AFRICAN BIG 5 AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Quick Facts

Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

Hoedspruit Airport

Every second Sunday

2 – 12 weeks

Impact: Wildlife Conservation

from $2,695 – $7,695

AFRICAN BIG 5 AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Volunteer in South Africa with the African Big 5 wildlife conservation project and join our expert field guides and wildlife conservation research team in the most beautiful game reserves in the Greater Kruger Area. Our most popular volunteer project in Africa and our most remote destination is situated in the untouched African bush. African Impact provide the ultimate African volunteering safari and some of the most memorable encounters with Africa’s iconic ‘Big 5’ species.

This volunteer program is ideal for wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, and aspiring conservationists or zoologists. No matter your skillset or expertise, this volunteer program immerses you into the African bush like never before. Volunteering in South Africa in the greater kruger region is perfect anytime of year with mild cool winters and warm sunny summers, what are you waiting for? Complete the volunteer application form now!

Read about a previous volunteer’s Experience in the Greater Kruger Area.

Project Highlights

Spend your time in the wild, researching Africa’s ‘Big 5’ – Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, and Buffalo

Collect information that will influence wildlife conservation by protecting wildlife from threats such as poaching and habitat loss

Track the movements and behaviours of herds of elephants and prides of lions through the wild African bush

Witness nocturnal animals such as leopards in their natural habitat on unforgettable moonlit night drives

On your free weekends, explore the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, go on a safari in the Kruger National Park, or experience the fascinating culture of the people in Eswatini

Live in the heart of the world-famous Greater Kruger Area in a private volunteer lodge surrounded by nature and open skies

Offer much needed assistance with removing invasive plant species and going on anti-poaching snare sweeps

The Destination

The Greater Kruger Area encompasses over 20 private wildlife reserves on the west side of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa. These private reserves come together to create one big reserve. A significant contribution to wildlife conservation efforts, helping to protect and preserve one of the world’s last remaining wildlife strongholds.

The whole area comprises almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land where animals roam freely across wild savannah. The Greater Kruger Area is a major hotspot for wildlife conservation and offers endless opportunities for wildlife encounters with iconic animals such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and wild dogs. Many of these animals are endangered or vulnerable.

Accommodation

Situated on the banks of the Olifants River your home during your time with us will be at a private base camp which is open to the Kruger National Park. You will experience a safari-style camp with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a swimming pool, viewing deck, WiFi, hot showers, and an outdoor area for star gazing and socializing.

Meals

2 cooked meals a day and a help-yourself breakfast

Communication

At the lodge there is free WiFi to enable you to make contact with home through WhatsApp, Zoom etc. It is also easy to purchase a sim and add data credit to allow you to use your own phone to stay in touch.

Climate

The project is situated in the Lowveld - a semi–arid region. We are blessed with good weather all year round. Summer season (October to March) can be wet and hot. The hottest months are usually December, January and February. Winter Season (April to September) is dry and sunny. The coolest months being June and July when it does get cold at night and early mornings.

Project Impact Areas

Wildlife Research Safari Drives

Venture into the African bush on daily volunteer safari drives in search of the Big 5 species and other iconic African wildlife. You will monitor wild animals and collect vital data. Your observations and volunteer work are essential for providing critical information that will influence wildlife conservation strategies that protect endangered and vulnerable wildlife in africa.

These safari drives will also give you a chance to experience the wonders of the African bush and go on private safaris in the most beautiful reserves in the Greater Kruger Park area in South Africa.

Physical Conservation work

Physical conservation work is a vital part of volunteer wildlife conservation program (and a lot more fun than you would think it would be), so you will have plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty on foot in the African bush amongst the wild animals natural habitat.

Whether you assist in getting rid of snares or removing invasive species, the volunteer work you do is key to the survival of wildlife and the success of wildlife conservation in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa. It transforms the land back into a healthy habitat where wildlife can flourish.

You don’t have to be particularly fit for this kind of volunteer work – we have a role for all volunteer project participants.

Research and Analysis

You will work alongside our experienced team of wildlife conservation research experts and help to compile data of the wild animals encountered into reports, maps, and up to date profiles (ID kits). The techniques you will learn about doing this volunteer work include analyzing whisker patterns, scars, and ear notches to understand and distinguish individual animals.

These research sessions will teach you about data collection and compilation techniques that are used to influence wildlife conservation strategies both within the reserve and greater surrounding areas of Kruger National Park. Conservationists and field guides can use this data to monitor the movements and health of wildlife for years to come.

