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Great 4.45rating (27)
  • Life On Land

Wildlife Reserve Support

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience the South African way of life alongside other volunteers by staying in our shared volunteer house in the wildlife reserve
  • Contribute to the protection of numerous endangered species and play your part in their conservation
  • Further your career working with animals by making a difference in another country

Highlights

  • Experience the South African way of life alongside other volunteers by staying in our shared volunteer house in the wildlife reserve
  • Contribute to the protection of numerous endangered species and play your part in their conservation
  • Further your career working with animals by making a difference in another country
  • Make memories by travelling in your spare time around one of the world's most beautiful countries
  • Explore the rest of the 'Safari Superpower' South Africa and see incredible animals in their natural environment.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Observe and monitor the likes of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos, to contribute towards scientific research in the protection of these incredible animals.

    South Africa is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and plant species, making it a true paradise for nature lovers. However, poaching and the ongoing destruction of natural habitats have led to a troubling decline in biodiversity, even in this ecologically rich country.

    The African elephant, ...

    About the program

    South Africa is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and plant species, making it a true paradise for nature lovers. However, poaching and the ongoing destruction of natural habitats have led to a troubling decline in biodiversity, even in this ecologically rich country.

    The African elephant, for example, is considered endangered due to the illegal ivory trade, and rhino populations are also in steep decline. In some areas, lion hunting remains legal. In response to these threats, the wildlife reserve where you'll be volunteering is making a valuable contribution to species conservation by providing a safe, protected, and controlled environment for native animals.

    Your volunteer placement is located in a 10,000-hectare private wildlife reserve, about 150 kilometers from Port Elizabeth. The land, once used for agriculture, has been carefully restored to its natural state through expert knowledge and a deep respect for nature.

    The valley landscape features access to two rivers, forested hills, and open savannah, creating five distinct ecosystems. This variety of habitats supports a wide range of wildlife, including the renowned Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – all of which now thrive in the area under conservation protection.

    Please note that because the animals roam freely within the reserve, for your own safety, you are required to stay within the fenced compound of your accommodation. It is not permitted to go jogging or take walks outside the designated safe area. Physical contact with the animals is not part of this project unless a sick or pregnant animal requires medical attention and handling by trained staff.

    Participation in this volunteer program is open to individuals up to the age of 65. Please also be aware that the project is closed annually from mid-December to early January.

    Typical day

    As a volunteer in the South African nature reserve, you will be involved in two main areas: Conservation Management and Community Volunteering. Your time will be divided between both areas, with tasks rotating daily to ensure variety and a well-rounded experience.

    In Conservation Management, your ...

    Typical day

    As a volunteer in the South African nature reserve, you will be involved in two main areas: Conservation Management and Community Volunteering. Your time will be divided between both areas, with tasks rotating daily to ensure variety and a well-rounded experience.

    In Conservation Management, your duties will include a wide range of fieldwork and reserve maintenance tasks. These may involve wildlife monitoring and counting, controlling irregular vegetation growth, collecting data on gender and age ratios of specific species such as giraffes or eland antelopes, parasite control (including administering medication), monitoring soil erosion, and participating in general clean-up and repair work such as fence maintenance.

    You’ll also be involved in wildlife tracking and observation using remote sensing technologies. For example, monitoring elephant movement patterns helps determine how they interact with the landscape and affect local vegetation. Similar tracking tasks are carried out for leopard, lion, and rhino populations. Your exact duties will always depend on current needs and environmental conditions—no two days in the bush are the same!

    In the Community Volunteering component, you’ll be working in nearby settlements, allowing you to engage directly with the local culture and people. You might support a community soup kitchen by helping with cooking, cleaning, and washing up. You can also work with children aged 3 to 13—playing, singing, crafting, drawing, or assisting with basic English learning. The children and local staff will warmly welcome your help.

    There are many other ways to contribute, too—such as lending a hand in the community vegetable garden, helping with sports activities, repairing local infrastructure, or raising awareness about topics like pet care and environmental protection.

    You’ll be working Monday to Friday, generally between seven and nine hours a day, depending on the season and weather. As a volunteer, you’ll step in wherever help is needed, giving you a unique, hands-on insight into every aspect of life in the nature reserve.

    Free-time activities

    As a volunteer in the region around Port Elizabeth, you’ll have countless exciting leisure activities at your fingertips. On your days off—or after finishing your volunteer work—you can enjoy as many of them as you like.

