Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • South Africa
    • Durban
    • Johannesburg
    • St. Lucia
    • Cape Town
    • Knysna
    • Port Elizabeth
  • Zimbabwe
Length
2 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
16
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel Lodge Tent
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
870
Price Details
We try and make our projects as safe and all-inclusive as possible with accommodation, airport pick ups and drops off, food and so much more depending on the individual volunteer project so we do have a charge for our volunteer projects to cover this. Volunteer projects start at 2 weeks minimum and we cater for gap students, interns, career breakers, friends, couples and families. Although most projects are 18 years and older, we do have projects that will take as young as 14 years old with a guardian.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Some Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Mar 26, 2025
Feb 18, 2024
12 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

We have a variety of wildlife projects dealing with the safe sanctuary of non-releasable captive bred apex predators and also their monitoring and data capturing in safe wildlife reserves aiding conservation of many endangered species. We also have a fantastic marine conservation project working with Whales, Sharks and Penguins

South Africa
Wildlife Caretaker in Mpumulanga
Big Cat Sanctuary on a Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape
Ethical Predator Sanctuary project in the Western Cape
Wolves, Wolf Dogs and Huskies at a Sanctuary in the Western Cape
Animal Sanctuary in the Eastern Cape

Marine Conservation with Whales, Sharks and Penguins

For those wanting a true wildlife conservation experience in large, protected reserves:
Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research in KwaZulu-Natal province

Zimbabwe:
Wildlife Conservation with Horses

Video and Photos

Impact 🌎

Volunteer International Adventures focus is on ethical youth and animal projects which we feel very strongly about. We see the need for assistance from international volunteers in developing countries and have seen the difference extra hands-on help can make to communities and conservation if done responsibly.

Program Highlights

  • We have several ethical big cat projects on wildlife sanctuaries. Help with the care of non-releasable lions while being surrounded by giraffe, zebra and other antelope species.
  • Assist at an ethical sanctuary for exotic wolves, wolf dogs and huskies. Perfect for the canine lovers
  • Combine your love of wildlife with your horse-riding abilities in Zimbabwe. Aside from the amazing setting of truly free roaming wildlife in a raw africa setting, volunteers help with snare sweeps.
  • Join a team of dedicated professionals with the monitoring and data capturing of endangered species in reserves in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The main focus is the conservation of the highly endangered African Wild Dog
  • Get educated and trained up at the same time while helping with a variety of wild cats, both big and small from lions, tigers, leopard, serval to caracal in a highly ethical environment. One for the cat lovers!

Program Impact

Our dedicated volunteers have made a significant impact with endangered species wildlife conservation and assisting at wild cat and predator sanctuaries. They have assisted in ongoing care for various species in ethical captive scenarios, conducted data capturing and research, provided support to veterinary professionals, and the general care of non-releasable predators. Our wildlife projects cover a diverse range of animals, including lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopard, wolves and wolf dogs, african wild dogs and other endangered species like elephants and rhinos. Their contributions have helped ensure the well-being and preservation of these animals, making a positive difference in conservation efforts and or those born into captivity and not being able to be released into the wild, safe sanctuary for their natural lives.

Popular Programs

Viewing wildlife from horseback is something else
Read More
Rescued lions...safe now
Read More
A resident Jaguar
Read More
Rescued white lion
Read More
Sharks and seagulls

This multi-faceted Marine Conservation project allows those with a love of the ocean and its inhabitants, to gain experience with not only Whales, Dolphins, Sharks and Penguin research and monitoring but also community education, environmental issues, ecology and ecotourism with a skilled team of experts, including marine biologists, in the field- both on land and on sea.

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 2 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 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time volunteering in South Africa

Read More
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
We got charged and trumpeted at by a matriarch elephant, who was protecting her herd, and I sat very still and made sure that I didn't say a word. The monitor raised her hand and the matriarch bowed her head and backed away.
Pros
  • You learn so much about the African Bush.
  • You grow as a person.
  • You meet so many interesting people.
Cons
  • I've struggled to adjust with limited signal and power.
  • It was very stormy.
  • You have to get up early.
102 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Lynn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Definitely worth doing it!

A massive thank you to everyone who was involved in this project! The collaborative efforts and dedication of each team member truly made this project a success. I felt safe and well taken care of. Every aspect was meticulously handled. Working alongside a diverse array of big cat species not only enriched the project, but also broadened my perspective, making it a truly unforgettable and transformative experience. I think about this amazing opportunity a lot. And without hesitation, I would definitely recommend it to everyone!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One standout moment at Ethical Predator Sanctuary was seeing how much Max, the caracal, enjoyed playing with my enrichment. It was amazing to see how such a ‘small’ thing, really can make their day better. This moment showed the essence of my volunteer experience – making a lasting difference in the lives of these incredible big cats.
Pros
  • The best staff ever
  • The wonderful communication before, during and after the trip!
  • The perfect work/chill balance
Cons
  • Nothing :)
96 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers