FlyWay specialises in wildlife and nature conservation internships in South Africa. We work with carefully selected conservation partners and prepare European students for structured, meaningful field placements.
South Africa offers extraordinary biodiversity, from savannah ecosystems to marine reserves. Through FlyWay, you gain hands-on experience in conservation research, wildlife monitoring, reserve management and environmental operations.
We focus exclusively on conservation-focused placements and ensure every student is properly prepared before departure.
What we provide:
• Personal consultation and profile assessment
• Careful matching with trusted conservation providers
• Visa and insurance guidance
• Pre-departure safety preparation
• Travel and logistical advice
• Clear communication between student and host organisation
FlyWay acts as the professional bridge between Europe and South Africa, ensuring alignment, clarity and preparation before you step into the field.
Specialist. Structured. Conservation-Focused.
FlyWay was founded to elevate the standard of wildlife conservation internships in South Africa.
With more than 15 years of professional experience across both Europe and South Africa, we understand the academic expectations, regulatory frameworks and cultural contexts of both regions.
Our mission is to create conservation placements that are:
• Academically aligned
• Professionally structured
• Ethically responsible
• Safe and well-prepared
• Personally transformative
Focus creates quality. That is why FlyWay specialises exclusively in wildlife and conservation.
We assess your academic background, expectations and suitability for conservation fieldwork.
We communicate directly with our South African partners to ensure expectations are aligned on both sides.
We guide you through visa requirements, insurance considerations, safety awareness and travel logistics.
You begin your structured conservation experience, prepared and informed.
FlyWay ensures clarity before departure, reducing uncertainty and increasing quality of experience.
Supporting your son or daughter abroad
Academic alignment & professional standards
For South African conservation providers
Flyway — the migratory route birds travel across continents
between breeding and wintering grounds.
A symbol of connection, movement and purpose.
Excellence Through Experience
We maintain consistent and professional communication with our trusted conservation partners across South Africa. Each host organisation understands your academic goals and is prepared to provide structured supervision and meaningful field exposure.
Our partners are eager to welcome you, as they recognise the unique perspectives and innovative solutions that foreigners often bring to existing challenges. This collaborative environment creates valuable learning opportunities, allowing you to make a meaningful impact during your time in South Africa.
Each placement is aligned with the student's academic background, individual interests and professional goals.
For European students in ecology, biology and environmental sciences, South Africa offers one of the most diverse and dynamic conservation landscapes in the world. From savannah ecosystems to marine reserves, it provides hands-on exposure that is difficult to replicate in Europe.
South Africa shares historical ties with Europe, and for Dutch students the linguistic similarities between Afrikaans and Dutch can make adaptation easier. At the same time, the ecological scale, biodiversity and field conditions offer a completely different professional learning environment.
That said, South Africa is over 10,000 km away, at the southern tip of the African continent, which requires careful preparation prior to departure.
FlyWay supports you with:
South Africa offers extraordinary natural beauty and conservation opportunity, but also social and safety complexities that require awareness. With the right preparation, you arrive informed, confident and ready to contribute.
FlyWay operates on a single consolidated daily programme rate in partnership with our conservation providers.
Rather than separating administrative, accommodation and supervision costs, all core components are integrated into one programme fee for clarity and consistency.
The daily programme rate includes:
The following expenses remain the responsibility of the participant:
To receive a tailored overview of eligibility, availability and programme costs, please contact FlyWay directly.
An overseas experience is not a cost but an investment in your professional future.
Students we placed with our South African conservation partners, in their own words.
My experience with FlyWay before and during my internship in South Africa was incredibly positive! They guided me with great care through both my research internship and the preparations. Thanks to their quick answers and clear guidance, preparing for my trip and extending my visa was completely stress free, allowing me to fully enjoy my time abroad!
Jeske Brekveld
Applied Biology, HAS Green Academy — the Netherlands
Research internship · Using small mammals as eco indicators
FlyWay provided invaluable support during my 9 month internship in South Africa. From pre-departure guidance to assisting with my visa renewal and associated appointments. FlyWay’s consistent support greatly reduced my stress with both the practical and academic aspects of my study.
Ffion Hatfull
Biological Sciences, Cardiff University — United Kingdom
Research internship · Giraffe thermoregulation
I found the tips and guidance we received for our internship very helpful. I felt that I was given all the practical information I needed to know beforehand. It is also great to know that FlyWay is always available to offer advice on how to make the most of our time and experience more of the country.
Jan Derk Schulp
Spatial and Environmental Planning, HAS Green Academy — the Netherlands
Research internship · Sustainable permaculture farming
I had a wonderful experience with FlyWay! I didn’t experience any stress during the preparation of my internship or during my stay in South Africa. This was because they explained everything really clearly, for example what to pack for your stay and the visa extension process. They always responded quickly, making communication easy and ensuring an amazing stay in South Africa.
Fenneke Renkema
Animal Sciences, Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein — the Netherlands
Research internship · Giraffe thermoregulation
FlyWay found a great and varied internship for me, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It is also really reassuring to know that we can always rely on FlyWay for support and guidance throughout the internship.
Loïc Smeijsters
Spatial and Environmental Planning, HAS Green Academy — the Netherlands
Research internship · Sustainable permaculture farming
Interested in wildlife and conservation internships in South Africa, or looking to learn more about collaborating with FlyWay?
We look forward to discussing your goals and exploring how we can support your conservation objectives.