Location
  • South Africa

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Year Round
Groups
Small Group (1-15)

Pricing

Starting Price
4150
Price Details
The price of each project, which we call your contribution, covers your food, accommodation, on-site travel (not airfare), emergency medical and medical evacuation insurance, and all of the various costs of field research (field permits, equipment, etc.). As a nonprofit focused on participatory science and conservation, expedition costs are tax-deductible in the United States.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Travel Insurance
What's Not Included
Airfare
Aug 01, 2024
May 16, 2016
3 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trek through the wilderness of Africa to track rhinos, elephants, and other animals. Accompanied by an expert wildlife guide, you will observe and note the location of every animal you see. With your help, Earthwatch researchers are working to ensure the ongoing health of a major South African wildlife preserve.

The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa is a magnificent landscape of rolling savanna woodland and is the oldest game reserve in Africa. In the early 20th century, it was the last refuge for the southern white rhino.

On recreational days, you could:
Visit the small game capture museum and game bomas, followed by an outdoor lunch at the onsite cafe.
Enjoy a game drive through the park to Hilltop Camp for lunch.

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with Earthwatch Institute for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Hike to track rhinos, giraffes, kudu, and other animals
  • Connect with scientists and other travelers
  • Reserve your space with a $500 deposit

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 1 review
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  • Impact 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Default avatar
Mary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved it so much, I did it twice.

I joined the Walking with African Wildlife project twice: in 2004, at 43 and in 2014, at 53.
I've traveled often to east and southern Africa, and can't get enough of its scenery and wildlife.
You and your fellow volunteers will be met at the airport, driven to spectacular Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, and divided among two camps. The North Camp, is more secluded, built along a river and surrounded by trees in the hillier region of the park. Here were kept close company with elephants, vervet monkeys, nyala, zebra and buffalo. The South Camp is atop a hill, surrounded by rolling savannah and somewhat easier hikes. I once saw a cheetah perched on a hillside, scoping out the prey species below. Both camps have spectacular birdlife.

Each morning you will wake early, have a bit to eat and some coffee, and bundle up for the chilly ride to your trail in an open vehicle. You and your ranger will be deposited at a trailhead just as the sun is rising behind you, and will walk west, with increasing light, looking for herbivores.
Your ranger (invariably a Zulu man) will advise you to walk directly behind him, and within 6 feet.
And so, the world of the African savannah will be opened up to you. You will be keenly attuned to sounds around you: birds, a monkey's call, the alarm snort of an ungulate, the crackle in the brush of....? Depending on your Zulu and/or your guide's English, you may converse a bit, or you may just be relishing this singular experience too much for talk.

Your hike may be 2 miles or 6, easy or difficult, but at the end, tired and happy, you will be retrieved by the staff and brought back to the camp for lunch. Afternoon is for naps, birdwatching, data input, or socializing, which continues along with sunset watching and stargazing till everyone tucks themselves in at night.

Have I persuaded you yet? I hope so. If you have questions for me, I would be happy to answer them. I can be contacted through Earthwatch.

What would you improve about this program?
Can't think of a thing.
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