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.
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.