South Africa

Big Five Volunteer Project in South Africa

Q: How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date , But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible. But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Camp Life
animals in the wild
Joint excursions

The South Africa volunteer project is set in the midst of a stunning wildlife reserve near the Kruger National Park - with hyenas, lions, rhinos, elephants and giraffes! As a volunteer, you are actively involved in protecting animals and nature. On game drives you observe the different species and collect data that you evaluate in the camp!

South Africa North

from 18 years

2 -12 weeks / from €1.950

Sunday

life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Project ID : FA-SÜ121

As a volunteer
South Africa

2 -12 weeks / from €1.950
to the cost overview

What's the matter?

Choose a unique conservation opportunity where you will learn from rangers and help monitor and protect animals such as hyenas, cheetahs and other endangered species. Explore the untouched vast savannah landscapes of South Africa and observe impalas, zebras, giraffes, hyenas and many other wild animals in their natural environment! The legendary Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – are monitored daily by a dedicated team of rangers who are also based here. Wildlife fans from all over the world have the opportunity to experience the South African wildlife feeling up close.

However, many animal species in South Africa are threatened with extinction. Humans are usually responsible for this: habitat loss, overfishing and poaching lead to a decline in the population of many species. In this project you can help protect (endangered) wildlife! With your volunteer work in the wildlife reserve in South Africa, you contribute to the conservation of the species and the protection of their habitat and collect unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Your workplace is in the middle of a game reserve in northern South Africa. It is a 15.000 hectare inland protected area. There is a wide variety of wildlife there, including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, leopards and hyenas. The protection of wild animals and the preservation of their natural habitats are the central concern of the wildlife project. By collecting, documenting and passing on data as well as maintaining the park grounds, you actively contribute to preserving the fascinating biodiversity. The project also places great emphasis on sustainability - for example, great emphasis is placed on reducing unnecessary plastic and smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is not permitted here.

Your tasks as a volunteer

Your tasks in the reserve include learning how to collect data on different animal species in collaboration with the rangers. During this time, you will be trained in how to properly use a GPS device and telemetry devices (for tracking animals). You will take photos of animals for identification purposes, help maintain bushland, and observe animal behavior. You will also assist in the installation of camera traps to monitor important species and counteract poaching. If necessary, you could also be present during veterinary procedures, such as collar replacement or veterinary care (which only occurs in emergencies), as well as capturing animals for monitoring purposes. Occasionally there is also the opportunity to accompany experienced rangers during bush walks to observe wild animals and maintain camera traps.

In addition to the work in the field, you will also help with tasks in the camp. Here you will help with the evaluation and archiving of the valuable data collected. These must be documented so that scientists and researchers can continue to use them. You will also be asked to share your photos with the team so they can keep the animal identification kits up to date. You will also help with everyday tasks such as cooking, washing and keeping your accommodation clean.

Important note about the project: Please be aware that there will be no interaction with wildlife. All wild animals are respected and observed in their natural environment. Our program does not encourage interaction with wildlife, particularly for tourism purposes. Direct contact with wild animals is not common and is only considered by veterinarians in extreme emergencies, such as injured endangered species.

The daily tasks depend on where support is needed. You will work together with a team of wildlife specialists and other volunteers. A typical day at the project includes two game drives per day. We follow the rhythm of nature and therefore get up early! Our morning drive starts between 5:00am and 6:00am for sunrise depending on the time of year and we come back around lunch time. After the lunch break, the second game drive takes place in the afternoon. About once or twice a week, volunteers take turns staying at the camp for half a day to help with tasks there. You are usually free on Sundays.

Accommodation Catering

all fotos

Farmhouse accommodation in South Africa

You'll feel right at home in the rustic farmhouse. There are two buildings with dormitories, each containing two to three beds with an associated bathroom. The house offers space for about ten volunteers, has a spacious kitchen, a dining room and a living room. The area around the house is fenced.

The accommodation is in the middle of the reserve. So it can happen again and again that wild animals roam outside the camp. The house is equipped with solar energy and ordinary electricity as well as WiFi. You can either wash your laundry here by hand or use the washing machine for 50 RAND (approx. 3 €) per load.

