Go behind the scenes on a 'Big 5' safari reserve

The project

Most people visit Africa for a traditional safari. This project takes your wildlife experience far deeper. You'll be volunteering in one of South Africa's most successful conservation areas, playing a vital role in protecting some of Africa's largest populations of rhino and cheetah. Rather than observing from a vehicle window, you'll work alongside the very team responsible for keeping this ecosystem thriving, gaining a level of access and understanding that most visitors never get close to.

What to expect?

Every reserve like this faces a constant, delicate balancing act - managing predator and prey numbers, protecting genetic diversity, and staying a step ahead of poachers — and as a volunteer, you'll see first-hand exactly what that work involves. You will work alongside and support a team of professional conservationists and ecological monitoring specialists in the following activities:

• Collecting data on all species, from birds to elephants, pangolin to lion
• Species monitoring and tracking using a range of equipment, as well as your eyes and ears
• Game counts to assess ecosystem dynamics
• Wildlife management work such as rhino horn trimming and translocations

Your volunteering experience will also be full of learning opportunities, from understanding how rhino-horn trimmings support anti-poaching, to seeing how lions and cheetahs compete for food and space. Most importantly, you will learn how your contribution fits into the bigger picture of wildlife conservation in Africa.

Unlike many wildlife reserves run for individual profit, this private reserve is partially owned by the local Zulu community, so your experience here directly supports the livelihood and local traditions of the people, as well as the wildlife.

"Travelling like this opens your eyes. It gives you a new perspective on the world and the challenges faced by conservationists every day. We could have stayed in a lodge and done a traditional safari, but this was something entirely different."

Who can be a wildlife volunteer?

This project is open to anyone with a curiosity for wildlife research and management. 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 passion 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.