Big 5 Wildlife Project
Make a difference with the Big 5 in Kruger, South Africa
Volunteering In Kruger National Park
Volunteering in Kruger National Park offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in wildlife conservation while immersing yourself in one of the world’s most iconic natural landscapes.
By contributing to critical conservation efforts, you play a vital role in preserving endangered species and protecting the untamed African bush. The experiences you gain will be unforgettable, from witnessing the raw beauty of Africa’s wildlife to learning hands-on skills in environmental research.
Every moment spent in Kruger will not only enhances your understanding of conservation but also leaves a lasting impact on the preservation of this precious wilderness, and of course not to forget spending time with the big 5!
Overview of the Big 5 Wildlife Project
You will be conducting vital research and collecting important data, as you learn how to monitor some of Africa’s most iconic and precious species, including the Big 5.
You will play an important role to ensure the success of our conservation efforts as well as collecting useful research. You will gain valuable knowledge and skills, as you learn from our team and experts about animal movements and behaviour of elephant herds and lion prides.
All this vital data that you will help collect will contribute to enabling local wildlife foundations to protect and conserve these species. As well as the data helping to support out rangers and research who work to identify the issues and threats surrounding African animals.
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Prepare to discover what it truly takes to sustain the iconic ‘Big 5’ for future generations. As a volunteer, you’ll be actively involved in crucial conservation efforts that are foundational to the long-term success of internationally renowned wildlife trusts and foundations. Your work will be instrumental in ensuring these magnificent species continue to thrive, contributing to the global mission of preserving our natural heritage
Project Highlights
Daily game drives: Take to the bush and pick up top tips and guidance on how to collect valuable data. This data is essential to combat poaching, starvation and misinformed culling.
Physical Conservation: Conservation is more than just collecting data. This includes removing invasive plants and litter collections in the area, to enable habitats to flourish as they should.
You will also be involved in essential snare sweeps and discarding of these wire traps, which can be fatal for any animal.
You will analyse data, used to create reports, maps and individual animal profiles. You will learn how to use whisker patterns, scar and ear notches to identify individual animals.
Monitor and observe the behaviour, feeding patterns and movements of elephant herds. Collect data on lion prides, including vital data on social dynamics, hunting skills and territorial behaviour at different times of the day. Study the rhino population and work with the anti-poaching team to provide more data to better understand the health of rhinos.
Conduct vital research on the leopard population, under threat from persecution by humans, due to outdates population numbers.
About the Location & Accommodation
Location
Bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park, the Greater Kruger Area is an appealing alternative to the national park itself. Referring to many private game reserves located along the recently unfenced border with Kruger National Park, there is an abundance of free-roaming game between the Greater Kruger Area & the National Park
Just 45 minutes away lies one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations, Kruger National Park- a true safari paradise. With breath-taking landscapes & the iconic Big 5, you will witness some of nature’s most incredible sights with an abundance of wildlife right at your fingertips.
Accommodation
Located just 45 minutes away from the world-famous Kruger National Park, you will be living right in the heart of the Greater Kruger Area; a wildlife paradise in South Africa.
You will be living out your African experience in our spacious thatched lodge, with a stunning swimming pool, sitting on 18 hectares. Dumela Lodge has eight large rooms that can each sleep between 2-6 people and 4 rondawels, for either single rooms or rooms that can also sleep, 2-6 people. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning, for those hot African days.
The nearest town is Hoedspruit, just 30 minutes away from your volunteer base with a weekly town trip on offer
Pricing & Start Dates
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
And There’s More
- Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa.
- Kruger is recognized as the home to the “Big 5,” including the lion, the elephant, the rhino, the leopard and the buffalo.
- Kruger spans nearly 20,000 kms, (nearly the size of Wales and slightly smaller than Belgium!)
- The Kruger National Park & the Greater Kruger Area have an unfenced border, allowing for the game to freely roam between the national park and surrounding conservancies.
- Kruger National Park has the largest variety of wildlife compared to any other park in Africa, with 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.
Apply for this volunteering project
Pricing Starts
From $3555 for 2 weeks. Your weekly cost will be reduced if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a returning volunteer.
Quick Facts
Kruger, South Africa
Starts Every Monday
2 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Wildlife
Project Includes:
The project includes volunteer accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes:
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
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