Project Visit Tadjara: Species Conser­va­tion Zululand

A glimpse into Natucate’s unforgettable Wildlife Conservation Adventure in Zululand, South Africa

Emilia, our marketing expert, and I began our journey to our exciting project visit to Zululand, South Africa on a Saturday. Since the journey from home is quite long, we both agreed it was best to arrive a day early to acclimatise before diving into the project on Monday. At the Airport in Frankfurt we met already one of the volunteers who joined the experience with us. She would stay for four weeks in total and will get to experience more than just one camp. Our flight into Johannesburg International Airport was smooth—passport control was rather quick, and our luggage made it safely on to South African ground. With two hours to spare before our next flight to Richards Bay, we even managed to pick up a MTN Sim-card in the arrivals hall to stay connected with our loved once during our trip.

Welcome to Richards Bay: a scenic start

Flying into Richards Bay, we were greeted by stunning views of the bay and its estuaries, with the clouds already gathering for the promised afternoon rain.

For our first night, we stayed at Nyathi Lodge, a cosy guesthouse that provided a convenient airport shuttle. That evening, as the three of us enjoyed our first South African dinner, we were treated to an incredible summer-thunderstorm, complete with dazzling lightning—nature’s way of welcoming us.

We were excited and waited with anticipation on what we might can expect. Having completed a professional field guide course in 2017/18, and with Southern Africa feeling like my home away from home, I was particularly eager to delve deeper into the conservation aspect of this experience. The course had only skimmed the surface of the topic, so the chance to gain a more in-depth understanding now was incredibly appealing. Sharing this journey with Emilia, who was stepping onto African soil for the very first time, added a special dynamic—it allowed me to see the African wilderness through her fresh perspective again. We could hardly wait to wake up the next day and begin our adventure.

Heading into the bush: first encounters

The next morning, the guesthouse shuttle dropped us back at the airport, where we met our driver at 11:45 am along with a one other participant. Before heading to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park, we made a quick 15-min-stop to grab snacks, drinks, and any last-minute essentials. The two-hour drive went by quickly, and before we knew it, we were entering the park gates. Our welcome committee? Wes, our monitor for the next two weeks, alongside a herd of elephants, some weavers and a violet-backed starling, as well as a few zebras—an incredible way to start our adventure. At the same time we go to meet the rest of our Group, which we would share the camp with.

Before we were heading to the iMfolozi camp, we transferred our bags to the back of a “bakkie” (the local term for an open pickup truck) with comfortable benches for the five of us and slowly made our way to our accommodation. The journey was filled with more wildlife sightings than we could’ve hoped for—it was clear from the start that we were in for something special.

Settling into volunteering camp life

At the camp, Wes gave us a thorough orientation. The camp itself is simple but functional, with three small houses in a row. One is a two-bedroom volunteer house, the second contains the fully-equipped kitchen and bathrooms (two showers and toilets), and the third has two more volunteer rooms. There’s a communal area for relaxing and enjoying meals, and for those who want a quiet moment, a small viewpoint where you can soak in the wilderness of the national park. Just let someone know if you’re heading there! The camp is fenced, but one should still keep an awareness when walking around.

After unpacking, one of the longer-staying volunteers cooked us a delicious Italian pasta dinner, and she even made a gluten-free rice version for me. Most dietary requirements can be handled if known beforehand. Volunteers handle meals themselves—either individually or as a group—but our group quickly found a rhythm of cooking and eating together. With mostly vegetarians in the group, meal planning was easy, and we even had options like soy and almond milk. Every Monday was the so called “food-run” and a volunteer got to join the responsible monitor and help buying the groceries.

Getting to work: conservation in action

The night passed quickly, and the mattresses were very comfortable. Emilia opted to sleep under the provided mosquito net, while I decided to go without it. If you decide to sleep without it make sure you use plenty of insect repellent (Tabard or Peaceful Sleep is highly recommended).
Before settling in, we gave the room a thorough check for any unwelcome crawly visitors. The geckos on the walls earned their place as our mosquito-control team, but the hairy spider, about the size of a two-Euro coin, was promptly escorted outside by Emilia. Once that was taken care of, we climbed into bed and slept soundly until around 5 o’clock—our first day started a little later than usual, giving us a chance to ease into the rhythm of the bush.