Recent Reviews

“I always knew I would love the wildlife but what I didn’t realise was how much I would fall in love with the whole ethos of African impact. On my last day there I wrote this; I think it tells you a lot about my experience. So many years spent hiding from my heart, knowing how I feel but not knowing where to start. When I landed here 2 weeks ago, I didn’t know what I’d find, what I found was incredible people, a new family by my side. I stand before you a changed soul. Under African Impact’s sky’s the former me went cold. All my life I searched for my place in the sun, A place where I belong, I feel that search is done. Shared loves and shared experiences have opened my eyes to life, in all my many years I have never felt so alive. Now released back into the world, to go our separate ways, but please accept my heartfelt thanks, these have been the best of days!”

Christopher Tubbs Collings, UK

African Big 5 & Wildlife Conservation

“African Impact was amazing. Everything about the experience was great. The staff, guides, and people were wonderful. We saw all of the Big 5 on our game drives and really learned a lot about the animals as well. This was my 4th trip to Africa but my first experience with a volunteer organization. I'm definitely looking at coming back again. I would highly recommend African Impact to anyone that wants to combine giving back along with having a great safari experience.”

Gary Bauer, UK

African Big 5 & Wildlife Conservation

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteer in South Africa: Big 5 Conservation and research

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation volunteer project in South Africa: What will I be doing?

Joining our Big 5 Wildlife Conservation volunteer project in South Africa is the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll spend your days immersed in the stunning Greater Kruger Area, conducting valuable research on the iconic African Big 5 and other incredible wildlife. Venturing out on regular game drives, your analysis of these creatures’ health, behaviour, and populations will inform conservation strategies in the park, ensuring wildlife in South Africa are protected in the best possible way.

Where will I be volunteering on this project?

You’ll be volunteering in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area, a sprawling expanse of over 20 private game reserves. Sharing a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park, The Greater Kruger Area hosts the same iconic beauty and African wildlife that the neighbouring national park is world-renowned for, but without the crowds. On this volunteer conservation project, you’ll be swept away in the exclusive and unforgettable wildlife encounters that only lucky travellers in the area get to experience.

What are the Big 5 in South Africa?

The Big 5 makes up some of the most stunning and iconic wildlife of South Africa. They are the African elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.

Why should I volunteer in South Africa?

If you’re searching for a volunteer conservation project that allows you to get lost in the magic of South Africa, look no further. One of our most popular volunteer projects, joining us in the Greater Kruger Area, is an unmatched opportunity to experience the wild side of South Africa while making sustainable, measurable impacts for local wildlife and communities.

What are the benefits of volunteering in South Africa with African Impact?

Here is a list of a few of the benefits of volunteering in South Africa with African Impact: – You’ll walk away from your volunteer experience in South Africa as a transformed individual, with adventures and memories to last a lifetime. – Joining a volunteer conservation project in Africa is a great CV booster, regardless of if you are going into an ecology-related field or something completely different. – Lastly, you’ll be making real, tangible impacts on the protection of endangered and vulnerable African wildlife, which is, perhaps, the greatest benefit of all.

Other Activities

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

With the world-famous Kruger National Park right on our doorstep, going on safari will be at the top of your list of things to do during your volunteer stay in South Africa. It is the largest game reserve in South Africa, and by far, the best. Mountains, savannahs, rivers, and tropical forests make up the landscape of Kruger National Park. The Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo – are the most well-known residents. But hundreds of other animals call the Kruger National Park home, so keep your camera ready!

EXPLORE THE PANORAMA ROUTE

The Panorama Route is a must-do during your time in South Africa. A weekend road trip along the Panorama Route gives you a chance to explore its wonders, including the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. It is the third-largest canyon on Earth. Two of the best ways to experience the canyon is on a white river rafting trip or microlight flight. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, Three Rondavels and God’s Window are the best viewpoints. Waterfall chasing is another highlight of the Panorama Route. The most impressive waterfalls are Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, and Lone Creek Falls.

TAKE IT EASY

After the day’s excitement, you can relax at our volunteer base beside the pool, have a drink at the bar, watch a movie, or enjoy a games night with the other interns and volunteers. We often have presentations by guides and staff members, which is a great way to learn more about the African environment and its inhabitants. You can also get involved in fundraising events such as games and quiz nights. Dinners on our viewing deck are a highlight at Olifant's River Camp. As are the marshmallow roasting get togethers around the fire!

Apply Now

Once you have submitted your application, a Destination Specialist will be in-touch to discuss the project with you.

Start Date
Duration	Clear

Project Fee Includes

Accommodation throughout your stay
2 cooked meals a day and a help-yourself breakfast
Airport pick-up and drop-off
24/7 support from experienced international and local staff
Full orientation to ensure you contribute responsibly
Project equipment and resources

Project Fee Excludes

Flights
Travel insurance
Visa-related costs
Weekend trips or tours not on the itinerary
Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs
Mandatory contribution of US$25 that is donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund

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