UW Wildlife Conservation in South Africa

A collage of three photos depicting white rhinos with a baby, a giraffe, and a group of people on safari in a Siyafunda vehicle.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

South Africa, Limpopo Province

This two week study abroad program will focus on the ecology and management of South African wildlife at a research station located in the Makalali Game Reserve in Limpopo Province. Students will participate in daily wildlife monitoring drives and bush walks to collect and analyze data that inform management decisions for the reserve. Through lectures and field activities, students will learn about ecology and behavior of African wildlife as well as wildlife conservation issues, such as nature reserve management, impacts of wildlife-based tourism, community involvement in conservation, and wildlife crime. Students will also engage in habitat restoration.

Through hands-on fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and habitat restoration alongside full-time rangers and conservationists, students will build their practical skillset; learn about local and global wildlife ecology challenges; discuss conservation issues and strategies; and learn about potential career paths.

Program activities and excursions include:

• Morning and late afternoon wildlife monitoring drives or bush walks

• Lectures by research station staff, biologists, and wildlife experts

• Habitat restoration and reserve maintenance work

• Work on data analysis, camera trap work, or other projects

• Weekend day excursion to waterfalls and montane forest at nearby Lekgalameetse Provincial Park

• Weekend day excursion to Blyde River Canyon

Watch an info session with Program Leader Jim Berkelman:

Check out the video transcript here.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

1. Describe how ecological principles such as carrying capacity, niche differentiation, trophic cascades, and ecological succession apply to the wildlife and ecosystems of southern Africa.

2. Discuss how the size and structure of wildlife populations can change over time based on both environmental factors and interactions among different species.

3. Evaluate interspecific interactions, including competition and predation and explain how they impact ecosystems using southern Africa as an example.

4. Describe how habitat and landscape features impact wildlife populations and how these features can be altered or managed to improve conditions for wildlife.

5. Describe the goals and strategies that wildlife managers use in southern Africa and the challenges they face, including poaching and anti-poaching initiatives.

6. Communicate with local communities and scientists to understand the stakeholder viewpoints that are important to wildlife management decisions.

7. Gain proficiency in the use of field techniques used to monitor wildlife populations, including tracking, radio telemetry, and camera trap deployment.

8. Identify commonly observed wildlife species of southern Africa and be able to explain their taxonomic relationships

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

Preference given to students in the Wildlife Ecology major and/or in CALS
- Preference given to students with Junior or Senior standing
- Preference given to students who have taken a course in ecology or conservation (e.g., Bot/Zoo 260, F&WE 318, F&WE 360, Envir St 339, or Bot/Zoo 460)
2.0 cumulative GPA
Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Studies, Animal Management, Conservation

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Mid-May to late May

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026	2/6/2026	Cost Details
Summer 2027	12/4/2026	Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

Students will earn two credits of Forest & Wildlife Ecology 375: Wildlife Conservation in South Africa upon successful completion of the two-week program in South Africa. Assignments include an African wildife species report, African wildlife species presentation, daily journal entries, lecture reflections, and participation in course activities.

This course can count as a major elective in the "Conservation" category for the Wildlife Ecology major. See your academic advisor about using the course to meet requirements for other majors.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Jim Berkelman

Program Leader, Forest & Wildlife Ecology

Dr. Berkelman teaches undergraduate Wildlife Ecology courses at UW-Madison and previously led a two week study abroad program on Wildlife Ecology in Mexico.

Location

The Makalali Game Reserve is a private gated nature reserve in a remote location of Limpopo Province, 500 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg. Some of the reserve's keystone species include elephants, lions, hyenas, leopards, and buffalo.

Housing

All housing is provided. The first and last nights of the program will spent in a hotel lodge in Johannesburg. For the large majority of the program, students will stay in shared dorm rooms with bathrooms down the hall at Siyafunda research station in the Makakali Game Reserve. Laundry is available at the research station. Laundry and limited wifi is available at central locations at the research station.

We typically place students in rooms with others of the same sex. In some locations, this is necessary for legal or cultural reasons. We understand that not all students may identify as female or male, and we want to create a welcoming environment for you while you are abroad. We are happy to work with students who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary regarding life abroad. If you have questions or concerns regarding housing as it relates to your gender identity, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Participants can expect to navigate uneven terrain, spend extended time outside, and limited ability to shop or prepare meals for oneself since the program is in a remote location. All meals are arranged and provided by on-site staff. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, or other allergies can be accommodated.

Excursions and Activities

Program activities and excursions include:
• Morning and late afternoon wildlife monitoring drives or bush walks
• Lectures by research station staff, biologists, and wildlife experts
• Habitat restoration and reserve maintenance work
• Work on data analysis, camera trap work, or other projects
• Weekend day excursion to waterfalls and montane forest at nearby Lekgalameetse Provincial Park
• Weekend day excursion to Blyde River Canyon

On-Site Support

UW-Madison program leaders travel with the group. On-site staff will assist with program activities.

Handbooks

Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
2026 Program Handbook (2026)

Orientation

We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you by your Program Leaders after acceptance to the program.

Visa

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for this program. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor, if you have any questions.

Getting to Your Program

You are responsible for arranging round-trip flights to and from South Africa. The Program Leaders will provide guidance for arrival and departure dates and times.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Summer 2026 Cost Details Summer 2027 Cost Details

Financial Aid

Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.

For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.

Scholarships

This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.

UW-Madison
CALS Study Abroad Scholarships

IAP Administered
Study Abroad Scholars
IAP Badgers Go Green Abroad
Bryan Davia Scholarship
IAP Gilman Incentive
IAP WISc Scholarship

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Session	Application Status
Summer 2026	Application Closed
Summer 2027	Apply Now

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Rebecca Johnson (Make an appointment with Rebecca Johnson, or email rebecca.h.johnson@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Rebecca Johnson (Make an appointment with Rebecca Johnson, or email rebecca.h.johnson@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)

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