Reptile Rescue and Research | Internship | South Africa

Reptile rescue and research in South Africa | Project and Qualification information

About the role
Based at a reptile research and rescue centre between the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Cayon, South Africa. 

This opportunity provides students and researchers the opportunities to gain reptile, exotic animal or conservation experience & qualifications. Take part in research, rehabilitation and education at a reptile centre. Supporting scientific research, veterinary care for reptiles and educational demonstrations with the public to reduce human wildlife conflict and promote reptile respect.  

When on site, participants will be expected to help with all aspects, studying and researching the reptiles themselves, animal health and veterinary work and supporting presentations with the centre’s visitors.

You'll also work in the greater community as part of outreach work including responding to emergency snake call outs to capture and move animals away from homes or businesses. 

Explore South Africa and its most renowned national park, the Kruger, along with the largest green canyon on the planet, Blyde River Canyon. The area is home to many species of reptiles small and large along with breathtaking landscapes and iconic animals such as elephants, lions and more! 

Schedule and work hours: 
Monday to Friday 
The reptile centre itself opens in the mornings, you’ll start your work before then. Feeding and checking on the animals ahead of the members of the public.  

The reptile centre functions as a rehabilitation and research centre for reptiles, its also open to the public for education tours or demonstrations (some of which you’ll lead!).  

Your time will be split between, health checking, feeding and researching the reptiles in the centre. 

After a lunch break and once the animals have been looked after, most days you’ll focus on practical lessons with trainers and any course work in the early afternoon to gain confidence and qualifications. 

Take part in activities like emergency calls outs to rural areas to remove dangerous snakes or give presentations at the centre to the public.  

Once your day’s completed you’ll have the freedom to spend the evening how you like, from focusing on research work to just hanging out with other international students, volunteers or researchers at the centre and your accommodation.  

Weekends and free time 

Free time is for you, you can choose to spend it at the centre or head out for some of the many activities in the area. Go solo or as a group and visit local reserves for safari drives or bush walks, meet rural communities in the area to get to know the local culture, take part in mountain hikes, boat rides or panorama tours.  

This idyllic area has lots to discover!  

Projects you'll work on: 

We’ll expect you to take part in a variety of different projects and goals while you are with us to help with ongoing conservation work and research.  

Dangerous snake handling 

Snake first aid 

Veterinary care qualifications 

Snake rehabilitation and care work 

Respond to emergency snake sighting call outs 

Give demonstrations and talks 

Work with live animals including snakes, lizards, tortoises and more! 

Snake and reptile research and monitoring 

Snake and reptile release 

Safari activities and tours 

Snake photography 

 
For those with an existing background in herpetology or conservation ecology, we can work with you to help develop and implement your own projects.

University & College credits
Hamba Africa works with education institutions world wide. 

We’re able to offer students and those serious about a career in wildlife conservation or research university approved courses, these courses are based on the practical work you’ll be doing in South Africa and typically award 10 US credits or 16 UK UCAS points. 

If that is something that is valuable or even makes you eligible to financial support from your university as you take part in our placement, please mention it in any application and we will be happy to discuss that with you. 

Highlights: 

Accredited training and qualifications – This placement includes accredited qualifications. The practical training and courses completed at this long-standing reptile research centre are recognised throughout the herpetology and conservation sector. You’ll gain not just personal confidence but professional skills to boost your career! 
 

Snake handling – Build confidence and skills practically working with snakes. Work with a variety of species, from non-venomous constrictors to venomous and deadly. Learning under qualified experts, get to know snake behaviour and how to approach, work with and even handle these animals. 
 

Snake call outs and emergencies – Respond to emergency call outs and help safely capture and remove snakes who’ve entered homes or businesses. Educated and work with locals to raise awareness with education and snake safety. Help reduce human wildlife conflict and prevent the loss of human and snake life alike.  
 

Reptile and exotic veterinary and care work – Reptiles such as snakes, lizards, tortoises, skinks and geckos have completely different biology to mammals or even each other! During your work at the centre, gain practical experience with veterinary and animal health care skills. Develop practical and technical knowledge that supports any career working with what’s called “exotic” animals internationally. 

Education, awareness, presentations and demonstrations – Snakes and reptiles like chameleons have a poor public image locally. Although in South Africa the fear of snakes is understandable as the country hosts many dangerous species, there’s a lot of misconceptions about these animals and how to behave around them. You’ll help give tours, talks, demonstrations and presentations to the public both at the reptile centre and in the local area helping educate to change myth and fear to understanding and healthy respect. 

The placements include: 

- Food and Accommodation 
- Diving course and qualification 
- Certification 
- Inclusion in projects 
- Personal development with any research  
- Transportation in South Africa 
- Equipment 
- 24/7 on site support 
- Wifi access 

Additional courses and opportunities  
For those of you wanting to seriously pursue and develop a career, we can provide more advanced and long-term training 

Long-Term internships, structured learning or specific research in targeted habitats or unique species.  

This placement is best suited for those wanting a unique and inspiring living abroad experience, an opportunity to practical ecology skills, real-world knowledge of herpetology and wildlife conflict .