Our Courses
Join a Nsasani Programme Today!
We develop future environmental leaders. South Africa needs skilled conservation leaders. Nsasani aims to develop conscious environmental leaders using Kruger National Park as a classroom, supported by research facilities, staff, partners, and donors for impactful programs locally and globally.
“Attendees of field-based courses publish more papers, graduate into faculty positions, and access more opportunities than non-attendees.”
Hernandez et al., 2022
How Our Programmes Work
Field-Based & Experiential Learning
Small Groups, Intensive Mentorship
Social Justice & Open Access
Local Meets International
Linked to Real Research
A Programme for Every Stage
There is a place for you here — wherever you are in your learning journey. Click on your stage below to learn more.
High School Learner
Environmental & Science Leadership Camps and Teacher Training Workshops are designed for this level.
Priority is given to learners from schools neighbouring the Kruger National Park. Talented students may be invited to longer, more intensive formats.
Undergraduate Student
Semester programmes, summer field courses, and Visiting Academic Group programmes are available for undergraduates.
Funding support is available for SADC students. International groups are encouraged to include local South African students.
Graduate Student
Honours, Masters and PhD-level field courses, research working groups and savanna science symposiums are available at this level.
Graduate students may also apply for research internships on campus.
Early-Career Professional
The Women in Science / Biodiversity & Leadership programme and Internship & Learnership pathways are designed for this stage — building scarce field skills and professional confidence.
Many participants report these as the turning point in their scientific careers.
Mid-Career Professional
Specialist short courses and knowledge review workshops sharpen specific skills or deepen engagement with the latest science.
Programmes include scientific writing, biomimicry, environmental assessment and conservation technology.
“I cannot emphasize enough how important these programmes are to previously disadvantaged students, facilitating the social transformation we hope to achieve in the professional scientific space.”
Riaaz Mohammed — PhD Student, University of the Western Cape
All Courses at a Glance
Click any course to read about what it involves, who it is for, and what you will need.
Environmental & Science Leadership Camps — High School
What is it?
Inspiring, hands-on science camps for high school learners with a passion for the natural world. Designed to open doors into the environmental sector and spark a lifelong love of science.
Who is it for?
High school learners, with priority given to schools neighbouring the KNP. No prior experience required — curiosity and enthusiasm are the only prerequisites.
What will I learn?
Career pathways in conservation. Basic field science skills. Ecological awareness. How protected areas are managed and why they matter.
Teacher Training Workshops — High School Educators
What is it?
Practical workshops for Natural Science and Life Sciences teachers from high schools bordering the KNP. Participants develop field-based environmental education materials to take directly into their classrooms.
What will I gain?
Ready-to-use environmental education resources. Deeper ecological understanding. A network of fellow science educators. Better tools for inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
Undergraduate Field Courses — University Students
What is it?
Semester and short-course field programmes in natural and earth systems science. Local and international students learn together in a blended format that builds lasting cross-cultural connections.
Who is it for?
Undergraduates from South African universities (UCT, WITS, UWC, UJ, UMP, UNIVEN, SU, TUT and others) and international partner universities including Stanford, Princeton and University of Florida.
Funding
OTS and the Nsasani Trust provide tuition support for SADC students. International institutions pay a programme surcharge that directly funds local student participation.
Women in Science & Biodiversity Leadership — Early Career
What is it?
A flagship Nsasani programme building scarce field skills in biodiversity assessment and conservation leadership — with a focus on empowering early-career women in science. AfriSam SAIA Award recipient, 2021.
What will I learn?
Biodiversity survey design and data collection. Species identification. Scientific writing and research proposals. Leadership skills, professional confidence and a peer network with other scientists and mentors.
Graduate Field Courses & Research Working Groups
What is it?
Honours, Masters and PhD-level field courses in earth and natural systems science. Also includes multi-day research symposiums and savanna science communities of practice.
Course examples
Field Methods in Plant Ecology · Adaptive Wildlife Management · BROWSE Long-Term Biodiversity Monitoring · Savanna Science Review Workshops.
Professional & Specialist Short Courses
What is it?
Short, intensive programmes for mid-career professionals in conservation, research or environmental management. Topics include scientific writing, biomimicry, environmental impact assessment and conservation technology.
Course examples
Scientific Writing Workshops · Biomimicry Immersion · Environmental Assessment Training · Conservation Technology (coming soon)
Internships, Learnerships & Student Support
Internships
Funded short- and long-term field research internships for South African undergraduate and graduate students. Work alongside leading scientists on real projects inside the KNP.
Learnerships
Multi-year learnerships for SANParks Research Assistants — including the OTS Field Safety Officer Learnership. Structured pathways into sustained employment in the biodiversity sector.
Student Support
Subsidised accommodation, lab access, equipment and logistical support for students conducting independent research in the KNP.
Before You Arrive
Everything you need to know to prepare for your time at the SSLI Campus in Skukuza. Click each section to read more.
Getting to Skukuza
By Air
The nearest commercial airport is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit / Mbombela — approximately 1.5 hours from Skukuza. Flights connect from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and other major South African cities.
By Road
Skukuza is accessed through the southern Kruger National Park gates. Programme participants typically receive complimentary park entry — your course coordinator will confirm this on registration.
Health & Safety
Malaria: The Kruger National Park is a malaria area. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis before travel.
Field safety: All fieldwork is supervised by certified staff following SANParks safety protocols.
Insurance: All participants must have travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
Wildlife: You are inside a national park. Always follow safety briefings from staff.
What to Pack
Neutral-coloured, lightweight long-sleeved clothing — no bright colours
Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots
Wide-brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen and insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Notebook and pens for field notes
Personal prescription medication and basic toiletries
Binoculars if available (recommended)
Camera (optional but highly recommended)
Academic Preparation
All programmes involve evidence-based thinking and active problem-solving. Come curious and ready to engage — not just observe.
Pre-reading materials and preparation guidance will be sent to confirmed participants.
Life on the SSLI Campus
The campus runs off solar energy with waterless sanitation — sustainability in practice.
Accommodation for up to 38 people in student dorms and researcher units.
Catering provided during most residential programmes.
Wi-Fi available but limited — plan accordingly.
Laboratory, reference library, lecture room and shared social spaces on site.
Evenings are often spent in informal discussion around the fire.