Welcome to
big five & wildlife conservation
This is not your average volunteer program. Based in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area – a wild, high-impact conservation landscape bordering the famous Kruger National Park – this big 5 wildlife experience places you at the heart of real efforts to protect some of the planet’s most extraordinary animals.
You’ll work alongside expert field guides, wildlife researchers, and conservation teams on daily game drives and bush-based activities that focus on monitoring and protecting elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Each day is a blend of learning and contribution – from tracking animals in the field to feeding data into reserve-wide wildlife protection strategies.
You’ll also help support physical conservation tasks and anti-poaching work while staying at a comfortable volunteer house with fellow nature lovers from around the world. With every sunrise and sunset, you’ll feel more connected to the land, the people, and the mission of big 5 wildlife volunteer work.
Whether you're just beginning your conservation journey or returning for another big 5 wildlife experience, you'll find this experience both impactful and unforgettable.
Why Book This Wildlife Conservation Experience Through Lost Adventures
With over 15 years of experience in African travel and conservation - including as co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana - Lost Adventures offers expert guidance, trusted support, and extended liability cover. There are no added fees, and if anything doesn’t go as planned, we’ve got your back.
Up to 27 volunteers
2 to 12 weeks
2-4 start/month (Sundays)
Minimum age: 18
Arrive/depart at Hoedspruit Airport, South Africa, on Sundays at any time
1.5-hour road transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to the project (return) is included
Explore on weekends: Kruger Park safaris, panoramic road trips, quad biking, and more
HIGHLIGHTS AT THE BIG FIVE AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH
Safari with Purpose
Head into the wild each day in search of iconic species while supporting real research efforts. These aren’t ordinary drives – they’re immersive field sessions led by seasoned guides with deep local knowledge of big 5 wildlife.
Your Data Drives Change
Use CyberTracker software to log your sightings and help conservation teams monitor big 5 wildlife trends. This data shapes long-term protection strategies and supports reserve-wide decision-making across all big 5 wildlife experiences.
Wild Days and Campfire Nights
Start your mornings with coffee as the bush wakes up around you, and end your evenings gathered around the fire. With shared meals, laughter, and story swaps, camp life is a core part of your big 5 wildlife volunteer journey.
Learn to Read the Wild
From tracks and patterns to animal behavior and ecosystem dynamics, you’ll develop the field skills to interpret the bush like a local guide – and understand the deeper story behind every big 5 wildlife experience.
Get Hands On for the Wild
Take part in essential fieldwork like removing snares and clearing invasive plants. It’s hands-on conservation you can see and feel as a big 5 wildlife volunteer – and a core part of your big 5 wildlife experience.
A Crew That Gets It
Share your days with fellow conservation-minded volunteers and passionate staff. It’s a global team connected by purpose – and by a powerful big 5 wildlife experience.
Embark on an unforgettable journey by participating in wildlife volunteering in South Africa, where you'll venture deep into the African wilderness on daily safari drives. Seek out the iconic Big Five species and other remarkable African wildlife while contributing to vital wildlife conservation efforts. Your observations and efforts as a volunteer play a pivotal role in shaping effective strategies aimed at safeguarding endangered and vulnerable species across Africa. Experience the wonders of the African bush and explore stunning reserves in South Africa's Greater Kruger Park area.
Physical conservation work forms an integral part of our wildlife volunteering program in South Africa, offering you numerous opportunities to actively contribute to preserving the African bush and its inhabitants. From removing snares to eradicating invasive species, your hands-on efforts are essential for ensuring the continued survival of wildlife and the overall success of wildlife conservation initiatives within the Greater Kruger area. By restoring the land to a healthy habitat, we enable wildlife to thrive once again. Our program accommodates all volunteers, ensuring everyone can participate and make a meaningful contribution.
As part of your wildlife volunteering experience in South Africa, you'll work alongside our seasoned team of wildlife conservation research specialists. Assist in compiling data on wild animal sightings into comprehensive reports, maps, and up-to-date profiles (ID kits) that inform wildlife conservation strategies. Learn various techniques, such as analyzing whisker patterns, scars, and ear notches, to identify and distinguish individual animals. These research sessions will familiarize you with data collection and compilation methods used within the reserve and the broader Kruger National Park region. This invaluable data enables conservationists and field guides to monitor wildlife movements and overall health for years to come, ensuring their long-term well-being.
Following an action-packed day of exploration and effort, retreat to the lodge and unwind poolside, catch a movie, or engage in a friendly games night with fellow volunteers. On occasion, guides and staff members host informative presentations, offering you further opportunities to discover the intriguing African landscape and its varied residents, encompassing both wildlife and people. Relish your dinner on the scenic deck, with a comforting fire to set the mood—often followed by marshmallow roasting! You can also enjoy participating in entertaining fundraising events such as trivia and game nights.
Activity Overview
dive into the details
Why we love THe Big Five WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
This is more than just a volunteer program in South Africa – it’s your chance to live the rhythm of the wild, learn from real conservationists, and make your mark in one of Africa’s most iconic big 5 wildlife experiences.
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Up Close with the Icons
Track elephants, lions, and leopards on daily game drives through untamed bushveld. Every sighting helps tell the bigger story of big 5 wildlife conservation in action and adds to your growing knowledge as a big 5 wildlife volunteer.
Greater Kruger at Its Wildest
Wake up to the sounds of the bush and explore landscapes few get to see this way. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll be fully immersed in a true big 5 wildlife experience.
Conservation That Counts
From removing snares to restoring habitats, you won’t just observe – you’ll actively protect. Your time in the field leaves a lasting impact as a big 5 wildlife volunteer.
Learn, Live, and Share the Story
Make a tangible impact on conservation and broaden your understanding of the challenges confronting Africa's precious animal kingdom by becoming a dedicated research volunteer.
Make an enquiry for
Big Five & Wildlife Research
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.
