Wildlife Conservation & Community Outreach
South Africa
Protect wildlife, empower communities, and experience the wild beauty of South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Overview
Duration
1-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
17+
Start Dates
Every Monday of every month
Fees From
$869 USD
UN SDGs
This program contributes directly to SDG 15: Life on Land by supporting wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection on a Big 5 reserve. Simultaneously, it promotes SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by empowering local communities through early learning initiatives, sports development, nutrition support, and animal welfare outreach. These efforts are woven together under SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, uniting international volunteers and local stakeholders in a shared mission to protect ecosystems while improving lives.
What You'll Be Doing
Volunteers divide their time between conservation and community projects, rotating between hands-on fieldwork and community development initiatives:
Conservation (3 days/week)
- Track and monitor endangered wildlife including rhinos, elephants, lions, and cheetahs
- Participate in bird counts, biodiversity mapping, and camera trap analysis
- Conduct vegetation and soil erosion surveys
- Remove alien invasive plant species and old fencing
- Assist with wildlife veterinary procedures and population censuses (if available)
Community Projects (2 days/week)
- Support early childhood development centres and soup kitchens
- Assist with educational programs, sport coaching, and social-emotional learning
- Work on sustainable agriculture projects like community gardens
- Engage in domestic animal care and welfare education
Why It Matters
Poaching, habitat loss, and poverty are ongoing challenges in this region of South Africa. While iconic species like rhinos and elephants face growing threats, nearby communities struggle with food insecurity and limited education.
This program tackles both, protecting wildlife through hands-on conservation, and uplifting local communities through meaningful support. Your contribution helps create long-term solutions for people and planet.
A Day in the Life
Every day brings something new, but here’s what a typical weekday might look like:
- 07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast at the volunteer house
- 08:00 – 12:00 Morning conservation or community project
- 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch and downtime
- 13:00 – 16:00 Afternoon fieldwork or support activities
- Evenings: Free time, socialising, or relaxing around the fire
Wednesdays include a town trip to nearby Kenton-On-Sea for shopping, beach visits, or dinner out. The weekends are yours to enjoy and explore the area, join optional excursions, or simply unwind.
Your Impact
As a volunteer, you’ll contribute to both wildlife conservation and community upliftment in meaningful ways:
- Conservation
- Track and monitor endangered species like rhinos and elephants
- Support anti-poaching and biodiversity research
- Assist with habitat restoration and reserve maintenance
Community
- Help at early childhood centres and soup kitchens
- Support community gardens and food security projects
- Empower youth through sports, education, and animal welfare outreach
Your time on the ground directly supports long-term change—for people, wildlife, and the future of the region.
Where You'll Be Staying
You’ll be based at a welcoming conservation centre just outside a Big 5 game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Volunteers stay in one of two fully equipped lodges, surrounded by open landscapes, fresh air, and the sounds of the wild. With comfortable shared rooms, inviting communal spaces, and great on-site facilities, it’s the perfect base to relax after a rewarding day in the field.
Accommodation & Meals
You’ll share a room with 1–2 other volunteers of the same gender, with en-suite or shared bathrooms depending on the room. Facilities include a swimming pool, garden, braai (BBQ) area, library, and entertainment lounge with a pool table and drinks station. Linen and bath towels are provided (please bring your own beach towel), and couples may request a private room if available. Free Wi-Fi and a strong mobile signal are available on-site.
All ingredients for three simple but wholesome meals a day are provided, and volunteers take turns cooking in teams. Meals typically include porridge or toast for breakfast, sandwiches or salads for lunch, and hearty dishes like stews or pasta for dinner. Vegetarian options are available, but those with specific dietary needs (e.g., vegan or gluten-free) should bring or buy additional items locally. A weekly laundry service is included.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 17 years old
- Proficient in English (spoken and written)
- In good physical health with a reasonable level of fitness
- Passionate about wildlife, nature, and community engagement—no prior experience needed!
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
- All ingredients for three daily meals
- Weekly laundry service
- Project transport and coordination
- On-site orientation and training
- Weekly town trip to Kenton-On-Sea
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 registration fee, which is payable upon confirmation. Your remaining balance (program fees and any optional add-ons) is only due 60 days before your start date.
| Duration | 2025 | 2026 |
| 1 Week | $670 | $725 |
| 2 Weeks | $1,175 | $1,255 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,765 | $1,885 |
| 4 Weeks | $2,355 | $2,515 |
| 5 Weeks | $2,945 | $3,145 |
| 6 Weeks | $3,535 | $3,775 |
| 7 Weeks | $4,125 | $4,405 |
| 8 Weeks | $4,715 | $5,035 |
| 9 Weeks | $5,305 | $5,665 |
| 10 Weeks | $5,895 | $6,295 |
| 11 Weeks | $6,485 | $6,925 |
| 12 Weeks | $7,075 | $7,555 |
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
If you’re passionate about wildlife, people, and creating real change—this is your moment. Join a program that protects endangered species and empowers local communities, all in one unforgettable experience.
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?
All arrivals are scheduled for Mondays, with pickups from Port Elizabeth Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ/FAPE). To ensure a smooth transfer, your flight should land between 09:00 and 14:00. You’ll be greeted at the arrivals terminal by a designated driver holding a sign for the program.
The reserve is approximately 2 hours from the airport. Transfers are arranged for you but are paid in cash on arrival (prices vary depending on group size and day of the week). If your flight arrives outside the window, you’ll need to spend a night in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) and join the transfer the next morning.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll stay at a relaxed conservation centre on the edge of a Big 5 game reserve—safe, clean, and surrounded by nature. Accommodation is in shared, same-gender rooms (2–3 volunteers per room), with en-suite or shared bathrooms depending on the room.
The property includes a swimming pool, a braai (BBQ) area, a communal lounge, a pool table, and a garden for relaxing or social activities.
Wi-Fi is available, and the mobile signal is strong. All bedding and bath towels are provided—just bring your own beach towel. Volunteers cook together in teams, using ingredients provided.
If you’re joining with a friend or partner, we’ll do our best to place you in the same room, and private rooms for couples can be requested (subject to availability).
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Volunteers usually work Monday to Friday, with a split of 3 days in conservation and 2 days in community outreach. Days start around 7:00 AM and end around 4:00 PM, with a lunch break in between.
You might spend the morning tracking elephants, and the next day helping plant vegetables in a local community garden.
Wednesdays include a trip to Kenton-On-Sea, a beachside village where you can grab snacks, explore local shops, or relax at the ocean. Weekends are free to rest or explore. There are optional excursions like wildlife safaris, beach horse rides, or skydiving that can be arranged on-site.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
Anyone aged 17 and older is welcome. You’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness as some tasks involve walking, bending, or being outdoors for extended periods. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn, get involved, and respect local cultures and environments.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in South Africa?
Yes! The reserve is located in a safe, malaria-free region of South Africa’s Eastern Cape. You’ll be supported 24/7 by an experienced local team, and all activities are supervised. Accommodation is secure, and trained staff are always nearby.
In case of illness or injury, there’s access to doctors and clinics in nearby towns, and a small hospital about 30 minutes away. Port Elizabeth also has private hospitals if needed. Emergency contacts are shared with all volunteers.
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 prophylaxis is not necessary, as the area is malaria-free. Drinking water is safe, and insect repellent is useful year-round.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! Volunteering is even more fun with a friend. You can request to be placed in the same room, and if you’re a couple, private rooms may be available upon request.
If you’re joining solo (which most of our volunteers do!), you’ll be warmly welcomed and part of a like-minded group in no time.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $869 for 1 week, 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 accommodation
- All ingredients for 3 meals a day
- Weekly laundry service
- Project transport and coordination
- Weekly town trip
- Full support from our local team and Outreach Overseas
Not included: flights, insurance, visa (if applicable), airport transfers, weekend excursions, and personal spending money.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes! Weekends are free to explore the stunning Eastern Cape. You can relax by the pool, visit the beaches at Kenton-On-Sea or Port Alfred, or join optional excursions like:
- Addo Elephant National Park safari
- Horse riding on the beach
- Deep sea fishing or surfing
- Skydiving or sandboarding
- Whale and dolphin boat trips
Most activities can be arranged locally through the team or with fellow volunteers.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
This program runs year-round, and every season offers something unique:
- Summer (Nov–Apr): Warm and lush, ideal for wildlife sightings—but ticks are more common
- Winter (May–Oct): Cooler mornings and evenings, great for active fieldwork and fewer bugs
There’s no bad time to join—just pack for the season and prepare for a truly immersive experience! Some wildlife monitoring, such as predator-prey interactions, may also vary by season.
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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