Our first full day started with an in-depth briefing from Wes, who shared the project’s mission, the vital role we’d be playing and the safety rules. He explained our focus on monitoring priority species like cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, and black rhinos. We’d also log incidental sightings of other endangered species such as white rhinos, vultures, and ground hornbills. Collecting data is essential to understanding the overall health and size of the populations, enabling the team to implement necessary measures and respond effectively to any threats.

Wes was patient and thorough, answering all our questions and ensuring we felt prepared for the work ahead. That afternoon, we went on our first monitoring session, learning to use the telemetry equipment—a specialised receiver paired with a directional antenna—to track animals fitted with GPS or VHF collars. The collars send out signals that the telemetry device picks up, emitting a “beep” that grows stronger as you get closer to the animal. Hearing that first faint “beep” was exhilarating, a clear sign we were on the right track. While spotting the animals in person is always thrilling, the primary focus of our work is collecting crucial data: confirming the animals’ locations, monitoring their behaviour, and ensuring they are alive and healthy. This information helps the team maintain an accurate understanding of the species’ movements and well-being, contributing to long-term conservation efforts.

Daily life as a volunteer in the bush

Our days followed a consistent pattern, with some variations depending on what we found. Since we were visiting during the South African summer, the sun rose early, and so did we—often heading out before dawn around 4 am. The alarm clock went therefore off at 3.30 am. This is the perfect time to observe nocturnal animals winding down and diurnal animals beginning their day. Seeing lions retreat into the shade while cheetahs prepared for their hunts was a fascinating glimpse into the balance of the ecosystem.

During the middle of the day, we had time to prepare meals, rest, do laundry using the camp’s washing machine, take a warm shower, and charge our electronics. It’s important to note that the camp’s facilities are powered by solar energy, with a backup generator available when needed.

Afternoons were for a second monitoring session once the heat of the day had eased. Sometimes we’d spend hours tracking animals, filling out data sheets, and updating the system on weekends. We also checked camera traps for any new footage, which often revealed elusive nocturnal species like aardvarks or leopards. The quieter moments of observing animals offered a chance to pause, take in the sights and sounds around us, and truly appreciate the beauty of the bush.

Unique experiences at each camp in Zululand

The project operates across three distinct locations, and volunteers staying for more than two weeks may have the opportunity to experience multiple sites. Each project location—Hluhluwe, iMfolozi, and Manyoni—has its own charm and focus. At iMfolozi, we concentrated on cheetahs since wild dogs had ventured into more remote wilderness areas. Hluhluwe tends to be better for wild dog sightings, while Manyoni, located in a private game reserve, offers excellent opportunities to monitor cheetahs, lions, and elephants. The camps themselves vary in style, from hilltop locations with shared facilities to a farmhouse surrounded by a lush garden.

What you need to know before you join this project

This project offers a truly hands-on experience, so come prepared for early mornings and full days in the field. Morning sessions typically last about five hours, with another three hours of work in the afternoons. You’ll spend a lot of time driving, observing, and waiting. Unlike a safari game drive at a lodge, the primary focus here is on data collection, not leisure. This means some days you might pass elephants or rare bird species without stopping, as the priority is to locate and monitor specific target species. The open vehicles can be quite chilly in the early hours, so be sure to pack warm layers. If you're visiting during the rainy season, a rain jacket or poncho is essential. Flexibility is crucial—the bush is unpredictable, and plans can shift unexpectedly, but that’s all part of the adventure!

Why join us?

I believe this project is great for anyone, whether you’re a complete beginner, an experienced safari-goer, a nature-enthusiast or even a trained field guide. It gave me a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of wildlife conservation while actively contributing to it. I gained hands-on experience with data collection, learning how it plays a critical role in tracking species health, monitoring populations, and identifying threats. Along the way, I explored the successes and challenges of conservation, from habitat management to anti-poaching strategies. This experience expanded my knowledge, deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance of ecosystems, and immersed me in the vital work of protecting endangered species.

If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and want to experience the incredible biodiversity of Southern Africa firsthand, this project is for you. You’ll work alongside a dedicated team, contribute to important research, and create lifelong memories in the heart of the wild. We’d love to have you join us on this adventure—reach out today, and let’s make it happen!