Big 5 Animal Conservation Volunteer
Volunteer in South Africa
South Africa
2 - 12 weeks
Sunday
Up to 14 people
Age 18+
From $1,650
South Africa
2 - 12 weeks
Sunday
Sun
Up to 14 people
Max 14
Age 18+
From $1,650
Big 5 Animal Conservation Volunteer
How will I be helping?
Animal conservation volunteers are at the forefront of the work. You will help in the field with wildlife observations and support the permanent team that monitors the wildlife 365 days a year. You will learn valuable skills, appreciate the work being done to protect endangered species and make amazing memories as you live in the heart of the African bush. Key activities include Big 5 monitoring via twice daily game drives; bush walks to get to remote areas; conservation activities to preserve the environment; setting camera traps; supporting the anti-poaching team and so much more!
What animals will I be volunteering with?
The reserve is home to Africa’s iconic Big 5 game – lions, leopards, white rhinos, elephants and buffalos. The priority species for the program are cheetahs, lions and rhinos; you are likely to see these animals daily or every other day. Hyenas and leopards are also priority species but these can be harder to spot due to their nocturnal nature. Wildlife sightings on this program will be unforgettable and being able to walk in the bush with your guide is a unique experience.
Project gallery
The project has two main goals: to locate and monitor priority species and to conduct conservation efforts that ensure the environment can sustainably support the wildlife.
1. Wildlife Monitoring
Highlights:
Animal conservation volunteers may get involved with the following wildlife activities:
- Two daily monitoring drives to record the movements, behaviour, numbers and interactions of the Big 5 (particularly lions, rhinos and leopards), plus cheetahs and hyenas.
- Take part in bush walks in remote areas to monitor wildlife, service camera traps and discover new areas of the reserve.
- Sleep-outs under the African skies.
- Have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly over the reserve in a microlight!
IN THE FIELD:
- Monitor predator numbers and assist in the creation of ID kits for lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.
- Monitor the numbers, health and movements of mega-herbivores including elephants and white rhinos and create ID kits.
- Anti-poaching activities: be a visible presence in the field via vehicle patrols, foot patrols and sleep-outs.
Bush walks
Volunteers will join rangers in bush walks to monitor wild animals, to service camera traps and to explore new areas. Being on foot in the bush gives a different perspective about the animals and allows the opportunity to see the “small world”, focusing also on tracks, insects, flowers and listening for sounds!
Camera traps
Camera traps are a vital tool in wildlife monitoring. They are placed in strategic positions around the reserve and capture images and videos both day and night.
Data capture ID kits
To create ID kits, you will observe, collect data and take identification photos of the key species and individual animals. In particular regarding their behaviour, location, movements, food preferences, health, reproduction and interactions with each other in their natural habitat.
Sleep-outs!
Campouts are a deterrent for poachers, being extra eyes and ears out in the field at night. Sleepouts are conducted in strategic parts of the Reserve and they give an amazing opportunity to see nocturnal animals, admire the beautiful African sky and listen to the sounds of the bush.
Microlight flights – unique to this project!
Only at this project can you fly on the microlight to assist with wildlife monitoring and indirect anti-poaching. While flying over the reserve, you will help to spot animals, discover potential suspicious activities, and find active hyena dens, while enjoying the landscape. The microlight flight can be done only if weather conditions allow it and it has an extra cost to cover the flight expenses.
AT BASE CAMP:
Highlights:
- Process camera trap data and create/add to ID kits.
- Camp maintenance and helping in the vegetable garden.
- Assist with cooking, cleaning and tidying.
- Learn and apply a sustainable living lifestyle.
- Live alongside like-minded volunteers from all over the world.
Camera traps
Each month there are thousands of photos which are sorted by volunteers and processed by the rangers. This provides the team with regular data and images on those harder-to-find individuals! All the data collected is inserted into a monthly report and the photos used to update the ID kits
Data capture ID kits
ID kits for each monitored species are constantly updated. A monthly report is compiled every month and given to the reserve management.
