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Outstanding 5.00rating (13)
  • Life On Land

African Big 5 Wildlife Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Wildlife Monitoring Monitor threatened key species and gather behavioural data.
  • Data Processing Assist with capturing data and processing camera trap images.
  • Game Drives Monitor the Big Five & other key species on daily game drives.

Highlights

  • Wildlife Monitoring Monitor threatened key species and gather behavioural data.
  • Data Processing Assist with capturing data and processing camera trap images.
  • Game Drives Monitor the Big Five & other key species on daily game drives.
  • Physical Conservation Make your mark on invasive species removal and habitat restoration.
  • In The Kruger Area Stay on the doorstep of one of South Africa’s most popular parks.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Track and monitor the African Big 5 (leopard, rhino, lion, buffalo, and elephant) on game drives in this stunning wildlife hotspot.

    Big 5 Conservation Efforts That Matter

    Join our Big 5 Conservation Project and discover the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s famous Greater Kruger area. No experience in conservation? No problem! Whether you’re an animal lover or a wildlife enthusiast, this enriching experience will ...

    About the program

    Big 5 Conservation Efforts That Matter

    Join our Big 5 Conservation Project and discover the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s famous Greater Kruger area. No experience in conservation? No problem! Whether you’re an animal lover or a wildlife enthusiast, this enriching experience will unveil the many wonders of the African bush and enhance your understanding of wildlife conservation efforts. This Big 5 conservation project will offer you the chance to work alongside our skilled and qualified team, offering you the chance to learn, grow & fall in love with African wildlife.

    Contribute to meaningful wildlife conservation initiatives by tracking, monitoring and collecting data on animals during daily game drives. You’ll also learn about managing and restoring ecosystems, and the threat that poaching poses on wildlife.


    Physical Conservation

    Engage in physical conservation work, where you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands dirty and make a tangible difference. Your conservation volunteer work will transform the landscape back into a healthy habitat where wildlife can flourish. As you remove snares, eradicate invasive plant species, and contribute to habitat restoration, you’ll witness the positive impact your efforts have on the environment and the creatures that call it home.


    Data Collection

    Across the surrounding reserves, our team have deployed a number of camera traps that feed us vital information on elusive and/or nocturnal species. Volunteers play a crucial role in weekly servicing of the camera traps – changing SD cards & batteries and checking settings. On return to base, volunteers assist with tagging camera trap images and identifying individual animals against wildlife ID kits.

    Typical day

    Example Daily Schedule

    Monday – Friday

    Morning

    07:45 – 11:00
    • Daily Game Drive and Data Collection

    11:00 – 12:00
    • Free Time

    Lunch

    12:00 – 12:30
    • Lunch

    Afternoon

    12:30 – 13:00
    • Preparation for Afternoon Activities

    13:30 – 16:00
    • Data Processing & Research

    Dinner

    18:30 – 19:00
    • ...

    Typical day

    Example Daily Schedule

    Monday – Friday

    Morning

    07:45 – 11:00
    • Daily Game Drive and Data Collection

    11:00 – 12:00
    • Free Time

    Lunch

    12:00 – 12:30
    • Lunch

    Afternoon

    12:30 – 13:00
    • Preparation for Afternoon Activities

    13:30 – 16:00
    • Data Processing & Research

    Dinner

    18:30 – 19:00
    • Dinner

    Evening

    19:00 – 21:00
    • Free Time / Games Night / Movie Night

    Free-time activities

    We know you’re going to be working hard during the day but we want you to enjoy your downtime in the evenings and on the weekends. Here are just a few ideas:

    • Go on the famous Panorama Route, which is a scenic route along Mpumalanga Escarpment with Blyde River Canyon, Africa’s second largest ...

    Free-time activities

    We know you’re going to be working hard during the day but we want you to enjoy your downtime in the evenings and on the weekends. Here are just a few ideas:

    • Go on the famous Panorama Route, which is a scenic route along Mpumalanga Escarpment with Blyde River Canyon, Africa’s second largest canyon
    • Go on an adventure in Blyde River Canyon that includes extreme hiking or microlight flying
    • Go on a day safari or overnight trip with an experienced guide to the world-famous Kruger National Park, South African’s largest game reserve
    • Enjoy a fantastic fun-filled afternoon learning about the Shangaan culture, language, and history through dance and music
    • Go on an afternoon town trip into Hoedspruit, grab an ice cream, do some souvenir shopping and pick up some yummy snacks for the following week
    • Get an extra stamp in your passport and explore Swaziland, in the wonderful Mlilwane Game reserve filled with numerous animal species and stunning flowers
    • Relax by the pool, watch a movie or challenge your fellow volunteers and staff to a game of touch rugby

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Our project fee includes:

    • African Impact bush style accommodation with swimming pool
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
    • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
    • All project transport, equipment and resources
    • Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
    • Full orientation for responsible project contribution

    Our project fee excludes:

    • Flights to your chosen destination, but we can guide you on this
    • Medical or travel insurance
    • Visa-related costs
    • Weekend trips or tours, or any other non-project activity
    • Snacks, soft drinks, gifts or souvenirs
    • Laundry
    • WiFi – it’s pretty slow here anyway!

    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    HDS - there are limited flights from JNB/CPT - arrival/departure at any time on Sundays. If taking shuttle to JNB to fly out, flight should be after 7pm to allow for traffic. Private transfers not charged for odd Sunday arrival/departure but a ZAR1250 (+-$80) is charged for Friday/Saturday departures

    Accommodation

    Your home away from home in the Greater Kruger area is a secure, lodge-style volunteer base with comfortable shared rooms and relaxed communal spaces in the bush.

    From 2026 you’ll stay in the heart of the African wilderness in Mtimkulu Private Reserve. The accommodation will be a mix of tented rooms and shared dorms. This base camp is set up as a research camp on the reserve, and will provide a true and authentic bush experience. Your accommodation will feature spacious dorm and tented rooms with sweeping views of the reserve. There will be shared bathrooms, with toilets and showers. Amenities include a welcoming outdoor fire pit for braais (BBQs), relaxed social areas, and a lively common dining area.


    You’ll be based in the untamed majesty of the Greater Kruger area, a sprawling tapestry of over 20 private reserves seamlessly woven together. Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, this vast landscape pulsates with life, serving as a sanctuary for an extraordinary array of threatened species – from the majestic lion to the powerful elephant, the humble giraffe to the endangered African wild dog.  

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast is self help before/after morning drive. Lunch and Dinner is prepared served meals. Wednesday is T-Bone night where they can choose to pay to partake or stick to the standard meal prepared.   7 days a week if at Camp. When they are not at Camp over the weekends, they will need to cover their own meals. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    • Start Dates:

    May: 3rd, 17th & 31st

    June: 14th & 28th

    July: 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

    August: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

    September: 6th & 20th

    October: 11th

    HDS - there are limited flights from JNB/CPT - arrival/departure at any time on Sundays. If taking shuttle to JNB to fly out, flight should be after 7pm to allow for traffic.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,027 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    5.00
    ・
    13 reviews

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Hoedspruit

    Meet your project coordinator

    Destination Specialist
    13
    reviews
    5.00
    Outstanding
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    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details