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Volunteer Programs in Kruger Park, South Africa

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23 Volunteer Programs in Kruger Park, South Africa

African Impact

9.28

188

Wildlife Photography Volunteering in South Africa

The African bush is full of unforgettable moments — a lion stretching at sunrise, elephants cooling off at the river, or the quiet stillness before a storm. This Wildlife Photography Volunteering program in South Africa with African Impact gives you the chance to capture these moments while also contributing to important conservation work in the Greater Kruger Area. Over a minimum stay of 4 weeks, you’ll sharpen your camera skills, live in the wild, and play a role in protecting endangered species. With the guidance of a professional photographer, you’ll learn not just how to take powerful images, but how to use your photography to make a real difference. Your work will support research and conservation by helping to identify individual animals, raise awareness, and document efforts on the ground. Beyond the lens, you’ll also get involved in hands-on conservation tasks that protect this unique ecosystem. This project is designed for those who want to combine creativity with impact, leaving with a portfolio of images and the knowledge that their work contributed to something lasting.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

10

1

South Africa - Big Cats Research and Conservation

Come take part in exciting research taking place at this game reserve in South Africa, aimed at understanding the reproductive, territorial, hunting, and social behaviors of the lions and leopard populations. This game reserve aims to provide a safe and natural environment for lions and leopards, among other numerous endangered species. You will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with researchers to assist them in data collection and observations of the animals. Your daily duties will include field work in the bush collating and collecting data on lions and leopards, night drives to monitor the movements of the predators, finding and removing snares, removing alien plants and more.

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Kaya Responsible Travel

10

1

Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Research and Conservation

Take part in this volunteering program abroad, and work on an amazing research and conservation project in a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area. Home to more than just the Big 5, the reserve also has more than 400 species of birds. The project aims to share data with conservation groups and authorities to protect species and natural habitats as well as to educate communities about human impact on wildlife. As a volunteer on the Big 5 Game Reserve, you’ll actively participate in research on wildlife populations and habitat maintenance. To join this project, you need: - Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment - Reasonable level of fitness due to the physical nature of the work - Enthusiasm, openness, flexibility, and cooperation - Awareness of research skills, knowledge, and experience in African wildlife (helpful, but not necessary) If you’re a student and wish to earn credit, speak to a Kaya Placement Advisor. Please bring a laptop to help with data and project activities.

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Impact Gap Year

9

3

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement. You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island. The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

8.77

13

Best South Africa Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Program

Go off the beaten track and make an impact with this one-of-a-kind Wildlife Conservation project in South Africa. This fully-hosted volunteer program is provided by International Volunteer HQ - the world's leading volunteer travel organization, trusted by more than 124,000 volunteer travelers. Based on one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park, volunteers on the Wildlife Conservation program get to live amongst the African ‘Big 5’ animals and help protect their natural habitat for periods ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. Your fully hosted includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in a volunteer Your fully hosted program starts from only $975 for 2 weeks, which includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. You’ll be accommodated in a beachside bungalow or a forest camp with like-minded volunteers while being immersed in the local culture and community. Thanks to IVHQ's affordable fees, flexible booking and free changes, you can register for your volunteer program in South Africa with confidence.

Raleigh International

9

1

Volunteer in South Africa - Expeditions With Purpose

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. In the stunning Kruger region, you have the chance to take action on some of the world's most pertinent issues through immersive Community projects, and impactful Environmental work. Through our life-changing Adventure Leadership Trek you will develop skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? The Greater Kruger area is located between Mozambique, Eswatini, and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart, not to mention boasting year-round sunshine. It is a wildlife haven with natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. You'll most likely spot plenty of wildlife while you're on our environmental project and trek. You'll be with experienced guides if you're in areas with any of the big 5. Whether you are taking a gap year or want to do something meaningful in your summer, join young volunteers from across the world and a community of thousands of Raleigh Alumni.

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Roots Interns

0

0

Wellbeing Coordinator in South Africa or Costa Rica

Join young volunteers on a life-changing expedition and support their health and well-being as they seize the opportunity. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable youth empowerment and counseling support helping young people through a transformative expedition. You’ll work with an organization dedicated to arranging volunteer expeditions where young people can gain the skills and confidence they need to become future global citizens and leaders. These expeditions are designed to test and challenge volunteers to foster their development and growth. Your role as an intern will be to support volunteers through this journey. This will include taking responsibility for volunteers' health and well-being, offering one-to-one counseling, and deploying conflict-resolution or behavioral management strategies. This versatile program offers broad career development with learning opportunities in an array of transferable skills, ideal for careers in social work, education, or sustainable development.