2. Conservation Activities
Animal conservation volunteers do not only focus on the wildlife within the reserve; conservation also includes the preservation of the environment. Without a healthy environment animals and humans cannot thrive.
While out in the field, your work also involves taking care of the reserve’s ecosystems through activities such as bush clearing, road restoration, alien plant removal, erosion control, tree wrapping, and fence/rubbish removal.
Animal conservation volunteers may get involved with the following conservation activities:
- Reserve maintenance
“Only a healthy environment can carry life”. Part of your work is to help restore nature and maintain the environment in its best health. Volunteers will collect every item in the bush that is not natural. This could include old infrastructure, fences, rubble, plastic and anything else that doesn’t belong to nature. Other activities could include erosion control, road maintenance, old fence removal, road verge clearing and much more!
- Invasive species removal
Invasive plant species are a major threat to local biodiversity. They often have no natural enemies such as insects, diseases and animals. Additionally, they can displace indigenous plants by taking up space, water and sunlight. Moreover, they are sometimes poisonous to wildlife and if not removed, they can cause long term health problems for animals.
- Controlled fires (usually from around August – November)
Volunteers help with natural fire control and also with planned bushfires when needed. Controlled fires are a planned way to manage weeds and old non-palatable grass; to create a firebreak against wildfires; to control parasites and to restore nutrients back into the ground. This is done at the end of winter when the vegetation is very dry to encourage the growth of new grass when the rains come.
- Wildlife capture
Wildlife capture for relocation helps to improve genetic diversity across South Africa. Additionally, it can reduce the impact of excess animals on the environment and overall species population. Game captures do not happen all the time, only when the vet team requires it or there is a specific need e.g. a collar replacement.
South Africa Big 5 Animal Conservation Volunteering: sample 2-week itinerary:
Saturday – arrive into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and transfer to your overnight accommodation (we can assist with recommendations). Relax after your long flight.
Day 1 (Sunday) – early morning transfer to the project by minibus shuttle (around 6 hours with stops). If you are flying into Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, you may not need to overnight in Johannesburg. In this case we will arrange your collection from Hoedspruit on Sunday when your flight arrives. When you arrive at the reserve you will have some time to unpack, relax and have some food.
Day 2 (Monday) – all new volunteers undergo a comprehensive orientation session on Monday morning. This includes a briefing on the project goals, your tasks, safety protocols, daily schedules, and a tour of the facilities. The afternoon session is a monitoring drive.
Days 3-7 – wildlife monitoring and conservation activities.
Day 8 (Sunday) – off day. Some volunteers will be on duty to conduct some light duties around camp. There is the opportunity to book an excursion into Kruger National Park or to do the Panoramic Route, accompanied by one of the project’s experienced guides. Costs are split between volunteers and are subject to guide and vehicle availability.
Days 9-13 – wildlife monitoring and conservation activities.
Day 14 – departure.
A day in the life:
Wake Up in Paradise: start each day with the sounds of nature—birds singing, jackals calling, the whooping of hyenas, and lions roaring as the sun comes up.
Your Daily Routine
- Early wake-up (around 5:30am in summer, 6:00am in winter). Be prepared to spend 10-12 hours in the bush every day, contributing to wildlife monitoring and reserve management.
- Head back for lunch to avoid the heat of the day.
- The afternoon drive usually leaves around 3:30pm, returning by dinner at around 8.00pm.
- Lights out at 10.00pm.
During your lunch break you can relax at camp or do some admin tasks or help around camp. This can include data entry in the office or helping in the garden, helping clean the vehicles etc. All help is appreciated!
Each volunteer stays at camp for a half day on a rotation. During this time you will help with house duties. These could include cooking for the group, washing up, tidying, assisting with camera trap processing, data entry and any other tasks that may need to be done. If you have green fingers, help in the veggie garden is always appreciated! Remember gardening gloves.
Camp Life
- Life at camp is very relaxed where you will share your stories over mealtimes and get to know each other better.
- You will make lifetime friendships!
- There are weekly town trips to resupply food and drinks and to have dinner at a local restaurant. Once a week you will help cook a traditional South African meal sitting around the fire.
