African Wildlife & Big Cat Conservation
South Africa
Protect Africa’s predators and help end exploitative wildlife practices.
Overview
Duration
2-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
16+
Start Dates
Every Wednesday of every month
Fees From
$1,534 USD
UN SDGs
This program supports SDG 15: Life on Land through predator rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat creation. It advances SDG 4: Quality Education by raising awareness about ethical wildlife conservation and promotes SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by rejecting exploitative practices. All efforts align with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, uniting volunteers, conservationists, and local communities to protect Africa’s wildlife heritage.
What You'll Be Doing
Your days will be varied and rewarding, with a mix of animal care, maintenance, and enrichment tasks. Activities may include:
- Preparing and distributing food for carnivores and other wildlife.
- Cleaning and maintaining enclosures to keep animals safe and healthy.
- Creating enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviours.
- Assisting with new enclosure builds and habitat improvements.
- Supporting education efforts by helping with tours or community outreach.
- Participating in farm upkeep and general maintenance projects.
In addition, volunteers often help with long-term projects such as building new large-scale enclosures, supporting veterinary clinics, or improving spaces for rescued animals like monkeys, meerkats, and warthogs.
Why It Matters
Across Africa, big cats and other predators face relentless threats from habitat loss, poaching, and exploitative tourism practices. This project provides a safe haven for those who cannot return to the wild and works tirelessly to end destructive industries like canned hunting. By joining the team, you are part of a solution that prioritises animal welfare, offering rescued wildlife the dignity, space, and care they deserve.
A Day in the Life
Every day is different, but a typical schedule might look like this:
- Morning: Breakfast with fellow volunteers, team briefing, and preparing morning feeds.
- Mid-morning: Feeding and checking on animals, cleaning enclosures, or working on a project such as building new structures.
- Lunch: A well-earned break with time to relax, swim, or take photos.
- Afternoon: Continuing with habitat enrichment, delivering water to all enclosures, or assisting with guided tours.
- Evening: Dinner with the team, followed by social time, a movie, or a bonfire under the stars, with the calls of big cats in the background.
Weekends are free for excursions like safaris, river cruises, or exploring Kimberley’s cultural heritage.
Your Impact
Volunteers are essential to the continued success of this sanctuary. Your efforts directly:
- Improve the daily lives of rescued animals.
- Expand and enhance enclosures to better mimic natural habitats.
- Support rehabilitation and enrichment efforts that reduce stress and encourage natural behaviours.
- Help spread awareness about ethical wildlife tourism.
Every task you complete, no matter how small, contributes to a bigger mission: protecting Africa’s wildlife heritage.
Where You'll Be Staying
You’ll be based on a large wildlife property just 30 km from Kimberley, a historic South African city famous for its diamond mining heritage and the iconic “Big Hole.” The sanctuary is surrounded by open farmland, bushveld, and a variety of wildlife species. On your time off, you can explore Kimberley’s museums, join a safari, enjoy a boat cruise on the Orange River, or experience the thrill of spotting giraffes, zebras, and rhinos on nearby reserves.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in shared rooms (1–6 people) within a safe, comfortable volunteer house located right in the heart of the sanctuary. Facilities include:
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers.
- A communal kitchen and lounge with TV/DVDs.
- Outdoor swimming pool and BBQ area.
- Bedding provided (just bring your own towel).
Wi-Fi is available at a small cost, or you can purchase a local SIM card in town. Laundry services are available for an additional fee.
Meals:
- Breakfast: Cereals, bread, yoghurt, and spreads.
- Lunch: Sandwiches and lighter options.
- Dinner: Hot dishes including meat, starch, and vegetables.
Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, and you’re encouraged to bring extra spending money for snacks or soft drinks.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 16 years old
- Proficient in English (spoken and written)
- A reasonable level of fitness for outdoor, hands-on work.
- A positive attitude and readiness to embrace new experiences (yes, even preparing raw meat for carnivores!)
Whether you’re a gap year student, career breaker, or simply looking to make a difference, you’re welcome here.
Program Pricing
Your program fees directly support the operations of our local team in South Africa and the services we provide to ensure your experience is meaningful, safe, and well-supported.
Outreach Overseas Offer
- Pre-departure support
- Volunteer information pack
- Assistance with trip logistics
- Emergency assistance
- Program quality assurance
- Certificate of participation
What's Included
- Shared accommodation
- 3 meals per day
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- On-site orientation and training
- 24-hour supervision and support
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa fees (if required)
- Wi-Fi & Laundry (available at extra cost)
- Personal spending money
- Weekend excursions
All program fees exclude a one-time $199 confirmation fee, which is payable upon acceptance into the program. Your remaining balance (program fees and any optional add-ons) is only due 60 days before your start date. This can be paid in instalments or as a lump sum.
| Duration | Program Fee |
| 2 Weeks | $1,335 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,885 |
| 4 Weeks | $2,435 |
| 5 Weeks | $2,985 |
| 6 Weeks | $3,535 |
| 7 Weeks | $4,085 |
| 8 Weeks | $4,635 |
| 9 Weeks | $5,185 |
| 10 Weeks | $5,735 |
| 11 Weeks | $6,285 |
| 12 Weeks | $6,835 |
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
If you’ve ever dreamed of working with Africa’s magnificent predators while making a tangible difference in their lives, this is your chance. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the knowledge that you helped protect some of the continent’s most vulnerable species.
