Reptile handler and research volunteer
Gain industry accredited certifications in reptile capture, care and research
Placement summary
Who should join us?
Those passionate, studying or working with reptiles including: snakes, lizards, tortoises and more! Gain certificates while you handle and care for these animals... responding to emergency call outs or for serious reptile professionals try anti-venom milking.
Location: Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
Group sizes: 1 - 9 Volunteers plus trainers.
The Projects
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Dangerous snake handling
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Snake first aid
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Outreach work
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Respond to emergency snake sighting call outs
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Snake rehabilitation and care work
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Give demonstrations and talks
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​Veterinary care qualifications
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Work with live animals including snakes, lizards, tortoises and more!
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Snake and reptile research and monitoring
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Snake and reptile release
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Safari activities and tours
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Snake photography
Visit the Projects page to find out how you'll be helping. For other useful information check out our FAQs.
Volunteer role and duties
All planned trips are available on our date and rates page, or contact us and we'll get back to you.
When do we operate?
Make a deposit
£433
All planned trips are available on our date and rates page, or contact us and we'll get back to you.
With flexible payment plans, secure your place from as little as £50!
From per week
What's included?
We have taken care of all the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!
The placement includes:
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Airport transfers to and from the reserve
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Accommodation during your stay
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Transportation and guides/tour leaders for all confirmed excursions and group activities
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Food and drink (excludes personal extras)
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Entry to sites
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All itinerary/activity equipment is provided
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Wi-fi access
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Meet and greet event in the UK
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Fellow volunteer contact list, to be sent out prior to departure
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24-hour emergency onsite support
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100% financial security with your booking
What's not included?
Please note, we do not book, manage or coordinate the following:
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Flights
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Travel insurance
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Visa and Immigration requirements
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Vaccinations and health screening/checks
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Personal travel insurance
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Optional activities (any that you book during your stay)
Requirements
In order to join us on one of our packages you'll need to:
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Be above 18
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Have valid travel insurance
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Have booked return flights
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Organise the relevant travel and immigration documents
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Undergo any relevant medical checks and vaccinations
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These are your personal responsibility. Proof that all requirements are met must be sent ahead of your arrival.
Highlights you can expect
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
Reptile and exotic veterinary care
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.
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.
Education, presentations and demonstrations
Breathtaking Landscape
Snakes and reptiles like chameleons have a poor public image locally.
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.
Take part in Safari drives through the world renowned Kruger National park to see iconic Africa wildlife like elephants, lions, buffalo and more. Explore Blyde river canyon, the worlds largest green canyon for phenomenal views from the top or bottom as you boat through its reservoir. There’s lot of activities in the area to take part in as a group with your fellow volunteers and students.
