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Very Good 4.39rating (22)

Vervet Monkey Rescue

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Rehabilitate orphaned and injured Vervet Monkeys and help them return to a life in the wild.
  • Immerse yourself in hands-on primate care while living in South Africa’s stunning Limpopo bushveld.
  • Contribute to the rescue of diverse wildlife species—from baboons and bush babies to antelope and servals.

Highlights

  • Rehabilitate orphaned and injured Vervet Monkeys and help them return to a life in the wild.
  • Immerse yourself in hands-on primate care while living in South Africa’s stunning Limpopo bushveld.
  • Contribute to the rescue of diverse wildlife species—from baboons and bush babies to antelope and servals.
  • Experience the unforgettable bond of gaining a rescued monkey’s trust as it cuddles into your lap.
  • Join a passionate team that has successfully released over 13 monkey troops into protected habitats.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Support the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Vervet Monkeys and Baboons at a dedicated wildlife care center nestled in the heart of the African bush.

    🐒 About the Project

    This wildlife rehabilitation center, located near Bela Bela in South Africa’s beautiful Limpopo Province, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned and injured Vervet Monkeys, Chacma Baboons, and Lesser Bush Babies.

    Vervet monkeys are ...

    About the program

    🐒 About the Project

    This wildlife rehabilitation center, located near Bela Bela in South Africa’s beautiful Limpopo Province, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned and injured Vervet Monkeys, Chacma Baboons, and Lesser Bush Babies.

    Vervet monkeys are an essential part of South Africa’s ecosystems—acting as seed dispersers, natural pest control, and maintaining biodiversity. Unfortunately, they are under threat due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, illegal pet trade, and poaching. This project gives these animals a second chance at life in the wild.

    As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a passionate team working to rehabilitate animals and release them into safe, protected environments.

    🐾 Volunteer Duties

    Volunteers play a key role in the day-to-day operations of the center. Your responsibilities may include:

    • Assisting in feeding and caring for orphaned or injured monkeys

    • Supporting troop formation and social integration

    • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures

    • Building enrichment items to stimulate natural behaviors

    • Observing monkey behavior and documenting development

    • Helping with general animal care for other wildlife species under rehabilitation

    You may also support animals such as antelope, servals, warthogs, porcupines, zebra, and even birds of prey—all depending on current rescues.

    🌿 Project Highlights
    • Work hands-on with over 300 Vervet monkeys

    • Be part of a program that has released 13 successful monkey troops

    • Live and volunteer in a scenic bushveld setting

    • Collaborate with local veterinarians and conservationists

    • Contribute to ethical wildlife rehabilitation and conservation

    🏡 Location & Accommodation

    The center is located 20 km outside of Bela Bela, a malaria-free area in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, north of Pretoria.

    • Shared volunteer housing with kitchen, bathroom, and social spaces

    • Hot showers, Wi-Fi access (limited), and laundry facilities

    • Three meals a day provided

    • Surrounded by nature, wildlife, and peace—perfect for true animal lovers

    🧳 What to Bring (Optional Donations)

    If you have space in your luggage, the baby animals can benefit from:

    • Newborn to size 3 diapers (Pampers preferred)

    • 50ml & 250ml baby bottles and teats

    • Soft toys and blankets

    • Pacifiers/dummies

    • Baby bottle brushes

    • Tennis balls

    If you have access to veterinary supplies, please contact us in advance.

    ✅ Ideal for Volunteers Who…
    • Are passionate about animal welfare and conservation

    • Enjoy working outdoors and with animals daily

    • Are team players and willing to adapt to new routines

    • Want to gain hands-on experience in wildlife care, veterinary support, or environmental science

    • Seek meaningful volunteer abroad opportunities in Africa

    💚 Make a Difference

    By volunteering with us, you directly contribute to the long-term conservation of South African wildlife. You'll be part of giving rescued animals the second chance they deserve—free, wild, and safe


    Typical day

    🗓️ A Typical Day at the Sanctuary

    Working with primates is a unique and deeply rewarding experience—but it’s also messy, unpredictable, and sometimes a little chaotic. Vervet monkeys are highly expressive, and they often communicate with gentle bites—when they’re happy, curious, ...

    Typical day

    🗓️ A Typical Day at the Sanctuary

    Working with primates is a unique and deeply rewarding experience—but it’s also messy, unpredictable, and sometimes a little chaotic. Vervet monkeys are highly expressive, and they often communicate with gentle bites—when they’re happy, curious, or occasionally a bit upset! You can expect a few bruises, and yes, you may get peed or pooped on (affectionately called “monkey blessings”). But every challenge is worth it when an orphaned monkey curls up on your lap for a cuddle or a nap, trusting you completely.

    This is real conservation work, and while it's not too physically demanding, a reasonable level of fitness, adaptability, and a sense of humor are essential.

    🕒 Daily Schedule

    Working hours typically run from 07:45 AM to 05:00 PM (winter) or 06:00 PM (summer). However, animal care always comes first, so the schedule may vary based on the needs of the monkeys and other wildlife.