As volunteers, you prepare the meals together from a given menu. You will also help with tasks in the house, such as cleaning the rooms and common areas.

Once a week you can go into town with the others to do some shopping or to go out to eat in a restaurant.

Note: You can get a private room on request and at a small additional cost.

Location

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South Africa North

Your location for the wildlife protection project is in a contrasting landscape with exciting flora and fauna. In the middle of a reserve in northern South Africa, you are committed to protecting the local wild animals.

In addition to numerous animal species, you can also discover wonderful landscapes here. In the 15.000 hectare reserve you will find different forms of vegetation, different watercourses and of course a large variety of flora and fauna. Not only the legendary Big Five live here - you can also observe an impressive number of bird species here. During the project you live directly in the reserve, so your everyday life takes place between wide fields and animal sounds.

Animal lovers will certainly feel at home here. Have you always wanted to see the Big Five with your own eyes? Then this location is the perfect destination!

Your free time in the Kruger National Park

Your free time in North Africa

You should definitely use your free time on the project to explore the breathtaking nature right on your doorstep. There is an incredible amount to discover on the approximately 15 hectare site - you will find a wide variety of flora and fauna here, characterized by different forms of vegetation, different streams and a remarkable diversity of species.

In addition, the Kruger National Park is not far away, which stretches between the Crocodile River in the south and the Limpopo River in the north and, with an area of 20.000 km², is considered the largest nature and wildlife reserve in South Africa. In addition to the so-called "Big 5", you can see other exciting animals such as kudus, rhinos, crocodiles, wild dogs or cheetahs up close. This is an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life!

Another natural wonder not to be missed in the northern part of South Africa is the nearby Blyde River, the third largest canyon in the world. With its imposing green rock formations and numerous waterfalls, the gorge offers you some of the most spectacular panoramas in the country. Enjoy the breathtaking view from one of the vantage points and in some places even look as far as neighboring Mozambique.

The Blyde River is on the so-called Panorama Route, a 100 km long road that starts in Sabie and leads over the rugged mountain ranges of the Drakensberg. It has numerous highlights in store for you, such as the Gods Window, an impressive vantage point, or the Three Rondavels, a breathtaking rock formation.

Adventurer fans and nature lovers will definitely get their money's worth in the north of South Africa - if you want a little peace and quiet in the meantime, you can relax in the camp or browse in the in-house library. Let the evenings end comfortably with a meal together with the other volunteers and benefit from the intercultural exchange.

On-site procedure

Arrival in South Africa

For your journey to volunteer work or your internship abroad, you either fly to Johannesburg or Hoedspruit. Our team will pick you up at the airport or private transport will be organized for you. The transfer is included in the services. It takes about 6,5 hours to drive to the project site from Johannesburg and about 2 hours from Hoedspruit.

Orientation program in South Africa

After you have gotten to know the shared accommodation and your sleeping place, your introduction will start the next morning. But already on the day of arrival you get to know the team and get a tour of the Volunteer Home.

On Monday morning, all newcomers stay in the Volunteer House and receive a detailed introduction. You will be explained how everything works, what role the project plays for the reserve and what rules you have to follow on site. The introductory program will last about half a day so that work can start in the afternoon.

Your first day in the project

You start your work on the project together with the employees on site. You will spend a lot of time during your stay with the two contact persons Koos and Sabrina, as well as with the rest of the team. Because all team members take turns accompanying our volunteers in their daily work and helping out.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.950, -

2 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 575, - / week

up to 10 weeks respectively

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation at the job site

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Drinks

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

"Volunteer Teaching Focused" online TEFL/TESOL course

245 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course for volunteers
Intensive online TEFL/TESOL course (120h)

460 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course
Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

South Africa North Team
site

Your local contacts are the program director Chose and program manager Sabrina.

Koos has been working in the bush for more than 25 years and has been the project leader for several years. His profession is animal observation, wild animal capture, reserve maintenance, control of foreign plants and hikes in the bush. He is an expert in tracking and has a great passion for it.

Sabrina is originally from Milan, Italy. She played tennis to a high standard for 20 years and earned her degree in Tourism. After working in luxury hotels, she decided to fulfill her second lifelong dream: researching lions and working for conservation.

