Impact icon
Impact:
Wildlife Conservation
Location Icon
Destination:
Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

Duration icon
Duration:
2 Weeks+
Rates icon
Fee: From $1,375 per week
Book to arrive in 2024 & get $100 / £75 / €90 / AUD 150 off of your booking. T&Cs apply.
Discount:
Travel in 2024 & Get $100 off!
SDG icon
SDG 12 logoSDG 13 logoSDG 15 logo

Stand Up for Wildlife Conservation Efforts That Matter

Join our Wildlife and Research Conservation Project and immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or an aspiring conservationist, this enriching volunteer experience will unveil the many wonders of the African bush. No matter your skill set or expertise, this wildlife conservation program in South Africa will immerse you in the African bush alongside a skilled and qualified team that includes Field Guides and Research professionals.

Contribute to meaningful wildlife research and conservation projects by participating in animal tracking, monitoring and data collection initiatives on daily game drives. Your contributions will directly support the protection of incredible South African wildlife and their habitats.

Project Highlights

Here are some top highlights from this project.

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 of threatened species – from the majestic lion to the powerful elephant, the humble giraffe to the endangered African wild dog.

The whole area comprises almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land where animals roam freely across wild savannah. The Greater Kruger Area offers endless opportunities for wildlife encounters – the elephants might join you for dinner and just wait until you hear the hippos at night!

Project Impact Areas

Here’s how you will create significant impact through the African Big 5 Wildlife Research & Conservation Volunteer Project in South Africa.

Important Logistics and Ground Support

Everything you need to know about this project in one place!

Flight Icon

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.

Location Icon

Location

Immerse yourself in the Greater Kruger Area, a vast network of over 20 private reserves adjoining Kruger National Park. This 5.5 million-acre sanctuary teems with life, protecting species like lions, elephants, giraffes, and African wild dogs. Animals roam freely across the unfenced savannah, offering endless wildlife encounters – from elephants joining your dinner to the nighttime calls of hippos.

Accommodation icon

Accommodation

You will be staying at Kambaku II Camp in the heart of the African wilderness. It is a traditional bush lodge with all the facilities and furnishings you need for a comfortable and authentic stay in Africa. 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.

Meal Icon

Meals

Meals are provided 7 days a week at Kambaku II Camp 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 Icon

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.

Climate Icon

Climate

May to September (winter in the southern hemisphere) are the cooler months and temperatures can be chilly in the evenings and early mornings. Daytime temperatures are mild, usually between 22°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F), and days can be clear and sunny or overcast. Night-time temperatures can drop to 6°C (43°F).

October to April (summer in the southern hemisphere) most days will be hot and humid. In the middle of summer, temperatures can often reach 34°C+ (93°F+), and the sun is strong. Most days are clear and sunny, with heavy showers or thunderstorms in the early evenings. You will need a waterproof jacket.

Safety Icon

Staff

Introducing Yolisa-Neo Ndlumbini, our dynamic Base Manager. A multi-talented professional, Yolisa brings a unique blend of skills as a qualified Field Guide, Anti-Poaching Ranger, and Conservationist. Her journey to African Impact is paved with rich experiences across diverse landscapes, from the rugged Drakensberg and wildlife-rich Pongola areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the complex terrains of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Yolisa’s expertise in hosting volunteers and guests stems from her extensive background in guiding and her pivotal role in managing overlanding tours throughout Africa. This wealth of experience ensures our base runs smoothly and our participants receive unparalleled support.

At the core of Yolisa’s work lies a deep-seated passion for inclusivity and human well-being. She’s dedicated to tackling the challenges of human-wildlife conflict, constantly striving for innovative cohabitation solutions in wildlife areas. Her holistic approach to conservation, combining ecological knowledge with social awareness, makes her an invaluable asset to our team and the broader communities we work with.

Staff icon

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.

Our favourite weekend activities in the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

The Greater Kruger Area offers an abundance of weekend activities for wildlife and conservation participants. From picturesque scenes of the Drakensberg Escarpment, waterfalls, and canyons, to informative conservation-based initiatives and trips to the town of Hoedspruit – there’s something for every participant to enjoy.

How to Apply

Choose a destination in Africa and a project then enquire to ask any questions.

Connect with advisors icon

Connect with our advisors who can answer any questions you have.

Chart icon

Once you are ready, head to our booking form, secure your place with a small deposit.

Get ready icon

Get ready to volunteer or intern abroad. Our team will support you at every step!

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.

"*" indicates required fields

STEP 1 - Personal Information

Let's collect some basic information to get started.

STEP 2 - When do you want to Volunteer or Intern?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also choose ‘I’m not sure yet’ if you aren't sure about your preferred start dates.

STEP 3 - How long do you want to Volunteer or Intern for?

Select your preferred duration.
Please tick the box to agree to communicate with us:*
By clicking submit below, you have agreed to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
SMS & WhatsApp Opt-In*
By opting in to SMS and WhatsApp communication, you give consent to receive text messages from African Impact that will assist in booking your placement. You can opt-out at any time by texting STOP.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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.

PRICE

Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.

Start days: Every second Sunday. Every Sunday in July and August.

Discount: Travel in 2024 & Get $100 off!

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

Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

The minimum age for our African Big 5 conservation project is 16 years of age. Please note that Parental Consent is required before arrival for those aged 16 and 17.

DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?

Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.

Recent Reviews

Kayleigh Eek, 17, NetherlandsAfrican Wildlife Research & Conservation Volunteer Project, 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!

Mar Noche, 18, SpainAfrican Wildlife Research & 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.

Sue Pozzonie, 68, UKAfrican Wildlife Research & 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, 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.

Keri Petrilli, 51, USAAfrican Wildlife Research & 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.

Gavin Kuehl, 19, USAAfrican Wildlife Research & Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa

My time here has been nothing short of amazing. Outside of the impact I am fortunate enough to make, the wildlife is outstanding. I've seen so many elephants I've started to take them for granted. On top of that, the people that work here are truly inspirational. Everyone seems to love what they do and accepts everyone with open arms. All of the staff are eager to help without any judgement (they're also a lot of fun too). This has been truly a memory I won't forget and I hope to come back one day.

Project FAQs

DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO VOUNTER WITHWILDLIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA?

No prior experience is required! What truly matters is your enthusiasm for South 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 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.

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.

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.