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Wildlife

Home to the big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo), Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers in northeastern South Africa. This vast and ecologically diverse reserve extends from the Limpopo River in the north to the Crocodile River in the south, bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe, creating a transfrontier conservation area with neighboring reserves. Kruger’s remarkable biodiversity is supported by a range of ecosystems, from open savannas and acacia woodlands to dense riverine forests and mopane scrublands. 

Because we're working on important research and conservation initiatives, our research permits extend to you, our participants and provide rare opportunity to step into the heart of Kruger National Park on foot, an experience typically reserved for scientists and park staff, unlike a typical safari or tour where visitors remain confined to their vehicles.

Working alongside our lead researchers and game guards, you’ll be part of our new research project: Impacts of Megafauna Herbivory & Disturbance on the Functional Composition, Diversity, and Populations of Invertebrates in Kruger National Park. This research investigates how elephants and other large herbivores shape the landscape; not just for plants and other animals, but for the countless invertebrates that drive essential ecosystem functions like pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Our focus for 2025 will be butterflies and dung beetles.

Price: $TBD
Duration: 8 Nights / 7 Days
Dates: December 2026 (TBD)
Country: South Africa
Expedition Language: English
Airport: Skukuza Airport (SZK)
Accommodation: Mostly tent camping, with 2 nights in modern accommodation.
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum participation: 6

ITINERARY

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Day 1

  • Pickup at Skukuza Airport – Immediate transfer to our campsite, with high likelihood of spotting giraffes, hippos, and other wildlife en route.

  • Arrival and Camp Setup – Enjoy a welcome meal upon arrival, followed by settling into accommodations.

  • Orientation and Research Briefing – Overview of expedition objectives, safety protocols, and research methods.

  • Evening Field Activity – After dinner, deploy UV or mercury vapor lights to observe and document nocturnal insect activity.

Days 2-6

  • Sunrise Field Work – Depart camp at first light in safari trucks, with opportunities to see iconic wildlife including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and more en route to research sites.

  • Trap Deployment & Monitoring – Install and check butterfly and dung beetle traps; use nets to capture butterflies and record caterpillars and other immature stages.

  • Data & Specimen Collection – Document findings, collect specimens for later identification, and continue biodiversity surveys.

  • Midday Break – Return to camp during the hottest part of the day for lunch, rest, and relaxation in the pool.

  • Evening Briefing & Dinner – Review the day’s findings and prepare for upcoming activities over a shared meal.

  • Night Field Activities – Use UV light sheets and UV flashlights to locate and observe nocturnal insects.

Day 7

  • Morning Game Drive – Enjoy a more traditional, relaxed safari through Kruger National Park to observe species not yet encountered.

  • Rest Camp Lunch & Exploration – Dine at one of the park’s rest camps with opportunities for shopping and sightseeing.

  • Transfer to SSLI Research Station – We move our accommodations to the Skukuza Science Leadership Initiative (SSLI) research station, offering full modern amenities.

  • Specimen Processing & Training – We begin pinning and identifying collected specimens with a guided instructional session.

  • Evening Meal & UV Lighting – Conclude the day with dinner followed by nocturnal insect observation using UV lights.

Day 8

  • Morning in Skukuza – Enjoy breakfast at one of the local restaurants with ample free time for shopping or personal activities.

  • Exclusive Natural History Collection Visit – Tour the park’s research collection, an opportunity exclusive for researchers and our participants, to view preserved invertebrates and other wildlife specimens from the park.

  • Evening Game Drive – Embark on a final safari truck excursion to spot wildlife at dusk.

  • Farewell BBQ – Celebrate the conclusion of the expedition with a group barbecue, followed by a night of rest before departure.

Day 9

  • Departure - Unfortunately we must part ways.  We will provide you transportation to the airport, or if you decide to stay longer we can provide a shuttle to your next accommodation within Skukuza. (anything outside Skukuza will require your own transportation arrangements)

  • Sign up for your next expedition with us!

Our Expedition Partners

The Skukuza Science Leadership Initiative (SSLI), based in Kruger National Park, is a partnership between the Nsasani Trust, South African National Parks, and the Organization for Tropical Studies that develops conservation-focused leadership through immersive education, research, and community engagement. Opened in 2017, the sustainably designed facility, built with local and recycled materials, passive climate control, and green infrastructure, hosts programs for high school students, university learners, professionals, and local communities. Offering internships, workshops, and research opportunities, SSLI integrates science, sustainability, and cultural exchange to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders while modeling low-impact living.

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Meet Your Expedition Leaders

Important Disclaimers

We will be spending a majority of our time in wildlife rich areas. It will be very hot, we may be caught in the rain (which will feel nice), and we'll get dirty… and that’s half the fun, however, please consider the disclaimers below.  And keep in mind, all activities are optional, so if you need a rest or don’t feel like participating one day, you’re more than welcome to relax on the property.

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COMFORTABILITY:  You will be sleeping in tents with mattresses and basic accommodations. It’s not a 5-star resort, but it does have some ammenities.  Please bring whatever else you may need to ensure your comfort in this environment.  On our last two days we'll stay in modern accommodations with A/C.

 

MEDICAL: Biting and painful stinging insects as well as venomous snakes and other predators are present. There has never been an incident or medical emergency with our expeditions, but please exercise caution and follow our safety instructions at all times.  While we will have armed game guards with us, we cannot control the wildlife, terrain or weather. If you have any allergies to hymenoptera venom (bees, ants, wasps) please reconsider participation or bring your doctor prescribed epinephrine. While we are Wilderness First Responder Certified, this really only means we’re certified to assess emergency situations and provide extremely basic emergency care… we are not medical doctors.

​Our Expedition DOES NOT include:

  • Flights

  • Toiletries

Suggested packing list:

While we have a lot of experience packing for such field trips, it may be a bit confusing or intimidating if this is your first trip to Africa. We’ve compiled a list of items you may want to consider below. 

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The following items are non-essential but may come handy:

  • Your favorite snacks (chocolate, cereal bars, trail mix, etc.)

  • Pajamas or night clothes

  • Electronics: camera, phone/tablet, e-reader and chargers

  • USB Power Bank for your phone/tablet/e-reader

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