Join Africa's award-winning conservation program
Volunteer with globally recognised conservation initiatives
Wildlife ACT offers an unrivalled volunteer experience and is Africa's only WWF-partnered conservation program dedicated to ethical conservation and ecosystem restoration. Join small teams of no more than six wildlife volunteers to tackle critical challenges for endangered species in both nationally proclaimed and privately owned wildlife reserves.
Volunteer With Endangered Species
- Experience “Big 5” reserves situated in Africa’s biodiversity hotspot
- Work with Black Rhinos, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Lions, Elephants and more.
- Join our multiple award-winning conservationists
- Maximum 6 people
- Real Africa, real conservation guaranteed
Marine Conservation Volunteering
- Conserving tropical paradise.
- Marine and terrestrial conservation work.
- Turtle monitoring, endangered Turtle conservation, data collection, species protection and more
- Maximum 4 volunteers, working alongside experts
Protect Endangered Vultures
- Volunteer in a spectacular World Heritage Site.
- Work with Bearded and Cape Vultures.
- Nest monitoring, maintaining Vulture-safe feeding sites, and emergency response.
- Maximum 3 people working alongside experts
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African Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Management Course
A four week course offering practical, hands-on training, underpinned by course material carefully developed by experts.
Provides a unique understanding of the most up to date, in-field conservation techniques and practices, for nature enthusiasts or those considering a career in conservation.
Become an integral part of Wildlife ACT’s ongoing conservation programs.
A Day in the Life of an Endangered Wildlife Volunteer.
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Why Wildlife Conservation Matters in Africa
Endangered species in Africa face several challenges, including habitat loss, poaching, climate change, pollution, and human-wildlife conflict.
Since 2008, we have partnered with high-profile and International organisations including WWF, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Panthera and Wildtrust, to tackle some of our biggest endangered and priority species conservation challenges.
Why Join Wildlife ACT as a Volunteer?
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“Wow! What a live changing experience. I spent 2 weeks in the bush with the Wildlife ACT team and it will be something I remember and treasure for the rest of my life. A must do once in a lifetime experience!”
Honestly magical. This trip will forever stay with me. The people, the bush, the vibes. Nothing will beat staying off the grid in the middle of the park with like-minded people from around the world. From the monitors to the other volunteers, everyone was incredibly welcoming. I will definitely be coming back in a heartbeat.
Awesome!! I loved the time I spent on this project!! Everything was very organised and easy. I loved being out in the field! The animals and scenery are incredible and tracking the animals is a lot of fun! I'm a massive animal lover, and for the first time being to South Africa (first time being out of Australia) I'm just in awe of all the animals here!! Our monitors were great! They knew so much and could answer any question we threw at them and were always ready for a chat! Their attitude towards the animals that came along was awesome - always sharing information they knew!
Overall, I am very happy to have had the chance to experience such a unique volunteering opportunity. Seeing what real conservation looks like and being able to learn about the wildlife and diverse ecosystem in South Africa, was really special. I observed so many unimaginable things that will stick with me forever. I feel good about my contribution to the work being done, even if it was a small effort. Every bit counts. I will be forever grateful to have seen, heard, smelled all the beauty and to have met some good people along the way. Best decision I ever made to join Wildlife ACT.
Excellent. Best volunteer project I have ever done. I did not want to leave! So many amazing sightings and experiences. Excellent staff and accommodation. Well-organised and packed programme. There were many highlights, including the darting of three Cheetahs, a Hyena call-up and sightings of young Lion cubs.
Overall, my experience with Wildlife ACT was wonderful. I felt welcomed by my monitors and other volunteers. I believe we had a really good group. The field work was interesting and easy to pick up! I enjoy writing data down and feeling like putting an active contribution on monitoring these endangered species. I was very pleased that it met my expectations on responsible conservation. I put a lot of effort into making sure I was making a good decision to aid in actual conservation efforts and not impact the surrounding communities negatively.
It was amazing as usual. No complaints. I have already made another booking. It’s hard to believe that this is already my third time working alongside the one monitor who has come so far since our first meeting and has a wealth of information. His passion and enthusiasm for his job immediately draws you into his world. I feel that over the last few years, I always learn something new. Great monitors have a way of bringing back us returning volunteers - creating a family, and welcoming us home.
I loved it. The interaction you have with the animals, the tracking/monitoring and checking up on them, you really get close to nature and experience what happens in and around it. My passion for conservation, specifically for the animals we worked with, really became so much bigger. It was really amazing.
More volunteer information
- Our wildlife conservation work spans across multiple South African protected areas. We’re proud to partner with private, community-owned, and government-managed reserves in Zululand, including Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (Africa’s oldest game reserve, established in 1895) and Manyoni Private Game Reserve. This offers volunteers the chance to experience diverse natural environments, unlike programs that limit them to a single reserve. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, our provincial conservation authority.
- Wildlife ACT offers an unmatched experience in conservation, working with diverse species—including the “Big 5” and the African Wild Dog and Cheetah. We have earned overwhelmingly positive reviews across various platforms.
- We limit participation up to six wildlife volunteers per reserve at a time, avoiding the overcrowded "safari" experience with large groups of 10 volunteers in one vehicle or up to 30 volunteers on one private reserve.
- Our team is highly qualified, with founders like Dr. Simon Morgan holding a PhD in Black Rhino Ecology, and Chris Kelly, an experienced wildlife monitor and conservationist.
- Wildlife ACT is a founding partner of Project Rhino KZN and serves on South Africa's Wild Dog Advisory Group. Our founding members are also trustees of the Wildlife ACT Fund.
- We’re a proud organisational member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and aim to advance our vision of broad-scale biodiversity conservation through endangered species and community-based conservation.
Wildlife ACT seeks passionate individuals who want their time and funds to support genuine wildlife conservation efforts. If you're ready to join a professional team, make a real impact, and experience conservation work in Africa, then you are the kind of conservation volunteer we are looking for!
- Anyone 18+ with a positive attitude, proficient in spoken English, in good health, and reasonable physical fitness can join. Volunteers work in remote locations, so it’s important to share any allergies or medical conditions in advance to ensure your safety and avoid any potential issues.
- To apply, simply fill out our online form, no obligations!
1 - Make contact with us - Fill out our simple online application form to become a conservation volunteer.
2 - Talk to an Expert - One of our friendly and helpful reservations managers will guide you through the process and make sure your plans come together.
3 - Pay your deposit - When you are happy with everything, you can secure your place by paying your 30% deposit. 70% of your remaining balance will be due four weeks before you arrive in Africa.
4 - Book your flights - You will be responsible for booking your own flights. We’ll take care of your airport transfers and transport you to the reserve. Please confirm the arrival and departure schedules for our volunteer programs before booking your flights:
Volunteer with Endangered Species in Zululand
Volunteer with Vultures in the Drakensberg
Marine Conservation Volunteering in the Seychelles
Our team is available for advice and updates, and we guarantee a prompt response to any inquiries. Most volunteers stay 4–12 weeks, with a minimum of two weeks in Zululand wildlife reserves. Our small groups (up to six volunteers per reserve) ensure a personalised wildlife volunteer experience. Depending on your stay, you may have the chance to work across multiple wildlife reserves.
Apply now and start planning your impactful adventure!