and Safety

There is a range of potential hazards associated with working at an African research centre. You will receive an orientation on field health and safety upon arrival and will be asked to sign an indemnity form.

More

Orientation topics covered will include what to do in an emergency, how to behave when encountering different wildlife, procedures to undertake in a snake bite incident, insect hazards on site, and how to avoid and prevent problems.

There has never been an incident at the research centre, and we are proud of our safety record. The area does not pose any elevated risks if the simple guideline we supply is adhered to.

All transport is undertaken by the official AWCRC vehicles. These are kept in good repair and regularly inspected for defects. Travel distance is short for the most part and the roads we use are in good repair. While the use of a vehicle is never risk-free it poses no greater risk than in any other part of the world if driving is done responsibly!

The most likely hazards you will encounter in the Alldays Area are climate and wildlife. With regards to wildlife, you will be working in areas with big game species, including leopard and Cape buffalo. In addition, venomous snakes, ticks, scorpions and other biting and stinging insects are present at the field sites. Phobias of snakes, spiders and other insects would pose a problem for assistants and make participation in this experience uncomfortable or impossible.

Concerning the climate, the greatest hazard is summer temperatures which can reach up to 48 degrees Celsius. We have a proper protocol in place to mitigate this, but we find that there is a period of acclimatisation required especially for European travellers who are used to milder climes. Winter temperatures are very comfortable!

Malaria

Alldays is not currently in a malarial zone. It is therefore up to you whether you want to take prophylactics. Nearby areas such as Kruger National Park are within malarial zones, so do bear this in mind if you would like to visit these areas.

A current malarial map of South Africa can be found at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/south-africa/south-africa-malaria-map.aspx

Vaccinations

To the best of our knowledge, no vaccinations are compulsory for South Africa, but you are advised to get Hepatitis A and B vaccinations for your visit. If you are entering South Africa directly after visiting a yellow fever-infected country, be aware that you may be asked for proof of immunisation upon arrival. Although rabies vaccinations are recommended by some doctors, it is only essential if you are handling animals. This will not be the case at the research centre.

In addition, although there is no legal requirement to be vaccinated, we strongly recommend that you are up-to-date with all your vaccinations (yellow fever, polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis, covid-19, and other infectious diseases) to decrease the risk of disease transmission to wildlife and ensure our research is as ethical as possible.

Drug use

The possession of illegal drugs is a very serious offence in South Africa and vehicles are often searched for drugs at roadblocks. Drug use is not tolerated at the Wildlife and Communities Wildlife Research Centre, and will result in immediate removal from the premises.

2

What to pack

Africa is known for its harsh climate and challenging environment, and you will be in the thick of it! Packing appropriately will be the first step in ensuring you have the best time possible with us!

More

Do not make the mistake of thinking that because you are coming to Africa you will only need shorts and t-shirts. It can be very cold and it rains so make sure you pack appropriately. South African summer is between October and April. Although it is fairly warm during these months (maximum temperature around 40° C), this is our rainy season and it can still be cool on some days. The winter is between May and September and it can get very cold in the evenings. Temperatures can get as low as 0° C at night. In winter it tends to be fairly warm, sunny, and dry during the day (t-shirt and shorts or light trousers weather) but make sure you bring a warm coat or thick jumper, a woolly hat, and gloves for the evenings and colder days.

We often experience ‘load shedding’ in South Africa where use of electricity is reduced at scheduled times to help manage the energy crisis. It can therefore useful to bring head torches and portable lamps where possible.

There are a number of nearby shops including pharmacies and grocery shops stocking the essentials and cheap clothes shops, but please note that we do not have a good camping/outdoor shops nearby. To make the most of your airline’s weight allowance, you might prefer to buy toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, etc. when you arrive.

