Big Cat & Elephant Conservation in South Africa

VOLUNTEER

CONSERVATION

Track Africa’s giants in a wildlife reserve

Wake up inside one of South Africa’s most recognised wildlife regions and spend your days contributing to a working big cat and elephant conservation project. Based in the Greater Kruger area, this wildlife conservation volunteer project places you in a newly established reserve where research, habitat management, and wildlife protection are part of daily operations.

As a wildlife conservation volunteer, you’ll spend your days in the field with experienced guides to monitor wildlife and collect data that supports long-term conservation efforts. It’s a structured, field-based experience designed for volunteers who want to understand how wildlife conservation in South Africa works in real time, while living in the African bush.

Project highlights

  • Track elephants and big cats in the wild

Monitor wildlife while learning how to read tracks and behaviour.

  • Get hands-on with habitat restoration

Help support a healthy savannah ecosystem.

  • Join anti-poaching patrols

Understand how reserves protect wildlife from illegal activity.

  • Live and work inside a wildlife reserve

Stay in a bush camp and experience daily life in a wildlife reserve.

Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
Available: May – Oct
Duration:
2 Weeks+
Price From $2,450

What You’ll Do as a Big Cat & Elephant Conservation Volunteer

This project focuses on three core areas: wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and anti-poaching support. Your days will be structured but varied, combining research drives, practical fieldwork, and conservation training inside a protected reserve in the Greater Kruger region.

CONSERVATION

Big Cat & Elephant Monitoring

A central part of your role is assisting with the ongoing census and monitoring of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants on the reserve. You’ll head out on game drives to locate individuals and herds, record behaviour, log GPS coordinates, and help build accurate population data. You may assist in:

  • Identifying individual cats and elephant bulls or breeding herds
  • Recording pride dynamics and territory movements
  • Conducting game counts to estimate predator and herbivore numbers
  • Mapping movement patterns and habitat use

Back at camp, you’ll help compile and interpret the data collected, learning how population numbers, social structures, and health indicators inform reserve management decisions.

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Life on Land | Climate Action
CONSERVATION

Habitat & Ecosystem Management

Protecting large predators and elephants requires maintaining a healthy ecosystem. You’ll support habitat management efforts that ensure the land can sustain wildlife populations long term. These activities help maintain balanced habitats for prey species, herbivores, and apex predators alike. Tasks may include:

  • Identifying and clearing invasive or alien plant species
  • Assessing bush encroachment
  • Assisting with grass and tree surveys to evaluate carrying capacity
  • Supporting restoration of overgrazed or degraded land
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Life on Land | Climate Action
CONSERVATION

Anti-Poaching & Reserve Protection

You’ll also gain insight into the protective side of conservation. While volunteers do not take part in armed patrols, you’ll assist with proactive protection measures that support the reserve’s anti-poaching strategy. These activities offer a grounded understanding of the challenges facing wildlife conservation in South Africa, and the ongoing work required to safeguard vulnerable species. This may involve:

  • Conducting snare sweeps and safely removing wire traps
  • Supporting fence-line patrols and maintenance
  • Learning about anti-poaching operations and wildlife crime prevention
  • Participating in conservation awareness discussions
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Life on Land | Climate Action
What You'll Take Home

Why This Project Suits You

This project suits volunteers who want to experience wildlife conservation in the field, – not from behind a desk. It’s ideal for gap-year students, aspiring wildlife professionals, or anyone curious about how reserves operate on a daily basis. You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to work outdoors, follow safety protocols, and contribute as part of a team.

By the end of your stay, you’ll have:

Field research skills, including wildlife tracking and ecological surveying

Experience using GPS and camera trap data

A working understanding of predator ecology and elephant behaviour

Insight into anti-poaching operations and reserve management

Greater resilience, teamwork skills, and confidence in outdoor environments

Example Weekly Schedule

Monday

Breakfast

05:00 – 05:30

Morning

05:30 – 10:00 | Project Data Collection

Head out on the game viewer for a session focused on wildlife monitoring and camera trap servicing for reserve management and external research partners. Camera traps are placed in strategic positions in order to increase the chance of capturing big cats and elephants.

