Volunteer with Children and Animals in South Africa

Coming to volunteer at DAKTARI Bush School was an experience close to perfection. Without a doubt it was way better than expected and I would recommend this place to everyone. Since the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by everyone in the best way possible. During these three weeks, they made me feel part of a big family between the volunteers and the staff. From each person that you get to know from here, you will take new memories and create unique moments. Doing the teaching program is pretty easy as there is a guide extremely clear that explains everything that you have to do during each lesson. It feels really good to teach the kids from the community as you know you are making an impact in their lives as they learn about animals, environment, crime, drugs, alcohol, etc. Furthermore, specially for me, working with animals was something extremely new but I can say, although I'm very afraid of them, you get used to work in stabling every day and even you can start to like them. I had the opportunity to see cheetahs, ostrichs, owls, and many other animals, all days as something normal, and even sometimes you will see jiraffes near the campus. Also, we went on an excursion with other volunteers thats was awesome, and we got to see four animals out of the Big 5, and the remaining one, I saw it in one of our trips to town. On the other hand, food and accommodation was really good and overpassed my expectations, you will have something different to eat in every meal and in every day of the week, and absolutely everything is delicious. Overall, I can say I will always remember my time here at DAKTARI and I will take friendships that will remain for a long time.

I was at Daktari for the second time with my mom and my brother. Our first as well as our second stay here were fantastic and there is nothing I can complain about. They treat the animals and the kids in such a good way and during my whole stay I felt really valued at Daktari. The camp and the whole atmosphere is so nice and I really enjoyed beeing in the bush with all the animals. While teaching you can feel how big the impact on the kids is and for me it's really nice to see how they develop just during one week. When I left, I left with a second family and tons of beatiful and amazing memories.

I will recommend DAKTARI to anyone that want a life changing experience, with both animals and children, in a pleasant environment. I have now so many good memories at camp and during the excursions, but also animal and nature knowledge. This is sure, I came back with a lot of stories to tell my friends, and in the future, my children and great children>
And even with a bad covid-19 situation and without any kids, the staff had made everything so my stay was enjoyable. And I'm so thankful for that !

I spent a magnificent time at Daktari Bushschool and Wildlife Orphanage in South Africa. It's a mixture between animal care and teaching underpriviledged children from the villages. During one week they get some lessons in subjects like "evironment, wildlife crime, animal tracks, politeness, leadership skills, substance abuse etc. and they help doing the animal stabling twice a day. The week at the camp leaves a great impact on the children. "It was my best week ever" were the final words of one of the students. I appreciated not only the perfect organisation and accomodation but also the kindness of the co-founders and all the staff members. I leave this wonderful place with a lot of unforgettable experiences, some new skills and a heart full of gratitude.

I had the chance to be at DAKTARI for 3 weeks and it was an amazing time. It is a wonderful place here and everything is made with so much love and effort. When you arrive at DAKTARI you are welcomed by really nice and openhearted people and during your whole stay you are treated like a family member. All the animals here at DAKTARI are treated with love and receive the best life that they can get here. The project that they have with the kids is amazing and I'm sure that it has a great impact on them. I can't complain about anything - during my whole stay I was more than happy with everything. The atmosphere in the camp is always nice and happy and I received some memories that I will never forget. I recommend DAKTARI to everyone who loves to work with animals, to meet new people and to experience life in the African bush. I really have nothing to complain about.

After more than 4 months in Daktari, the departure is hard. I will miss the atmosphere, the people, the place and the animals. It will be an opportunity to come back.

I was the animal manager, along with Lilly Husson, another Frenchwoman. We never had time to be bored, between working with animals or with children and having a good time with the staff and volunteers.

Thanks DAKTARI and Michele

During 6 months I was the Office Assistant at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage.
I am so happy to have chosen DAKTARI, it turned out to be one of the best experience of my life.

I had the chance to work with a young team. They welcomed me warmly, making my experience unforgettable. I had so much fun at work, I learned so many new things. It is a perfect occasion to meet awesome people around the world. I felt living in a huge family.

DAKTARI’s camp feels like a home away from home! I had at my disposal many facilities such as bar, braai are and swimming pool. The food was very good, with chefs adapting to our special dietary requirements (vegetarians).

This is such a special place. Situated right in the middle of the bush, we are living around wild animals. Total escape !

If you love community project, teaching children and take care of animal, this project is for you. I can highly recommend this project. I just want to thank everybody I met during my internship who be able to make this inedible experience. I will always remember it !

DAKTARI is a beautiful place with beautiful people.
I spent few days for working with animals, they have different species.
Their project have a real impact with the local community.
People there are passionate and kind. The food is delicious and the acomodation perfect.
A big thank you to everybody there.
and thank you Michele and Ian hope to see you soon