INTERNSHIP
WHY DO AN INTERNSHIP WITH CONSERVE Eden?
An internship with Conserve Eden offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in conservation, research, and community engagement while working in biodiverse ecosystems. Based in Plettenberg Bay, the Karoo, a Big 5 Reserve in KZN or a private island in the Seychelles, interns participate in wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, species conservation, and marine research, contributing to real-world conservation efforts.
Interns develop field skills, including species identification, data collection, and the use of telemetry and camera traps, while gaining experience in citizen science programs such as SABAP2, CWAC, and iNaturalist. With a strong focus on professional development, the program provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and guided research projects that can contribute to academic studies.
Beyond fieldwork, interns engage with local conservation initiatives, assisting with environmental education and sustainable tourism projects. The program is ideal for students interested in ecology, zoology, marine biology, and environmental science, providing both practical training and career-enhancing experience. By interning with Conserve Eden, students contribute to meaningful conservation efforts, gain valuable research skills, and immerse themselves in South Africa’s stunning natural landscapes.
We customise each internship experience based on your individual needs and the requirements of your University back home, enabling your placement with us to gain maximum benefit for your studies. Whether it is a formal internship, a field study required for a coursework MSc, or a personal trip to gain experience, we can assist.
The OPTIONS
PLETTENBERG BAY
A Conserve Eden intern in Plettenberg Bay will gain hands-on experience in marine conservation and research, working with organisations like Plett Shark Spotters, the Marine Animal Stranding Network, and the Plett Whale Heritage Area. Interns assist with marine species monitoring, data collection on shark activity, cetacean surveys, and stranding response. They also work on our own research programs and engage with local marine tourism companies to promote sustainable ecotourism and contribute to public education and citizen science initiatives, supporting ocean conservation efforts.
THE KAROO
A Conserve Eden intern in the Karoo will participate in meerkat research, cheetah tracking, and general wildlife monitoring. Interns will use camera traps to study animal movements, assist with vegetation surveys, and document bird and tortoise populations. They gain hands-on experience in field data collection, ecological surveying, and conservation management, contributing to long-term research efforts. This internship provides valuable insights into Karoo ecosystems, supporting conservation initiatives for predators, herbivores, and arid-zone biodiversity. Internships in the Karoo are available at set times only, so you should plan ahead.
BIG 5 CONSERVATION
The focus is on Big 5 conservation and reserve management within a growing protected area. Interns assist with monitoring and tracking elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard using telemetry, camera traps, and spoor identification. They help collect data on animal movements, habitat use, and population health, contributing to long-term wildlife management strategies. Daily activities may include monitoring animals and assisting with vegetation assessments to understand the impact of grazing. Gain hands-on field experience, exposure to conservation decision-making, and practical skills in ecological research.
SEYCHELLES
A Conserve Eden intern works within a private island nature reserve dedicated to the protection of endangered species and habitat restoration. Assist with sea turtle monitoring, nest recording, and hatchling releases, as well as ongoing research on Seychelles magpie-robins and other island bird species. They help with invasive species control, native vegetation rehabilitation. Interns gain experience in data collection, wildlife handling, and island conservation management, contributing directly to long-term ecological recovery and species safeguarding in a globally important biodiversity hotspot. We only select two interns a year for this program!
With a combined 30+ years of experience introducing the conservation landscape to students, our dedicated team is ready to make this an unforgettable experience to kickstart your conservation career. We limit our intern numbers at any one time, ensuring a personalised experience with close support and mentoring from our dedicated Research and Intern Manager and the rest of our team.
Our internships are carefully designed to provide a meaningful introduction to various conservation arenas. Conserve Eden equips early career graduates or undergraduate students in the ecological sciences as they plan their future careers by exposing them to hands-on conservation with some of South Africa’s top conservationists. As an intern, expect to be treated as a staff member, given responsibility, and to work independently at times. This is not a standard volunteering experience, the goal rather being to expand your skill set, provide meaningful work experience and add value to your resume.
The internship costs a nominal amount but includes all accommodation, project costs, mentoring, and interactive experiences. A portion of the fee goes into supporting our conservation work. Conserve Eden will accompany you from airport pick-up to drop-off, offering guidance and support throughout your experience, making it as meaningful and rewarding as possible.
Contact us to find out more, or to start booking your customised internship!
Please drop us an email with your details, and what you are looking for in an internship. One of our team will reply shortly, and we can set up a video meeting to discuss options that suit your needs.