Natural Sciences - University of Chester

That’s a wrap for our 2026 African Adventure!! What an incredible journey it has been.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our partners at GAP Africa Projects, Nambiti Research Camp, Wild Connection and Zingela River Safari Company. Thank you for sharing your country, your home and your expertise with us, and for providing our students with such unique and unforgettable learning experiences.

A huge thank you must also go to our students. Your enthusiasm, passion and willingness to embrace every opportunity made this trip such a success. From wildlife monitoring and conservation work to tracking, bird ringing, freshwater ecology and countless unforgettable wildlife encounters, you have approached every challenge with energy, curiosity and professionalism. Most importantly, thank you for the laughter, camaraderie and memories that will stay with us long after we've returned home.

As we prepare for the journey back, we're taking one final moment to soak up this spectacular view with a well-earned brew in hand.

During our field course in South Africa, students have had the opportunity to develop a greater appreciation for the “small stuff”, the often-overlooked species that play a vital role in maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems.

While South Africa is famous for its iconic megafauna and spectacular birdlife, students quickly learned that biodiversity extends far beyond the traditional “Big Five.” Many days and evenings were spent exploring around camp and across the reserve in search of the smaller, more elusive creatures that are critical to ecosystem health.

From turning over rocks during the day to carefully scanning camp paths at night, students encountered a remarkable variety of species, including spiders, scorpions, mantids, dung beetles, frogs, toads, lizards, and snakes. These hands-on experiences provided valuable insight into the incredible diversity of life that exists beneath our feet and often out of sight.

By learning to observe and appreciate these lesser-known species, students have gained a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the important ecological roles played by even the smallest creatures.

Students participating in the international field course to South Africa were fortunate to work alongside Dr Scotty Kyle, former Regional Ecologist for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, to conduct a freshwater ecosystem assessment of the Tugela River, which forms the boundary of our camp at Zingela, KwaZulu-Natal.

Using the mini Stream Assessment Scoring System (miniSASS), students assessed river health and water quality by sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates with hand nets. After capture, these organisms were carefully identified and released back into the river. Many of these species serve as important bioindicators, providing valuable insight into the ecological condition of freshwater environments.

Students also assisted Dr Kyle with the trapping, measuring and tagging of fish as part of a long-term fish population monitoring programme. This involved collecting biometric data from captured fish before carefully inserting a uniquely numbered identification tag, allowing individual fish to be recognised if they are recaptured in future surveys.

This hands-on experience provided students with a unique opportunity to apply ecological monitoring techniques in the field, while contributing to ongoing conservation and research efforts aimed at understanding and protecting one of South Africa’s important freshwater ecosystems.

Current student Megan shares her experience of her Animal Behaviour MSc Course. A two-year master's course, with a placement or project. Which Megan completed with a placement year at Chester Zoo!

"My placement with the Behaviour and Welfare Science team at Chester Zoo has been a highlight of my two-year master's course, connecting the theory I've learned with real, applied practice. My role has involved supporting behavioural monitoring and welfare assessments across a range of species at the zoo, and contributing to ongoing research within the team. I've also had extra opportunities outside of this, including travelling to present my research at a national conference, taking part in night-time wild bat surveys, and volunteering at Dreamnight.

Working alongside zookeepers, curators, and scientists has strengthened my practical research skills, given me a much clearer understanding of how science informs animal care and conservation decisions in a large organisation, and improved my confidence massively. I'm excited to complete my MSc Animal Behaviour with Professional Placement Year and apply my skills and knowledge to a similar role within the animal care sector."

At University of Chester our broad range of professional, internationally recognised postgraduate qualifications also include opportunities to complete a 2 year course with Placement or Project included. Giving students the opportunity to apply and reflect on incorporating their knowledge into industry.

Hands-on learning in the wild! Students on the KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Field Course 2026 had the incredible opportunity to work with South Africa’s birdlife during a bird ringing session hosted by our partners at Zingela River Safari Company. 🐦‍⬛ 🐦️

Using carefully positioned mist nets, researchers were able to safely capture a variety of bird species for monitoring. Students observed the entire scientific process, from the swift and careful removal of birds from the nets to their identification, measurement and weighing. Each bird was then fitted with a uniquely numbered leg ring before being safely released back into the wild.

