Wildlife Conservation in the Greater Kruger National Park

The project

Volunteer in a private part of the Greater Kruger — one of the most important conservation areas in Africa. This vast ecosystem is home to some of the continent's most endangered wildlife, including African wild dogs, hooded vultures, black rhinos, and the world's largest population of white rhinos, a species under constant pressure from poaching. Protecting an area this size takes constant, hands-on vigilance, from tracking individual animals to maintaining the technology that helps anti-poaching teams stay one step ahead. As a volunteer, you'll become part of that effort, working alongside the people who do this work every day.

What to expect?

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be contributing to real conservation efforts, including:

• Tracking rhinos on foot, recording their GPS location and sending ID photos to the reserve's anti-poaching team
• Tracking and monitoring other threatened species, including cheetah, leopards and wild dogs
• Contributing data that feeds directly into the reserve's long-term wildlife management strategy

Beyond the reserve, you’ll get the chance to explore the region's outstanding natural beauty. Built into your weekly schedule is:

• A trip to the largest wildlife rehabilitation centre in South Africa
• A river cruise in the Blyde Canyon (the third largest canyon in the world)
• The chance to explore the public part of the Kruger

Guided by conservation experts, this project offers a rare opportunity to understand the day-to-day realities of protecting wildlife in South Africa, and discover how you’re making a real difference.

After days spent tracking wildlife and exploring the local area, you’ll return to your base camp, tucked away in a private area of the Greater Kruger, to unwind and take in the breathtaking views.

“While this project excelled in wildlife sightings, I got so much enjoyment and education out of on-foot tracking, learning about the flora and fauna on the reserve during bush walks, and from the daily banter between the project staff and our group of volunteers.”

Who can be a wildlife volunteer?

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