Someone who wants to become a research assistant, work part of a team, and be actively involved in studying the wonderful biodiversity of a stunning game reserve

Few reserves in the whole of Africa have the biodiversity that the Phinda Game Reserve does.

This vast tract of bush, riverine area and rare sand forest is home to a dazzling variety of wildlife in all its forms; amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and aquatic species. Sandwiched between the warm Indian Ocean, the huge estuary of St Lucia and the Lebombo mountains, Phinda is one of the most successful modern day stories of large mammal reintroduction. An area whose large mammals were severely depleted is now once again teeming with lion, white and black rhino, elephant, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo!

The increase in numbers of animals and the continued growth of the reserve’s size has made it possible for Phinda to employ a full time qualified researcher.

Big cat and other feline research

• Phinda has a large population of cheetah and individual identification and movement patterns are being recorded.


• Serval have been introduced into the reserve. Eight of these small cats have been radio-collared and are tracked to monitor their movements and behaviour.
• Phinda also has an active leopard research project and volunteers may be afforded the opportunity to help with this research if the opportunity arises.
• Phinda does ongoing lion population control and when this occurs volunteers will be able to view and if possible partake.

White rhino monitoring

• Since the initial reintroduction of a handful of white rhino onto the reserve, the population now exceeds over 100 individuals!
• The reserve is developing a detailed and accurate database of individual animals, including sex, age and territorial information. White rhinos are ear-notched to allow for animals to be individually recognizable.

Elephant population monitoring

• The ever increasing elephant population on the reserve is monitored and growth rates recorded. This is carried out by radio-tracking the individual breeding herds and through opportunistic sightings of bulls.
• Behavioral research is also done - elephant contraception is being used at Phinda (a more ethical alternative to culling), and the effects of this are important to monitor.

Rare antelope study

• The suni is one of the rarest and most elusive small antelope species, about which little is really known. With the use of telemetry, research is being done on these shy animals into their territorial behaviour and basic habits.

Being located in such a diverse area means that volunteers can go scuba diving, horse riding or swim in the warm Indian Ocean during their days off. Our work (including free time!) is dictated by animal movements and schedules and content can change from one day to the next. You should therefore be prepared to be adaptable and patient because wildlife isn’t always willing to work to our timetable! You will stay in accommodation set aside by the reserve for research staff.

This is a rustic old farmhouse which generally has running water and electricity, but these services may occasionally be interrupted due to the remoteness of the site!

The house is situated in a lovely, serene setting where impala, nyala, elephant and wild dog are frequently seen or heard. You will share your accommodation with other research staff and volunteers.

This project offers a true insight into life as an animal researcher in the field!

0845 344 7518

African Conservation Experience has been sending volunteers to Africa for almost a decade and is the original, most experienced organisation for conservation placements in southern Africa. We can offer you the chance to work on game and nature reserves alongside conservationists, zoologists, wildlife vets and reserve managers.