- Sunday is your day off where you can rest and relax ready for the next week!
When can I arrive?
The Big 5 Animal Conservation Volunteer Program runs from Sunday to Saturday throughout the year, including Christmas and New Year.
There are two transport options depending on your preferred start date and duration.
1/ Transfers to and from Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) International Airport (included in project fee on certain weeks – see below)
Arrival transfers are SUNDAYS. You may need to arrive in Johannesburg on Saturday and stay over on Saturday night to be ready for pick-up early Sunday morning. The transfer minibus departs from OR Tambo Bus Terminal at 0745 on Sunday morning. We can advise on suitable accommodation for Sunday night if needed. The transfer time from Johannesburg to the project is around 6 hours with a couple of stops on the way.
Departure transfers are SATURDAYS. If you are planning on flying home from Johannesburg on Saturday, please ensure your flight departs after 8.30pm. You will arrive at the airport around 5.00-5.30pm, all being well.
2/ Transfers to and from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (included in the project fee on certain weeks – see below)
It is possible to get a domestic flight between Johannesburg and Hoedpsuit Eastgate Airport (around 1 hour flight). The transfer time from Hoedspruit to the project is around 1.5 hours.
Arrivals are SUNDAYS. The project will collect you from the airport when your preferred flight lands. Please check Comair and Airlink for domestic flights from Johannesburg. It is usually not necessary to overnight in Johannesburg as there are late morning and afternoon flights to Hoedspruit.
Departures are SATURDAYS. You can book a domestic flight at a time that works best for you.
You should let us know your preferred flight information before you book and pay for the flights so we can confirm they meet the transfer times.
Please see below for full details of arrival dates and airport pick-up/drop-off options.
2024/2025 dates:
Transfers on the dates below are included in the project fees.
Arrival dates (0745 collection from Johannesburg OR Tambo) | Departure dates (5pm drop-off at Johannesburg OR Tambo) |
2024 Nov: 3 / 17 Dec: 1 / 15 / 29 2025 Jan: 12 / 26 Feb: 9 / 23 Mar: 9 / 23 Apr: 6 / 20 May: 4 / 18 June: 1 / 15 / 29 July: 13 / 27 Aug: 10 / 24 Sept: 7 / 21 Oct: 5 / 19 Nov: 2 / 16 / 30 Dec: 14 / 28 | 2024 Nov: 16 / 30 Dec: 14 / 28 2025 Jan: 11 / 25 Feb: 8 / 22 Mar: 8 / 22 Apr: 5 / 19 May 3 / 17 / 31 June: 14 / 28 July 12 / 26 Aug: 9 / 23 Sept: 6 / 20 Oct: 4 / 18 Nov:1 / 15 / 29 Dec: 13 / 27 |
Arrival days – Hoedspruit | Departure days – Hoedspruit |
2024 2025 | 2024 2025 |
Current pricing:
2 weeks: $1,650
3 weeks: $2,300
4 weeks: $2,900
5 weeks: $3,500
6 weeks: $4,100
7 weeks: $4,700
8 weeks: $5,200
9 weeks: $5,700
10 weeks: $6,200
11 weeks: $6,700
12 weeks: $7,200
All prices are in USD.
A private double room with en-suite bathroom is available on request and at a small extra cost per week. Please enquire for more details and availability.
Feedback from volunteers suggests that a 2 week programme is just not long enough to experience the project to its fullest. We highly recommend a minimum 4-6 week stay if possible!
What’s included in the cost?
- Project contribution: this goes directly to our project partner, and provides funding to ensure the programme can continue to meet its goals. For this project it will cover things like monitoring equipment, security equipment, vet fees, staff costs, maintenance of buildings, equipment and vehicles, and fuel.
- Accommodation and three meals per day.
- Return airport transfers on set dates.
- Comprehensive orientation and supervision.
- Practical instruction by experienced staff members.
- Equipment and materials required to do your work.
What’s not included?
- Flights to Johannesburg or Hoedspruit.
- Visa fees (if applicable).
- Travel insurance (compulsory).
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, WiFi/data, drinks, and snacks.