She joined the project as a volunteer in 2011/12 and literally fell in love with the lions and working with them. After returning to Italy, she worked for a few months and then traveled back to South Africa to complete her FGASA and become a Field Guide. She has been working as a ranger and local manager since September 2012.

Volunteers talk about their experiences Joint commitment - big impact!

Testimonials

Field report from the wildlife project in the National Park in South Africa

I had some great experiences in my four weeks. From a bull elephant that walked right past our car to a leopard in a tree or a snake that crossed our path.

01.08.2020

Aniko

Testimonials

Volunteer report from a national park in South Africa

My stay in the national park was simply a great experience. Although I have been on a few safaris before, the game drives here are something very special. You don't just drive up to the animals, take a photo of them, and then move on again.

19.03.2020

Susanne

Testimonials

My high school and national park volunteering in South Africa

Overall, the weeks in South Africa were perhaps the most exciting of my life so far, as I saw and experienced so many incredibly beautiful things.

03.07.2020

Sarah

Testimonials

Field report from the National Park in South Africa

I can only recommend every animal and wildlife lover to do the wildlife project and have a breathtaking time. The project in the national park is unforgettable and I can say that I will definitely return.

22.01.2020

Maria

Testimonials

Experience Report Wildlife Project in South Africa

My name is Kathrin and I worked in the national park in South Africa for 4 weeks. A job that changed me forever. It was still dark outside when my alarm clock rang at 4:40 am, as it does every morning.

30.04.2020

Kathrin

Volunteering with RGV in the Big Five project in South Africa

Testimonials

My volunteer work in the Big Five project in South Africa

The two weeks in the bush were much more than a vacation. Such an experience makes us feel what ultimately matters in life.

13.12.2023

Natalie

More testimonials
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RGV FAQ
to the project

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

What visa do I need for South Africa?

You can apply for a tourist visa for South Africa when you arrive at the airport. This is valid for 90 days.

What language skills do I need for the project?

In order to be able to communicate well with the team on site, you should definitely have good English skills.

What vaccinations/ health precautions do I need?

If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you need a yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise there are no compulsory vaccinations.

We generally recommend a consultation in a practice for travel and tropical medicine.

You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.

What are the requirements for the animal welfare project?

There are no special requirements for participation. What is important is having fun working with animals and being interested in animal welfare. Good physical fitness is often an advantage.

What do I have to consider as an LGBTQ person?

Please be aware that homosexual acts are considered undesirable in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and are even punishable by law in some places. In general, people who are identified as queer are often exposed to hostility.

For example, get information from Foreign Office about the exact regulations in your destination country.

How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date, But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible.

But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Can I travel with a friend or in a group?

Yes! On request we enable a double room if you for two with a friend or a friend, or an apartment or other suitable accommodation for groups.

We are very happy to enable our participants to go on a project and share accommodation with friends. Shared accommodation is usually possible both in the volunteer house and with the host family, although the room in the volunteer house may also be shared with other participants. In some locations there is also the option of sharing an apartment.

When registering, please always mention the person(s) traveling with you!

Can I combine projects?

Yes! You can combine projects at one location, at different locations, but also in different countries. It is also possible to combine a project with a trip. You can specify your desired combination directly when registering.

Combination options at a glance:

Combine programs in one country
Combine programs across countries
Combine a program with a language course
Combine a program with ours Adventure & Trips

There are a few things Project combinations to note: The minimum length of stay per project must be observed and you may incur additional costs for country combinations, for example for an intermediate flight.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to get involved as a volunteer in South Africa? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

Volunteers for minor maintenance on site

Volunteer work at the location in South Africa

Blue wildebeest with calf in the national park

Sunset in the nature reserve in South Africa

Nature in the national park in South Africa

Baby elephant on the safari tour in South Africa

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Are you not sure yet? Think about whether a spontaneous assignment as a volunteer abroad is the right choice for you or whether you would like to Voluntary social year (FSJ) abroad want to decide.

With RGV you achieve flexible volunteer work in different countries worldwide. Maybe there is one too Internship abroad the ideal choice for you to gain valuable experience abroad.