Lion posing at the Big Five and Wildlife Research project in South Africa.

Big Five & Wildlife Research

South Africa
2 - 12 weeks
2,695 - 6,195 Euro

Join the research team in the Greater Kruger Area, and assist the expert field guides and research team in various tasks contributing to wildlife research and conservation.

Welcome to
big five & wildlife conservation

Join this incredible wildlife conservation volunteer program in the Greater Kruger Area, where you’ll work alongside experienced researchers and conservationists to help protect South Africa’s iconic wildlife.

As a volunteer, you’ll take part in daily game drives, animal tracking, data collection, and habitat monitoring, contributing to critical research that supports conservation initiatives. Your efforts will aid in protecting key species, understanding wildlife behavior, and informing anti-poaching strategies.

You’ll be fully immersed in a thriving conservation environment, learning from skilled Field Guides and Research professionals who will guide you through essential conservation techniques.

Set within a network of private reserves bordering Kruger National Park, this volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to wildlife protection and habitat preservation while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

Why Book This Wildlife Conservation Experience Through Lost Adventures

With over 15 years of experience in wildlife conservation and travel across Africa, we provide expert advice, seamless support, and added peace of mind. If anything doesn’t go as planned, Lost Adventures will be on your side every step of the way - ensuring you're protected through our extended liability insurance and trusted network. With no planning fees and more security, you can embrace the adventure with confidence, knowing we’ve got your back.

Enquire
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Number of participants

Up to 27 volunteers

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Duration

2 to 12 weeks

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Start date

2-4 start/month (Sundays)

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Age requirement

Minimum age: 18

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Arrivel/departure

Arrive/depart at Hoedspruit Airport, South Africa, on Sundays at any time

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Transfer

1.5-hour road transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to the project (return) is included

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Additional adventures

Explore on weekends: Kruger Park safaris, panoramic road trips, quad biking, and more

HIGHLIGHTS AT THE BIG FIVE AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH

Engage in Thrilling Safaris

Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, navigate South Africa's treasured reserves, spotting the 'Big 5' in their vibrant habitats.

Contribute to Wildlife Conservation

Your keen observations power meaningful conservation efforts. Each detail you gather aids local and global wildlife preservation campaigns.

Experience the Greater Kruger Magic

Revel in the scenic beauty of the Greater Kruger Area, where every sunrise promises a new adventure and every sunset, a tale to remember.

Deepen Your Wildlife Knowledge

Understand the rich histories and challenges of the iconic 'Big 5', marvels that once symbolized hunting feats, and now represent conservation success stories.

Leave a Mark as a Research Volunteer

Your commitment extends beyond the safari. It intertwines with the project’s conservation mission, advocating for the protection of Africa's cherished wildlife.

Lion posing at the Big Five and Wildlife Research project in South Africa.

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.

Volunteers on a game drive at Shamwari Conservation Experience in Port Elizabeth.

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.

Volunteer doing notes at the Big Five & Wildlife Research project in Kruger National Park.

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.

Wild dogs looking at the water in South Africa.

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

Game Drives & The Big Five
Make a Difference Through Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife Conservation Research and Analysis
Additional Activities
Leopard yawing near Kruger National Park.

Why we love THIS WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE

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African Big 5

Experience an unforgettable journey with expert field guides and researchers on exhilarating safari drives through South Africa's game reserves, where you'll observe and study the majestic African 'Big 5.'

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Greater Kruger Area

Visit the picturesque Greater Kruger Area of South Africa, known for its stunning landscapes and frequent sightings of the 'Big 5,' while contributing to essential conservation initiatives

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physical conservation work

Engage in physical conservation work, including removing snares and eradicating invasive species, to ensure the continued survival of wildlife and the overall success of wildlife conservation initiatives within the Greater Kruger area.

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Make a tangible impact

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.

Thank you for getting in touch with us!

We aim to respond within 2 business days. Please check your inbox and SPAM folder for our message. If you don't receive a response within this time frame, feel free to reach out directly at travel@lostadventures.com.
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