The Kruger Project
Working Holiday
Make a difference with the Big 5 in Southern Africa.
The Kruger National Park Working Holiday
It doesn’t get much better than this!
The Kruger Project is an engaging Big Five wildlife conservation volunteer program in South Africa, offering volunteers the opportunity to support anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife monitoring, and habitat protection in the Greater Kruger region.
This project combines practical conservation experience with unforgettable encounters with Africa’s most iconic species
Overview of the Kruger
The Kruger Project is a hands-on wildlife conservation volunteer program in South Africa, based in the iconic Greater Kruger region. This immersive conservation experience allows volunteers to actively participate in real-world wildlife protection while living and working in the African bush.
Volunteers support anti-poaching efforts, wildlife monitoring, habitat conservation, and conservation research, gaining practical experience alongside professional conservationists. From tracking elephants and rhinos to assisting with veterinary programs and drone monitoring, the Kruger Project offers meaningful conservation work combined with adventure and education.
This project is ideal for those seeking ethical wildlife volunteering, conservation travel, and an authentic African safari volunteer experience.
Project Highlights
Of the Kruger Project Working Holiday
- Wildlife conservation participating in the Greater Kruger region
- Big Five wildlife encounters (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo)
- Anti-poaching support and K9 Unit visits
- Wildlife monitoring, tracking, and conservation research
- Veterinary conservation program exposure
- Thermal drone monitoring for wildlife protection and Selati Game Drive (2 days, 1 night)
- Sunrise and night game drives
- Bush braais and cultural experiences
- Kruger National Park and Panorama Tour (3 days, 2nights)
Example of your Weekly Schedule
Monday
Orientation & Wildlife Monitoring
08:00 – Breakfast & weekly briefing
09:00 – Introduction to the conservation program and safety briefing
10:30 – Fieldwork: Wildlife monitoring and tracking on the reserve
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch break at the lodge
14:30 – Continued monitoring activities or reserve work
16:30 onwards – Free time at Ndzalama Lodge (pool, relaxation, social time)
19:00 – Dinner with the team
Tuesday
Veterinary Work & Reserve Management
08:00 – Breakfast & daily briefing
09:00 – Participation in veterinary-related conservation work (when scheduled) or habitat management tasks on the reserve
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch break
14:30 – Farm and reserve work supporting conservation operations
16:30 onwards – Free time at the lodge
19:00 – Dinner
Wednesday
Kruger National Park Safari
04:00 – Early departure for a full-day safari in Kruger National Park
09:00 – Breakfast stop inside the park
Morning – Guided safari and wildlife observation
13:00 – Lunch at a rest camp in the park
Afternoon – Continued game drive and conservation discussions
18:30 – Return to the lodge
19:00 – Dinner
Thursday
Anti-Poaching & Conservation Technology
08:00 – Breakfast & briefing
09:00 – Visit or activities with anti-poaching initiatives
11:30 – Introduction to conservation technology, including thermal drone operations
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch break
14:30 – Field activities or wildlife monitoring
16:30 onwards – Free time
19:00 – Dinner
Friday
06:30 – Breakfast
07:30 – Departure for the Panorama Route tour
Morning – Explore scenic highlights such as viewpoints, waterfalls, and natural landmarks
13:00 – Lunch stop along the route
Afternoon – Continue exploring the Panorama area
18:30 – Return to the lodge
19:00 – Dinner
Saturday
08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Hoedspruit town visit or local cultural experiences
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch at the lodge
Afternoon – Game drive or bush activities
Evening – Traditional bush braai and optional sleepover experience in the wild
Sunday
08:30 – Breakfast
Morning – Light conservation work, wildlife tracking, or optional activities
13:00 – Lunch
Afternoon – Free time to relax at the lodge, enjoy the pool, or explore the surroundings
19:00 – Farewell-style dinner with the group
Please note: This schedule is provided as a guideline to give an idea of a typical week. Activities, times, and locations may vary depending on weather, community needs, and other factors. Volunteers should remain flexible, and the project team will provide updates as needed.
About the Location
The Kruger Project is located in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa, one of Africa’s most important conservation landscapes. This vast wilderness borders Kruger National Park and is home to the Big Five, diverse ecosystems, and exceptional biodiversity.
The Greater Kruger area is internationally recognised for its conservation value, making it an ideal destination for volunteer conservation work in South Africa and wildlife research programs.
Participants fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). Airport transfers to the lodge are included, and full travel guidance is provided after booking.
Accommodation
Participants stay at Ndzalama Lodge, a private bush lodge located within the Greater Kruger region.
Accommodation includes:
- Shared double or triple rooms (single beds)
- Full-board meals prepared daily
- Swimming pool and communal areas
- On-site bar and relaxation spaces
- Regular wildlife sightings near the lodge
Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) are catered for with advance notice.
Pricing & Start Dates
Starts at GBP £2746
Starts Every Monday
2 weeks
Focus: Wildlife
Information
Pricing & Duration
£2764 for 2 weeks
Project Starting Times
The Kruger Project runs throughout the year.
Start dates vary depending on availability and conservation schedules.
If you’re interested in joining the project, please contact us to find out more about upcoming start dates and availability.
Project Includes
- Airport transfers to and from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)
- 14 days / 13 nights accommodation in the Greater Kruger region
- Three freshly prepared meals per day
- Full participation in all conservation and wildlife activities
- Guidance from professional conservation staff
- 24/7 in-country support
Project Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks at the lodge bar, souvenirs)
- Optional activities or excursions outside the program
And There’s More…
Participants in the Kruger Project may take part in:
- Wildlife monitoring and animal tracking
- Anti-poaching patrol support
- Veterinary conservation programs
- Thermal drone operations
- K9 anti-poaching unit visits
- Habitat and reserve maintenance
- Guided nature walks and seasonal hikes
- Kruger National Park safari experience
- Local community and cultural engagement
Activities vary depending on conservation priorities, wildlife movements, and seasonal conditions.
Thanks to its proximity to Hoedspruit, the Kruger Project offers more than just a remote conservation experience. Volunteers have the opportunity to explore nearby local markets, purchase souvenirs and crafts, enjoy cafés and restaurants, and take part in additional activities available in the area.
This ideal location provides the perfect balance between living in the African bush and having access to a lively safari town, making the Kruger Project both immersive and comfortable for international participants.