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CONSERVATION

Do You Want Hands-On Experience in Wildlife Conservation?

Let’s face it, when it comes to wildlife, it doesn’t get much better than Africa. A travel adventure in the wild is calling your name, to explore some of the most majestic landscapes in the world in Southern Africa! You can observe lions and leopards for research purposes, assist expert field guides in hands-on conservation work and study elephants, rhinos and other key species. Wildlife conservation volunteers can even contribute to conservation on horseback! Whichever wildlife conservation volunteer program you choose, you’re in for a true wilderness adventure, with an incredible impact.

Our SDG Impact in Africa for Wildlife Conservation Programs

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At our bases in South Africa and Kenya, as well as Zimbabwe our teams on the ground are committed to supporting the above Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations.

Why Volunteer On Wildlife Conservation Projects With African Impact?

Here are some highlights from our Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Projects.

Browse All Wildlife Conservation Volunteering Programs

For wildlife enthusiasts, Africa offers unparalleled adventures. Explore Southern Africa’s stunning landscapes, research lions and leopards, assist field guides, study elephants and rhinos, or work at a wildlife sanctuary. You can also contribute through horseback conservation or wildlife photography. No matter the program, you’ll experience a thrilling wilderness adventure with a significant impact.

Need Guidance? Start Here

Are you unsure where to start, or would prefer to speak with one of our team members? Just answer a few questions and we’ll find something suitable together.

Other Conservation Volunteer Project Focus Areas

These are the various areas within our Conservation volunteer projects you can specialise in.

Recent Wildlife Conservation Reviews

Nine Pinette, 36, USABig Cat Conservation & Elephant Research, Kenya

What an incredible experience!! To wake up early every morning and spend most of the day monitoring wildlife populations and/or monitoring locations of big cats and other species was a once in a lifetime experience! We saw so much wildlife in Naboisho Conservancy! It'll be interesting to continue the program in Pardamat and to see the changes in that conservancy over time as wildlife corridors and core areas are developed.

Sue Pozzonie, 68, UKAfrican Wildlife Research & Conservation Project, Greater Kruger, 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, being in an environment with some school like rules (but for good reason), early starts and long days, heat/humidity/sweat, working alongside young people who were decades younger than me...... All these things very quickly fall away. 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.

Rachel Miller, AustraliaHorse Riding, Rhino & Elephant Conservation, Zimbabwe

The rides out over the Imire property were just breathtaking, and we got to see many areas and sights that you just would not see by vehicle. We could get right up close to the wildebeest herds, and walk quietly past as the sable grazed in the distance. I remember cantering through a beautiful patch of land after a long ride with the others, zebras in the foreground and impala watching on from afar and just thinking ""this is exactly what I had hoped for with I had signed up for Imire.

Kayleigh Eek, 17, NetherlandsAfrican Wildlife Research & Conservation, Greater Kruger, South Africa

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!

Ted Manasa, USAElephant & Rhino Conservation, Zimbabwe

What makes Imire different is that we felt treated like family, not tourists. The staff, and our incredible guide made us feel at home in a country so far away from home. That made our kids want to stay for another week, work with the elephants and rhinos, enjoy the delicious meals and desserts and learn about surviving in the bush. We thought Zimbabwe was our destination, but instead, Imire was, and is, from all our travels, the first place we are sure we will return to.

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering FAQs

Do I need experience to volunteer with wildlife?

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!

Do I need a research or conservation background to volunteer at these projects?

Absolutely not! Our teams consisting of conservationists and field guides will teach you everything you need to know about the area, its wildlife and associated conservation challenges.

Will I encounter the Big 5 at these projects?

Whilst there is evidence of the African Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) all around us, we cannot guarantee that you will see them all. Our projects are based in wilderness areas where animals roam freely and do as they please. However, as a Wildlife Conservation volunteer in Zimbabwe, you are guaranteed to see both rhinos and elephants due to the nature of the project. You are more likely to see big cats (lions, leopards and cheetah) in South Africa and Kenya.

What does a big cat monitoring volunteer project involve?

The program in Kenya brings together communities, conservancy rangers, and tourism partners across the Greater Mara’s conservancies in an effort to help secure the future of lions, leopards and cheetahs in these areas through tracking, monitoring, and understanding their behavior. You will go on daily game drives in Pardamat and Naboisho Conservancy to find, identify and monitor big cats in order to contribute to their conservation.