South Africa: Communities, Wildlife, and Conservation in Post-Apartheid South Africa - CONS 454 (6 credits)

This program takes students into the heart of the African savanna biome to study communities, wildlife, and conservation, and learn from rural community members. It will offer insights into the innovative forms of community-based natural resource management now emerging in South Africa. Our goal will be to understand the new landscapes of conservation associated with post-apartheid South Africa and, in the process, to explore the wicked problems faced by the millions of people living in poverty on the edge of protected areas. 

Unlike many overseas programs in the region, this is not a tour. It combines some very adventurous travel with detailed field experience, data gathering, and long-term partnerships with rural South African communities. The main focus is on social-ecological issues facing the 2.9 million or so people living around the edges of one of the world’s great game reserves: the Kruger National Park. 

Flying in to Johannesburg and traveling overland to a research base in the northern part of the Park, we will begin by interacting with community leaders in Kruger’s northern border villages, studying land use/land cover change and rewilding in the Kruger National Park region, post-apartheid land restitution, rural resource harvesting, and human-wildlife conflict. Moving south through Kruger itself, travelling in open safari vehicles, we’ll experience the reserve’s remarkable savanna species diversity. 

Working with South African National Parks staff and local scientists, we will examine current issues around elephant and lion management, and the racial and economic complexities surrounding rhino poaching. The program offers an intimate and interactive experience of different models of “decolonized” conservation management: innovative adaptive management within a national park; work with unarmed anti-poaching teams of Black women in private reserves; and an emergent community-conservation project that is returning land to tribal authorities in the post-apartheid land claims process.

Learn more and see photos here: http://forestry.ubc.ca/news/branchlines-conservation-in-south-africas-kruger-national-park/

Read Elsa Pyper's blog post about her experience in the program: https://goglobal.ubc.ca/news/april-04-2026/global-insider-exploring-wildlife-community-and-conservation-south-africa

General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:

• Be in good standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
• Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program

Final selection will be made by the lead faculty program directors. Space in the program may be limited.

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Pre-departure

March - May: preparation period that includes assigned readings, pre-departure orientation, and course setup to support the in-country field school. Logistics and safety expectations are reviewed prior to travel. 

In-country dates

Mid-May to early-June: field-based learning in South Africa. Days combine instructor-led activities, site visits, and group work focused on communities, wildlife, and conservation practice in the Greater Kruger National Park region. 

Post-travel

Early to mid-June: final wrap-up and submissions.  

Overall dates

Estimated overall program dates are March - June, 2027. 

Field activities

Field lectures and seminars, research activities and data gathering in the savanna biome; site visits and discussions with community leaders and conservation practitioners in the Kruger National Park region. 

Housing

Shared accommodations arranged by the program. Accommodation is varied: shared hostels, shared cabins, tents, and a short home stay.  

Transportation

Program-related ground transportation is arranged as part of the itinerary; open safari vehicles are used for certain activities inside Kruger National Park.

South African National Parks (game guards, field research permits, support, guest lectures); Nsasani Trust (in-country administration and support).

Mobility and infrastructure

Students will be in remote wilderness areas for much of the time, going on early morning game drives, and working in the bush with armed guards in areas where there are dangerous animals. 

Physical activity

A moderate level of fitness is required to participate in course activities. 

Dietary and personal needs

A field catering team will prepare all meals; students should provide details of allergies or dietary requirements in advance. Those with specific dietary requirements should be prepared to manage their needs in this context. 

Approximate program fees: $9,500-10,500*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars only run if a minimum number of students participate.

Go Global Award

All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.

Global Pathfinder Award

The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students who have not previously participated in Go Global and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.

Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more about the Global Pathfinder Award

Go Global Sustainability Award

Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award. Learn more about the Go Global Sustainability Award

Please see our Preparing to Apply page.