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Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Want to volunteer in wildlife conservation in South Africa?
Our Travel Roots Endangered Species Conservation program places you at the heart of active conservation efforts, working directly with ecologists, rangers, and biomonitoring officers to protect vulnerable wildlife.
Throughout your stay, you’ll receive hands-on training and participate in real-time research projects that help shape the future of wildlife management in South Africa. Based on a private reserve, you’ll live, work, and explore in one of the most ecologically rich areas of the country.
Whether you're tracking elusive predators or surveying vegetation health, every day offers a new adventure.
Key Activities Include:
Wildlife population surveys and habitat assessments
Radio collar tracking of predators and large herbivores
Data collection on animal behavior, herd dynamics, and species health
Vegetation and biomass assessments to evaluate grazing impact
Camera trap placement and data analysis
Game transects and predator-prey monitoring
Jackal behavior research and predator management
Bush walks, safari drives, and field-based conservation workshops
Contribution to ID catalogs and animal profile databases
You’ll leave with new knowledge, new skills, and a deep connection to African wildlife — all while directly contributing to their survival.
By volunteering on our Endangered Species Conservation program in South Africa, you will:
✔️ Gain hands-on field experience with endangered wildlife in their natural habitat
✔️ Work alongside expert ecologists, conservationists, and biomonitoring officers
✔️ Learn to track and monitor species using radio collars, camera traps, and game transects
✔️ Participate in predator research and herbivore population studies
✔️ Build practical skills in data collection, habitat assessment, and wildlife management
✔️ Assist with conservation education and awareness initiatives on-site
✔️ Live within a private reserve surrounded by iconic African wildlife
✔️ Develop a deeper understanding of ecological systems and the threats facing biodiversity
✔️ Immerse yourself in the South African wilderness through bush walks and safari drives
✔️ Contribute to long-term efforts that directly support species protection and sustainabilityWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of an Endangered Species Conservationist
Life on the Hamba Africa conservation project is immersive, rewarding, and ever-evolving with the rhythms of the wild. Each day offers new opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect with both nature and fellow volunteers.
Volunteers typically work 5–6 days per week, starting early in the morning to make the most of the cooler hours and wildlife activity. Days are structured around both fieldwork and education.
A typical day might look like:
6:00–7:00 AM – Wake up to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a simple breakfast with the team.
7:30 AM – Head out for morning fieldwork. This may include wildlife tracking using telemetry equipment, game transect surveys, habitat assessments, or camera trap monitoring.
11:00 AM – Return to base for a break, data entry, or an educational workshop on ecology, animal behaviour, or conservation strategies.
1:00 PM – Enjoy a communal lunch and time to relax or journal your experiences.
2:30 PM – Participate in afternoon activities like ID cataloguing, predator monitoring, or helping with habitat restoration efforts such as invasive species removal or fence maintenance.
5:00 PM – Head out on a sunset drive or bush walk to observe animal behaviour during peak movement times and contribute to ongoing studies.
7:00 PM – Return for a hot dinner, followed by time around the campfire or evening lectures on conservation, research techniques, or South African ecology.
Some evenings may also include nocturnal surveys, predator call-ins, or reflection sessions on your personal development and field learning.
Flexibility is key—tasks may vary depending on the season, ongoing projects, and wildlife behaviour. Volunteers should come prepared to get their hands dirty, embrace the unpredictable, and fully immerse themselves in conservation life.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
By volunteering on our Endangered Species Conservation program in South Africa, you will:
Contribute directly to long-term ecological monitoring and data collection that influences real-world wildlife management and conservation policies.
Support essential research on endangered species, including jackals, big cats, and herbivore populations, helping to ensure the health and balance of South African ecosystems.
Assist with habitat restoration and practical conservation tasks that make the land more suitable for wildlife survival and reintroduction.
Engage in predator-prey studies, biodiversity indexing, and environmental impact assessments—critical tools for conservation biology.
Help train and mentor future conservationists by working alongside students and interns from global universities and institutions.
Strengthen local conservation capacity through hands-on field support and community outreach, helping to embed sustainable practices into the region.
Develop your own skills in ecological surveying, data analysis, GPS tracking, animal identification, and conservation communication, building a foundation for a future career in wildlife biology, ecology, or environmental education.
Your work not only aids in the protection of South Africa’s most iconic and vulnerable wildlife but also shapes a sustainable future by promoting coexistence between humans and nature. Every task—from walking a transect to cataloguing data—makes a tangible difference.
Your Home in South Africa
During your time on the Endangered Species Conservation program in South Africa, you'll stay in a remote bush camp located deep within the reserve—surrounded by the raw beauty of the African wilderness.
