From $2195
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION VOLUNTEERING IN SOUTH AFRICA
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Impact:
Wildlife Conservation
Destination:
Tzaneen, South Africa
Duration:
2 Weeks+
Fee: From $2,195
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Care for Rescued and Rehabilitated Animals in South Africa
Join a passionate team of experienced staff at Umoya Khulula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and become a champion for animal recovery. Witness firsthand the impact of human-wildlife conflict, pushing animals into situations requiring expert intervention.
Here, you’ll play a vital role in the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of injured, lost, and displaced wildlife. From providing medical attention to creating enriching environments, your dedication will contribute directly to the well-being of these magnificent creatures. But your journey doesn’t end there. The ultimate goal is to see these animals return to their rightful place in the wild, stronger and more resilient.
Combine this project with our African Big 5 Wildlife Research and Conservation Project (just 1.5 hours away) for the ultimate South African wildlife volunteering experience!
Project Highlights
RESCUE
Get involved in call-outs to rescue compromised or orphaned wildlife.
REHABILITATE
Take a hands-on role approach as you provide care and rehabilitation to rescued animals.
PANGOLIN WORK
Umoya Khulula are famed for their work in rescuing Temmincks pangolins and you may have the opportunity to work with them.
RELEASE
Gain experience in various release techniques to ensure animals thrive.
GAIN EXPERIENCE
Work with dedicated conservationists, veterinarians and rehabilitation experts.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteering Project in South Africa.
Project Destination
Immerse yourself in the untamed majesty of the Greater Kruger area, a sprawling tapestry of over 20 private reserves seamlessly woven together. Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, this vast landscape pulsates with life, serving as a sanctuary for an extraordinary array species.
Umoya Khulula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is situated close to the Greater Kruger area, just 15 minutes outside of Tzaneen. The proximity of the centre to the Greater Kruger area allows for an array of orphaned, abandoned or injured wildlife to be rescued and brought into the centre.
Life At Base
Accommodation & Meals
The accommodation at Umoya Khulula is simple and comfortable, with standalone rooms overlooking a beautiful ravine. The center currently hosts up to 10 volunteers at a time, with 4-6 people sharing same-sex rooms and bathroom facilities. After a hard day of animal care and rehabilitation there is also a jacuzzi for you to relax in!
Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) are provided during the week and we usually go to town on Fridays to collect any food, snacks and drinks you wish to enjoy over the weekends. Volunteers are able to help themselves to dinner leftovers, bread, fruit etc. for lunches but most choose to buy their own food.
Meals are served in a communal kitchen and dining area. It’s a great space to relax in some shade and get to know the team and fellow volunteers.
Communication
Cellular signals can be variable. If you are purchasing a local, South African SIM Card, we would recommend using MTN as the service provider. WiFi is available in the central dining area.
Flights & Arrivals
Fly in to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Umoya Khulula. Arrive anytime on the Sunday that your volunteering begins and depart anytime on the Sunday it ends. The team from Umoya Khulula will be there to greet you!
Staff
Umoya Khulula is owned by Emma, Adriaan and Wynand De Jager. During your time as a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer, you will be primarily working with Emma alongside Katharine, the Centre Manager.
Safety
At African Impact, our long-term success depends on working to ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff and local communities. With this in mind, we are continually committed to providing high-quality volunteer opportunities in South Africa. We follow the philosophy that a safe and healthy work environment is a fundamental and top responsibility of ours. From the moment you arrive in South Africa to the end of your adventure, we take the utmost care in ensuring your comfort and safety as you carry out volunteer work.
Wildlife Rehabilitation FAQs
What kind of work will I be doing?
Volunteers at the wildlife centre will be immersed in a variety of essential tasks and learning opportunities. Daily responsibilities include cleaning enclosures and feeding the animals, as well as assisting with the hand-rearing of orphaned wildlife. You’ll gain valuable knowledge about South African wildlife and conservation practices. When appropriate, volunteers may help with medical procedures and participate in anti-poaching efforts by removing snares from local farms. Other tasks involve collecting enrichment materials for the animals, constructing new enclosures, and maintaining existing ones. You’ll also monitor animals being prepared for release, help integrate social animals into groups, and assist with wildlife releases. For nocturnal, ill, or young animals requiring nighttime care, a rotating schedule ensures that all volunteers share these responsibilities while also getting regular nights off. This hands-on experience offers a comprehensive view of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
What animals will I be working with?
At the centre we hold permits for over 70 different species of animals. It is always hard to say what is going to be at the centre. Some of the main animals that come into the centre are bushbabies, squirrels, warthogs, antelope, hippos, jackals, mongoose, zebras, owls, and tortoises.
Will I get to see an animal release?
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will see a release but we hope that you do. We do release more animals in October – March as the conditions for herbivores are better in these months. Carnivore releases happen year round.
Do I need experience to volunteer at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre?
No prior experience is required! What truly matters is your enthusiasm for animals and a willingness to learn. So, if you’re eager to immerse yourself in the world of wildlife conservation, don’t let a lack of experience hold you back!
What vaccinations are required to be a volunteer?
The main vaccinations you will need to have are tetanus, hepatitis A and rabies. Others consider typhoid, hepatitis B and cholera, but we do not specifically require them. We do require proof of vaccination for the 3 mentioned above. Malaria medication is optional. We are not in a high-risk zone but if you are planning to go to Kruger National Park then your doctor might advise you to have them. If in doubt consult your doctor.
Our favourite weekend activities in the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
These activities are optional extras, and are not included in the project fee.
How to Apply
From $2,195
Weekly costs reduce for stays longer than 2 weeks, booking with friends or return volunteers.
Exclusions
Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.
Requirements
Please note it is mandatory to have an up-to-date rabies vaccination before arriving at this project.
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Cottage style accommodation with jacuzzi
- Breakfast, lunch ingredients and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Laundry service
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Cottage style accommodation with jacuzzi
- Breakfast, lunch ingredients and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Laundry service
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PRICE
From $2,195
Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 2 weeks.
Start day: Every Sunday
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Cottage style accommodation with jacuzzi
- Breakfast, lunch ingredients and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Laundry service
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
Our minimum age for this volunteer project is 18 years of age. Please note it is mandatory to have an up-to-date rabies vaccination before arriving at this project.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
Project Enquiry
After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.
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Project Booking
Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