Some suggested items to pack:

  • A sleeping bag – a bed sheet, pillow and pillow case are provided.
  • A towel.
  • A small backpack for carrying things in the field.
  • A platypus or camelback 2-3 litre water bottle.
  • A personal first aid kit (e.g. rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhoea pills, antibiotics, antihistamines, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister covers, etc.) and personal medications.
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers – these are essential in summer and still recommended in winter as it can be misty.
  • A dry-bag is also useful for rainy season.
  • A strong and sturdy pair of broken in hiking boots.
  • Hiking socks.
  • Field clothes – old clothes are recommended as your clothes may end up dirty and torn by the end of your stay.
  • Please bring neutral coloured clothing to wear in the field. Studies have shown that many animals react to brightly coloured clothes, more neutral clothes will aid more successful data collection.
  • A set of nice clothes – when things are running smoothly we will be able to make outings such as to local restaurants, pubs or national parks.
  • Binoculars.
  • A head torch and/or portable lamp
  • Sun protection: hat and sunglasses (you can get sunscreen when you get here).
  • An alarm clock or a digital watch with an alarm.
  • An adaptor for electrical items. Most sockets have 3 round pins, but there are some 2-pin outlets available.
  • A swimsuit – optional.
  • A camera – optional.
  • A laptop – optional if you want to use the internet or watch movies. Also bring an external hard drive with entertainment if you want. We have project computers available for data entry purposes only.
  • Reusable shopping bags – optional for using in the supermarket. South African supermarkets charge for plastic bags.
  • Mobile phone – optional, but it is a good idea to be able to be in contact with others for safety purposes. We also regularly use Whatsapp to communicate, this being the easiest and most reliable form of communication in this area.

3

Getting to Us

Here you can find general instructions for travel to our Research centre

More

Getting to South Africa

There are a variety of airlines that fly to South Africa. The closest international airport is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Getting to the Research Centre

We will arrange your transfer from the Airport on your behalf so no need to worry!

International arrivals will fly into Johannesburg and take a bus or shuttle service to Polokwane where you will then be picked up by a member of staff and transferred to the research centre in Alldays. Select flights that arrive early enough to catch a shuttle between 12 - 1 PM (depending on the service) from OR Tambo Airport.

If flights arrive too late, we recommend arriving the day before and staying overnight in Johannesburg. Please do not book flights until we have confirmed you can arrive on your desired date!

Overnighting

If your flight does not arrive in time to catch the bus on Sunday or Friday morning, you will need to arrive the day before and stay overnight. We recommend booking accommodation that provides airport transports, please speak with us before booking accomodation as this can be a bit tricky if you do not know the area well.

Getting from Johannesburg/Pretoria to Polokwane

Once in Johannesburg you will need to take a bus or shuttle to Polokwane (also known as Pietersburg), this is approximately 5 hours. We are sometimes able to do this pickup directly but this must also be confirmed before arrangements are made.

Getting from Polokwane to the Research Centre

When you arrive in Polokwane  we will pick you up and transport you to the research centre, approximately 2 hours drive. This transfer is included in the rent you pay, and has no additional cost. If time permits, you will have the opportunity to do grocery shopping before you get to the research centre. If not, you can create a grocery list and a member of staff will go into Alldays and get these items for you.

 

4

Camp life

What to expect from the accommodation on Farm Campfornis

More

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in our research camp. There are four shared houses and a communal braai area. Houses have a kitchen (basic cutlery, crockery and appliances included), bunk beds and a bathroom with flushing toilets and hot, gas showers. You will be sharing with 2-4 other people. Depending on the number of assistants on the project some rooms may be co-ed. If uncomfortable with this, let us know and we can try to accommodate your needs. Our research camp is also home to a number of friendly and ill-diciplined dogs mostly constructed from pure love and attitude.

The accommodation is self-catering, and you are responsible for buying and preparing your own food, as well as doing your own washing up and keeping the kitchen clean. Items such as toilet paper and laundry detergent are provided, so you will also need to shop for these. The tap water in the camp is clean and drinkable, and hot water is available. Fridge and freezer space is provided, but these are shared between house mates. Pillows, pillow cases, and a fitted sheet are provided but you need to bring a sleeping bag and towels. You are required to keep your own living and working space clean and tidy. This includes your house, office space and any communal areas you might use.

Town days

Volunteers are transported to Alldays once a week at no extra cost to draw cash, buy their groceries, and other necessary things. Only the necessities are stocked in Alldays shops.

Laundry

Your laundry is also your own responsibility. We have a shared laundry machine in camp, or there is a laundromat in Alldays.

