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

The project

Most people visit Africa for a traditional safari. This project is a chance to take your wildlife experience to a far deeper level. You will be volunteering in one of South Africa’s most successful conservation areas, playing a vital role in the ongoing protection of a huge variety of wildlife - including some of Africa’s largest populations of rhinos and cheetahs!

What to expect?

Supported by a team of professional conservationists, you will help to collect data on lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, and even rarer species such as the pangolin. As a volunteer, you will join ecological monitors on daily research drives through the bush and assist with species monitoring, tracking, and game counts.

Far from a typical tourist experience, on this project you’ll gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes wildlife management. 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 other wildlife reserves, which run for individual profit, this private reserve is partially owned by the local Zulu tribal community. As a volunteer here, you will be supporting the protection of local livelihoods and traditions, as well as 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 volunteer project is open to anybody, and we welcome travellers from all walks of life. The project doesn’t require any prior experience or knowledge, just enthusiasm and curiosity.

As a volunteer, you’ll receive:

• Access to 24/7 support from our in-country team
• All of your in-country transport, accommodation, and food
• A personal consultation with our conservation team to answer any questions

What makes us different to other companies?

• We are southern Africa’s original conservation travel company, made up of qualified zoologists and conservationists.
• Every traveller of ours receives personal guidance before they book to ensure we find the right experience for their goals and passions.
• We work with a range of real partner projects, offering hands-on experience and meaningful work, so you know your efforts are truly making a difference.
• We offer 24/7 in-country support. We will meet you when you arrive, see you safely onto your flight home, and throughout your trip we are always available if you need assistance or just want a chat.
• Your trip is financially protected through ABTA or ATOL, giving you full peace of mind when booking with us that your money is safe.