Wildlife Conservation
South Africa
Work hands-on with rescued and protected wildlife while supporting conservation efforts.
Overview
Duration
2-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
18+
Start Dates
Every Tuesday of every month
Fees From
$1,264 USD
UN SDGs
This program supports SDG 15: Life on Land by protecting endangered species, restoring natural habitats, and monitoring biodiversity on a Big 5 reserve. It also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education by empowering volunteers through field-based conservation learning, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through animal welfare and community outreach initiatives.
All efforts are supported by SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, bringing together local experts, international volunteers, and community stakeholders in a shared mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Wildlife Conservation volunteer, your work will be as diverse as the animals you help protect. Tasks include:
- Assisting in the care and feeding of rescued lions and elephants
- Monitoring free-roaming cheetahs and setting up camera traps
- Conducting game counts and species identification surveys
- Supporting veld patrols and fence maintenance
- Gathering data for ongoing research on species like meerkats, giraffes, and African wildcats
- Educating guests and community members about conservation efforts
- Helping with wildlife relocation or habitat preparation when needed
Activities vary based on seasonal needs, but you’ll be engaged in a full spectrum of fieldwork and animal-focused tasks throughout your stay.
Why It Matters
South Africa’s wildlife faces increasing pressure from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. This program contributes to long-term conservation by supporting species management, protecting genetic diversity, and offering safe havens for rescued animals.
Volunteers are the heart of these efforts, providing manpower, fresh energy, and critical funding that allows the project to continue its vital work. Your time here contributes to lasting change for both wildlife and local communities.
A Day in the Life
Your week will follow a structured but dynamic schedule. Most days run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with regular breaks and variety in tasks.
A typical weekday may include:
- Morning: Animal checks, feeding, and enclosure maintenance
- Midday: Research tasks, data collection, or conservation projects
- Afternoon: Cheetah monitoring, patrols, or guest education
- Late afternoon: Wrap-up, record-keeping, or project planning
Your daily experience will rotate to give you broad exposure to all aspects of wildlife conservation, keeping things fresh, exciting, and meaningful.
Saturdays include light duties followed by fun social or cultural activities. Sundays are for rest or exploring Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route, or local attractions like the Cango Caves.
Your Impact
By joining the Wildlife Conservation Program, you’ll help:
- Protect endangered and vulnerable species
- Support ethical wildlife research and monitoring
- Care for animals affected by poaching or human conflict
- Educate local communities and guests on conservation values
- Contribute to the global effort to preserve Africa’s biodiversity
You’ll leave with new skills, unforgettable experiences, and the knowledge that your presence made a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the ecosystems they call home.
Where You'll Be Staying
Your project is based just outside Oudtshoorn, in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Surrounded by mountains and open semi-arid plains, this part of the Klein Karoo is a conservation gem and gateway to the famous Garden Route.
You’ll be working on a private reserve that hosts both wildlife and ecological restoration projects, giving you a diverse and enriching conservation experience.
The region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and is malaria-free, perfect for outdoor volunteering.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
You’ll stay at a dedicated volunteer camp on-site, surrounded by nature and fellow changemakers. Accommodation includes:
- Shared safari-style tents (up to 4 per room, same gender or couples)
- En-suite showers and flushing toilets with gas-heated water
- Electricity and charging points in all tents
- Solar backup and hot water
- Laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi access
Meals
Three meals are provided daily and cooked fresh at the camp.
- Breakfast: Cereal, toast, coffee and tea
- Lunch: Light meals like wraps, burgers, or pasta
- Dinner: Hearty home-cooked meals with meat, vegetables, and starch
Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 18 years old
- Able to speak and understand basic English
- Comfortable working outdoors and around animals
- Passionate about wildlife and eager to learn—no prior experience required!
Whether you’re on a gap year, taking a career break, or looking for an impactful way to spend your holiday, this program offers purpose, adventure, and personal growth.