Electricity

The research camp is powered by power lines and electricity is available. Each assistant receives a quota for the electricity. The power operates at 220 volts. It is possible to recharge mobile phones, batteries, laptops, etc. but you will need to bring your own adapters.

Communication

It is possible to access our Wi-Fi internet from anywhere in the research camp if you bring your own laptop. The internet is free of charge. However, because internet bandwidth is limited, there are rules and limitations to usage which will be explained to you upon arrival.

There are no landlines at the camp, but you can make phone calls or send SMS’s if you bring your own mobile phone. Mobile reception is limited on the farm but there are a few ‘hot-spot’ areas if you know where to find them. Overseas mobile phone carriers with roaming activated generally work fine, although if your phone is unlocked it may be much more economical to purchase a SIM card from a local carrier upon arrival. We recommend MTN, which has the best coverage in this area, and their pre-paid SIM cards currently cost only about R1.

Packages sent from overseas usually take 6 weeks or longer and it may be necessary to pay an additional amount when collecting the parcel.

Code of Conduct

In order to make sure every one stays safe and enjoys their experience, we have a Code of Conduct that we ask research assistants to follow. Please note that the Primate and Predator Project and research centre staff reserve the right to terminate your position as a research assistant and ask you to leave if you are in breach of this code.

5

Reading List

Here you can find additional reading materials that may be highly relevant, especially to the more academically inclined that join us

More

Below are recommended reading materials for those who are interested. Many can be purchased online through popular vendors, or follow the links for those with open access.

Alldays journal articles:

  • Walton, B. J., Findlay, L. J. and Hill, R. A. (2022) Camera traps and guard observations as an alternative to researcher observation for studying anthropogenic foraging. Ecology and Evolution, 12,(4). PDF
  • Findlay, L. J. and Hill, R. A. (2021) Baboon and vervet monkey crop-foraging behaviors on a commercial South African farm: preliminary implications for damage mitigation. Human-Wildlife Interactions, 14, (3).
  • Findlay, L. J. and Hill, R. A. (2021) Field guarding as a crop protection method: preliminary implications for improving field guarding. Human-Wildlife Interactions, 14, (3).
  • Walton, B. J., Findlay, L. J. and Hill, R. A. (2021) Insights into short-and long-term crop-foraging strategies in a chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) from GPS and accelerometer data. Ecology and Evolution, 11,(2). PDF

Journal articles:

  • Grey, Julia N. Chase, Sandra Bell, and Russell A. Hill. (2017) Leopard diets and landowner perceptions of human wildlife conflict in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa. Journal for Nature Conservation 37: 56-65. PDF
  • Pitman, R.T, Fattebert, J., Williams, S.T., Williams, K.S, Hill, R.A, Hunter, L.T.B, Slotow, R. and Balme, G.A (2016) The Conservation Costs of Game Ranching. Conservation Letters, 9, (3). Abstract. PDF
  • Pitman, R.T., Fattebert, J., Williams, S.T., Williams, K.S., Hill, R.A., Hunter, L.T., Robinson, H., Power, J., Swanepoel, L., Slotow, R. and Balme, G.A., (2016) Cats, connectivity and conservation: incorporating datasets and integrating scales for wildlife management. Journal of Applied Ecology. PDF
  • Howlett, C. and Hill, R.A., (2016) Can zoo enclosures inform exclosure design for crop‐raiding primates? A preliminary assessment. African Journal of Ecology. PDF
  • Nowak, K., Richards, S.A., le Roux, A. and Hill, R.A. (2016) Influence of live-capture on risk perceptions of habituated samango monkeys. Journal of Mammalogy,gyw083. Abstract. PDF
  • Nowak, K., Hill, R.A., Wimberger, K. and le Roux, A. (2016) Risk-Taking in Samango Monkeys in Relation to Humans at Two Sites in South Africa. In Ethnoprimatology (pp. 301-314). Springer International Publishing. Abstract
  • Constant, N., Bell, S. and Hill, R.A. (2015) The impacts, characterisation and management of human–leopard conflict in a multi-use land system in South Africa. Biodiversity Conservation, 1-23.  Abstract and PDF.
  • Howlett, C., Setchell, J.M., Hill, R.A. & Barton, R.A. (2015) The 2D:4D ratio and social behaviour in wild female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in relation to dominance, aggression, affiliation, interest in infants and heritability. Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology 69: 61–74. Abstract. PDF.
  • Nowak, K., le Roux, A., Richards, S.A., Scheijen, C. & Hill, R.A. (2014) Human observers modulate arboreal monkeys’ perceived landscape of fear. Behavioral Ecology 25 (5): 1199–1204. Abstract. PDF. Supplementary information PDF.
  • Coleman, B.T. and Hill, R.A. (2014) Living in a landscape of fear: the impact of predation, resource availability and habitat structure on primate range use. Animal Behaviour 88, 165-173. Abstract. PDF.
  • Chase Grey, J.N., Kent, V.T. and Hill, R.A. (2013) Evidence of a High Density Population of Harvested Leopards in a Montane Environment. PLoS ONE 8, e82832. Abstract. PDF.
  • Emerson, S.E., Brown, J.S. and Linden, J.D. (2011) Identifying Skyes' monkeys', Cercopithecus albogularis erythrarchus, axes of fear through patch use. Animal Behaviour, 81: 455 - 462
  • Willems, E.P. & Hill, R.A. (2009) A critical assessment of two species distribution models taking vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) as a case study. Journal of Biogeography 36: 2300-2312. Abstract. PDF.
  • Willems, E.P., Barton, R.A. & Hill, R.A. (2009) Remotely sensed productivity, home range selection and local range use by an omnivorous primate. Behavioral Ecology, 20: 985-992. Abstract. PDF.
  • Willems, E.P. & Hill, R.A. (2009) Predator-specific landscapes of fear and resource distribution: effects on spatial range use. Ecology, 90: 546-555. Abstract. PDF.

