If you consider yourself an animal lover, stop to point at every creature that crosses your path, and want to make a difference, there’s only one place for you to volunteer: Africa. Animals of all types, from lions to lemurs to penguins, make their home on this giant continent and right now they need help.
The chance to volunteer with elephants in Africa is second to none.
Community expansion, poachers, and climate change are all affecting the animals that call Africa home. You can play a vital role in helping them out through Africa animal volunteer programs.
Why try animal volunteering in Africa?
Whatever your reason for volunteering in Africa with animals, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Sleeping under the stars in the savannah, tracking herds of elephants, and taking lions on walks all seem to qualify, wouldn’t you think? But aside from some really cool photo ops, there are legitimate reasons to volunteer your time.
African animals have had a rough go of it lately. Species are disappearing, poachers are becoming more brazen in their attacks, and animal-human conflict is at all-time high due to habitat loss. Volunteering in Africa with animals is a great way to protect animals while also helping local communities manage their needs, too.
There are many different ways to volunteer with animals. Africa spans many climates and landscapes, creating a rich variety of biodiversity. Volunteers work in wildlife sanctuaries, spend time tracking wild herds, conduct research, and teach local communities about the importance of maintaining wildlife habitat. When choosing a program, make sure you think about the ethical considerations of what you’ll be doing, and make sure you’ve asked yourself these important questions before making a final decision.
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Volunteering is an affordable way to experience life in another country, get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, and provide service to others. So where will you go? Read up on the Best Places to Volunteer in Africa in 2018 and then check out the programs below to get started!
8 amazing Africa volunteer programs with animals
If you want to volunteer with animals, Africa has got you covered. The continent contains an overwhelming amount of biodiversity, from lemurs in Madagascar to African penguins in South Africa. Whether you’re an aspiring zookeeper, veterinarian, or just want to experience life on the savannah, animal volunteering in Africa is a great choice.
1. Hands-On Lion Conservation with African Impact
If you’re interested in volunteering in Africa with animals, why not go all in and try working with lions? At Antelope Park, you’ll be able to contribute to lion conservation by caring directly for the animals, conducting research on their behavior, and maintaining their enclosures. You may also have the opportunity to care for the park’s rescued African Elephants when you need a change of pace. On your days off, choose to take an organized trip to Victoria Falls or head out on a canoeing adventure. Your volunteer fee covers your accommodations, three meals, and airport pick up, but you’ll need to cover the airfare and insurance costs on your own.
- Where? Zimbabwe
- What animals? Lions, elephants
- More info: Read African Impact reviews
You can become a big cat sanctuary South Africa volunteer!
2. Wildlife Research and Conservation with GoEco
Due to its remote location in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is home to plants and animals that don’t exist anywhere else on earth. What better place to do Africa volunteer programs? Animals of all types and sizes are waiting to be discovered just steps from camp, and you’ll spend your days collecting data through traps, observations, and active animal searches. All volunteers receive training in these research methods after arrival and then spend their days at various sites around the island. Life in camp is rustic, to say the least, but living close to the earth is bound to make you a better wildlife researcher, right?
- Where? Madagascar
- What animals? Black lemurs, frogs, chameleons, geckos, snakes, and more
- More info: Read GoEco reviews
3. Marine Conservation Expedition with GVI
Home to sea turtles, dolphins, and miles of coral reef, the islands of the Seychelles are a marine lover’s dream. For this volunteer program, animal volunteering in Africa means getting wet, as nearly all of the research is done underwater! You’ll need to have a PADI Open Water scuba certification before you get started, but the program can help arrange training before you begin volunteering. Volunteers spend their days swimming around the island’s coral reefs, conducting animal surveys and monitoring coral reefs. They also have the opportunity to visit neighboring islands on their days off.
- Where? Seychelles
- What animals? Sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, octopuses, and plenty of fish
- More info: Read GVI reviews
Volunteer with feral dogs to keep the populations in check.