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
- Three prepared meals per day
- Weekly laundry service
- Project transport and coordination
- On-site orientation and training
- Weekly town trip to Oudtshoorn
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa fees (if required)
- Airport transfers (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 | Oct 2025 – Sept 2026 | Oct 2026 – Sept 2027 |
| 2 Weeks | $1,065 | $1,170 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,595 | $1,755 |
| 4 Weeks | $2,125 | $2,335 |
| 5 Weeks | $2,655 | $2,920 |
| 6 Weeks | $3,190 | $3,505 |
| 7 Weeks | $3,720 | $4,090 |
| 8 Weeks | $4,250 | $4,675 |
| 9 Weeks | $4,780 | $5,260 |
| 10 Weeks | $5,310 | $5,845 |
| 11 Weeks | $5,840 | $6,430 |
| 12 Weeks | $6,370 | $7,015 |
Program fees are based on your arrival date. The applicable seasonal rate (shown above) is determined by when you begin your program, not when you book.
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
Join a purpose-driven team working to protect South Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife. Whether you’re interested in conservation as a career or just looking for a meaningful and unforgettable adventure, this is your moment to step up for nature.
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?
Volunteers should plan to arrive on a Tuesday, when complimentary airport pick-up is offered from George Airport (GRJ), about an hour’s drive from the project site. We’ll be waiting to welcome you and transfer you directly to the reserve.
If you arrive on a different day, don’t worry, we can still arrange a transfer at an additional cost. Once on-site, you’ll receive a warm orientation and jump straight into your conservation journey.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll stay in a comfortable, safari-style tented camp nestled on the reserve. Each large tent sleeps up to four people (same gender or couples) and includes en-suite bathrooms with hot water, solar lighting, and charging points.
It’s simple but special, designed to help you reconnect with nature, bond with fellow volunteers, and enjoy peaceful evenings under the stars. All bedding is provided, and a dedicated camp host prepares delicious daily meals.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Each week is a mix of animal care, field-based conservation, and rotating research projects. You’ll work Monday to Friday, with a lighter schedule on Saturdays and Sundays off.
Expect to be hands-on with wildlife, assist with feeding and monitoring, support research tasks, and contribute to habitat maintenance.
Saturdays include only essential tasks, leaving time for social or cultural activities. Sundays are free, perfect for exploring Oudtshoorn, joining a game drive, or relaxing with your fellow conservationists.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
You must be at least 18 years old, speak basic English, and be reasonably fit for outdoor work in sometimes warm or dry conditions.
No prior experience is needed—just an open mind, a good attitude, and a genuine passion for nature. This program is ideal for gap year students, career breakers, aspiring conservationists, or anyone seeking a meaningful, hands-on impact.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in South Africa?
Yes. The program is based in a remote and secure reserve near the town of Oudtshoorn, far from urban hotspots. You’ll be staying on private land with 24/7 support from on-site staff, a coordinator, and an emergency contact line.
South Africa does have areas where safety is a concern, but your time on this program will be in a controlled, conservation-focused environment designed for international visitors.
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)
The region is malaria-free, so Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary.
Make sure you have comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers volunteering and outdoor activities, as it’s a mandatory requirement to join.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! Many volunteers join with friends, siblings, or partners. You’ll be placed in the same accommodation upon request, and you’ll share the experience side-by-side—from planting Spekboom to relaxing around the campfire.
If you’re joining solo (which most of our volunteers do!), you’ll be warmly welcomed and become part of the team in no time.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $1,264 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 tented accommodation with en-suite facilities
- Three freshly prepared meals daily
- Laundry service
- Project materials and transport
- On-site training and 24/7 support
- Weekly town trip to Oudtshoorn
- Outreach Overseas pre-departure support, emergency assistance, and a certificate of participation
Not included: Flights, insurance, visa (if required), and optional weekend travel.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes! Weekends are yours to unwind or explore the stunning surroundings. Oudtshoorn and the nearby Garden Route offer unforgettable experiences, like caving in the Cango Caves, visiting an ostrich farm, or even day trips to the beach.
You can also join local activities like horseback riding, ziplining, skydiving, and wine tasting, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the Klein Karoo.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
The program runs year-round, and with over 300 days of sunshine annually, there’s truly no bad time to come.
- October to April brings warm summer days and greener landscapes (expect hot weather and occasional rain).
- May to September is cooler and drier, with chilly mornings and evenings—ideal for those who prefer milder conditions.
Most volunteers join between August and April, but it depends on your schedule and weather preference.
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.
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