Choose your next step:
Apply Now to start your application and secure your spot in the program.
Enquire Here to get all the details you need from our team before you commit.
Good to Know Before You Go
What date should I arrive, and how do I get to the program location?
You can start this program at any time of the year. We recommend arriving in Kimberley, South Africa, a day or two before your placement to settle in and adjust. The closest airport is Kimberley Airport (KIM), which has regular connections from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International) and Cape Town International. Transfers from the airport or bus station to the sanctuary are available and can be arranged in advance. Our team will guide you through every step of your journey during pre-departure support.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll stay in a comfortable volunteer house right in the heart of the sanctuary, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife. Rooms are shared (1–6 people) and include en-suite bathrooms with hot showers. The house has a communal kitchen, lounge with TV/DVDs, BBQ area, and swimming pool. All bedding is provided, you’ll just need to bring your own towel. You’ll live alongside other like-minded volunteers from around the world, sharing meals, laughs, and memories. Private rooms are available at an additional cost on request.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Your week will be structured but varied. Mornings usually start with a team briefing, followed by feeding and caring for the animals. Mid-mornings might be spent cleaning enclosures, preparing food, or working on projects like building or enrichment. After lunch, you could be delivering water, assisting with guided tours, or maintaining habitats. Evenings are for relaxing—swim, watch a movie, join a braai, or sit by the fire listening to lions roar in the distance. Weekends are free to explore Kimberley or join excursions like safaris and river cruises.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
You must be at least 16 years old (younger participants may be considered with approval), in good health, and able to take part in physical outdoor work. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn, work as part of a team, and embrace hands-on animal care. Basic English skills are needed to communicate with the team.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in South Africa?
Yes. You’ll be living on a secure property with 24-hour support from staff. The sanctuary is in a peaceful rural area, and our team prioritises volunteer safety at all times. We’ll give you a full safety briefing during orientation and provide guidance for any off-site trips.
What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter South Africa or participate in the program, we recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic before travelling. Common vaccines for South Africa include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus
- Typhoid (optional, depending on travel plans)
No COVID-19 or yellow fever vaccines are required unless you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Malaria is not a risk in Kimberley or the Free State region. Bring any prescription medications you need, plus insect repellent and basic first aid supplies.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! We welcome friends, couples, and small groups. We can arrange for you to stay in the same room. Just let us know your preference when booking. Volunteering together is a great way to share this life-changing experience.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $1,534 for 2 weeks, including all essential program costs and the one-time $199 Outreach Overseas confirmation deposit. Outreach Overseas keeps costs low by partnering directly with grassroots organisations and operating as a small, purpose-driven team. Our pricing supports both volunteers and the project on the ground.
Your fee includes:
- Shared on-site accommodation.
- 3 meals a day.
- Bedding provided.
- Orientation and training.
- 24-hour support and supervision.
- Airport or bus station transfers in Kimberley.
- Volunteer T-shirt as part of your uniform.
Not included: Flights, visas, travel insurance, Wi-Fi and laundry (small extra cost), personal spending, snacks, and optional weekend excursions.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes. Your evenings and weekends are free to explore. Kimberley offers fascinating history, museums, and the famous Big Hole. You can also join optional excursions such as Big 5 safaris, river cruises, or cultural experiences. Our team can help you arrange these trips at an additional cost.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
The program runs year-round, and each season offers something unique.
Summer (Dec–Feb) is hot, with lush green landscapes and dramatic thunderstorms, perfect for those who love warm weather.
Autumn (Mar–May) is cooler and pleasant for outdoor work.
Winter (Jun–Aug) is mild compared to many countries, with crisp mornings and sunny days.
Spring (Sep–Nov) brings blooming wildflowers and active wildlife. No matter when you come, your help is needed and valued.
There’s no bad time to join. Just pack for the season and prepare for a truly immersive experience!
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your passion and goals.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Complete our quick and easy online application form to start the process.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Pay your $199 confirmation deposit upon your acceptance.
Step 4: Make an Impact
Travel to your destination, join your team, and begin your volunteer journey.
Explore Similar Volunteer Opportunities
Elephant Conservation & Research
- 1-12 Weeks
- 18+
- $674 USD
Wildlife Conservation
- 2-12 Weeks
- 18+
- $1,264 USD
Wildlife Conservation & Community Outreach
- 1-12 Weeks
- 17+
- $869 USD
Stay in the Loop
Want to know when new destinations and programs launch? Sign up for updates and be the first to hear about our opportunities to travel with purpose.