The ultimate African
animal experience
Volunteer & travel across South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe
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Duration
6-12 Weeks -
Minimum age
18+ - 1st Monday of Every Month
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From
$3,350
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Duration
6-12 Weeks -
Minimum age
18+ - 1st Monday of Every Month
-
From
$3,350
African Animal Experience
Quicklinks
Always wanted to see the Big Five, experience the African savannah and help protect some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife all in one trip? Then this is the programme for you! Embark on a 6,9 or 12 week fully structured adventure, where you’ll explore Africa’s top wildlife destinations - South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe - and volunteer on some of the most impactful conservation projects.
Africa is home to some of the world’s most remarkable animals, attracting thousands each year looking to head out on safari. But what if you could enjoy this incredible wildlife experience while also giving back? Join us in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe where you will help to conserve and protect some of the world’s most iconic and endangered species as well as visit some of Africa's most amazing landscapes on this once in a lifetime adventure.
You’ll be able to choose the trip duration and the volunteer projects you get to help on- ensuring you get the experience that is right for you. Whether you’re a first time traveller or have plenty of air miles to spend, you’re in for a trip you’ll never forget!
Overview & Structure
The wildlife experience starts on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year, but alternative dates can be considered on request. You are welcome to choose the trip duration that is suitable for you, with the option to travel for 6, 9 or 12 weeks.
Should you choose the 6 week option then you will spend 2 weeks volunteering and travelling in each country; Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. In the same vein, if you choose the 9 week option then you will spend 3 weeks in each country and finally the 12 week option will see you spend 4 weeks in each country.
When travelling across Africa you will meet plenty of other travellers and volunteers, with the numbers and types of people you encounter changing from country to country. If you’re looking for a social experience where you’ll make lots of new friends, then this is the trip for you.
You can choose any of the volunteer programmes listed further below for each country and once you have applied we will be in touch to confirm exactly what you wish to do. Please note, some volunteer projects may be subject to availability.
You will be responsible for organising your flight schedules to each country and although this may seem complicated at first, rest assured we are on hand to provide all of the assistance required.
Volunteering in South Africa
No African Wildlife adventure is complete without visiting South Africa which is where your journey begins! Volunteering in one of the top safari destinations, this is your opportunity to experience a ‘safari’ in more depth - going behind the scenes on a game reserve that is at the forefront of wildlife conservation.
You will be assisting on the 18,000 hectare game reserve located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa - around one hour from Port Elizabeth. Here you can spend your days surrounded by a huge array of animals including the lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards that make up The Big Five as well as a huge variety of wildlife you just cannot see outside of Africa!
As a volunteer you will head out on game drives at least once a day to help with all aspects of the reserve including tracking predators, checking for snares, identifying wildlife for check ups and so much more! The project also prides itself on it’s strong involvement with the local community meaning you will spend a couple of afternoons per week helping in the community and at the pre-school - an experience that is sure to warm your hearts!
Situated in the heart of game reserve country, you will be in the perfect position to explore everything the local area has to offer including canoeing down the Bushamn’s river, stargazing alongside the wildlife on an overnight camp out or enjoying the sun rising over the bushveld on an early morning game drive. Either way we think this is the perfect place to kick off your wildlife conservation journey - make sure to cheers to the start of your adventure in the on-site pub!
You can read a full overview of the programme here.
Volunteering in Namibia
Your second stop will be Namibia. Renowned for it’s diverse array of wildlife and with an average of 300 days of summer per year this is easily one of our most popular wildlife programmes!
This hands-on role will see you volunteering at our award winning wildlife sanctuary located around one hour from Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. On top of this you will also get the opportunity to head out into the nearby reserve to help collect vital research to contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts.
Most of the animals that call the sanctuary home have been orphaned, injured or caught up in the ongoing human-wildlife conflict and poaching issues that Namibia faces. They are only there because they really need to be and, unlike alot of sanctuaries, do not generate any money from tourists or visitors. Although the sanctuary aims to release animals back into the wild this is not always possible for those that have extensive injuries or who were orphaned too young. Therefore we need your help to care for the 200+ animals that call the sanctuary home as well as monitoring the animals that have been released back into the nearby reserve - allowing you to get up close to a huge variety of animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs,meerkats, baboons,rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras and ostrich - to name a few!
The sanctuary is nestled deep within the heart of the vast African savannah surrounded by lush plains and mountains, making it the perfect place to experience African wildlife in all its wonder and make lifelong memories with your new volunteer friends. You can read more information about the programme here.
In their efforts to combat the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Namibia our team has a few different locations around Namibia and if you are joining us in Namibia for 3 or 4 weeks you will also have the opportunity to visit their other reserves and projects. Full details will be provided during orientation when you arrive but if you would like more information before hand simply get in touch.
Volunteering in Zimbabwe
Last but certainly not least, your final stop will be Zimbabwe. This is your chance to visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, and see the African Big Five - a real bucket list trip! Not only this but your trip to Zimbabwe will allow you to learn about Zimbabwe’s rich history, culture and the people that call this spectacular country home.
Staying just 10 minutes away from the UNESCO world heritage site of Victoria Falls, your role will be to help conserve Zimbabwe’s impressive wildlife as well as the communities that rely on them. As a volunteer you will be assisting on a 2,500 hectare private game reserve, which aims to give wildlife a safe haven from poachers and other human threats, whilst allowing them to live in their natural habitat. You can also play a part in protecting the critically endangered black rhino population on their intensive rhino monitoring programme.
Your varied role will have you maintaining the reserve, participating in research activities, tracking wildlife and so much more - with a special highlight being camping out under the stars!
In addition to this you will spend at least one day a week giving back to the local community by assisting in the local school and Woodlands community - an amazing way to experience and appreciate the local culture!
But it’s not all hard work! The excellent location of this programme means there is so much to do outside of volunteering. Whether you fancy cycling along the Zambezi River, braving ziplines or white water rafting (for the adrenaline seekers!) or just taking in the sunset over the reserve, there is something for everyone. Most importantly, you will get the chance to visit the wonder that is Victoria Falls - included as part of the programme! In your first few days your local co-ordinator will accompany you as your guide where you will learn all about this magnificent site and capture the stunning views in photos that will be sure to impress your friends back home!
This part of your adventure will allow you to experience the ‘candid’ side of Africa, getting up close to The Big Five, dancing with the locals and camping out under the stars on a conservation programme like no other - the perfect way to round off your African wildlife adventure!
You can read full details here.