- Pre and post-programme accommodation if required.
- Additional excursions.
- Administration fee ($40).
View our booking terms and conditions.
Volunteering in South Africa FAQs
Is it safe to volunteer in South Africa at this program?
The base camp is located inside a fully fenced wildlife reserve. The base camp is also fenced to keep the area safe from game walking through at night. You will always be accompanied by an experienced field guide and ranger. Each guide is fully trained, qualified and experienced in dealing with wildlife and follow strict health and safety guidelines. All animal conservation volunteers will sign a detailed risk assessment on arrival and will be provided with a full list of potential dangers and how to avoid them. The closest hospitals are in Phalaborwa (around 30 minutes drive from the reserve gate) and Tzaneen (around 1 hour drive from the reserve gate).
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities, including British, American, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens, can enter South Africa on a 90-day tourist visa. Please see the South Africa Department of Home Affairs website for visa-exempt countries. It is your responsibility to check your visa eligibility prior to arrival.
What will the weather be like?
Although South Africa does have four seasons, the most prevalent are summer and winter.
Summer is from November to February and is characterized by very hot weather (sometimes approaching 40 degrees), often accompanied by rain. All the trees gain their foliage and many of the animals will take advantage of the abundant food sources and give birth to their young during this plentiful time. Nights are warm (usually around 20-22 degrees).
Winter is from June to September and is characterized by dry, sunny days (around 23-26 degrees during the day) with clear nights that are often cold (getting down to around 10 degrees). Trees will begin to lose their foliage and towards the end of the months, it becomes easier to spot game as they begin to congregate at water sources due to the lack of rain.
Animal Conservation Volunteer FAQs
Who should be a Big 5 Animal Conservation Volunteer on this project?
No wildlife or monitoring experience is required but there are some guidelines to follow which will make your experience more enjoyable:
- Be able to get on and off a 4×4 vehicle unattended.
- Be able to walk 1km unattended.
- Non smoking (no smoking is allowed on the project, including vapes).
- Have a medium/good level of English (the language in which the program runs) to understand the guides and the other volunteers. Some guides can assist with Italian, French and Dutch.
- Be flexible to life in the bush which may not always run on schedule.
- Be able to be out for 10-12 hours in the field every day, sometimes with extreme heat (up to 35+ degrees Celsius in the summer months from October/November through to February/March).
- Be able to live and work in a group with international people with different backgrounds.
- Be open-minded and willing to contribute to wildlife monitoring, conservation and sustainability.
Is the project for me?
If you are passionate about wildlife and conservation then the project is definitely for you! The activities are not physically challenging but a reasonable level of fitness will make your time more enjoyable. There is some manual work involved but it is not physically strenuous. Game drives are usually 5-6 hours long at a time and although some animals are collared and the rangers are experienced trackers, wild animals may not be around every corner! Patience and enthusiasm for every animal and bird, large and small, is vital!
How old do I need to be?
The minimum age for unaccompanied volunteers is 18 years. There is no upper age limit subject to the requirements above.
Is this project suitable for family volunteers?
Yes! The project welcomes children aged 14 and over who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can I volunteer for a week?
The minimum stay is ideally two weeks. However, it may be possible to volunteer for one week – please enquire for pricing and options.
What vaccinations do I need?
South Africa does not require any specific vaccinations for entry. We recommend your tetanus is up to date, or get a booster if you aren’t sure. Consult your GP or travel clinic for further detailed medical advice. Take a look at this UK government website for more details.
Big 5 Animal Conservation Project FAQs
Where does my money go?
The project is sustained by volunteers and provides a free service to the game reserve. Your project fees are used to run the entire program and without them the reserve would not be able to conduct the vital wildlife monitoring and conservation work. Your fees go towards:
- Buying and maintaining vehicles
- Petrol
- Monitoring and research equipment
- Computers, camera traps, batteries
- Staff salaries (guides, rangers etc)
- Food and accommodation
- Transfers
Is the project in a malaria-area?
