Location: Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa

Duration: 2 weeks to 3 months (You choose)

Dates: Runs all year! Arrival and departure days of your choosing

Animal types: Reptiles! From crocodiles, snakes, monitors, chameleons, turtles, tortoise and more!

Experience: None to Qualified

Anyone with a passion for reptiles and conservation is welcome — including herpetology students and enthusiasts, pre-veterinary students, zoology or wildlife students, gap-year participants, early-career professionals, qualified individuals in animal-related fields, and anyone seeking structured, ethical, hands-on reptile handling experience.

Can be done on its own for an incredible experience or combined with any of the programs listed on this website!

About the Reptile Conservation, Rescue & Handling Program

An intensive hands-on program focused on reptile conservation, ethical handling, rescue, husbandry and education. Participants work alongside experienced curators and conservation staff, gaining practical experience with venomous and non-venomous reptiles while contributing to the daily operations of a professional reptile center.

Participants’ daily responsibilities vary depending on current activities at the Centre, but typically include rotations through animal care, rescue call-outs and releases, public education, enrichment, feeding and enclosure maintenance. This structure provides comprehensive exposure to professional reptile management in South Africa.

DATES 

ALL YEAR!

Arrival and departure days any day! No specific dates or arrival/departure days

Prices

We are still booking participants for 2026

NO APPLICATION REQUIRED- No complicated applications. Just an eager attitude, willingness to learn and a spirit for adventure!

Please fill out the contact form below so I can email you the PDF and Flyer with all the information including prices, dates, accommodation, activities and more.

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What to Expect

1) Reptile Handling & Safety Training

Learn safe, ethical handling techniques for venomous and non-venomous snakes and other reptiles under strict supervision. Training includes use of professional tools, controlled procedures and adherence to venomous safety protocols. Handling progression depends on duration, competence and confidence.

2) Reptile Rescue Call-Outs

Assist curators on reptile call-outs where snakes or other reptiles are removed from private properties or public spaces and safely relocated. Call-outs may involve non-venomous species, venomous snakes and occasionally crocodiles, depending on circumstances and safety assessments.

3) Daily Husbandry & Welfare

Participate in feeding, enclosure maintenance, enrichment routines, biosecurity procedures and welfare-focused care. Learn advanced reptile husbandry practices for a wide range of indigenous and exotic species.

4) Public Education & Demonstrations

Support live reptile demonstrations and educational tours. As knowledge grows, participants may assist in presentations under supervision, helping change public perception of reptiles.

5) Research & Conservation Involvement

Assist with ongoing research initiatives and data collection where applicable. Participants may contribute to conservation-focused projects taking place during their stay.

6) In-House Courses & Additional Learning

Attend short courses and lessons running at the centre during your stay (when scheduled). Certifications are awarded for courses completed. Longer stays often provide greater opportunity for additional training exposure.

7) Exposure to Veterinary & Health Procedures

Participants may observe veterinary procedures or necropsies when applicable, depending on cases occurring during their stay.

8) Wilderness Exposure (Duration Dependent)

Depending on the length of stay, participants may join field excursions to observe and survey reptile activity in natural habitats.