Tracking rhinos in Namibia
The Waterberg Plateau National Park is a refuge for Namibia's most endangered wildlife, including black rhinos. Earthwatch Institute (01865 318838; earthwatch.org/europe) needs people to help study their habitats. Departs 15 January and 6 March 2005; 14 nights from £1,710pp full board in tents. Flights to Windhoek with STA Travel (0870 160 6070; statravel.co.uk) from £600.

Me Tarzan, you wannabe ranger
Abercrombie & Kent (0845 0700 610; abercrombiekent.co.uk) has safari-ranger courses for novices in Botswana: learn to track animals, understand their environment and fire guns. Departs 23 January and 22 February 2005; six nights from £2,095pp full board with flights and transfers.

So how much does an elephant eat?
Taita Discovery Centre in Tsavo, Kenya, conducts research into elephants: you'll focus on field work including monitoring tree and shrub consumption, and mapping areas where elephants fight. Alternatively, track lions to establish their routines. Ten nights from £610pp full board. Contact Origins Safaris (00 254 2033 1191; originsafaris.info). Flights to Nairobi with Trailfinders (020 7938 3939; trailfinders.com) from £350.