The program site is a low-risk malaria area. During the summer months there are mosquitos (mosquito nets are provided) and the mosquitos can be annoying, so bring the best mosquito repellent you can. Peaceful Sleep is one of the best brands and can be cheaply purchased locally when you arrive in South Africa.
How much spending money should I bring?
We recommend bringing the equivalent of USD 50 in South African Rand just to have some cash on hand when you arrive. The vast majority of places in South Africa accept international debit and credit cards and ATMs are readily available at the airports and during town trips. We suggest a budget of around USD 100 per week is ample depending on how many snacks and drinks you require!
How many volunteers will there be?
There is a maximum of 11-14 volunteers at any one time.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our projects. You must ensure you are covered for all medical expenses including repatriation and medical evacuation and we suggest you are also covered for lost or delayed baggage and missed or cancelled flights.
Where is the project located?
You will be based in a 15,000 hectare community-owned game reserve a few kilometres from the world-famous Kruger National Park. The reserve is around 1 hour from Tzaneen which is the nearest big town.
What animals will I encounter?
The reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 game – white rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo. In addition, there are cheetahs, hippos, pangolins and brown and spotted hyenas. The focus species are lions, cheetahs, white rhinos, elephants, leopards, hyenas and buffalos. You may notice that there are no rhino pictures on the website. Rest assured there are plenty of white rhinos at the project. For safety reasons, the project does not allow the publication of any rhino photos.
Can I touch the animals?
The reserve is a wilderness area, home to predators and large game. All the animals are completely wild and no physical interaction is possible. The project actively discourages hands-on interactions between wild animals and humans.
How long can I join for?
The minimum stay is 2 weeks and the maximum stay is 12 weeks. However, if you only have a week available it may be possible to make a special arrangement. Please enquire for more details.
What languages are spoken on the project?
English is the primary language spoken. However, staff members can speak Italian, French, Dutch and Afrikaans.
Do I get some time off?
Sundays is an off day. Some activities may still take place depending on the needs of the reserve. Some volunteers will be on duty to conduct light duties around camp. Once a week you will go out in the evening to have a meal at a local restaurant and to purchase groceries. The restaurant meals are an extra cost.
Are there any excursions?
On a Sunday volunteers have the opportunity to book an excursion to Kruger National Park with one of the project’s experienced guides. There is also the opportunity to take an excursion on the Panoramic Route. This is a scenic route centred around the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon, with many waterfalls, caves and lookout points. You will also have the chance to visit the small historic town of Graskop. The costs of these excursions are split between volunteers and can be organised when you are at the program.
Join a team with more than 20 years experience of wildlife monitoring!
The volunteer project is run by an independent organisation which began in 2005 as a research program to support a private reserve near Kruger National Park in South Africa. The aim was to support the management in re-establishing their land as a prime wilderness area, and to monitor re-introduced wild animals, specifically lions and rhinos. The project became more specialised, focusing on ID creation kits, reporting, game capture and conservation work.
Today, the project provides a free 365-day-a-year service, providing valuable information about the key species to the reserve management team. Many reserves in South Africa cannot afford to monitor their wildlife themselves, and it is thanks to the project team and volunteers that the reserve management are able to get a precise insight into what is happening on the ground. The project does not receive any grants or government assistance and is solely reliant on contributions from volunteers and donors.
Sustainable living
The project team are also personally focused on sustainability and sustainable living and pride themselves on taking proactive steps to ensure the project is playing its own role in making the planet a better place for future generations. Their eco-mission encompasses:
- Plastic-free living.
- Solar energy – the volunteer house is run on 90% solar energy and all the camera traps are run on solar power.
- Vegetable garden.
- Electric scooters and solar power vehicles on site.
- Recycling.
- On-site smoking ban.
- Use of local natural toiletries and cleaning products.
Support genuine, authentic conservation work
You can be sure that the conservation work you are doing is meaningful, genuine and necessary. The team are committed to improving the quality of the land to benefit the wildlife that live there. You will contribute towards conservation, wildlife monitoring and therefore the health of the whole ecosystem. You will work alongside dedicated and passionate rangers who dedicate their lives to making a difference to Africa’s most vulnerable and threatened wildlife.
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