    Morning:

    • 07:45–10:00 – Cleaning enclosures, preparing and distributing food, cleaning the feeding areas and general grounds

    • 10:00–11:00 – Brunch and rest break

    Midday:

    • 11:00–13:00 – Program tasks (see examples below)

    • 13:00–14:00 – Lunch

    Afternoon:

    • 14:00–15:00 – More food prep, feeding, and cleanup

    • 15:00–17:00 / 18:00 – Program work continues

    🛠️ Examples of Program Work
    • Repairing enclosures

    • Building new cages and night shelters

    • Creating enrichment tools and monkey toys

    • Sorting food donations

    • Clearing bush for firebreaks or new structures

    While the physical workload is moderate, volunteers should be prepared to get dirty, work outdoors, and stay flexible.

    Please note: Due to the rural location, the project is not equipped for volunteers with mobility-related disabilities.


    Free-time activities

    During your free time, you can explore Bela Bela—formerly known as Warm Baths (English) or Warmbad (Afrikaans)—a charming bushveld town renowned for its natural hot springs. While it’s now a popular stopover for safari-goers and holidaymakers from Johannesburg, it still offers a ...

    Free-time activities

    During your free time, you can explore Bela Bela—formerly known as Warm Baths (English) or Warmbad (Afrikaans)—a charming bushveld town renowned for its natural hot springs. While it’s now a popular stopover for safari-goers and holidaymakers from Johannesburg, it still offers a relaxed local atmosphere. The town has everything you might need, including grocery stores, pharmacies, clothing shops, and restaurants, making it easy to stock up or enjoy a day off. It's a great spot to unwind, soak in the springs, or grab a bite with fellow volunteers.


    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)

    Required Documents

    Short resume

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Success in this program depends on more than just a love for animals. Volunteers should bring patience, compassion, and a calm, steady mindset to their daily work. A positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and a good sense of humor are essential—especially when the days get long and messy. Expect to get dirty, tired, and maybe even a little nibbled... but the rewards are truly unforgettable.

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation in shared volunteer dorms (male and female separated)
    • 3 meals a day (light breakfast, brunch and dinner)
    • Supervision of your activities
    • Contribution to the running costs of the program

    Transfers between Johannesburg (O.R.Tambo International Airport or you pick up point of choice) and the project in Bela Bela are done by private transfer company. This transfer is about 180km (115 Miles) one way and the cost is around 145 EUR one way.

    Accommodation

    🏡 Volunteer Accommodation

    Immerse yourself in nature by staying on a private wildlife reserve in the heart of South Africa’s bushveld. Far from the noise of city life, you’ll wake up to the sounds of monkeys and birds—and might even spot troops of baboons, zebras grazing outside your door, porcupines visiting at night, and leopard tracks near the house. Here, wildlife is truly at your doorstep.

    The accommodation is shared and comfortable, designed for a close-to-nature experience. You’ll stay in one of two rooms that each sleep up to four volunteers and feature en suite bathrooms with showers and toilets. A cozy communal lounge and kitchen connect the rooms, providing a space to cook, relax, and unwind. Outside, enjoy meals or social time on the shaded stoep (Afrikaans for “porch”), where you can take in the bushveld views.

    As part of your hands-on role in wildlife rehabilitation, you'll share the space with some of the orphaned monkeys and baboons under your care. These little ones require round-the-clock attention—including bottle feeding every three hours and diaper changes—so don’t be surprised if a monkey or two snuggles into your bed at night!

    For those who prefer extra privacy, private rooms with en suite bathrooms are available for an additional €15 per night (single) or €10 per person (shared).

    Wi-Fi is available 24/7 for a weekly fee of R100 (approximately €7 / $8), perfect for keeping in touch during your downtime.

    On weekends, the on-site bar opens for a friendly game of pool and a casual drink. With permission, volunteers are also welcome to enjoy the swimming pool on the property—an ideal way to cool off and relax after a rewarding week of animal care.

    Food & Beverages

    🍽️ Food & Drinks

    Meals are included and designed to keep you energized for your busy days in the bush. Your mornings start with cereals and rusks, accompanied by coffee or tea, followed by a hearty brunch served at 10:00 AM.

    Dinner is served at 5:30 PM, and volunteers take turns sharing cooking and cleaning duties to foster teamwork and community. About 15 minutes before dinner, a team of two volunteers sets the table using supplies from the volunteer house. This same team clears the table and washes the dishes afterward. A rotating schedule including your name will be posted within a few days of your arrival.

    Groceries are usually purchased twice a week in town, and volunteers have the chance to visit Bela Bela to shop for themselves and contribute to communal meals. On-site, a small shop stocks beers, snacks, and sodas—with all profits going directly to support the care and rehabilitation of the monkeys.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. 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

    Important to note: Arrival and Departure transfers are not done at night.
    Transfer times are only between 08:00am - 14:00pm.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $583 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 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
    4.4
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2022
    it was an amazing experience with a lot af support and involing of volonteers. The program is very serious and it was just so adorable to ...
    corinne loze

    Vervet Monkey Rescue

    2022
    I stayed 2 weeks in Bambelela in June-July 2022. It was amazing! People there are so nice and we have plenty of monkey time. The tasks to do ...
    Lison Mc Nicoll

    Vervet Monkey Rescue

    2016
    What did I get myself into was my first thought after arriving at the project in Bela Bela, South Africa. I have always loved primates and ...
    2019
    I just came back from this fantastic experience and I already miss the sweet little monkeys I took care of ... I went as a volunteer and ...
    Asia Giordano

    Vervet Monkey Rescue

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Igna
    22
    reviews
    4.39
    Very Good
    2005
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Igna
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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