Explore our diverse wildlife conservation projects across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
At Lost Adventures, we work with unique wildlife conservation volunteering programs where passion meets preservation. Our programs merge fieldwork with education to enhance your conservation skills while contributing to meaningful wildlife protection efforts. Engage in hands-on activities that support endangered species and their habitats across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
Volunteers work closely with experienced conservationists, gaining practical knowledge and making a real impact. The wildlife conservation projects are particularly special to us, as our founder, Mikkel Legarth, is also the co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana (2010). This deep connection ensures a personalized and heartfelt approach to wildlife conservation.
As a volunteer, you will gain access to breathtaking locations in Africa and work on projects that include tracking and monitoring wildlife, participating in anti-poaching patrols, and restoring natural habitats. Educational sessions cover topics such as wildlife management, the impact of climate change, and community engagement.
At the majority of projects, participants must be at least 18 years old to join the wildlife conservation programs. This ensures that all participants are legally adults and can fully engage in the activities and responsibilities involved. However, some projects, like the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana and the Rhino & Elephant Conservation project in Zimbabwe, welcome families with children as well.
Accommodation varies by location, ranging from shared dormitory-style rooms to tents. All accommodations provide essential amenities such as comfortable bedding, clean facilities, and communal areas for relaxation and socializing. Private accommodation is available at some projects for an additional single supplement charge.
Activities vary by project but generally include wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, data collection, and community education projects. Each activity supports local conservation efforts and contributes to the overall goal of protecting and preserving wildlife and their habitats.
Your contributions will aid in research, identification kits, and educational materials. Documenting wildlife and their habitats helps monitor populations and educates the public about conservation issues. The data collected by volunteers is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and ensuring the sustainability of ongoing efforts. This real-world impact underscores the importance of volunteer contributions.
Programs range from 2 to 12 weeks, offering a comprehensive experience. If you have the time, we recommend booking at least 4 weeks to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Each program has multiple start dates, allowing flexibility in scheduling and enabling volunteers to choose a period that fits their availability.
Additional costs include flights, travel insurance, visa fees (if applicable), pre/post accommodation, and personal expenses such as snacks and souvenirs. Budgeting for these expenses ensures a smooth experience and allows you to fully enjoy your time without financial stress. Some projects may also have specific gear requirements, which should be factored into your budget.
Volunteers receive continuous support from on-site coordinators and experienced conservationists. You can always contact Lost Adventures during your travels via email or WhatsApp. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your safety and providing a rewarding experience, offering assistance and guidance whenever needed.
All projects are conducted in secure environments with trained staff. Safety briefings and protocols are provided to ensure a safe experience. This support network ensures that volunteers are never alone and always have someone to turn to, allowing you to focus on your work with peace of mind.
Yes, engaging in family wildlife volunteering in Africa offers a profoundly enriching experience for families, including those with smaller children.
While many projects are tailored for individuals aged 18 and older, with some accepting participants from 16 with parental consent, we specifically partner with initiatives that welcome younger family members.
Our Rhino & Elephant Conservation Project in Zimbabwe is an excellent choice for family conservation trips in Africa, allowing children from 5 years old to participate. This project excels in family volunteering with animals, providing secure accommodation and child-friendly activities. It's an ideal setting for families eager to connect with nature and contribute to conservation efforts.
Additionally, the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana is another superb venue for family volunteering with wildlife. The recommended minimum age here is 6-8 years, with acceptance determined on a case-by-case basis, influenced by factors like seasonal conditions and existing bookings. Modisa offers a tailored program to effectively engage children, with fenced accommodations ensuring safety from wildlife at night.
For the Rhino & Elephant Conservation Project, you can travel all year round, but the temperatures are mildest in the shoulder seasons from April/May and August/September.
For the Modisa Wildlife Project, we advise planning your visit with smaller children during the milder shoulder seasons—April, May, September, and October—to avoid the extreme temperatures of the Kalahari, which can soar above 40-45 degrees Celsius from November to January and drop below freezing at night during June, July, and August.
Family volunteering trips not only allow you to experience Africa's iconic wildlife up close but also provide a meaningful way to contribute to conservation efforts and immerse your family in diverse cultures—an unforgettable adventure for the whole family!
Booking your volunteer experience through Lost Adventures means you're signing up for a hands-on conservation experience, professional guidance, and the opportunity to make a significant impact. We collaborate with some of the best wildlife conservation projects in Africa, emphasizing sustainable development and the harmonious balance between nature and local community needs. These strategic partnerships not only enhance your understanding of conservation but also equip you with both educational and practical skills necessary for effective contribution.
Our founder, Mikkel Legarth, who co-founded the Modisa Wildlife Project in 2010, brings a profound commitment to wildlife conservation and nature preservation. His extensive insider experience in both wildlife conservation and travel across Africa greatly enriches our collaborations. Furthermore, Lost Adventures is part of some of the world’s most prestigious travel consortia, ensuring that we offer exceptional value and competitive pricing.
Moreover, Lost Adventures provides steadfast support, allowing you to embark on your volunteer journey with confidence. If unexpected situations arise—from environmental disruptions to global health emergencies or political shifts—you can rely on us to be prepared. Equipped with a deep knowledge of both international and local regulations, we're always ready to respond, keeping you secure and focused on your volunteering experience. Additionally, our extended liability insurance guarantees that we have your back, ensuring ensuring that everything that can be done will be done to keep you safe and sound.
Join the Kariega Big Five Conservation project and immerse yourself in the conservation efforts of a 11,000-hectare private game reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape.
Volunteers participate in wildlife monitoring, game counts, and anti-poaching initiatives, focusing on the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Volunteers engage in diverse activities, including elephant and rhino monitoring, lion prey studies, and leopard population research through camera trap analysis.
Volunteers also participate in habitat management, removing invasive species, and community outreach programs.
This enriching experience offers a comprehensive understanding of conservation challenges and strategies, allowing you to make a significant impact on South Africa's wildlife preservation efforts.
Join the Kariega Big Five Conservation project and immerse yourself in the conservation efforts of a 11,000-hectare private game reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape.
Volunteers participate in wildlife monitoring, game counts, and anti-poaching initiatives, focusing on the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Volunteers engage in diverse activities, including elephant and rhino monitoring, lion prey studies, and leopard population research through camera trap analysis.
Volunteers also participate in habitat management, removing invasive species, and community outreach programs.
This enriching experience offers a comprehensive understanding of conservation challenges and strategies, allowing you to make a significant impact on South Africa's wildlife preservation efforts.
Join our Wildlife Research Internship in the Greater Kruger Area for an immersive 8-12 week experience. Work alongside expert researchers and field guides, engaging in wildlife monitoring, data collection, and ecological research on the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.
Interns participate in game drives, assist in anti-poaching initiatives, and conduct habitat restoration activities such as removing invasive species. Educational sessions cover wildlife management, research techniques, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
Based at a privately-owned lodge on the Olifants River, the program offers specialization in areas like botany, ornithology, ecology, or entomology. Enhance your skills and contribute significantly to the preservation of Africa’s diverse wildlife.
Join the Big Five Wildlife Research project in the Greater Kruger Area and immerse yourself in the heart of South Africa's wildlife conservation efforts. Volunteers engage in tracking, monitoring, and data collection, focusing on the iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.
Participate in game drives, assist with wildlife monitoring, and contribute to vital conservation research. In addition to fieldwork, volunteers help with habitat restoration tasks such as removing invasive species and participating in anti-poaching snare sweeps. Educational sessions cover topics like wildlife management, ecological research techniques, and the impact of human activities on wildlife.
This experience provides a thorough understanding of the challenges and strategies in wildlife conservation.
Volunteers also have the chance to explore the stunning landscapes of the Greater Kruger Area, enhancing their understanding of the region's biodiversity. This project offers a unique opportunity to work closely with conservationists and researchers dedicated to protecting some of Africa's most iconic species.
Volunteer in the Big Cat and Elephant Research project located in the Pardamat Conservation Area within Kenya's Masai Mara ecosystem. This project focuses on the conservation of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and elephants. Volunteers engage in hands-on wildlife monitoring, data collection, and field research, gaining insights into the behavior and ecology of these iconic species.
Daily activities include tracking and identifying animals, contributing valuable data to the Mara Predator Conservation Programme, and participating in game counts to monitor wildlife distribution and movement patterns.
Additionally, volunteers work on conservancy tasks such as removing invasive plant species, monitoring soil erosion, and maintaining predator-proof bomas. You'll also have the chance to immerse yourself in Maasai culture, learning about the balance between wildlife conservation and traditional lifestyles.
This enriching experience not only supports vital conservation efforts but also provides a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the Masai Mara ecosystem.
Experience the renowned Shamwari Conservation Experience, a leader in promoting conservation and eco-tourism. This project takes place within the 25,000-hectare Big Five Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Volunteers engage in wildlife monitoring, game counts, and telemetry tracking. You'll also have the chance to join the wildlife vet on fieldwork and participate in visits to the Born Free Foundation, which rescues and rehabilitates captive animals from around the world.
Volunteers contribute to the restoration and rehabilitation of the reserve, learning about the challenges and successes of managing a large conservation area. The Shamwari Conservation Experience includes community outreach programs that educate local populations on sustainable practices and the importance of wildlife conservation.
This comprehensive experience ensures that volunteers gain a broad understanding of conservation efforts and their impact on both wildlife and human communities.
Volunteer at the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana and immerse yourself in the conservation efforts of the Kalahari Desert. This project focuses on protecting and studying a variety of wildlife, with significant attention on predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs. Volunteers engage in tracking, monitoring, and data collection, contributing to the overall understanding and protection of these species.
A unique aspect of this project is the opportunity to experience co-founder Valentin Gruener’s close bond with Sirga the lioness, an ambassador for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Volunteers also participate in educational sessions covering wildlife management and the impact of climate change on the desert ecosystem. This immersive experience ensures a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies in wildlife conservation.