Invertebrate & Herpetofauna Field Studies

Duration: 14 days
Location: Baobab Wildlife Sanctuary, Limpopo, South Africa
Group Size: 4–6 participants
Accommodation: Shared bushcamp (dorm-style)

Overview

This two-week field course explores the often-overlooked world of invertebrates and herpetofauna — the insects, spiders, reptiles, and amphibians that form the backbone of many ecosystems. Set in the biodiverse bushveld of Limpopo, the program offers hands-on experience in identifying, recording, and interpreting the ecological roles of these essential species.

Participants conduct structured field surveys, learn sampling and handling techniques, and contribute to real biodiversity monitoring efforts on a 1,200-hectare conservation site. This course is ideal for students or researchers looking to specialise in entomology, herpetology, or broader ecological studies — or anyone passionate about the smaller, quieter creatures that often go unnoticed.

What You’ll Learn

  • Sampling techniques: pitfall traps, visual encounter surveys, active searches

  • Identification skills for:
    – Invertebrates: beetles, scorpions, spiders, butterflies, ants, termites, etc.
    – Herpetofauna: lizards, snakes, frogs, and toads

  • Data recording and field notes for species distribution

  • Understanding ecological roles: detritivores, predators, pollinators, prey species

  • Introduction to field ethics, safe handling, and conservation status

  • Night surveys and active observation techniques

Field activities run during daylight and evening hours to capture full species activity cycles.

Who It’s For

  • Students in entomology, herpetology, ecology, zoology, or biodiversity conservation

  • Researchers planning field projects on small fauna

  • Wildlife professionals expanding their ecological knowledge

  • Nature enthusiasts focused on detailed field observation and biodiversity monitoring

No prior handling experience is required, but participants must be comfortable in varied terrain and willing to work with small, camouflaged, or nocturnal species.

What’s Included in the Price

  • 14 nights shared accommodation at the bush camp

  • Full board: 3 meals per day (self-serve breakfast, light lunch, cooked dinner)

  • Guided fieldwork and research tasks

  • Evening discussions, skills sessions, and ecology workshops

  • Use of field gear, datasheets, ID guides, and recording tools

  • Transport for all scheduled program activities

  • Ongoing support from experienced field staff and mentors

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Personal travel insurance (required)

  • Personal gear and toiletries

  • Airport pickup (available on request)

Optional Extras

  • Extended stay rates

  • Thesis or dissertation mentorship

  • Weekend transport for additional expense

Booking & Enquiries

Spaces are limited to ensure full field access and instructor support.

Primate Behaviour & Conservation

Duration: 14 days
Location: Baobab Wildlife Sanctuary, Limpopo, South Africa
Group Size: 4–6 participants
Accommodation: Shared bushcamp (dorm-style)

Overview

This two-week academic field course explores the behaviour, ecology, and conservation challenges surrounding wild primates in southern Africa. Participants observe both chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in a natural bushveld environment, focusing on social structures, foraging strategies, interspecies dynamics, and human-primate conflict.

Set on a working farm where primate-human interactions are a daily reality, the course offers a practical window into one of Africa’s most complex conservation issues. You’ll record behavioural sequences, build ethograms, assess deterrent strategies, and explore how ecological insight can inform land-use decisions.

This is structured, immersive fieldwork is designed for students, researchers, and wildlife professionals seeking real primate research experience.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to build and use ethograms (behavioural recording templates)

  • Observation methods: focal sampling, scan sampling, and sequence tracking

  • Troop dynamics: dominance, grooming, aggression, communication

  • Human-wildlife conflict: land-use pressures, deterrent strategies, mitigation tools

  • Ethical research practices and field protocols

  • Data collection and note structuring for field reports

  • Introduction to primate behavioural theory and applied conservation

Days are divided between structured observation, field recording, and review sessions with experienced staff.

Who It’s For

  • Students in zoology, animal behaviour, ecology, or conservation

  • Researchers working on or planning thesis/dissertation fieldwork

  • Wildlife professionals dealing with primate-related land management issues

  • Anyone seriously interested in primate behaviour and real-world field research

No prior primate experience is necessary, but participants must be able to observe quietly for extended periods and operate in an outdoor, rural setting.

What’s Included in the Price

  • 14 nights shared accommodation at the bush camp

  • Full board: 3 meals per day (self-serve breakfast, light lunch, cooked dinner)

  • Guided fieldwork and research tasks

  • Evening discussions, skills sessions, and ecology workshops

  • Use of field gear, datasheets, ID guides, and recording tools

  • Transport for all scheduled program activities

  • Ongoing support from experienced field staff and mentors

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Personal travel insurance (required)

  • Personal gear and toiletries

  • Airport pickup (available on request)

Optional Extras

  • Extended stay rates

  • Thesis or dissertation mentorship

  • Weekend transport for additional expense

Booking & Enquiries

Spots are limited. To apply or ask questions:

Wildlife Field Research & Ecology Program

Duration: 14 days
Location: Baobab Wildlife Sanctuary, Limpopo, South Africa
Group Size: 4–6 participants
Accommodation: Shared bushcamp (dorm-style)

Overview

This two-week field-based program immerses participants in real conservation work, focusing on wildlife monitoring, ecological fieldwork, and data collection in South Africa’s bushveld. Set on a 1,200-hectare working sanctuary, the program is built for students and researchers seeking real-world skills.

You'll learn how to track wildlife, record behavioural data, conduct structured ecological surveys, and gain practical insight into what it takes to do fieldwork in Africa. All activities are guided by experienced staff and designed to build confidence, competence, and critical observation skills.

What You’ll Learn

  • Field survey techniques: transects, quadrats, waterpoint monitoring

  • Camera trap placement, servicing, and data retrieval

  • Species identification: mammals, birds, reptiles, and signs

  • Behavioural observation, ethogram building, and ecological note-taking

  • Mapping and navigation using GPS

  • Field data recording and structure

  • Land-use awareness and conservation context

Each day includes guided fieldwork, practical skills development, and evening group sessions.

Who It’s For

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate students in zoology, ecology, conservation, or biology

  • Researchers preparing for dissertations or thesis fieldwork

  • Aspiring field guides or conservation professionals

  • Anyone seeking meaningful hands-on experience in African ecosystems

No prior fieldwork is required, but participants must be prepared for full days outdoors, rustic facilities, and a team-based setting.

What’s Included in the Price

  • 14 nights shared accommodation at the bush camp

  • Full board: 3 meals per day (self-serve breakfast, light lunch, cooked dinner)

  • Guided fieldwork and research tasks

  • Evening discussions, skills sessions, and ecology workshops

  • Use of field gear, datasheets, ID guides, and recording tools

  • Transport for all scheduled program activities

  • Ongoing support from experienced field staff and mentors

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Personal travel insurance (required)

  • Personal gear and toiletries

  • Airport pickup (available on request)

Optional Extras

  • Extended stay rates

  • Thesis or dissertation mentorship

  • Weekend transport for additional expense

Booking & Enquiries

Spots are limited. To apply or ask questions: