About Us Covid-19 Updates Flexible Booking How to Get Started Why Volunteer with IVHQ? As a volunteer, you will explore and see all that Africa has to offer, join exciting activities and meet like … Join the only Fair Trade Tourism certified wildlife volunteer program in Africa supported by WWF and contribute to some of the most important and exciting endangered and priority species conservation work being done on the ground, by the professionals. Different African animals, such as mammals, birds or predators are found in the national parks as well as in countryside of the continent. Africa is home to a variety of different endangered species. With the rate at which the human population is increasing in many African countries, the protected wildlife reserves are under ever increasing pressures. The African Rock Python, for example, is one of the largest species of python worldwide and the largest snake on the continent. Usually, the male Elephants live by themselves, but sometimes they can be detected in small groups with other male members of their species. That is … Traditional farming and other practices do not tend to be very sustainable; clearing land and exhausting resources. The conservation and management of these areas to protect habitats and the wildlife species that they support is of vital importance. Options are plenty! Be ready to gain hands-on experience in working with rescued and orphaned animals and learn about a variety of African wildlife. Do you want to use your time and skills to volunteer in Africa and protect endangered wildlife? The largest Elephants can get as big as 7.5 meters in length, 3.3 meters tall and weigh up to 6 tons. near Hoedspruit, South Africa. In some regions, the population has decreased up to 80%. Volunteering with elephants in Africa. If this animal feels disturbed in their environment, they can be unpredictable and unstoppable. Also critically endangered are the Mountain Gorillas. Tasks as a wildlife volunteer for wildlife volunteer programs in Africa may include the following: Be sure to do some research on each program to find out exactly what they stand for and what their objective is. Counting up to five million species in the last century, the population of the Elephant has reduced massively. Take this chance and join one of the projects abroad where your help is needed and you get the opportunity to witness these astounding creatures in their natural habitat. When seeing the Rhino, most people get the impression that it dates from the Stone Age due to its peculiar, primitive look. All program fees are charged directly by your volunteer organization. They can be found in the Virunga Volcanic Mountains in Central Africa or in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda and are the rarest great apes in the world. However, there are some major positives about these types of project. But why are so many of the above mentioned species endangered? Luckily the Lion was included in 1993. Another species that is counted amongst the ‘Big Five’ is the Buffalo. It isn’t only the Lion, the Elephant and the Rhino who belong to the national group of endangered species. Nowadays, the term has been adapted by tourist guides as a national term that stands for the continent’s most popular animals. Most of Africa’s impressive wildlife is situated in the southern part of the continent. In order to counteract the decline of the lion population, different African wildlife conservation projects have been organized over the past years. This program is now open and accepting international volunteers as of November 1st 2020, schedule a call with us to find out more. Volunteers on this project work with a range of animals, from monkeys to lions. Become a wildlife volunteer and care for cheetahs, leopards, lions and African wild dogs. Causes for this rapid decline include disease and human interference. If you have relevant conservation experience or qualifications, or are looking for a project for an elective, or as part of your studies then please get in touch. Programs that are dedicated to reversing the downward trend in their population rely on the help of wildlife volunteers to contribute to African wildlife conservation. Seeing one of the ‘Big Five' in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that volunteers will never forget. The most popular penguin is referred to as the jackass penguin or black-footed penguin. 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. Throughout Africa, you can see first hand how urbanisation, agriculture, mining, and other human activities have plagued local wildlife habitats for decades. Join Our Wildlife Volunteer Projects UPDATE: Our Zululand Projects are open to international travelers! Since 2005 we have placed over 1000 international volunteers into programs in education, conservation and social development in the greater Wild Coast region. Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary. How much does it cost to volunteer in Africa? Yes, volunteer work in Africa offers you ample opportunity to experience all of this, but in reality, there’s so much more to the African continent. It is a name for South Africa’s most popular animals; lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, and leopards. The diverse landscapes are home to the most iconic animals in Africa, such as the legendary “Big 5” – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo. Whether you volunteer for 2 weeks or 3 months all of the work you do will contribute to long-term conservation projects that aim to restore hope back to the animals that call Africa home! During your volunteer experience abroad you should definitely watch sharks and dolphins, as the coasts contain a high diversity of marine animals. Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue and care of orphaned, injured, abandoned, abused or confiscated wild animals in southern Africa. There’s a good chance you will be able to tick off the Leopard from your ‘Big Five’ list of animals to see. Projects will include tasks like: Animal sanctuaries are focused on helping injured or sick animals. Go Volunteer Africa’s wildlife conservation projects will involve this area of work, with early starts often being vital for the best results. Each program will have a different specialty. This project is a life-changing experience that enables you to see first-hand the difference that your efforts have on the reserve and within the local community! Africa is home to some of the most diverse and thriving ecosystems in the world. Africa. Covid-19: Where you can go & flexible booking . Volunteer at one of the largest and most successful wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation centers in Africa! In contrast to the Buffalos, Leopards are rather trustworthy and have gotten used to the recurring safari tourists in cross country vehicles over the past years. Destination: South Africa. Other excellent destinations with great wildlife programs are Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Botswana, and Malawi. But did you know that it is still possible to see these beautiful creatures? Here you will get information on how to volunteer in Africa with animals. Sadly, the Rhino is endangered. Africa also offers a variety of reptiles, such as snakes, tortoises, lizards and crocodiles. Multiple research has demonstrated that volunteering leads to better health and a healthier state of mind. Lion species are mainly found in the savanna grasslands, but their habitat originally includes most of the continent except the rainforest and the Sahara desert. Experience Zimbabwe 's natural beauty while making a positive impact on the delicate African ecosystem. Volunteering in Africa is a great way for you to make a lasting impact on the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. We have award-winning, Fair Trade Tourism certified wildlife volunteering opportunities currently running in South Africa and the Seychelles. Volunteers with a passion for wildlife can witness the most exotic endangered creatures up close and contribute to their conservation. That alone is reason enough for many people to pack their bags and join a conservation project abroad. Would you like to work in wildlife sanctuaries, spend time tracking wildlife or great apes, conduct research and/or teach local communities about the importance of protecting natural habitats? Wähle dein Ziel für Freiwilligenarbeit in Afrika und leiste via Volunteering Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe! If you are fascinated by wildlife and you always wanted to volunteer in Africa, this is your chance. We guide you through a safe and easy application process. Similar to the Rhino, the Lion is considered an endangered species with an estimated 30-50% decline over the late half of the twentieth century. 4 Weeks wildlife volunteer working on over 12 conservation projects in the greater Kruger National park (South Africa). The term was originally used during the 19th and 20th centuries by professional hunters referring to the five most difficult and dangerous species to hunt. Volunteers under this program are placed at a wildlife reserve area, which is a huge 6000 hectares land, located around 45 minutes outside mainland Port Elizabeth; filled with a variety of game, birdlife and wild animals, including the BIG 5! Help local conservationists with a range of protection and research activities. Diese werden auch für die vielen afrikanischen Wildlife-Projekte gesucht, in denen du ebenfalls als Volunteer tätig werden kannst. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with all events coming straight in your mailbox: Africa is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife and unrivaled National Parks, game reserves and vast wilderness areas. Experience the warmth of this continent in and experience the life-changing impact of volunteering with African wildlife! If you answered yes in both cases, you have come to the right place! We’ve covered the land creatures but there is also a lot going on regarding marine life here. Besides creating a connection with the local community, you will also connect with other volunteers who have the same goal as you and similar interests in wildlife. The Nile crocodile is similarly categorized as the Python. Visit this project. Each application will be reviewed by our Volunteer Department staff. As a result, numerous wildlife species face extinction. The Wildlife Volunteering Program in South Africa is an exciting opportunity for all wildlife enthusiasts looking to volunteer abroad with animals. The diversity of the region is unparalleled; savannahs, forests, rainforests, and waterfalls are just a short drive away. Sadly, it’s also home to many species in danger of extinction. Become an African wildlife volunteer today. If you want to witness unique wildlife, this is the perfect place for wildlife volunteering. Due to its different climate zones, ranging from a tropical to a subarctic climate, Africa boasts a variety of scenery from green forests to arid deserts and is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife. VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA. If you want to get up close and personal with the birds and wildlife from South Africa (and beyond) and don't mind getting your hands dirty then African Dawn is the place to be! An excellent opportunity for those planning or developing a career in field guiding and many other wildlife-orientated careers and is a natural next step after completing the Apprentice Field Guide Course. Work with endangered wildlife in Africa and protect vital ecosystems. You will get hands-on experience in conservation efforts and care-taking activities if you are volunteering in a rescue center. Wildlife Rehab Centre. Help their incredible staff with conservation efforts and experience close encounters with a range of... Go to Project. University students who are studying geography may be more interested in the research-heavy voluntary work while others may want to take their minds off work or studying and are looking for some physical labor. Its population has declined by 90 percent since the 1970s and there are no more than five species remaining today. As you might know, the tropical regions of Africa have one of the most spectacular diversity of bird- and insect life. The first animal belonging to Africa’s Big Five is the African Elephant. In order to help the endangered animals on this continent, different conservation programs in Africa have been established in the last decades and they have accomplished important work in both the conservation of endangered animals as biodiversity conservation. Volunteer Africa 32 Degrees South is a South African based volunteer organisation. There are Let’s see how planning a volunteer trip can be done in 5 simple and easy steps: Volunteering is always a unique experience and each animal conservation project in Africa will be different. Life experiences like this provide volunteers with valuable baggage that can prove helpful in the future. We are driven by the desire to support and enable worthwhile wildlife conservation work and create worldwide ambassadors for conservation. Volunteer for African conservation of wildlife to support wildlife conservation projects and give these magnificent creatures the chance to keep gracing our planet. View our Wildlife Volunteer opportunities below. Due to illegal poaching and human-animal conflicts, many famous wildlife species like elephants, rhinos or the big cats are endangered and in need of protection. Wildlife Volunteer Projects Africa; WILDLIFE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER PROJECTS AFRICA. Since 2005 we have placed over 1000 international volunteers into programs in education, conservation and social development in the greater Wild Coast region. Do you also want to do something meaningful? Volunteer Africa 32 Degrees South is a South African based volunteer organisation. You are not sure where to begin? You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. However, the number of natural habitats and ecosystems are slowly decreasing and because of this, seldom can you see wild animals and other native wildlife. This plan was founded in 1982 for the conservation of the Asian Lion. Volunteering in Africa is a great way for you to make a lasting impact on the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. If you love the idea of taking safari lodge guests from all over the world out on walking and game drive safaris and teaching them fascinating facts about the abundant wildlife and diverse environment surrounding them, then our one-year Professional Field Guide course is for you. Essentially, the more species of wildlife found in a given area, the healthier that whole ecosystem is. That Africa has a lot to offer would be an understatement. At African Conservation Experience, we give people with a passion for wildlife the chance to volunteer with animals in Africa. If you get the chance to see the Elephant in the wild, you will notice that they never appear alone. Whether you’re learning to track elephants across the wilderness, giving an orphaned rhino calf her afternoon feed, or racing into the bush to help a wounded giraffe – as a conservation volunteer in Africa you’ll get hands-on in the fight to save the continent’s enchanting wildlife. In 2009, the first white lion was introduced back into the wild which has increased the population ever since. Can you guess their national animal? However, there are some major positives about these types of project. Volunteer in Africa with animals and help to protect the Big Five and all the other fascinating African wildlife roaming the continent. Are you wondering: Where will I go as a wildlife conservation volunteer in Africa? The volunteer work experience will also bring you in touch with the local community which will be a wonderful opportunity for cultural interchange. Although this is a great development, we aren’t there yet and help is always needed. With Conservation Travel Africa, you can volunteer with animals in some of the most incredible locations in Africa. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression later in life. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, the biggest impacts on the wild Elephants are: Another member of the ‘Big Five’ is the Rhino. Wildlife Research and Conservation. Our exciting Field Guide FGASA Level 1 Course will give you all the skills and experience you need to be capable of conducting game drives and interpreting the surrounding wildlife for safari guests. In wildlife conservation projects, volunteers won’t get as close to the animals but they will spend a lot of time in nature where they will help protect these species. The World's Largest Volunteer Abroad Comparison Platform. Within six to twelve months after your time with us as a wildlife research volunteer, you will receive an expedition report with full details on how your expedition contribution was spent on running this volunteer project in South Africa and supporting its research work in leopard and African species conservation. This is your chance to help and it will change your life! The Big Five live in the south of the Sahara and are a must-see when you volunteer with African animals. window.tgpQueue.add('tgpli-6079c5e596e0c'). degradation of the animals’ natural habitat through deforestation and extraction of natural resources, Observing and tracking animals; game count, Restoration and rehabilitation of the reserve and landscapes, Maintenance of the reserve as healthy breeding ground, Find the volunteer organization that fits your requirements. Awarded 2nd place at the World Responsible