Conservation Focused Safari

Our Conservation Safari is an opportunity to join the experts in the field, a chance to assist the conservationists who have been performing award-winning wildlife conservation work on the frontlines for more than a decade. This experience is unique in that it includes everything that an African safari offers, but is also a truly meaningful and valuable experience.

Or complete the short application form at the bottom of this page

Overview

This bespoke Conservation Safari is for those who wish to join our professionals on the ground, to participate in and gain an in-depth understanding of what is happening in the field of African wildlife conservation, while simultaneously enjoying the comforts and luxuries that a private game reserve offers.

Conservation Safari Activities may include

  • Orientation and Conservation Game Drives
  • Participation in a Rhino Dehorning
  • A opportunity to be a part of a camera trap survey
  • Endangered Species Monitoring Sessions
  • An evening sundowners to celebrate and discuss the day’s activities.

Participants in Wildlife ACT’s conservation safaris will have the privilege of joining active and passionate conservationists in carrying out vital work which forms part of the conservation strategy of our organisation.

This work includes

  • Involvement in the camera trap work, which aligns with the long term Leopard Survey of the province,
  • Rhino Conservation efforts to reduce incentives for poachers to enter protected areas,
  • And Endangered Species Monitoring, which enables management to make informed decisions on crucial conservation actions.
Existing threats to African wildlife species - Leopards Photo by Joel Alves

The Leopard Survey

Leopard have been somewhat overlooked from a conservation perspective and recent findings have shown a rapid decline across all of their historic range. Monitoring has therefore been identified as a key activity in order to better understand this secretive cat.

Camera trapping is one of the most effective ways to monitor Leopards and other elusive, nocturnal species. Wildlife ACT works in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Panthera to carry out an annual provincial Leopard Survey.

The data from camera trap images is used to determine Leopard densities, demographics and population trends at various key sites in KwaZulu-Natal. This information is utilised in provincial and national management planning and decision making. Traditional monitoring techniques, such as direct observation, are somewhat ineffective for Leopards due to their elusive and solitary behaviour, wide home ranges, and ability to move in and out of protected areas.

Rhino Dehorning

One of the key strategies is to dehorn Rhino populations in reserves with smaller populations, which acts as an effective deterrent to poachers. You will participate in the capture operation and witness the team at work over the course of a day. We may have to be flexible on the dates of this work due to weather, so have set it for the first morning to account for this.

Endangered Species Monitoring

Monitoring endangered species is an essential and critical step in their conservation. Wildlife monitoring is essential for keeping track of animal movement patterns, habitat utilisation, population demographics, snaring and poaching incidents and breakouts. This valuable information, which Wildlife ACT gathers on our various projects, has numerous management applications, including the planning of successful introduction and removal strategies of Africa’s wildlife.

Conservation Safari Accommodation
Conservation Safari Rates

Wildlife ACT Conservation Work on Manyoni

Wildlife ACT’s main focus on Manyoni is the monitoring of the African Wild Dogs, Cheetah, Elephant and Lion. During these monitoring sessions, any incidental sightings of other priority species including Rhino, Vultures and Leopard, will also be recorded. Our team also occasionally assists with game counts and vegetation assessments on Manyoni. Wildlife ACT has also been fundraising to support the much-needed dehorning of rhino on Manyoni to protect them from poachers in this park.

Chantelle Melzer - Cheetah Header

Project Rhino Background

Unfortunately, the Zululand region has become one of the focal points for the criminal syndicates and the poaching of Rhino still has a big impact in the region. Wildlife ACT is a co-founder of Project Rhino which is an association of like-minded organisations facilitating Rhino conservation interventions aimed at eliminating Rhino poaching and securing the White and Black Rhino populations of KwaZulu-Natal.

The members of Project Rhino recognise that the work in conserving and protecting rhinos from the threat of poaching is symbolic of the broader threat faced by all wildlife, and that all wildlife will benefit from actions taken by Project Rhino. The association is also aware that the poaching of rhino is symptomatic of the overall, bigger environmental crises facing South Africa and its neighbours. Those involved in the Conservation Focused Safari will be exposed to some of the important rhino conservation work being done in the region.

Conservation Safari Application Form

Thank you for your interest in joining our Conservation Safari
Please complete the below form with the necessary details and we will be in touch with you soonest.