Theses:

  • Findlay, L., (2016) Human-primate conflict: An interdisciplinary evaluation of wildlife crop raiding on commercial crop farms in Limpopo Province, South Africa. PhD Thesis. Department of Anthropology. Durham University: England.
  • Constant, N.L (2014) A social-ecological approach to understanding conflict between humans and leopards: implications for leopard conservation and community livelihoods. PhD Thesis, Durham University. Abstract. PDF.
  • Coleman, B.T. (2013) Spatial and temporal determinants of samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis erythrarchus) resource acquisition and predation avoidance behaviour. PhD Thesis, Durham University. Abstract. PDF.
  • De-raad, L.A. (2012) Travel routes and spatial abilities in wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). PhD Thesis, Durham University. Abstract. PDF.
  • Chase Grey, J.N. (2011) Leopard population dynamics, trophy hunting and conservation in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa. PhD Thesis, Durham University. Abstract. PDF
  • Howlett, C. (2013) The 2D:4D ratio & social behaviour in female chacma baboons. MSc Thesis, Durham University.
  • Sassoon, R. (2013) Foraging under predation risk: A test of giving-up densities with samango monkeys in South Africa. MSc Thesis, Durham University.

Books:

  • O'Connell, A.F., Nichols, J.D. and Karanth, K.U. (eds) (2011) Camera traps in animal ecology: methods and analyses. Tokyo: Springer.
  • Kruuk, H. (2002) Hunter and hunted: relationships between carnivores and people. New York: Cambridge University Press.
  • Stuart, C. and Stuart, T. (2000) Field guide to mammals of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
  • Stuart, C. and Stuart, T. (2000) Field guide to tracks and signs of Southern and East African wildlife. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
  • Estes, R. (1991) The behaviour guide to African mammals. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

Alldays Wildlife and Communities Research Centre

CONTACT INFO

Farm Campfornis
R 572 , Alldays, 0909
Limpopo
South Africa
admin@awcrc.org
+27 (0) 15 330 5266

OUR SERVICES

SOCIALS

Facebook Whatsapp Instagram

General Contact Form

This isa general contact form, if you want to apply to the AWCRC for any specific position please go to Apply and select the role that best describes what you would like to do. If you have any question about the AWCRC please see the FAQ’s at the bottom of the About Us page. For everything else this is the right place! 

Thanks!

We appreciate your enquiry and will be in touch shortly! We hope you are having a lovely day! if not …here is a picture of the camp dogs…