Bird ringing is a vital conservation tool, providing valuable information on bird distribution, migration patterns, survival rates and population trends. The data collected through these sessions contributes to an ongoing monitoring programme at Zingela, helping scientists better understand the movements of birds across Southern Africa and beyond.

The adventure keeps unfolding. Our group has embraced every challenge, every opportunity, and every unforgettable moment along the way on the KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Field Course 2026!

After an incredible time working alongside our partners at Wild Connection and Nambiti Research Camp, it was time for the next stage of our South African field course as we moved to Zingela River Safari Company.

Following a short transfer by vehicle, students and staff completed the final leg of the journey on foot, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Tugela Valley and Canyon along the way. The spectacular landscapes provided a fitting introduction to our new base and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Of course, reaching camp came with an extra challenge! To access Zingela, we had to cross the Tugela River by raft, giving students the chance to put their rowing skills to the test before arriving safely on the other side.

With stunning surroundings, new research opportunities, and plenty of wildlife waiting to be discovered, we're looking forward to the next chapter of our South African adventure.

📸 More updates to follow once we're fully settled into camp – watch this space!

🦒 Fieldcraft in Practice with our KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Field Course 2026 Students

Students have been busy developing their fieldcraft skills while working at both the Nambiti Research Camp and Zingela in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Guided by experienced field guides, they have been learning essential wildlife tracking techniques, including the identification and interpretation of animal spoor (tracks and signs).

Putting their newly acquired skills into practice, students were challenged to identify the often elusive and secretive species sharing the camps and surrounding reserves. Evidence of wildlife included ostrich, lesser spotted genet, leopard, giraffe, zebra, hippo, and many other game species.

These hands-on experiences provide invaluable insight into biodiversity monitoring, as animal tracks and field signs often reveal the presence of species that are rarely seen directly. By learning how to read the landscape, students are gaining practical conservation skills that are essential for wildlife research and ecological management.

Back with our KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Field Course 2026 students. Highlighting how they are building future skills while having the best time! 🌍️🦁

During our time at Nambiti Private Game Reserve, students have been actively contributing to vital conservation and reserve management efforts. Their work has focused on protecting biodiversity and helping to prevent biological invasions across the reserve.

The team has been hard at work removing invasive alien plant species, including prickly pear cactus (native to Mexico and Central America) and lantana (native to the American subtropics). Students have also been transplanting native aloe plants and clearing overgrown vegetation from reserve tracks to support habitat health and accessibility.

It's been fantastic to see such dedication and enthusiasm from our students as they gain hands-on experience in conservation while making a meaningful contribution to the reserve's ecosystem.

Applying Learning to the Field! Our KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Field Course 2026 students are getting stuck in to research a whole plane ride away from the classroom! 🛫 🌍️

Another staple research activity undertaken by students at Nambiti Private Game Reserve was conducting game counts, an important tool used to monitor wildlife populations and support effective reserve management.

Students travelled along standardised road transects throughout the reserve, recording the species encountered and contributing valuable monitoring data. Along the way, our knowledgeable field guides provided expert insight into the ecology, behaviour and identification of the many species observed. Sightings included African elephant, buffalo, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest, and a wide range of antelope species, including greater kudu, impala, eland, steenbok, duiker, waterbuck and blesbok.

Students also had the opportunity to contribute to an exciting new research project investigating occupancy and potential competition between pied crows and resident raptor species, including vultures, buzzards, kites, hawks and owls. The project aims to improve our understanding of species interactions within the reserve and provide evidence to support future conservation management decisions.

These experiences allowed students to develop and refine their species identification, wildlife survey and biomonitoring skills, while actively contributing to research with real-world applications. It was fantastic to see students applying their classroom knowledge in the field and playing a meaningful role in ongoing conservation efforts at Nambiti and the wider region.

Travel to KwaZulu-Natal with our students on the South Africa Field Course 2026!

After a long 24 hours of travel by road, air and road again, our students and staff have finally arrived in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa!

For the next seven days, Nambiti Research Camp, located alongside the magnificent Nambiti Private Game Reserve, will be their home as we begin the first stage of our South African field course adventure.

Over the coming days, students will be immersing themselves in a variety of wildlife conservation, ecological monitoring and field research activities, gaining invaluable hands-on experience while exploring one of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.

We're excited to share the journey with you and showcase the incredible wildlife, conservation work and learning opportunities that lie ahead.

Stay tuned for regular updates from the field as our South African adventure unfolds over the next 13 days!