10:30 – 12.00 | Data Input & Camera Trap Image Tagging

Take some time to record and upload the data you collected, as well as processing and tagging camera trap images. This includes identification of individual big cats and matriarch elephants.

Lunch

12:00 – 13:00

Afternoon

13:00 – 14:00 | Skills Development

Participate in a research education and data skills development workshop. Volunteers are given presentations on various topics relevant to conservation, and also in skills development in such as map reading, producing research papers and GIS mapping.

14:00 – 15:00 | Free Time

Free time to relax at the base before heading out for the afternoon session.

15:00 – 18:00 | Field Research Session

Head back out on the game viewer for your afternoon field session, elephant and big cat research volunteers will be recording spoor (tracks and signs) and identifying areas for camera trap placement.

Dinner

18:30 – 19:00

Evening

19:00 – 20:00 | Activity Night

Settle in with your fellow volunteers for a fire-pit discussion or a fun games/quiz night.

Tuesday

Breakfast

05:00 – 05:30

Morning

05:30 – 10:00 | Project Data Collection

Head out on the game viewer for a session focused on monitoring and recording evidence of big cats and elephant herds, for reserve management and external research partners.

10:30 – 12.00 | Data Input

Take some time to process and upload the data you collected.

Lunch

12:00 – 13:00

Afternoon

13:00 – 14:00 | Skills Development

Participate in a research education and data skills development workshop. Volunteers are given presentations on various topics relevant to conservation, and also in skills development in such as map reading, producing research papers and GIS mapping.

14:00 – 18:30 | Free Time

Free time to relax at the base, or participate in optional editing or mentoring sessions.

Dinner

18:30 – 19:00

Evening

19:00 – 21:30 | Night Drive Data Collection

Head out on the game viewer for a session in nocturnal carnivore monitoring and data collection.

Wednesday

Breakfast

05:00 – 05:30

Morning

05:30 – 10:00 | Project Data Collection

Head out on the game viewer for a session focused on wildlife monitoring and camera trap servicing.

10:30 – 12.00 | Data Input & Camera Trap Image Tagging

Take some time to record and upload the data you collected, as well as processing and tagging camera trap images. This includes identifying individual big cats and elephant matriarchs.

Lunch

12:00 – 13:00

Afternoon

13:00 – 14:00 | Skills Development

Participate in a research education and data skills development workshop. Volunteers are given presentations on various topics relevant to conservation on elephants and big cats, and also in skills development in such as map reading, producing research papers and GIS mapping.

14:00 – 15:00 | Free Time

Free time to relax at the base.

15:00 – 18:00 | Project Data Collection

Head out in the game viewer for your afternoon session focused on habitat and vegetation monitoring or water and soil health.

Dinner

18:30 – 19:00

Evening

19:00 – 20:00 | Free Time

Enjoy some down time at the base and swap stories with your fellow volunteers before heading to bed.

Thursday

Breakfast

05:00 – 05:30

Morning

05:30 – 10:00 | Physical Conservation

Head out on the game viewer for a hands-on session focused on habitat restoration activities such as invasive species removal, tree wrapping and erosion control.

10:30 – 12.00 | Data Input

Take some time to continue processing and recording your collected data.

Lunch

12:00 – 13:00

Afternoon

13:00 – 14:00 | Skills Development

Participate in a research education and skills development workshop. Presentations cover various topics relevant to conservation and skills development in map reading, producing research papers and GIS mapping.

14:00 – 15:00 | Free Time

Free time to relax at the base, or participate in optional editing or mentoring sessions.

15:00 – 18:00 | Field Research Session

Head back out in the game viewer for your afternoon session in the field, focused on elephant monitoring for reserve management and external research partners.