4. The Ultimate Personalized Gap Year Experience with African Conservation Experience
Join the Ultimate Gap Year Adventure! Dive into the frontlines of conservation in South Africa by volunteering on four unique wildlife projects. Work alongside local experts and other like-minded volunteers, contributing to animal care at genuine rehabilitation centers, and tracking wildlife deep within the bush to collect vital conservation data. Every day is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to encounter and work with a diverse range of iconic African species. Whether you're releasing rescued pangolins, tracking herds of elephants, or bottle-feeding baby rhinos, you'll gain essential skills while exploring South Africa's breathtaking wilderness. This experience also includes a rare chance to collaborate with renowned conservation giants like WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Don't miss this chance to be part of something truly extraordinary!
- Where? South Africa
- What animals? Elephant, cheetah, lion, leopard, rhino, African wild dog, hippopotamus, buffalo, giraffe, pangolin, honey badger, eagle, vulture, and many more!
- More info: Read African Conservation Experience reviews
5. Wildlife Rescue Center with ELI Abroad
Spend eight weeks in Uganda volunteering at the Wildlife Rescue Center, an educational and rescue center working to promote biodiversity and environmental awareness in the region. Volunteers will assist with caring for animals in the rescue center, learn about breeding programs for endangered giraffes, and facilitate educational programs for local youth. ELI arranges accommodation for volunteers in homestays, so you’ll get to experience Ugandan culture while living with a local family. Volunteers for this program should have some demonstrable experience or interest in zoology, wildlife management, or veterinary medicine.
- Where? Uganda
- What animals? Rothschild giraffe, chimpanzee, serval cat, lion, African elephant, and more
- More info: Read ELI Abroad reviews
Is there anything more precious than conserving the world we live in?
6. Mother Nature Conservation Camp with World Unite!
The Mother Nature Conservation Camp in Zanzibar offers several different volunteer opportunities at two different sites, near the Jozani Forest National Park and the beaches of Nungwi. Volunteers can choose to stay either in the rainforest or on the beach, with weekly transportation between the two in case you want to switch it up. This Africa animal volunteer programs consist of working with sea turtles, protecting Red Colobus monkeys, and teaching local communities about reptile species in the area. Accommodations are not included in the program fee, and rates vary based on room occupancy.
- Where? Tanzania
- What animals? Red Colobus monkeys, sea turtles, and local reptiles
- More info: World Unite! program information
7. Wildlife Volunteering with Volunteering Journeys
When you think about conservation volunteering in Africa, the animals that first come to mind are probably the ones you see on safari. And for good reason! These iconic fauna are in need of protection from unethical safari practices. This program in Cape Town allows you to be part of wildlife research and monitoring on a nature reserve. Volunteers can make an impact through waterhole monitoring and habitat work. Meals and lodging are provided to volunteers in a nearby guesthouse, as well as project training and 24/7 support.
- Where? South Africa
- What animals? Big 5
- More info: Read Volunteering Journeys reviews
8. Volunteer in Victoria Falls with IVHQ
Ever dream of living in the midst of a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Us too! And now, thanks to IVHQ, you can—all while giving back to our furry, four-footed friends. Volunteer from two to twelve weeks with ongoing start dates in projects focused on conservation management and research within a private game reserve near this popular tourist area. Accommodations are provided at the conservation center, and fees cover other extraneous costs like meals, in-country support, airport pick up, orientation, and more. What are you waiting for?!
- Where? Zimbabwe
- What animals? The big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
- More info: Read IVHQ reviews
[None Quite Right? Browse ALL Animal Welfare Volunteer Projects in Africa]
Animal volunteering in Africa is calling your name!
Africa is definitely in need of an ocean conservation volunteer or three!
If you’re looking for exciting and fulfilling volunteer work, Africa animals programs are a great option. Not only do you get to spend time outside engaging with animals, you’ll also get to experience daily life in a new country and learn about a new culture. Whether you find a new career path as a conservationist or simply enjoy a break from your daily life, animal volunteering in Africa is an experience you won’t soon forget. So pack your bags, stock up on some sunscreen, and start dreaming of red African sunsets and campfire barbecues!
Keep Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Volunteering in Africa
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