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African Conservation Experience

9.95

37

Personalized Veterinary Experience in South Africa

Dive into ethical, meaningful, and practical veterinary work tailored to your goals, interests, and abilities! This program meets the requirements for Extra Mural Studies (EMS) and Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS). Depending on the skills you’d like to gain, get paired with either an individual or a team of qualified vets for the best possible exposure and experience. Work with some of Africa’s most respected vets in their everyday work wherein you don’t just treat injured and sick animals, but you also play a key role in conservation. You could be assisting with wildlife relocation, immobilizing and moving animals to help manage their population, testing for diseases, and even performing necropsies. From fieldwork to clinical work, become engaged in responsible veterinary activities across several diverse species and gain hands-on experience. Plus, develop a unique understanding of the biology, behavior, and conservation of Africa’s wildlife. Whether you are an undergraduate searching for a valuable internship, a seasoned veterinarian or nurse looking for a new challenge, or are simply interested in studying veterinary science, this is the experience for you.

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All Out Africa

8.8

5

Kruger to Coast Adventure Tour

The Kruger to Coast Adventure Tour will take you through some of the best highlights in southern Africa in terms of wildlife, culture and beaches. Begin your journey in The Kingdom of Eswatini (fromerly called Swaziland) where you will receive an orientation to the country and programme overall, and a tour of a local village. During the second and third week of the programme you will get involved in grassroots community projects here and make an active contribution to the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children. But first, head off on a five-day camping safari through the world-renowned Kruger National Park to spot big game. On your return Eswatini, you will be spend time volunteering venture to tropical Mozambique where you will spend time on world-class Indian Ocean beaches. While here, you will see some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife, snorkel with whale sharks, paddle to tropical palm-fringed islands and, most of all, participate in important community development projects.

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Volunteer International Adventures

0

0

Wildlife Caretaker at a Park

Volunteer as a Wildlife Caretaker at a sanctuary that provides lifelong refuge to rescued indigenous and exotic wild cats, as well as a variety of other animals. This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity to care for animals that can’t return to the wild due to past trauma or captivity. Get to know the animals' unique personalities and stories while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to their wellbeing. As a volunteer, you’ll gain access to restricted areas where some animals—typically off-limits to the public—live in peace and safety. You’ll help care for: ● Big cats like lions, leopards, tigers, cheetahs, and pumas ● Smaller wild cats including servals, caracals, bobcats, ocelots, and more ● Birds such as owls, hawks, vultures, cranes, and emus ● Other species like baboons, wolves, ferrets, honey badgers, crocodiles, meerkats, and monkeys This experience is both rewarding and impactful, offering a deeper understanding of animal care and wildlife conservation. Visit our website and get involved!

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Latest Program Reviews

This experience opened my eyes to the realities of conservation and veterinary work in Africa, and it strengthened my passion for wildlife medicine even more.

November 13, 2025by: Evžen Lomák - Czech RepublicProgram: Personalized Veterinary Experience in South Africa
10

Before I set off on my five-week veterinary adventure with African Conservation Experience (ACE), I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had read about the Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience and knew it would be hands-on, but I couldn’t have imagined just how rewarding and eye-opening it would turn out to be. From the moment I landed in Johannesburg, I felt completely taken care of. An ACE representative was waiting to welcome me at the airport, and after a good meal and introductions, we set off on the five-hour drive north to Louis Trichardt. The journey flew by, our driver shared fascinating stories about South Africa’s history, culture, and wildlife along the way, giving us a glimpse into the country we were about to discover! When we arrived at the project, we were greeted warmly by the team before settling into our guesthouse. The accommodation was wonderful, surrounded by a peaceful garden and a swimming pool, and often visited by a few friendly dogs who quickly became part of our daily life. Our very first day set the tone for the entire experience. We were up at three in the morning to help with the tranquilisation and transport of a kudu. Watching these animals up close was something I’ll never forget. Over the next few weeks, we worked with a wide range of wildlife, including sable, tsessebe, blesbok, waterbuck, buffalo, and even lions. Being part of wildlife veterinary procedures like health checks, immobilisations, and administering medicines gave us a real sense of purpose and excitement each day. Working with rescued lions at the rehabilitation sanctuary was an unforgettable highlight. To be so close to these powerful creatures and assist in their care was both humbling and exhilarating! Alongside wildlife work, we also gained valuable experience with domesticated animals such as cattle, goats, and horses. It was a reminder of how veterinary medicine plays a crucial role not just in conservation, but in supporting local communities as well! The vets at the project were exceptional mentors. They were patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about teaching. Every day with them was an opportunity to learn something new, whether in the field or at the clinic. On weekends, we explored more of South Africa’s natural beauty. Visiting the infamous nearby Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Leshiba Wilderness Reserve gave us time to reflect on the importance of what we were learning. Horse riding and hiking on our time off also added even more adventure to an already incredible experience! Looking back, what made this journey so meaningful was how it offered a complete picture of conservation in practice! I came to understand that wildlife management, population control, and habitat balance are all essential parts of protecting nature, each connected and equally important. My time with ACE was truly unforgettable. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible, from the ACE staff who made everything run smoothly to the dedicated veterinarians who shared their knowledge so generously! This experience opened my eyes to the realities of conservation and veterinary work in Africa, and it strengthened my passion for wildlife medicine even more. See you next time!

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