Sleeping Arrangements
Volunteers are accommodated in same-sex, fixed-base canvas tents that sleep 2–4 people. Each tent is equipped with:Beds, bedding, blankets, and towels
Shelving units for personal belongings
Power points to charge phones and cameras
Communal Spaces
The heart of the camp is the communal area, where you'll meet with your guides and fellow volunteers to plan the day’s conservation activities. This space is also a hub for relaxing, socialising, and sharing stories after a day out in the field.Kitchen & Meals
A shared kitchen is available, and volunteers often take turns cooking simple meals together. However, you’ll also be treated to traditional South African barbecues—braais—prepared by the local guides. These evenings are a social highlight of the week.This remote setup offers you the opportunity to live closely with nature while bonding with fellow conservationists, creating unforgettable memories in one of the most biodiverse areas of the continent.
History
Our trusted partner in this project was founded by passionate conservationists and safari guides with over a decade of experience across international wildlife conservation.
From rewilding projects in the UK to elephant studies and cave diving in the Mediterranean, their work is rooted in deep field knowledge and a mission to create authentic conservation travel experiences. They now collaborate with organisations across South Africa dedicated to real-world conservation, sustainable development, and wildlife research.
The team also works closely with universities and accredited bodies to develop structured and meaningful programs that support both conservation efforts and individual growth. Their commitment ensures every volunteer becomes a vital part of the ecosystem they help protect.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is to deliver authentic, impactful conservation experiences that not only support endangered species but also serve as stepping stones for future wildlife professionals and ethical adventurers. They believe in immersive, on-the-ground action—where every track surveyed, species monitored, and habitat restored contributes to the larger mission of environmental sustainability.
With a strong focus on “gain while you give”, they aim to bridge the gap between field conservation and personal development. By offering internships, certified training, and university collaborations, they ensure each volunteer leaves more skilled, empowered, and connected to a global movement for wildlife protection.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Costs
Duration Fee (EUR) Daily Equivalent
2 Weeks €1,480 €105.71/day
3 Weeks €1,870 €89.05/day
4 Weeks €2,358 €84.21/day
6 Weeks €3,274 €77.95/day
8 Weeks €4,178 €74.61/day
12 Weeks €5,918 €70.45/day
What’s Included
✅ Accommodation in remote bush camp
✅ Three meals per day
✅ Expert training and daily guidance from wildlife professionals
✅ Structured conservation activities and fieldwork
✅ Certificate of completion
✅ Welcome pack with essential information
✅ Domestic transfers from pick-up point to the reserve
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Wildlife, Skills & Yourself
Your program fees not only cover your accommodation, meals, and conservation activities, but directly support real, ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s endangered species.
You’ll be trained and mentored by conservation professionals, making this a powerful investment in your personal and professional growth.
This experience will equip you with transferable skills in wildlife research, ecological monitoring, teamwork, problem solving, and leadership—valuable in both conservation careers and beyond.
Where You’ll Be – South Africa’s Untamed Wilderness
Your conservation adventure takes place in Limpopo Province, South Africa—home to some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife on the African continent. You’ll be stationed in a private Big 5 game reserve, far from the noise of cities and deep within pristine natural surroundings.
This is a region of rugged beauty, dotted with acacia trees, open savannahs, and winding riverbeds. Limpopo is famous for its incredible biodiversity, hosting everything from lions and elephants to rare birds, reptiles, and endangered antelope species. The climate is generally warm and sunny, with cooler nights—especially in the dry winter season (May–August).
You’ll have the rare opportunity to live among wildlife and engage in hands-on conservation work in a region where real-world impact is needed most.
About South Africa
South Africa is a country of striking contrasts—between wild landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, traditional cultures and modern innovation. It’s one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, boasting unique ecosystems, from desert dunes to coastal wetlands and lush forests.
Quick Facts:
Capital Cities: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Languages: 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa
Best Time to Visit: May to October for wildlife viewing (dry season)
Volunteering in South Africa offers more than conservation—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, learn about indigenous knowledge systems, and explore the country’s extraordinary landscapes, history, and spirit.
When you're not out in the bush collecting data, tracking animals, or helping with habitat management, your downtime in Limpopo offers incredible opportunities to unwind, explore, and connect with your surroundings.
Here’s how you can make the most of your free time:
Sunset Safaris: Join your team for evening drives through the reserve—an unforgettable chance to spot wildlife at dusk and enjoy iconic African sunsets.
Bush Walks & Wildlife Photography: Explore the terrain on foot with expert guides and capture once-in-a-lifetime wildlife moments.
Star Gazing Nights: With minimal light pollution, the night skies are ablaze with stars. Lie back, relax, and enjoy the constellations.
Braais (South African BBQs): Experience this local culinary tradition—great food, music, stories, and laughter around the fire.
Learn Local Skills: Spend time with your guides and hosts learning traditional tracking methods, conservation theory, or even how to cook a local dish.
Weekend Excursions (Optional):
- Visit the stunning Blyde River Canyon
- Explore nearby villages and markets
- Head out on a day safari to Kruger National Park (subject to availability and transport)
This is your chance to enjoy South Africa’s beauty beyond the work—immersing yourself in the rhythm of the land and people while making a meaningful difference.
