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CONSERVATION
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Projects in Africa

Volunteer Abroad for Wildlife Conservation in Africa

Protect endangered species, support vital research, and contribute to long-term conservation efforts through hands-on wildlife conservation volunteering in Africa. Whether you’re passionate about protecting iconic African species, gaining field conservation experience, or making a meaningful contribution to wildlife protection, these programmes offer an ethical and impactful way to volunteer abroad.

 

Africa is home to some of the world’s most threatened wildlife species, from elephants and rhinos to big cats, primates, and marine life. Habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict continue to place immense pressure on these ecosystems. Volunteers support ongoing conservation initiatives that focus on research, monitoring, habitat protection, community collaboration, and anti-poaching efforts, helping ensure conservation solutions are sustainable and locally driven.

What You'll Do

  • Assist with wildlife monitoring and species tracking

Monitor threatened key species and gather behavioural data.

  • Support data collection for conservation research

Assist with capturing data and processing camera trap images.

  • Help maintain camera traps and monitoring equipment

Monitor the Big Five & other key species on daily game drives.

  • Habitat restoration and environmental protection work

Make your mark on invasive species removal and habitat

  • Support anti-poaching initiatives and patrols

Stay on the doorstep of one of South Africa’s most popular parks.

Wildlife Conservation Projects Across Africa

Projects include big cat research, elephant and rhino conservation, marine and coastal wildlife protection, primate monitoring, ecosystem restoration and biodiversity research – with individual projects available to suit your interests and skills.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Why Volunteer in Wildlife Conservation?

Volunteering in wildlife conservation offers a rare opportunity to combine purpose-driven travel with hands-on experience in the field. These programmes are designed to benefit both conservation initiatives and volunteers alike.

Key benefits include:

  • Gaining real-world conservation and research experience
  • Contributing to the protection of endangered species
  • Supporting long-term, locally led conservation projects
  • Developing practical skills in ecology, wildlife monitoring, and data collection
  • Experiencing Africa beyond traditional tourism

 

These projects are ideal for gap year travellers, students, career changers, and anyone seeking an ethical alternative to wildlife tourism.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Who Can Volunteer?

Wildlife conservation volunteer programmes are open to participants from all backgrounds. No prior conservation experience is required for most projects, as full training and ongoing support are provided on site.

These projects are suitable for:

  • First-time volunteers
  • Students and graduates
  • Career breakers and professionals
  • Gap year and long-term travellers
Whats Included and Ground Support

Accommodation close to project

Meals or self-catering facilities (varies by project)

Airport transfers and local orientation

In-country support and project supervision

Training relevant to conservation activities

Start Your Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Journey

Wildlife conservation volunteering in Africa offers a powerful way to protect endangered species while experiencing the continent’s extraordinary natural environments. Whether you’re looking to build conservation skills, contribute to meaningful projects, or travel with purpose, these programmes provide an impactful and ethical volunteering experience.

Project FAQS

Do I Need Experience To Volunteer With Wildlife In South Africa?

No prior experience is required! What truly matters is your enthusiasm for African wildlife 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!

Will I Encounter The Big 5 At This Project?

Whilst there is evidence of the African Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo & elephant) all around us, we cannot guarantee that you will see them all. Our project is based in a wilderness area where animals roam freely and do as they please, however, the Olifants River in front of our base attracts plenty of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a multitude of bird species.

How Do The Volunteer And Internship Programmes Differ?

Out internships are essentially an extension of our volunteer projects, offering Interns the opportunity to form part of our team from week 4. They will assist our team in leading projects, receive individual mentorship from our team and have the opportunity to work on their own projects under the guidance of our Research Coordinator.

Do I Need A Research Background To Make The Most Of This Project?

Absolutely not! Our qualified team of Field Guides will teach you everything you need to know about the area, it’s wildlife and associated conservation challenges. If you have a research background and are looking to complete your own project, you can view our Facilitated Wildlife Research Internship here.

Enquire Now

Proof of impact from those who lived it

“

I had an amazing time at this place! The guides all had so much knowledge about different things and the other staff was great and very helpful. The project itself was a great combination between doing volunteer work such as counting animals, camera tagging and conservation work, and having free time to work on projects yourself or to just hang out with other volunteers. I could 1000% recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about and experience the beautiful south african nature and animals!

Kayleigh Eek, 17, NetherlandsAfrican Big 5 Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa
“

I really enjoyed every minute of my volunteer. You really take part in observation and conservation of the wildlife, there's no doubt you will be able to make an impact. The whole experience felt like a dream, it is a beautiful place and you are surrounded by welcoming volunteers and staff which enhance the experience and on top of doing something good for the environment and the animal species we had the time of our lives and learned a lot. I can't recommend it enough.

Mar Noche, 18, SpainAfrican Big 5 Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa
“

It was everything and more than I expected. To be so close to nature, from large to the very small, with such knowledgeable staff was one of the best experiences of my life. Was I out of my comfort zone a bit - of course; new environment, sharing accommodation, doing things I have never done before, the unbelievable experience of being a few metres from elephants, giraffes etc. The staff are so passionate about what they do, are so keen to share their knowledge everyone was very friendly. I learnt so much about the wonder of nature.

Sue Pozzonie, 68, UKAfrican Big 5 Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa
“

My experience volunteer experience with African Impact has been amazing! The staff made me feel like part of the African Impact family. I learned something new everyday. The volunteers were welcoming and excited to get to know you. The staff has created a positive culture. I appreciated that they emphasized to ask them anything. No questions are dumb. I would love to come back.

Keri Petrilli, 51, USAAfrican Big 5 Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa