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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Life On Land

Cheetah Conservation

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

Highlights

  • Work to rehabilitate and release cheetahs back into the wild.
  • Help prepare food and feed the cheetahs (working with raw meat).
  • Assist with general maintenance and inspections of the camps.

Highlights

  • Work to rehabilitate and release cheetahs back into the wild.
  • Help prepare food and feed the cheetahs (working with raw meat).
  • Assist with general maintenance and inspections of the camps.
  • Assist with public tours and educational sessions on cheetah conservation.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    A rare insight into animal care & working towards the conservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs in South Africa. Assist with feeding, cleaning, and cheetah activities.

    Overview

    Join our mission to protect one of the world’s fastest and most endangered animals- the cheetah. Once thriving across Africa and Asia, cheetahs are now under serious threat. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside experienced conservationists to care for captive-born cheetahs and support ...

    About the program

    Overview

    Join our mission to protect one of the world’s fastest and most endangered animals- the cheetah. Once thriving across Africa and Asia, cheetahs are now under serious threat. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside experienced conservationists to care for captive-born cheetahs and support efforts to return them to the wild. This hands-on experience is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to their survival and the future of wildlife conservation.

    Program Highlights

    • Protect Endangered Species – Support the rehabilitation and potential release of cheetahs into the wild.
    • Animal Care – Help with feeding, cleaning, and creating enrichment activities to ensure cheetahs are healthy and stimulated.
    • Raise Awareness – Educate visitors about cheetah conservation through guided tours and outreach.
    • Community Involvement – Promote conservation values within the local community.

    Your Role

    • Prepare and serve meals to cheetahs (involves handling raw meat).
    • Clean and maintain enclosures, refill water stations, and ensure a safe environment.
    • Design and deliver enrichment activities to keep cheetahs mentally and physically active.
    • Assist with visitor education, including public tours and conservation talks.
    • If fluent in English, guide tours to educate others about cheetah preservation.
    • Participate in the release program if your stay is four weeks or longer.
    • Help with general camp upkeep, repairs, and safety inspections.
    Location

    Cape Town, located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, is a vibrant and diverse city nestled between mountains and sea. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and multicultural atmosphere, Cape Town offers something for everyone—from iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island to bustling markets, golden beaches, and a thriving arts and food scene. The city’s warm hospitality and scenic coastal charm make it an ideal base for cultural immersion and volunteering experiences.

    Project Tasks
    • The project's goal is to rehabilitate captive-raised cheetahs who are unrelated to animals in the Cheetah Metapopulation and then release them into the wild (protected areas) once they are deemed fit for survival.

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday

    Typical working hours at the project are from 05:00 AM – 5:00 PM and your daily tasks and responsibilities will include.

    • Key Species Monitoring
    • Cheetah Conservation
    • Road and dam maintenance
    • Bush clearing
    • Foundation Support
    • Trip to town / Off / Game Drive
    • Boma maintenance
    • Fence maintenance
    • Sp

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday

    Typical working hours at the project are from 05:00 AM – 5:00 PM and your daily tasks and responsibilities will include.

    • Key Species Monitoring
    • Cheetah Conservation
    • Road and dam maintenance
    • Bush clearing
    • Foundation Support
    • Trip to town / Off / Game Drive
    • Boma maintenance
    • Fence maintenance
    • Spekboom Planting

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

    Free-time activities

    Top Things to Do in Cape TownTake a Cable Car up Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town. Take the rotating cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, hike up via the Platteklip Gorge trail. The top is flat, ...

    Free-time activities

    Top Things to Do in Cape TownTake a Cable Car up Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town. Take the rotating cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, hike up via the Platteklip Gorge trail. The top is flat, making it easy to explore and a great spot for sunset photos.

    Stroll the V&A Waterfront

    The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, it’s home to a giant Ferris wheel, live music, restaurants, and the Two Oceans Aquarium. You can also catch a boat to Robben Island from here.

    Explore the Colourful Streets of Bo-Kaap

    The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is one of the most photographed places in Cape Town, with its brightly painted houses and cobbled streets. It’s also a cultural hub for the Cape Malay community. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like bobotie and samoosas.

    Hike Lion’s Head at Sunrise or Sunset

    If Table Mountain feels like too much of a challenge, Lion’s Head is a rewarding alternative. The spiral trail takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top and offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. Sunrise and sunset hikes are especially popular for their magical light and Instagram-worthy vistas.

    Relax on Camps Bay or Clifton Beach

    Just a short drive from the city centre, Camps Bay and Clifton are upscale beach spots perfect for soaking up the sun. With white sand, turquoise water, and views of the Twelve Apostles mountains, they offer a beautiful setting for a lazy afternoon or sundowners at a beachfront café.

    Visit the Cape Winelands

    Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are world-renowned for their wine and scenery. Spend a day sipping award-winning vintages in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl. Many estates offer wine and food pairings, cellar tours, and picnic spots among the vineyards.

    Drive Chapman’s Peak

    Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes, winding along steep cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The road offers incredible ocean views and is a favourite among cyclists and photographers. Stop at lookouts for breathtaking shots, especially at sunset.

    See the Penguins at Boulders Beach

    Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is a family-friendly destination where you can watch endangered African penguins up close. There are boardwalks for viewing and even a designated swimming area where you might find penguins floating alongside you.

    Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

    Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Walk among native fynbos plants, picnic on the lawns, or explore the treetop canopy walkway. Summer evening concerts and art exhibits add to the charm.

    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)

    Education Requirements

    at 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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • Breakfast and lunch Mon-Sat
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). You must arrive by one of the pickup times; 10:00, 14:00 & 17:00 on Sunday.

    If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

    From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 30 minutes by road.

    Accommodation

    You will share a room with 1-4 people, there is no wifi so we suggest buying a local sim. There are fans, hot showers, and bed linen. No laundry facilies are available. 


    Bring along your laptop, mobile phone, and camera (secure safe deposit boxes available).


    Electricity

    In Cape Town, the standard electricity supply adheres to Type M sockets, which feature three circular pins in a triangular pattern. The voltage generally stands at 230 volts, with a frequency of 50 hertz. Amperage in Cape Town commonly ranges based on the specific circuit and appliance requirements, typically found in 15 or 16 amp circuits for standard household use. Travelers visiting Cape Town should ensure they have the appropriate adapters to fit Type M sockets to power their devices safely during their stay.


    Food & Beverages

    Food

    Daily breakfast is available for you to prepare, and lunch is provided Monday–Saturday. Tea and coffee are available all day, but dinner is not included in the cost. You will be taken to the shops twice a week to buy food, drinks, snacks, and other necessities, so make sure you bring along extra money.
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. 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

    Sunday arrivals. Please see arrival info for more details. 

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

    Program Fees

    $836 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
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    2025
    I was more than satisfied with VolunteerWorld's service; they helped me a lot and provided excellent support in South Africa. Unfortunately, ...
    taina tukay

    Cheetah Conservation

    •
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Cape Town

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
    Contact Lauren
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    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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