Tourism Awards for Best for Wildlife … Please see our Stay Safe COVID-19 Protocols We have also extended our Special Rate for South Africans. Here a few facts you might not have known about Africa’s most famous national park: First you should find the right volunteer project for animals in Africa. Camp Verde, AZ 86322. Wildlife Conservation Volunteer: Attracting and Caring for Native Wildlife The wonders of nature are overwhelming. At first glance, they seem to be rather calm and inactive, but don’t be deceived. We believe travelling to Africa as a wildlife conservation volunteer is one of the best ways to experience the stunning natural wonders the African continent has to offer. The project offers a true perspective of the problems facing African Wildlife, and allows guests to give something back to the continent’s conservation efforts. Conservation entails sound, scientific and ethical research. Although the number of projects is less abundant in these areas, the projects are not less spectacular. Last but not least, there is the African Lion. Volunteer for animal volunteer programs in Africa and support wildlife conservation efforts. During your time as a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer, you will be living in the Greater Kruger Region of South Africa. Volunteer Encounter is dedicated to wildlife and environmental conservation as well as community development and commitment to making a difference in the world, leaving our mark one volunteer project at a time. They are generally based in some of the most unspoilt and stunning natural areas in Africa and they get you behind the scenes of places that tourists will often pay large amounts of money to visit on holiday. Other regular visitors are the Humpback- and Bryde’s whales. Depending on our needs, you may be contacted for an interview or further assessment. All our volunteer programmes are run by organisations with a track record of long term environmental or community principles. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted. The time is now and helping the environment and Africa’s wildlife is possible, with you on the team! Each of these creatures is threatened and relies on the support of volunteer programs to ensure its future. It is time to act now! Volunteer South Africa Wildlife. Volunteer and experience the satisfaction of knowing you are helping endangered species. 113,955 volunteers since 2007. Have you always wanted to explore the unique blend of culture, wildlife, and landscapes of Africa? Explore the African wilderness and gain an insight and understanding of African wildlife, habitats and ecology. Wildlife conservation volunteering in Africa is often not glamorous and can be hard work at times. The Wildlife Volunteering Program in South Africa is an exciting opportunity for all wildlife enthusiasts looking to volunteer abroad with animals. Whether you volunteer for 2 weeks or 3 months all of the work you do will contribute to long-term conservation projects that aim to restore hope back to the animals that call Africa home! In a first step it is important to find out for which species you want to protect: Have you ever heard of the Big Five when people talk about Africa? Kruger National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the ‘Big 5’ - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Volunteer for African wildlife conservation and meet the most exotic creatures on our planet. It is the Springbok - a small, white gazelle. They are generally based in some of the most unspoilt and stunning natural areas in Africa and they get you behind the scenes of places that tourists will often pay large amounts of money to visit on holiday. We are driven by the desire to support and enable worthwhile wildlife conservation work and create worldwide ambassadors for conservation. Educating local communities on the benefits of conservation is crucial if much of the planet’s wildlife is to stand a chance of surviving. Help them stand a chance in a world where their environment is threatened and they are slowly but surely becoming endangered species. Here are a few tasks you can expect as a wildlife conservation volunteer in Africa. Other animals such as the Grevy’s Zebra are also endangered. We have volunteers from all over the world who come and help out at the sanctuary. Based on a beautiful stretch of golden beach on the West Coast of Ghana you will contribute to valuable efforts to conserve the local environment, habitat and nesting turtles and promote the importance of doing so within the surrounding fishing communities and to tourists. Here you will find volunteer opportunities across Africa. It’s real Africa, real conservation, and the experience of a lifetime. Conservation volunteer projects are essential for protecting Africa’s beautiful wildlife against these risks. This will entail more maintenance work of the reserve for example. Elephants are organized in herds consisting of related female Elephants and their calves. It is understandable that communities living in poverty use the available land and wildlife for food and to meet their needs. Take the African Spurred Tortoise as an example. If you are passionate about wild animals and want to make a difference in their lives, then volunteer at the African Wildlife Ranch! This species may be the largest tortoise on the continent but isn’t dangerous. It is the largest living land mammal in the world. This is so much more than just a wildlife sanctuary project. Join one of these projects for … Wildlife volunteer in Africa: In Africa you can also find lots of projects which focus on protecting a specific animal species. One program may focus more on the research aspect and finding out more about a certain species while another program will have as their main aim to protect their habitat. Preserve iconic African wildlife in South Africa's spectacular Kruger National Park.