Dinner

18:30 – 19:00

Evening

19:00 – 20:00 | Free Time

Enjoy some down time at the base and swap stories with your fellow volunteers before heading to bed.

Friday

Breakfast

05:00 – 05:30

Morning

05:30 – 10:00 | Field Research Session

Head out on the game viewer for your final field session of the week, focused on elephant monitoring, evidence of big cats and data collection.

10:30 – 12.00 | Data Input

Take some time to finish up your data processing and recording for the week.

Lunch

12:00 – 13:00

Afternoon

13:00 | Town Trip

Volunteers depart for the weekly trip to town, where you have the opportunity to visit the local stores. Volunteers staying at the base will return for dinner, volunteers spending the weekend out on weekend activities will head off on their adventures from town.

Dinner

18:30 – 19:00

Evening

19:00 – 20:00 | Free Time

Enjoy some down time at the base and swap stories with your fellow volunteers before heading to bed.

Project Location

Greater Kruger, South Africa

Life in the Greater Kruger Landscape

This project is set within a private game reserve within the Greater Kruger region of South Africa, one of the most well-known wildlife conservation areas in the world. And as a volunteer, you’re not just visiting, you’re living and working within the same landscape, waking up each day surrounded by protected wilderness. Mornings begin early, often before the heat of the day sets in. Evenings wind down around the fire, with wildlife sounds carrying through the darkness. There are no crowds or tour buses: just a small camp, a research team, and thousands of hectares of protected land around you. Plus, living here means wildlife sightings are part of everyday life. You might see elephants near camp or hear lions at night.

Being based in this region also means you’re within reach of some of South Africa’s most iconic attractions. During your time off, there are some great optional activities, such as:

  • Visiting Kruger National Park for additional game drives
  • Exploring the Panorama Route and its scenic viewpoints
  • Cultural visits to nearby communities
  • Guided bush walks or wildlife excursions
  • Relaxing in a nearby regional town

Accommodation

Your Volunteer Home in the Kruger Area

You’ll stay in a rustic research camp located inside the reserve itself, meaning you’re fully immersed in the landscape from the moment you wake up. Accommodation is simple and practical, designed for fieldwork rather than luxury, but comfortable enough to relax after long days outdoors. You’ll share dorm-style rooms in traditional African huts or safari tents, creating a strong sense of team life and shared experience. Please note images are renderings, camp is under construction.

The camp offers several communal areas, including a boma (outdoor fire area) where evenings are often spent together. Living here means early mornings, wildlife sounds at night, and a real sense of being part of a working reserve.

Meals are simple, hearty, and designed to fuel active days in the bush. Most dishes are traditional South African in style, often prepared over an open fire or in the camp kitchen and shared together as a group. Expect filling, home-style meals that prioritise energy and practicality over presentation; the kind of food that tastes even better after a morning spent tracking wildlife. Breakfast is usually light and quick before heading into the field, while lunches and dinners are more substantial. Evenings often centre around the boma, where cooking and eating become part of the social rhythm of camp life. Fresh produce is sourced locally when available, and dietary requirements such as vegetarian and vegan options can be accommodated with advance notice.

You’ll be guided by an experienced team of conservation professionals, field guides, and reserve staff who oversee research, habitat management, and wildlife protection. They bring practical knowledge of predator ecology, elephant behaviour, bush safety, and ecosystem management, and they’ll train you in the skills you need to contribute effectively. From your first day, the team will provide an in-depth orientation covering field protocols, data collection methods, and safety procedures. Throughout your stay, they’ll supervise activities, answer questions, and help you understand the bigger conservation picture behind each task.

