Zingela Predator Conservation Project

Study some of Africa's most elusive and persecuted predators...

Zingela is based on the Zulu word 'to hunt', making it particularly fitting for this project, where you will be at the core of a research based project to reduce the hunting of these stunning species and allow locals to work in harmony with them.

Set on a vast reserve in the wild and rugged bushland of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, you would be involved in tracking and monitoring cheetah, leopard and brown hyena populations, witnessing their natural behaviour first hand, and contribute to the ongoing conservation effort to secure their future. You will also follow one of the last free ranging lion populations in southern Africa, monitoring their movements and population and working to protect them from illegal hunting.

What will I do

• Track cheetah on foot, using telemetry and traditional tracking techniques
• Be involved in a baseline study to determine leopard numbers and behaviour
• Monitor hunting, feeding behaviour and social interactions of cheetah and leopard
• Study brown hyena, recording habits and movements
• Monitor the free roaming lion population of the Limpopo Province
• Use GPS positions to record home ranges and determine movement patterns
• Habitat maintenance and securing fence lines
• Assist in conservation at the forefront by reducing the conflict between man and predators

Working hours

Variable and weather dependent. Volunteers work a half day on Saturdays followed by an evening braai (BBQ). Sundays are a day of rest. For students volunteering for four weeks or longer there is the opportunity to visit Kruger National Park.

Accommodation

Rustic bush camp with accommodation in twin share tents. There is no electricity at camp but showers are heated with gas. Meal's are catered, with some help and participation from volunteers.

What support will I get

From the moment you first send us an inquiry, we are always just a phone call or email away. You can contact our office team with any question you have. We’ll be happy to help you as much as we can while you prepare for your conservation experience. Once you are in Africa, we have a dedicated team of coordinators who will look after you - whether you need help with your conservation responsibilities, are feeling poorly or need to get to a bank to get out some money.

If your family need to get hold of you in an emergency, we have a 24 hour emergency phone line, and we can always facilitate contact to you in Africa.

What's the next step

If you are ready to submit your application. You can do this online or by post. And don’t worry - you application does not commit you to anything. It is just an expression of interest on your side and it helps us prepare the best advice for you.

We will contact you after accepting your application and chat to you about the best project choice, costs and dates. Once you are happy with your choices, we will set up your very own conservation experience for you and send you all the extra information you need - from the “small print” terms and conditions to insurance information. If you definitely want to go for it, all you have to do is send us a signed confirmation and a deposit of 295 GBP - or the equivalent in US$, CA$, AU$ or Euro.