Step off the beaten path and into the wild. At Lost Adventures, we proudly partner with exceptional wildlife conservation projects across Africa - connecting you with the heart of nature, where your passion becomes purpose. Whether you're drawn to wildlife volunteering, wildlife research, or want to support wildlife conservation in Africa, these experiences offer the chance to make a real, lasting impact.
Join one of our hand-picked wildlife conservation programs and become part of something bigger. These are not tourist experiences-they’re immersive journeys where you’ll contribute to wildlife protection, learn directly from conservationists, and live in some of Africa’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
From tracking endangered species to helping restore natural habitats, wildlife volunteering at Lost Adventures is your chance to help preserve what makes Africa extraordinary.
Wildlife conservation isn’t something you just witness - it’s something you do. At Lost Adventures, we partner with some of the most respected wildlife conservation programs in Africa that bring you right into the field, where real impact happens. Every wildlife volunteering experience we offer is rooted in real, hands-on work that matters - from supporting long-term research to helping protect endangered species.
From restoring natural habitats to joining anti-poaching support activities such as snare removal, you’ll play a hands-on role in wildlife conservation across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Our founder, Mikkel Legarth - who co-founded the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana - has spent years working on the ground, and that depth of experience shapes every partnership we support.
These wildlife conservation programs combine daily fieldwork with education. You’ll learn from experienced conservationists and gain insight into topics like species monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and the challenges of Wildlife Conservation in Africa. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge or simply roll up your sleeves and help, this is Wildlife Volunteering in Africa at its most personal and purposeful.
Most wildlife volunteering and wildlife conservation programs are for participants aged 18 and up. A few are open to those aged 16 with parental consent. Family-friendly projects like the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana and the Rhino & Elephant Conservation Project in Zimbabwe also welcome younger participants.
Accommodation ranges from shared tents to dorm-style rooms, depending on the project. All sites offer essential comforts - bedding, hot showers, and shared spaces for relaxing after a day in the field. Private rooms are available at select locations for an added cost.
Volunteers take part in wildlife monitoring, data collection, anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and sometimes community education. Your efforts support long-term Wildlife Conservation in Africa by helping scientists, local guides, and NGOs collect the data they need to make meaningful impact.
Most programs run from 2 to 12 weeks. We recommend staying at least 4 weeks to get the most out of your experience. Program costs typically include accommodation, meals, training, and in-country support. You’ll need to budget for flights, insurance, visas, and personal spending.
You’ll be supported by experienced guides and on-site staff at all times. Lost Adventures is available via WhatsApp or email if you need assistance. We’ve carefully selected our partners to ensure every wildlife volunteering placement in Africa is both safe and rewarding.
Yes. Some wildlife volunteering programs in Africa are family-friendly, offering safe accommodation and activities suited for younger participants. Programs like The Rhino & Elephant Conservation Project in Zimbabwe accepts children from age 5, and Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana welcomes families on a case-by-case basis.
We'll help you choose the right fit based on your family’s needs and the season.
With a background that includes co-founding the Modisa Wildlife Project,Lost Adventures brings a rare level of insight and credibility to every program we offer. Lost Adventures has selected a collection of trusted wildlife conservation programs in Africa based on the meaningful work they’re doing in the field—projects that contribute to real, measurable conservation impact. When you book with us, you’re partnering with a team that lives and breathes wildlife conservation.
Additionally, if something doesn't go as planned, our extended liability insurance guarantees that we have your back, ensuring that everything that can be done will be done to keep you safe and sound.
Step into Africa’s wild heart and become part of something bigger. Our wildlife conservation projects invite you to track big cats, protect rhinos, and support real research - hands-on, impactful, and unforgettable.
Support real wildlife conservation at SanWild Sanctuary in South Africa, a 3,000-hectare reserve dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals. As a volunteer, you'll help care for species like rhinos, elephants, and cheetahs through hands-on work including feeding, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching support.
Days in the bush are balanced by relaxing evenings in en-suite safari tents overlooking a natural watering hole. This is a meaningful, immersive experience for those who want to contribute directly to protecting Africa’s iconic wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the Kariega Big Five Conservation project, based on an 11,000-hectare private reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape.
As a volunteer you'll take part in wildlife monitoring, game counts, and anti-poaching efforts, with a focus on lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Activities include elephant and rhino tracking, lion prey studies, and leopard research using camera traps, along with habitat management and invasive species removal. This hands-on experience offers a meaningful way to support conservation while gaining a deeper understanding of wildlife protection in South Africa.
Embark on a transformative journey with the Rhino & Elephant Conservation Project in Zimbabwe, a family-run sanctuary spanning 4,000 hectares dedicated to restoring native wildlife since the 1950s. As a volunteer, you'll play an active role in the daily care of endangered black rhinos and rescued elephants, assisting with feeding, monitoring, and habitat management.
Engage in anti-poaching initiatives, contribute to vital research, and participate in unique experiences like target practice with rangers and breakfast alongside elephants. This immersive program offers a profound understanding of conservation challenges and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on preserving Africa's iconic wildlife.
Join an immersive 8-12 week Wildlife Research Internship in South Africa's Greater Kruger Area, designed for aspiring conservationists and researchers. Under expert mentorship, you'll develop and conduct your own field research project, focusing on areas like predator-prey dynamics, habitat utilization, or human-wildlife interactions.
Activities include animal tracking, data collection, and ecological monitoring, directly contributing to ongoing conservation efforts. Based at a privately-owned lodge along the Olifants River, this internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and make a meaningful impact on preserving Africa's iconic wildlife.
Join the Big Five & Wildlife Research project in South Africa's Greater Kruger Area, where you'll actively contribute to the conservation of iconic species like lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. As a volunteer, you'll participate in daily game drives, animal tracking, data collection, and habitat monitoring, providing critical support to ongoing research and anti-poaching initiatives. This immersive experience offers hands-on involvement in wildlife protection while deepening your understanding of conservation strategies in one of Africa's most renowned ecosystems.
Embark on a transformative journey with the Big Cat & Elephant Research project located in the Pardamat Conservation Area within Kenya's Maasai Mara ecosystem. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside experienced researchers, engaging in hands-on monitoring of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and elephants. Your contributions will directly support vital conservation efforts, including data collection and habitat assessment to the Mara Predator Conservation Programme. Beyond fieldwork, immerse yourself in Maasai culture, gaining a profound understanding of the delicate balance between community life and wildlife preservation. This enriching experience offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the protection of Africa's iconic species.
Experience life behind the scenes of one of South Africa’s most respected Big Five reserves on the Shamwari Conservation Experience. Based on 23,000 hectares of protected land, volunteers assist with wildlife monitoring, habitat work, and anti-poaching support, focusing on species like lions, rhinos, and elephants. The program also includes time with the Born Free Foundation, and opportunities for community outreach. A well-rounded, impactful experience for those passionate about conservation.
Immerse yourself in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert with the Modisa Wildlife Project, founded in 2010 by Valentin Grüner (Germany) and Mikkel Legarth (Denmark). Volunteers support conservation by protecting and studying a range of wildlife, with a strong focus on predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You'll take part in tracking, monitoring, and data collection, contributing to the understanding and preservation of these species - all while living in the heart of the Kalahari.
A key highlight is observing Sirga the lioness and her unique bond with co-founder Valentin, as seen in the series Saving Sirga. This is a rare chance to contribute meaningfully to wildlife protection while gaining deep insight into life on the frontlines of conservation.