Due to the reserve’s remote location within the Greater Kruger landscape, connectivity is limited. Phone signal can be intermittent depending on your network provider, and WiFi is not guaranteed at camp. Many volunteers see this as part of the experience – a chance to step away from constant notifications and fully immerse themselves in life in the bush. Electricity is typically solar-powered or generator-supported, which means power availability may follow certain schedules. Charging points are available, but bringing a power bank is strongly recommended. Before arrival, you’ll receive clear guidance on what to expect regarding connectivity, along with emergency contact details that can be shared with family at home.

Needless to say, your safety is a priority at all times. On arrival, you’ll receive a detailed bush safety induction covering wildlife awareness, safe distances, emergency procedures, and behaviour protocols in the presence of large animals. All field activities are supervised by trained conservation staff and experienced field guides. As a volunteer, you’re never expected to operate independently in areas where wildlife is present. Clear communication systems are in place, and staff are trained in emergency response and first aid. Anti-poaching operations involving enforcement are conducted only by professional rangers. Your role supports conservation efforts within a structured and carefully managed environment designed to prioritise both volunteer and wildlife safety.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a rustic research camp located inside the reserve itself, meaning you’re fully immersed in the landscape from the moment you wake up. Accommodation is simple and practical, designed for fieldwork rather than luxury, but comfortable enough to relax after long days outdoors. You’ll share dorm-style rooms in traditional African huts or safari tents, creating a strong sense of team life and shared experience. Please note images are renderings, camp is under construction.

The camp offers several communal areas, including a boma (outdoor fire area) where evenings are often spent together. Living here means early mornings, wildlife sounds at night, and a real sense of being part of a working reserve.

The Meals

Meals are simple, hearty, and designed to fuel active days in the bush. Most dishes are traditional South African in style, often prepared over an open fire or in the camp kitchen and shared together as a group. Expect filling, home-style meals that prioritise energy and practicality over presentation; the kind of food that tastes even better after a morning spent tracking wildlife. Breakfast is usually light and quick before heading into the field, while lunches and dinners are more substantial. Evenings often centre around the boma, where cooking and eating become part of the social rhythm of camp life. Fresh produce is sourced locally when available, and dietary requirements such as vegetarian and vegan options can be accommodated with advance notice.

Support Team

You’ll be guided by an experienced team of conservation professionals, field guides, and reserve staff who oversee research, habitat management, and wildlife protection. They bring practical knowledge of predator ecology, elephant behaviour, bush safety, and ecosystem management, and they’ll train you in the skills you need to contribute effectively. From your first day, the team will provide an in-depth orientation covering field protocols, data collection methods, and safety procedures. Throughout your stay, they’ll supervise activities, answer questions, and help you understand the bigger conservation picture behind each task.

Safety

Needless to say, your safety is a priority at all times. On arrival, you’ll receive a detailed bush safety induction covering wildlife awareness, safe distances, emergency procedures, and behaviour protocols in the presence of large animals. All field activities are supervised by trained conservation staff and experienced field guides. As a volunteer, you’re never expected to operate independently in areas where wildlife is present. Clear communication systems are in place, and staff are trained in emergency response and first aid. Anti-poaching operations involving enforcement are conducted only by professional rangers. Your role supports conservation efforts within a structured and carefully managed environment designed to prioritise both volunteer and wildlife safety.

Connectivity

Due to the reserve’s remote location within the Greater Kruger landscape, connectivity is limited. Phone signal can be intermittent depending on your network provider, and WiFi is not guaranteed at camp. Many volunteers see this as part of the experience – a chance to step away from constant notifications and fully immerse themselves in life in the bush. Electricity is typically solar-powered or generator-supported, which means power availability may follow certain schedules. Charging points are available, but bringing a power bank is strongly recommended. Before arrival, you’ll receive clear guidance on what to expect regarding connectivity, along with emergency contact details that can be shared with family at home.

...the guides all had so much knowledge...

“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, Netherlands

...there is never a dull day...

