International Volunteer HQ
work experience

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer

Job description

Are you passionate about animals, love the outdoors, and dream of contributing to wildlife conservation? International Volunteer HQ’s Wildlife Conservation project at Greater Kruger National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of South Africa’s iconic wildlife reserve.

Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves, is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including the legendary Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. By joining this project, you’ll play an integral role in preserving the park’s ecosystem while gaining hands-on conservation experience.

Volunteer from as little as £16 / day. As a volunteer, you’ll start with an introductory training period, equipping you with knowledge about reserve management, bush ecology, and the significance of your contribution. Once training is complete, you’ll dive into a variety of activities, such as:

  • Orientation and Bushcraft Training: Learn animal identification, behavior patterns, bush navigation, and safety protocols for interacting with wildlife.
  • Game Drives and Transects: Monitor rare and endangered species and collect valuable data during field excursions.
  • Camera Trapping: Assist in setting up and analyzing camera traps to monitor wildlife movement.
  • Tree Protection: Safeguard trees like the Marula from elephant damage.
  • Habitat Surveys: Study vegetation, biodiversity, and habitat health.
  • Bird Point Counts: Conduct surveys to monitor bird populations.
  • Herbivore Dietary Analysis: Track and document feeding behaviors in large herbivores.
  • Animal Patrols and Mapping: Locate and map injured or at-risk animals through vehicle patrols.
  • Environmental Management: Participate in bush clearing, alien plant removal, erosion control, and disaster management for issues like wildfires or drought.
  • General Reserve Tasks: Contribute to manual labor, road maintenance, and other essential conservation tasks.

As a Wildlife Conservation volunteer in Kruger National Park you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Contributing to conservation efforts and wildlife protection
  • Learning about game reserve management and practices
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining wildlife conservation experience
  • Immersing yourself in South African culture
  • Exploring one of Africa’s biggest game reserves

Why Volunteer in Kruger, South Africa?

Kruger National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5 - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Originally established in 1898, Kruger became South Africa’s first official national park in 1926, and at nearly 2 million hectares it is one of Africa’s largest game reserves.

As a Wildlife Conservation volunteer you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of conservation work while being immersed in life on the reserve. You’ll be making a difference towards wildlife conservation and enjoying the spectacular environment that Greater Kruger National Park offers.

What's Included?

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Airport pick-up
  • Transport to and from your volunteer project
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

View programme fees

What we are looking for

View all volunteer requirements

Accepted degree subjects

Any

Additional job details

Location
South Africa
Salary
Unpaid

Contract, dates and working times
Temporary

Full-time

How to apply

Apply online for free via International Volunteer HQ’s website. Once you've been accepted on your chosen program, we will put you in touch with one of our dedicated volunteer travel experts who will work with you to support your trip abroad. We offer industry-leading low fees & flexible booking options.

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 20 December 2025

Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.

Closing date:  Continuous recruitment

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