From $2698
AFRICAN BIG 5 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA
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Impact:
Wildlife Conservation
Destination:
Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
Duration:
2 Weeks+
Fee: From $2,698
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Big 5 Conservation Efforts That Matter
Join our Big 5 Conservation Project and discover the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s famous Greater Kruger area. No experience in conservation? No problem! Whether you’re an animal lover or a wildlife enthusiast, this enriching experience will unveil the many wonders of the African bush and enhance your understanding of wildlife conservation efforts. This Big 5 conservation project will offer you the chance to work alongside our skilled and qualified team, offering you the chance to learn, grow & fall in love with African wildlife.
Contribute to meaningful wildlife conservation initiatives by tracking, monitoring and collecting data on animals during daily game drives. You’ll also learn about managing and restoring ecosystems, and the threat that poaching poses on wildlife.
Project Highlights
WILDLIFE MONITORING
Monitor threatened key species and gather behavioural data.
DATA PROCESSING
Assist with capturing data and processing camera trap images.
GAME DRIVES
Monitor the Big Five & other key species on daily game drives.
PHYSICAL CONSERVATION
Make your mark on invasive species removal and habitat restoration.
IN THE KRUGER AREA
Stay on the doorstep of one of South Africa's most popular parks.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the African Big 5 Conservation Volunteer Project in South Africa:
Wildlife Monitoring
Enjoy game drives and witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of South Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat. From the majestic lion’s roar to the gentle graze of zebras, each encounter promises to be unforgettable; but your role as a volunteer in South Africa extends beyond observation. Through data collection and monitoring of animal populations, behaviors and feeding preferences, you’ll contribute directly to vital wildlife conservation efforts, ensuring the future of these irreplaceable species for generations to come. Become an active participant in safeguarding the ecological balance of this extraordinary ecosystem, leaving a lasting impact on the land and its inhabitants.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Physical Conservation
Engage in physical conservation work, where you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands dirty and make a tangible difference. Your conservation volunteer work will transform the landscape back into a healthy habitat where wildlife can flourish. As you remove snares, eradicate invasive plant species, and contribute to habitat restoration, you’ll witness the positive impact your efforts have on the environment and the creatures that call it home.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Data Collection
Across the surrounding reserves, our team have deployed a number of camera traps that feed us vital information on elusive and/or nocturnal species. Volunteers play a crucial role in weekly servicing of the camera traps – changing SD cards & batteries and checking settings. On return to base, volunteers assist with tagging camera trap images and identifying individual animals against wildlife ID kits.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Project Destination
You’ll be based 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 of threatened species – from the majestic lion to the powerful elephant, the humble giraffe to the endangered African wild dog.
The Great Kruger area comprises of almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land where animals roam freely across wild savannah. This offers endless opportunities for wildlife encounters – the elephants might join you for dinner and just wait until you hear the hippos at night!
Life At Base
Accommodation & Meals
You will be staying at Kambaku II Camp, a traditional bush lodge with all the facilities and furnishings you need for a comfortable and authentic stay. The accommodation includes seven large dorm rooms overlooking the Olifants River. All the rooms have air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Some of the facilities include a swimming pool and outdoor fire pit where we have braais (BBQs), all set in a great shared social space.
Meals are provided 7 days a week and can cater for any dietary requirements, with enough notice. Our local chefs prepare a variety of meals from delicious and nutritious menus including bobotie, a potjie and a Cape Malay-style curry. Experience the excitement of cooking on an open fire with a South African braai twice a week.
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 throughout the lodge.
Flights & Arrivals
Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) is your best bet, just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kambaku II Camp. Arrive anytime on the Sunday that your placement begins and depart anytime on the Sunday it ends. We’ll be there to greet you! Look for the African Impact sign and a friendly face ready to welcome you.
If you are arriving from somewhere other than Hoedspruit, our partner shuttle company offers African Impact volunteers a discount when booking with a promo code. Please request this from your Destination Specialist.
Staff
Your Base Manager will be Jason Kipling. Jason is a dedicated conservationist and experienced leader in the eco-tourism and volunteer sectors, with a strong background in developing and managing impactful programs.
His work with African Impact has been central to his career, where he played a key role in establishing and revitalizing conservation and volunteer projects across Africa. From leading safari operations in Kruger to rebuilding a marine conservation initiative in Zanzibar, Jason has specialized in creating sustainable, ethical programs that contribute to conservation efforts and local communities.
With expertise in team leadership, business growth, and stakeholder engagement, he is committed to fostering meaningful experiences that drive positive change in African conservation.
Safety
Our qualified Field Guides are trained in wildlife encounters, have valid driver’s licenses and our vehicles are well-maintained. Our vehicles are all fitted with radios to ensure we always have contact with base camp. Our project is committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff and the environment. Our team is trained in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. The base is equipped with fire safety equipment, evacuation plans and has access to an ambulance service. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided for physical conservation work. Upon arrival, our staff will induct you on our policies, procedures, and code of conduct to ensure your safety and awareness.
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 PROGRAMS 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.
Our Favourite Weekend Activities in the Kruger Area
These activities are optional extras, which are not included in the project fee.
Your Enquiry Starts Here
Travel With a Friend
Costs reduce if you book with a friend, or if you are a return volunteer.
Minimum Age
The minimum age for participation on this project is 18 years of age if travelling alone, or 15 if travelling with a parent or guardian.
| Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $2,698 ($1,349 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $3,085 ($1,029 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $3,473 ($869 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $3,860 ($772 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $4,248 ($708 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $5,023 ($628 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $5,798 ($580 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $6,573 ($548 per week) |
| 2 weeks | £2,158 (£1,079 per week) |
| 3 weeks | £2,468 (£823 per week) |
| 4 weeks | £2,778 (£695 per week) |
| 5 weeks | £3,088 (£618 per week) |
| 6 weeks | £3,398 (£567 per week) |
| 8 weeks | £4,018 (£503 per week) |
| 10 weeks | £4,638 (£464 per week) |
| 12 weeks | £5,258 (£439 per week) |
| 2 weeks | €2,482 (€1,241 per week) |
| 3 weeks | €2,838 (€946 per week) |
| 4 weeks | €3,195 (€799 per week) |
| 5 weeks | €3,551 (€711 per week) |
| 6 weeks | €3,908 (€652 per week) |
| 8 weeks | €4,621 (€578 per week) |
| 10 weeks | €5,334 (€534 per week) |
| 12 weeks | €6,047 (€504 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $3,992 ($1,996 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $4,566 ($1,522 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $5,139 ($1,285 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $5,713 ($1,143 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $6,286 ($1,048 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $7,433 ($930 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $8,580 ($858 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $9,727 ($811 per week) |
INCLUSIONS
- African Impact bush style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
MINIMUM STAY
The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks.
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- African Impact bush style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
The minimum age for participation on this project is 18 years of age if travelling alone, or 15 if travelling with a parent or guardian.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
What Is Volunteering?
Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose—joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.
After completing this enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have.
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