South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park is not only a globally renowned wildlife reserve but also a gateway to exciting career opportunities in conservation, tourism, environmental science, and park management. Through its Internship Programme, Kruger National Park offers hands-on experience to passionate young professionals who are eager to protect the country’s natural heritage while developing real-world skills in one of the most biodiverse environments on the continent.
What is the Kruger National Park Internship Programme?
The Kruger National Park Internship Programme is facilitated by South African National Parks (SANParks) and forms part of its broader mission to develop local talent within the environmental and tourism sectors. It typically targets graduates and final-year students from various academic backgrounds, including but not limited to:
- Nature Conservation
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Environmental Education
- Wildlife and Ecological Management
- Finance, Human Resources, and IT
The internship offers an unmatched opportunity to gain structured, on-the-job training in the heart of South Africa’s wilderness.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AS AN INTERN:
Interns are placed in different departments across the park based on their field of study and the current needs of SANParks. Some of the typical responsibilities include:
- Assisting with anti-poaching and conservation projects
- Supporting environmental education programs in local communities
- Helping with tourist services and guiding
- Data collection and wildlife monitoring
- Administrative duties in finance, HR, or IT departments
This programme runs for 24 months, depending on the internship stream. Interns work closely with experienced SANParks staff and are often given the chance to take part in critical decision-making and conservation projects.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
To qualify for the Kruger National Park Internship Programme, applicants must typically meet the following criteria:
- Be an unemployed graduate age 18 – 35
- Must be a South African Citizen
- Have completed a National Diploma/ Bachelor Degree/Honours/Masters (NQF 6 – NQF 9) under the above mentioned discipline/ fields of study from a South African Public Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Must not have previously been employed nor participated in an Internship/ placement programme.
Preference is often given to applicants from local communities surrounding Kruger National Park and previously disadvantaged groups in line with SANParks’ transformation agenda.
HOW TO APPLY
- Applications must be submitted via email to Jobapplications7@sanparks.org
- Applicants must attach a recent copy of their CV, certified copies of: Matric/Grade 12 certificate, Academic qualifications with academic transcripts (academic record) and ID.
- All applications should clearly indicate the Field of Study which they wish to apply for.
- Candidates wishing to apply for the Internship outside their area of residence must be willing to find their own accommodation and transportation considering that they will be earning a SANParks reserves the right to offer Intern accommodation in the National Park as per availability.
- Failure to submit the requested documents/ information will result in your application not being considered.
- Applicants will be expected to be available for assessment and selection interviews at a time, date and place as determined by SANParks.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- All appointments for internships are subject to verification and pre-screening process.
- SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- Manual applications will not be accepted.
- Correspondence will be entered into with shortlisted candidates only.
CLOSING DATE: 13 JUNE 2025
ENQUIRIES: Kindly contact Ms Jabu Kuhlase at: 013 735 4115
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY
Participating in the Kruger National Park Internship Programme not only enhances your employability but also allows you to contribute meaningfully to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism development in South Africa. Interns who perform exceptionally well are often recommended for permanent roles within SANParks or affiliated conservation organizations.
Whether you envision a future in biodiversity protection, eco-tourism, or environmental education, this programme is a launchpad to a rewarding career under the African sky.
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