“If you’ve ever felt like you want to contribute to conservation in Africa, then this one is for you. With friendly, knowledgeable guides leading you on game drives, helping you identify animals and birds, through to logging their activity. Add in a bit of physical conservation work, removing invasive plant species, there is never a dull day. Returning to camp after a dusty game drive to a great hot shower is an added bonus. The food is good and plentiful. There was a great mix of volunteers, young and not so young. All in all, a  great experience.”

David Livingstone, 62, United Kingdom

...I think my dream came true...

“Since I was a little girl , I always loved watching documentaries about African Wildlife. When I first came to South Africa, ten years ago, it was an incredible present my parents gave me but now, I think my dream came true. I really liked how the week was organised, it was the perfect balance within physical conservation, game drives and rest. I found people who were open to help me understand what to do during the work hours and I had the opportunity to train my English with international people. I will carry this experience forever in my heart, as the people I met here, united by the passion for wildlife.”

Benedetta Bonzano, 20, Italy

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Pricing

Rates

USDGBPEURAUD
DurationProgram Fee
2 weeks$2,450 ($1,225 per week)
3 weeks$3,200 ($1,067 per week)
4 weeks$3,950 ($988 per week)
5 weeks$4,700 ($940 per week)
6 weeks$5,450 ($909 per week)
8 weeks$6,950 ($869 per week)
10 weeks$8,450 ($845 per week)
12 weeks$9,950 ($830 per week)
2 weeks£1,960 (£980 per week)
3 weeks£2,560 (£854 per week)
4 weeks£3,160 (£790 per week)
5 weeks£3,760 (£752 per week)
6 weeks£4,360 (£727 per week)
8 weeks£5,560 (£695 per week)
10 weeks£6,760 (£676 per week)
12 weeks£7,960 (£664 per week)
2 weeks€2,254 (€1,127 per week)
3 weeks€2,944 (€982 per week)
4 weeks€3,634 (€909 per week)
5 weeks€4,324 (€865 per week)
6 weeks€5,014 (€836 per week)
8 weeks€6,394 (€800 per week)
10 weeks€7,774 (€778 per week)
12 weeks€9,154 (€763 per week)
2 weeks$3,626 ($1,813 per week)
3 weeks$4,736 ($1,579 per week)
4 weeks$5,846 ($1,462 per week)
5 weeks$6,956 ($1,392 per week)
6 weeks$8,066 ($1,345 per week)
8 weeks$10,286 ($1,286 per week)
10 weeks$12,506 ($1,251 per week)
12 weeks$14,726 ($1,228 per week)
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Inclusions

* African Impact bush style accommodation

* 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

Requirements

  • The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
  • The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks

Flights & Arrivals

Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) is your best bet. 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.

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Award-winning Volunteer and Internship Projects Since 2004

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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.

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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.

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Our favourite weekend activities in the Kruger Area

Head out on a Kruger safari, explore the epic viewpoints of the Panorama Route at Blyde River Canyon, visit conservation initiatives like Down To The Wire or Rhino Revolution, or add a thrill with quad biking and adventure activities at Magoebaskloof!

Magoebaskloof Adventures

Enjoy an action‑packed day with ziplining, river tubing, cliff abseiling, hiking, biking, and thrilling kloofing adventures, perfect for adrenaline lovers seeking unforgettable outdoor fun.

Blyde River Canyon

Experience thrilling white‑water rafting, soar on a gorge swing, or enjoy an unforgettable microlight flight offering breath-taking views over the canyon’s dramatic landscape.

Explore Kruger

Discover this renowned game reserve’s breath-taking landscapes, rich with wildlife, offering unforgettable sightings and an immersive experience in one of Africa’s most iconic natural havens.

Down To The Wire

Learn how wire snares are transformed into meaningful jewellery, attend an inspiring talk, and craft your own piece while supporting a powerful conservation initiative.

Rhino Revolution

This organisation rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned rhino calves affected by poaching, offering vital care and giving these vulnerable animals a second chance at life.

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