Participants stay first stay at the beautiful Tembe Safari Lodge within Tembe Elephant Park, one of South Africa's most significant conservation reserves. Then participants will stay at Ithala Bush Camp at Ithala Game Reserve.

Working Adventures

Conservation Is Not Just Something We Support. It Is Something We Do.

At Longneck Manor, we have always believed that the most powerful conservation tool is personal experience. When you stand close enough to truly see an animal, everything changes. Working Adventures takes that belief to its natural conclusion.

These are hands-on, purposeful journeys to South Africa's Kwa-ZuluNatal region, where you will work alongside dedicated conservation professionals in the field. Participants work directly with rhinos, elephants, giraffes, lions, and other iconic species, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of protecting wildlife where it lives. This is not passive tourism. It is active participation in work that matters.

What to Expect

Working Adventures are for the traveler who wants to contribute, not just witness. Experiences may include wildlife monitoring and data collection, habitat work, anti-poaching awareness initiatives, veterinary support, and field-based conservation research. You will live and work within the conservation environment alongside experienced field teams, and you will leave with the kind of understanding that no documentary or day tour can provide.

Groups are limited to 6-8 participants, ensuring meaningful participation, shared learning, and a genuine sense of community among everyone who joins.

Longneck Manor staff travel with you throughout, ensuring the experience is deeply connected to the broader mission we carry home to Texas.

Working Trips to South Africa - $6,500 per personApril 3-13, 2027July 12-21, 2027September 1-10, 2027 Botswana Overlander Camping Trip: $8,000 per personSeptember 22 - October 4, 2027 This is not a working conservation trip. It is a small-group expedition through some of Botswana’s most remote wilderness areas, created for travelers who value authenticity, discovery and a closer connection to the wild.

All accommodations at Tembe Safari Lodge at Tembe Elephant Park and Ithala Bush CampAll transfers between airports, Tembe, and IthalaAll meals and non-alcoholic beverages at both lodgesConservation levies and fees which include supporting helicopter hours, veterinary assistance and medications, radio collars and telemetry equipmentAll field activities at both locationsLongneck Manor staff guide throughout the journeyNot IncludedInternational airfare (a recommended travel agent referral is available upon request)Meals outside of lodge accommodations, such as at the airport or during transfersGratuities for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and housekeeping

Your Longneck Manor Guides

Heather Crocker serves as Executive Director of Longneck Manor, a luxury lodging and conservation park in Texas dedicated to immersive wildlife experiences and conservation education. With more than 25 years of experience in global travel and hospitality, she brings a deep understanding of guest experience, operations, and strategic growth.

Through Indalo Adventures, Heather designs and leads immersive conservation travel experiences that connect guests and professionals to meaningful work in the field. These programs are built around hands-on participation, supporting critical initiatives such as wildlife monitoring, habitat preservation, and veterinary efforts—while fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within global conservation.

Kelly has spent over 20 years in working with conservation organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project, International Rhino Foundation, IUCN Tapir Specialist Group and the Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation.

Her conservation experience goes beyond the desk. She has worked in the field with brown bears in Alaska, tapirs in Brazil, and rhinos in India and Indonesia, giving her a genuine, ground-level understanding of the work Indalo journeys are built around.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Book?

Working Adventures are operated in partnership with Indalo Adventures, a conservation travel program. When you are ready to move forward, we will connect you directly with the Indalo Adventures team to discuss the right program and dates for you.

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