Junior Conservation Experiences
Registrations for October 2024 are now closed
This experience is now full and no other registrations will be accepted.
Join teams from Animal Saviours and Mankwe Ecology and Field Research Center this October Half Term 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 experienced 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. Together with your child you will experience a week of outdoor activities focusing on nature conservation, ecology, geography, astronomy and so much more. The conservation team will help parents and children to totally and fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking African wilderness.
These 7 night trips of a lifetime include airport transfers from Johannesburg International Airport to the research center. Plus, 3 European style meals per day during your stay, a plethora of bush experiences, including, game tracking and anti-poaching demonstrations, and talks from wildlife and conservation experts throughout the trip. Learn to identify the myriad plants, antelope, birds, reptiles and insects. Follow their ‘spoor’ (tracks) and recognise the sounds and smells of the bush.
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 7 day program enables you and your child 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:
Is there an age limit for the children?
Yes, we can only accept children aged between 11 and 16 on this expedition, accompanied by a parent.
Can I bring more than one child?
For this expedition we are limited to keeping a ratio of one parent per child.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is rustic, think glamping style, but not 4 star hotel level, you will be in the African bush. But most of the tents and cabins offer en-suite bathrooms with a flush toilet and shower.
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 May 2024. 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 £625 ($800) 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
Tea, coffee, water and fruit squash if available throughout the day.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic soft drinks and refreshments are not included.
The dates and preliminary schedule
The dates of this trip in 2024 are fixed for October 20th to 27th 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: October 20th, 2023: AM
All group members must arrive at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport on the morning of October 20th, 2024, 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: October 27th, 2023:
The group transfer back to Johannesburg will leave the camp just after midday on Sunday the 27th 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 October 27th, 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 20th October?
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.
