On the Expedition
Work with South African villagers using their traditions to meet modern environmental and economic challenges.
You’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to truly understand African village traditions, documenting their richness and highlighting their potential. At each village, your observational skills will be put to good use as the research team gathers information on different aspects of village life and tradition such as mining, metallurgy, biotechnology, environmental management, and medicine. The villagers and researchers will use the data you collect to address issues of poverty and environmental degradation. You’ll help them build a sustainable and economically valuable cultural tourism program by working to fine-tune a village museum and a center for innovation and learning. During your recreational time, you’ll visit nearby game parks to see classic African wildlife under the guidance of the village elders.
Meals and Accommodations
You’ll stay at the Makuleke Cultural Centre and Homestay, sharing a rondavel (traditional round hut) with one other volunteer. Your rondavel will include beds, a full bathroom with a hot shower, a ceiling fan, and space for your belongings. Single rooms may be available with advance notice, but may incur an additional fee. The center is located at the northern gateway into Kruger National Park and also features a lounge area and outdoor arena where you can enjoy cultural performances. Meals will be prepared for the team and will include local favorites such as roasted corn and sweet potatoes.
About the Research Area
The research area ranges from the Zoutpansberg mountain range to the Limpopo Valley of South Africa, a diverse and dramatic landscape punctuated by rural settlements, flowing rivers filled with crocodiles, private game reserves, and national parks teeming with classic African wildlife. Elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, impalas, hippos and many other species inhabit the area.
The Limpopo River flows through the valley, with the Lebombo mountain range running along its western bank and forming a natural boundary between South Africa and Mozambique. Depending on the season, the area transforms from hot and dry to lush and green.
Your team will work in small rural villages throughout the region, where traditional African cultures are still very strong and have been little affected by outside influences. You may be invited to take part in local ceremonies and to visit ruins, archaeological sites, and shrines.