Tanzania Field Ecology Internship

Tanzania is one of the most biodiverse nations in the world, making it an unrivalled destination for students seeking a transformative field experience. This 14-day intensive field course immerses students in the diverse ecosystems and conservation challenges of northern Tanzania. Students will develop and apply field biology and natural history skills through hands-on experiences including wildlife identification and tracking, ecology surveys, and science communication. Additionally, students will gain a deep understanding of contemporary conservation challenges in Tanzania through interactions with local field biologists and conservation organizations, as well as facilitated discussions with Maasai elders and community representatives. The course fosters a deep appreciation for Tanzania's cultural diversity and the role of indigenous knowledge in research and conservation, including applications for agroforestry and ethnobotany. Students will gain field experience in some of the most stunning, ecologically unique, and biodiverse locations in Tanzania including Arusha National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Lake Natron, Oldoinyo Lengai, the central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Lake Duluti. Highlights include opportunities to visit Oldupai Gorge (a premier paleoanthropological site, the “Cradle of Mankind”), experience Africa’s iconic wildlife on game drives at the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Parks, and develop experience in field ecology and conservation biology. 

This trip is open to 15 - 20 students and will run from 12 – 26 January 2027 (and similar dates in future years). Students will have to depart prior to 12 January to ensure that they arrive in Arusha by the 12 January for the first day of the course. 

Travel Scholarships Available

For eligible students, the cost of this program can offset by:

• RA Simpson International Scholarship AUD $500 (subject to meeting eligibility requirements)
• OS-HELP up to AUD $8,442 (conditions apply) 

If you are an international student, permanent resident you may still participate and be offered an RA Simpson Scholarship AUD $500 (conditions apply). If you are a post-graduate, commonwealth-supported student, you are eligible to apply for OS-HELP (conditions apply). 

For more details on eligibility, see the ‘Finances’ section below.

Program Costs (Indicative)

 The cost of this program is approximately AU$4,700 which includes a non-refundable deposit after committing to the program.

The costs will cover:

• National Park and conservation area fees
• Accommodation (boutique hotel in Arusha, public park campsites, Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge Eileen's Trees Inn)
• All meals (meals outside of Arusha prepared by professional chef Arnold Munishi)
• Local transportation
• Airport transfers in Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
• Cultural activity fees (Mto wa Mbu, Oldupai Gorge museum, Engaresero footprint site
  
  

The costs will not include

• International airfare (Arusha/Kilimanjaro is well-served via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Doha)
• Tanzania visa (currently $70 AUD for Australian citizens, available on arrival or e-visa)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, optional activities outside the itinerary
  

Flinders University reserves the right to alter the program cost at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by its partners.

The Deposit is due to Flinders by _____ Complete your payment here -
(Link to be updated closer to payment date)

The final balance is due to Flinders by ____ Complete your payment here -
(Link to be updated closer to payment date)

Flinders University reserves the right to alter the program cost at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by its partners.

All students participating in this program will be covered by the university’s travel insurance. Please note, this cover is limited. It is advised that you read the Flinders University Travel and Insurance schedule of benefits before you go, know what is covered and what is not covered.

Insurance Registration required.

Study Plan Query

Submit an Ask Flinders query to confirm whether you have room in your study plan to take topic BIOL2704 (Biology Practical) in S2 2026.

Expression of Interest

Once your study plan is confirmed, submit an Expression of Interest to Dr Ondi  Crino ondi.crino@flinders.edu.au by (TBC) on the application deadline.

Include the following information:

• First and last name
• Student ID
• Student email
• GPA
• Year level
• Program name (degree)

For detailed information about this program, please contact Dr Ondi  Crino ondi.crino@flinders.edu.au