Location
  • South Africa
    • Limpopo
Length
2 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
18
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Lodge Tent
Groups
Small Group (1-15)
Travel Type
Budget Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
2380
Price Details
Our starting price of $2,380 for the first two weeks of the Scout Ranger volunteer program includes shared accommodation in a two-person Comfort tent with a toilet, shower, and daily cleaning service. This fee also covers three meals per day, participation in daily SanWild Sanctuary operations, and ongoing conservation and research programs. Additionally, volunteers have access to complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry services, the SanWild Lodge common area, dining room, and a swimming pool. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services at Hoedspruit airport are available exclusively on Mondays, and additional weeks can be reserved for $1,190 per person. Options also exist for two participants to upgrade to a De-Lux tent for an additional fee.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
May 25, 2023
Mar 28, 2023
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About Program

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with SanWild's Scout Ranger volunteer program. As one of the oldest volunteer programs in South Africa, you'll work alongside experienced game rangers in a 3,000-hectare Big-5 private game reserve, assisting with conservation and research projects while also aiding in our Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

This paid life experience is available to anyone 18 or older. It provides a unique opportunity to live amongst lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, all while contributing to our 20-year track record of rescuing and releasing animals back into the wild.

In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of working with wild animals, you'll also stay in comfortable shared accommodations at SanWild's luxury Lodge, providing all the excitement of a classic African Safari.

Join us for two weeks or more and become part of our international wildlife conservation team. Don't miss out on this chance!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Protect Wildlife: Help protect endangered species and rehabilitate injured wildlife under the guidance of experienced conservationists.
  • Immersive Experience: Immerse yourself in a truly African wilderness experience, living in the heart of the South African bush with like-minded individuals.
  • Personalised Learning: Get personalised training and education from experienced conservationists and field guides on wildlife conservation and ecology.
  • Hands-on Activities: Engage in a wide range of hands-on activities, including tracking, monitoring, and caring for wildlife, building enclosures, and more.
  • Make a Difference: Contribute to the long-term sustainability of SanWild Sanctuary and help to make a real difference in the conservation of African wildlife.

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 5 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Default avatar
SUNIL
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sanwild is amazing

I have volunteered at Sanwild on multiple occasions and certainly the best experience. I worked with Louise and I learned a lot from her. Bliksem the Rhino is my favorite. It was very special to work with him.
Louise was a very compassionate person, and the entire Sanwild staff treated me like a family member. I usually volunteered from mid-Oct thru mid-Nov and there was not much crowd. This gave me a lot of exposure to working with different animals. All animals are majestic in their own way but for me, elephants and Rhinos have a special place in my heart. As such Rhinos are on the decline so would love to help them in any way I can.

Here is a preview
https://1drv.ms/a/s!AjJki1_C6bueiRyPDBL7eMuxaIZd?e=17HfUc

Pros
  • Diverse animal species
  • Friendly and great people
  • Its truely a sanctuary for animals
Cons
  • none
  • none
  • none
49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ann
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing place

I participated as a volunteer and staff at the beginning of the program and have stayed connected with and supported SanWild since then. Returned last year to see the latest developments and improvements and I'm so impressed with everything. This place is what got me into conservation and Veterinary medicine and a passion for African wildlife. Being a part of a wildlife reserve and the daily work there, as well as rehabilitation is a unique experience and SanWild is a very special place to do that!

Pros
  • Insight in conservation
  • Gaining knowledge of rehabilitation
  • Bush experience
54 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nolan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great opportunity! Very professional and neat place.

A wonderful experience in a beautiful environment! The monitors are really professional. They take good care of the volunteers, making sure you have everything you need and making you feel like part of the family. You will follow them on their daily work and will learn a lot about wildlife and life in the bush. You will also be assisting in cleaning animal camps and feeding lions! This is not a animal cuddling course, so don’t expect to cuddle with the lions, unless you want to be their next meal ;)
This is a great experience and I cannot recommend this course enough! Simply AMAZING and a MUST do!

Pros
  • Great environment with great people
  • Beautiful surroundings and wildlife
  • Clean accommodation and great meals!
51 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Peg
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best trip ever SanWild

This was the most unbelievable experience that I have ever had. If you want a HANDS ON volunteer vacation or internship this is the one you want. I was planning on two weeks and extended it two more. I couldn’t get enough. I fed baby zebras, helped with injured animals, searched for snares and sat for hours and watched an abundance of wildlife at the watering hole. I even went with Louise to negotiate a deal that would save 32 hippos from slaughter. I was treated like family and felt that I belonged there. It was a hands on education of a lifetime. If you want an authentic, full immersion into an African sanctuary book this one. I’m so glad that I did

Pros
  • Hands on with the animals
  • Beautiful and comfortable accommodations
  • An unbeatable education
Cons
  • Can be tiring but that was probably just me doing too much. Did sleep well
55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Regina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SanWild, best experience ever!

If you are a true nature lover, if you also want to care for animals in need, this is your place to be! Well trained people will guide you during your stay. You will benefit from their enormous knowledge about the animals they care for. You will be involved in multiple activities necessary to maintain the high standard of the wildlife sanctuary. You will find a beautiful place surrounded by pure nature. The accommodation provided, neat and tidy with stunning views. Evenings around the campfire will make your stay here unforgettable!

Pros
  • beautiful place
  • a real wildlife sanctuary
  • hospitality
Cons
  • no cons
  • no cons
  • no cons
57 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers