Volunteer at a rhino sanctuary in South Africa

The project

Africa’s rhinos are facing a poaching crisis. The calves left behind experience high levels of stress, are too young to fend for themselves and are left vulnerable to predators.

By joining this project you’ll help provide essential care to orphaned and injured rhinos, making a real difference to their health and wellbeing, and preparing them for adult life. The sanctuary has an excellent track record of releasing rehabilitated rhinos, giving orphans a genuine second chance.

What to expect?

Supported by passionate, highly qualified rhino specialists, you’ll become fully immersed in the rhino care within a calm, intimate small-team setting. A typical day could include:

• Packing feedbags and distributing them to older rhinos who no longer drink milk
• Preparing specially-made milk formula and bottle feeding babies, if there are any at the centre during your stay
• Accompanying staff to monitor old, successfully released rhinos in a protected reserve also home to zebra, pangolin, giraffe and wildebeest
• Helping to clean enclosures in the centre

If you're searching for the chance to help orphaned rhinos and make a real difference to long-term rhino conservation, this is the project for you.

"We learned so much during our stay. Working alongside such dedicated staff and being so close to the rhinos really reinforced my connection to nature. It was one of the most magical experiences of my life."

Who can be a wildlife volunteer?

This project is open to anyone with a passion for animal care and rehabilitation. No prior experience is needed, and we welcome volunteers of all ages and walks of life. Whether you are just starting a career in conservation or revisiting a longstanding love for wildlife, you are welcome to join us.

Since 1999, we’ve helped travellers take part in genuine conservation work at Africa’s leading wildlife projects. As qualified zoologists and conservationists, we only work with projects that meet the highest ethical and animal welfare standards. With guidance from our experienced teams, you'll work on the ground at respected conservation projects that protect threatened species and fragile ecosystems, many of which partner with global organisations like WWF and Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).

What makes us different to other companies?

• We are southern Africa’s original conservation travel company, run by qualified conservationists.
• Your trip is financially protected through ABTA and ATOL, so you have full peace of mind that your money is safe.
• Every traveller receives personal guidance before choosing their projects, to find the right fit for their goals.
• 24/7 support from our in-country team who meet you on arrival, see you safely home and are always available in between.
• We work with a range of real projects, offering hands-on experience and meaningful work in animal care, wildlife research and monitoring and veterinary, so you know your efforts are truly making a difference.