Wildlife Conservation Experiences
Registrations for November 2023 are now open
Please scroll down to find the registration form
Join teams from Animal Saviours and Mankwe Ecology and Field Research Center on the front line of wildlife conservation
A quick overview of what you will be doing:
Animal Saviours offer unique opportunities to join a team of conservationists at Mankwe Ecology and Field Research Center in South Africa, to assist in some of their research projects and learn more about African wildlife conservation on the front line.
These 10 night trips of a lifetime include airport transfers from Johannesburg International Airport to the research center, all meals during your stay, and a plethora of bush experiences, including, game tracking and anti-poaching demonstrations, and talks from wildlife and conservation experts throughout the trip.
There will also be multiple game drives during your time at the centre, giving you the chance to observe and learn about all the animals who call Mankwe their home. And there will be a day trip
to the Pilanesberg National Park, where you will have the chance to see the Big 5.
The 10 day program enables you to get hands-on with wildlife research and get a deeper understanding of why it is so important to protect and preserve not just the endangered species, but the entire habitat as an ecosystem.
What you need to know:
Who will be accompanying the group?
One of the trustees from Animal Saviours and a number of our ambassadors will be accompanying and guiding the group.
Our chairwoman, Dr. Miriam Lodewijks (MRCVS) will be the lead guide. A veterinary surgeon with over 20 years of experience, she was born and grew up in South Africa, and with extensive bush experience and a passion for rhino conservation, she is the driving force behind the Animal Saviours charity and all our projects.
How big will the group be?
We limit the group to no more than 18 guests and we will notify the successful candidates by the end of July 2023. We will only be accepting applications through the registration form at the bottom of this page. Direct emails or social media messages will not be accepted as registering interest.
Those people who register interest (via the form below), but who are not successful this time around, have the option to be added to a waiting list for future projects and experiences.
We will do everything we can to inform every person that registers of their status as soon as possible.
How much will it cost and what is included?
The cost of this once in a lifetime experience (excluding flights) will be £980 per person and includes the following:
- Group transfer from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport
- Group transfer from Mankwe Camp back to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner each day
- All the activities are shown in the schedule below
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and refreshments are not included.
The dates and preliminary schedule
The dates of this trip in 2023 are fixed for November 6th to 16th and the schedule below is preliminary and subject to change, but we hope there will not be changes.
Click image to enlarge
Travel Options
Travel to Johannesburg is not included in the costs of your experience, and you will be expected to arrange your flights, but we are happy to offer advice where possible with the best flight options, etc. It will also be possible to travel with one of the accompanying trustees or ambassadors from a UK airport, the details are still to be confirmed at this time.
Please do not book or pay for flights before you receive an email from us confirming that you have a place for this experience. Animal Saviours cannot take responsibility for flight costs, rebooking, or cancellation fees. It is your responsibility to wait for confirmation before booking your travel to South Africa.
Arrival in Johannesburg: November 6th, 2023: AM
All group members must arrive at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport on the morning of November 6th, 2023, before 11 am. There will only be one group transfer available to take you from Johannesburg to Mankwe Research Center. It is planned to leave around 12 noon, so it is imperative that you are able to clear passport control and collect your luggage and be ready to be transferred before then.
Departure from Mankwe Research Center: November 16th, 2023:
The group transfer back to Johannesburg will leave the camp just after midday on Thursday the 16th and should arrive at the airport between 4-5 pm. You will need to arrange your onward travel accordingly.
Could I extend my trip to South Africa after leaving Mankwe Camp?
Yes! We would highly recommend that you do so, especially if you have not been to South Africa before. The group transfer from the Mankwe camp will take you back to Johannesburg on November 16th, and you will be able to plan your onward journey from there.
Could I arrive in South Africa before the Conservation Experience begins on the 6th of November?
This could be possible, but it is essential that you are present for the group transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Mankwe Research Center. For security reasons, the whole group must arrive and depart together.
