Help the most admired and
recognised animals, big cats

Volunteer with lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs

Help provide a sustainable future for lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards and other majestic big cats for generations to come. By volunteering on one of our unique and exhilarating programmes, you will get to explore a new spectacular destination while knowing you have actively contributed to big cat conservation.

Over the past few decades, big cat populations have continuously declined and 16 species are now facing extinction. As apex predators, big cats play a vital role in helping to keep our ecosystems in balance, but because of habitat depletion due to human populations growing and poaching, they need your help!

When volunteering with big cats you will be involved in a range of exciting and worthwhile activities. Head out on safari in the dense bush to help with game counts, monitor their behaviour in order to help the local community live alongside them and preserve their natural habitat. Alternatively, you can assist in an ethical sanctuary where you will be tasked with caring for any orphaned or injured big cats currently in our care.

If you’re looking to make sure the future of big cats is a roaring success, then apply to volunteer on one of six programmes located across Africa and Asia below. Our programmes start on selected dates each week throughout the year and you can choose to join us from 1-24 weeks.

Our structured and safe programmes makes volunteering with big cats ideal for first time and / or solo travellers. Volunteering is the perfect way to meet like-minded people and allows you to explore a new and exciting destination as a group.

  • Ideal projects for budding conservationists

  • No previous experience / qualifications needed

  • Pre-departure buddy lists and a dedicated Facebook groups to talk with other volunteers

  • Assistance with all aspects of your trip and comprehensive pre-departure information
From $960

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary & Reserve

  • Duration
    2-12 Weeks
  • Accompanied age
    12+
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Start dates
    Every Monday
Get up close and personal to incredible animals such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, baboons and so much more! The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on a 3,200-hectare reserve near Windhoek and offers a safe refuge for an ever-growing abundance of orphaned, injured and abandoned animals.

Details and dates

From $1,200

South Africa Big Cat Sanctuary

  • Duration
    2-8 Weeks
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Selected Saturdays Throughout The Year
This is your chance to work behind the scenes at a true conservation big cat sanctuary that is currently home to many rescued lions, tigers, leopards, jackals and caracals. This unique and exhilarating experience will allow you to be fully involved in all aspects of the sanctuary where you will be able to get up close with some of the worlds most iconic animals.

Details and dates

From $960

Namibia Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Duration
    2-12 Weeks
  • Accompanied age
    12+
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Start dates
    Every Monday
Volunteer at the very first wildlife sanctuary to open its doors in Namibia! The sanctuary is home to over 300 orphaned, injured and conflict animals such as the banded mongooses, meerkats, crocodiles, vervet monkeys and chacma baboons and many magnificent carnivores including cheetahs, lions, leopards, caracals and African wild dogs.

Details and dates

From $1,520

South Africa Shamwari Big 5 Conservation

  • Duration
    2-12 Weeks
  • Accompanied age
    15+
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Start dates
    Every Monday
Have a once in a lifetime experience by working behind the scenes in one of Africa’s finest game reserves. Your time on the reserve will be diverse and structured giving you the opportunity to personally experience life as a budding conservationist. You will get to help out at the Born Free Big Cat Foundation, Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Animal Hospital and the Rhino Awareness Centre as well as monitor some of the world's most iconic wildlife.

Details and dates

From $1,300

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Big Five Conservation

  • Duration
    2-12 Weeks
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Start dates
    1st & 3rd Sunday
This is your opportunity to take part in meaningful conservation as you follow in the footsteps of explorer David Livingstone. Get up close to some amazing animals, enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, take part in some awesome adrenalin activities and visit the famous Victoria Falls (just 10 minutes away). Home to the famous African Big Five, this 2,500 hectare game reserve boasts many elephants, black rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo and a wealth of other native wildlife.

Details and dates

From $520

South Africa Amakhala Big 5 Conservation

  • Duration
    1-12 Weeks
  • Accompanied age
    12+
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Start dates
    Every Monday
Do you want to experience and explore Africa and all of its inhabitants? Well, Amakhala will not disappoint! Assist behind the scenes on various ongoing conservation and community projects and meet the famous Big Five along with a vast array of other wildlife. Stay in a 4-star luxury lodge, go canoeing, fishing and camp under the stars in the middle of the bush!

Details and dates

From $450

Thailand Wildlife Rescue Centre

  • Duration
    1-12 Weeks
  • Accompanied age
    14+
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • Start dates
    Every Sunday
Thailand has a rich biological diversity which has sadly decreased in recent years due to human exploitation. That, coupled with habitat loss and habitat degradation, is pushing much of the Thai wildlife to the brink of extinction. The Wildlife Rescue Centre is the perfect place for volunteering to help combat that. If you're enthusiastic and passionate about wildlife, you're what we need to assist with the general upkeep of the project throughout the year.

Details and dates

From $3,350

African Animal Experience - South Africa, Namibia & Zimbabwe

  • Duration
    6-12 Weeks
  • Minimum age
    18+
  • 1st Monday of Every Month
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 - Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa and volunteer on some of the most impactful conservation projects.

Details and dates