    Every Wednesday, volunteers have the chance to visit the local Beach Pub ...

    Free-time activities

    As a volunteer in the region around Port Elizabeth, you’ll have countless exciting leisure activities at your fingertips. On your days off—or after finishing your volunteer work—you can enjoy as many of them as you like.

    Every Wednesday, volunteers have the chance to visit the local Beach Pub and enjoy a fun night out together. The beach is only about 16 kilometres from the project site. And depending on the weather, camping trips are also offered—a wonderful opportunity to sit around the campfire with other volunteers and admire the breathtaking African night sky.

    From your project location, regular excursions are organized to nearby towns, including the charming coastal village of Kenton-on-Sea, where you can go shopping or simply explore.

    A visit to Port Elizabeth is an absolute must. The city boasts stunning beaches that are perfect not only for swimming and relaxing. Port Elizabeth is considered a true surfer’s paradise and a hotspot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wave riding. Sardinia Bay and Kings Beach are especially popular for these activities. Diving enthusiasts will also find plenty to love—discover the fascinating underwater world filled with reefs and shipwrecks.

    Within the city, the best place to get an overview is the Donkin Reserve, where you can admire an old lighthouse and a historic pyramid. It’s also a great starting point for a visit to Castle Hill, a house museum that immerses you in the life of a Victorian-era settler family.

    Overall, the region in and around Port Elizabeth offers endless recreational opportunities. From horseback riding, skydiving, sandboarding, and canoe tours to bungee jumping—one thing is guaranteed: you won’t be bored for a single moment!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV, letter of motivation, criminal background check and visa document

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    We do not require any relevant formal background or education, but it is essential that all our volunteers have a passion for working with animals.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What's Included:

    • Individual advise by the RGV-Team in Germany
    • Support with travel preparations (vaccinations, insurance, security, etc.) 
    • Organization of the entire stay including placement in the project
    • Comprehensive information material for your travel preparation
    • RGV T-Shirt
    • Orientation program with the team on site
    • Personal contact and guidance by the team on site
    • Accommodation on site
    • 24/h emergency number
    • Participation Certificate
    • Introductory course in personal development

    Accommodation

    You'll be living in the middle of the nature reserve in a fully furnished house, alongside the other volunteers. There are shared rooms and a shared bathroom. It also has a common room with a pool table, a TV, a dining room and a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge, oven, microwave and crockery. For valuables, such as passports and cash, a safe is available. The house has a garden where volunteers relax after work together - there's even a pool and a BBQ area to make the most of!

    Attention: It is important to note that the house is located in the middle of the reserve, in which the animals move freely. It is, therefore, necessary for your own safety that you stay within the fenced property area to make sure there's no surprises!

    Food & Beverages

    All the ingredients are provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which the volunteers can use to put together whatever they want. This means you'll be able to try whatever you want and to make sure you'll be fully fueled for the day ahead.

    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 Cape Town International Airport

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

    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

    Before you even depart, our team in Munich will take you through every step of the process, from answering your questions about the program, through to advising you where to go for your visa. We're here to help and to ensure that you feel totally comfortable before departing.

    For your volunteer work at the wildlife reserve, you will land in Port Elizabeth, which is about 150 km away. The on-site project team will gladly arrange your airport pick-up (not included in the initial fees, but we can easily facilitate this if you wish). If so, you will be picked up from the airport and taken to your accommodation (it's about a 2-hour trip). As soon as you arrive, you will meet the program manager Helena, the project coordinator Francis and the other participants you'll share this journey with.

    After getting to know your new surroundings, you'll have your introduction as a group with the other volunteers. This covers the project, tasks rules of conduct and house rules. Afterwards, you will be taken for a drive through the grounds of the reserve to see some of the incredible sights you're going to become familiar with.

    Your wildlife project is located near the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. This is located on the southern tip of South Africa and is known for its beautiful environment, especially it's beaches! Together with other surrounding regions, the bay on the Indian Ocean is also referred to as "Nelson Mandela Bay". Port Elizabeth is also considered a surfers paradise, so it pays to spend a few days there before or after your placement if you're a water lover!

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

    Program Fees

    $1,398 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 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
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
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    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Kenton-on-Sea

    Meet your project coordinator

    RGV
    27
    reviews
    4.45
    Great
    1999
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
    Contact RGV
      Moderate response rate
    German, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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