Error-Id:
  • Home
  • Premium Programs New
  • Travel Guide Free
  • Premium Programs New
  • Travel Guide Free

Choose a language

Dansk Deutsch English Español Français Italiano Nederlands Norsk Português Svenska

Choose a currency

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Euro NZ-Dollar Pound Sterling Swiss Franc US-Dollar Norwegian krone Swedish krona Danish krone
close

Best Destinations 2025


  • Costa Rica

    Most popular
  • South Africa

  • Tanzania

  • Thailand

    Trending
  • Ecuador

  • Indonesia

Africa


  • Tanzania

    Zanzibar

  • Ghana

  • South Africa

    Cape Town

  • Namibia

  • Kenya

Asia


  • Nepal

  • Indonesia

    Bali

  • India

    Delhi

  • Thailand

    Asian Elephants

  • Sri Lanka

North & Central America


  • Costa Rica

  • Caribbean

    Dominican Republic

  • Belize

  • Mexico

  • United States

South America


  • Ecuador

    Galapagos

  • Chile

  • Colombia

  • Peru

    Cusco

  • Brazil

    Rio

Europe & Oceania


  • Spain

  • Portugal

  • Italy

  • Croatia

  • Australia

Western Africa


  • Cape Verde

  • Ghana

  • Senegal

Northern Africa


  • Egypt

  • Morocco

Eastern Africa


  • Kenya

  • Madagascar

  • Malawi

  • Mozambique

  • Rwanda

  • Seychelles

  • Tanzania

    Zanzibar

  • Uganda

  • Zambia

  • Zimbabwe

Middle Africa


  • Cameroon

Southern Africa


  • Botswana

  • Namibia

  • South Africa

    Cape Town

  • Swaziland

Middle East


  • Israel

  • Palestine

  • Turkey

Southern Asia


  • India

    Delhi

  • Maldives

  • Nepal

  • Sri Lanka

Eastern Asia


  • China

    Big Pandas

  • Mongolia

  • South Korea

South East Asia


  • Cambodia

  • Indonesia

    Bali

  • Laos

  • Malaysia

    Borneo

  • Philippines

  • Thailand

    Asian Elephants

  • Vietnam

North America


  • Canada

  • United States

Central America


  • Belize

  • Costa Rica

  • El Salvador

  • Guatemala

  • Honduras

  • Mexico

  • Nicaragua

  • Panama

Latin America


  • Argentina

    Buenos Aires

  • Bolivia

  • Brazil

    Rio

    Amazon Rainforest

  • Chile

  • Colombia

  • Ecuador

    Galapagos

  • Guyana

  • Paraguay

  • Peru

    Cusco

the Caribbean


  • Cuba

  • Dominican Republic

  • Grenada

  • Jamaica

Europe


  • Albania

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Croatia

  • France

  • Greece

  • Hungary

  • Iceland

  • Ireland

  • Italy

  • Moldova

  • Portugal

  • Romania

  • Russian Federation

  • Spain

  • Ukraine

  • United Kingdom

Oceania


  • Australia

    Great Barrier Reef

  • Fiji

  • French Polynesia

  • New Zealand

  • Papua New Guinea

close

Trending Topics 2025


  • Marine Conservation

    Marine Life

  • Education

    Teaching English

  • Diving

    Trending
  • Childcare

Good for


  • Under 18s

    High School

  • Groups

    Families

  • Over 50s & Seniors

  • Mission Trips (Short-term)

  • Low Budgets

Internships Abroad


  • Medical Training

    Nursing

  • Psychology

  • Veterinary Training

  • Biology & Environment

  • Business & Marketing

Environment & Conservation


  • Environment & Conservation

  • Farming & Agriculture

  • Marine Conservation

  • Round Trips & Camps

Humanitarian Aid


  • Childcare & Daycare Support

  • Healthcare

    Medical Mission Trips

  • Special Needs & Disabilities

  • Sports

    Soccer

    Surfing

  • Education

    Teaching English

Community Services


  • Building & Construction

  • Community Development

  • Culture & Arts

  • Human & Women's Rights

  • NGO Management

Wildlife Conservation


  • Animal Shelter

    Cats

    Dogs

  • Elephants

  • Horses

  • Orangutans

  • Primates

    Monkeys

  • Sloth Sanctuary

  • Animal Protection

Marine Life


  • Dolphins

  • Great White Sharks

  • Penguins

  • Scuba Diving

    Coral Reefs

  • Sea Turtles

  • Whales

  • Whale Sharks

African Wildlife


  • African Elephants

  • Cheetahs

  • Gorillas

  • Lemurs

  • Leopards

  • Lions

  • Rhinos

Volunteer Abroad Leopard Conservation

Leopard Conservation Volunteer

Volunteer for leopard conservation projects and learn more about the fascinating but shy 'Big Five' safari...

Volunteer for leopard conservation projects and learn more about the fascinating but shy 'Big Five' safari. Leopard populations are shrinking due to habitat loss and hunting for illegal wildlife trade, so it is time to act and support leopard conservation efforts abroad!

Your conservation work with leopards will lead you to South Africa, Namibia or Botswana where you can either support a wildlife sanctuary or engage in animal research activities in the wild. Set up camera traps, survey prey species and collect data for identification databases to help and protect these endangered animals.

banner
Activities Rhino Conservation Elephant Conservation African Leopard Animal Africa Southern Africa Wildlife Conservation Lion Conservation Southwest African Lion South Africa Antelope Conservation Anti Poaching White Rhino Bush Elephant Black Rhino African Elephant Giraffe Conservation Planting Trees Tiger Conservation Bengal Tiger Masai Giraffe Hotspots Zebra Conservation Cheetah Conservation South African Cheetah Mountain Zebra African Buffalo Buffalo Conservation Hyena Conservation Spotted Hyena Kudu Premium Impala National Park Bushbuck Animal Sanctuary Caracal Conservation Caracal African Wild Dog Conservation Monkey Conservation Cape Wild Dog Baboon Namibia Windhoek Meerkat Conservation Meerkat Southern Giraffe Port Elizabeth Plains Zebra Springbok Jackal Conservation Black-backed Jackal Sumatran Tiger Bird Conservation Eagle Intern Abroad Veterinary Training Street Animals Athens Northern Giraffe Southern Europe Europe Greece Brown Hyena Warthog Conservation Common Warthog Hippo Conservation South African Hippo Eland Antelope Blue Wildebeest Capuchin Monkey Elephant Research Masai Lion Golden Jackal Vegan Amur Tiger Side-striped Jackal Safari Johannesburg Ostrich East African Wild Dog Vervet Monkey Mongoose Conservation Honey Badger Reptile Conservation Wildcat Conservation Badger Conservation Crocodile Ocelot Leopardus Conservation Mongoose Owl Genet West African Lion Victoria Falls Voluntourism Volunteer and Travel Sloth Bear Delhi Indian Leopard Indian Elephant Asia Bear Conservation Southern Asia India Sea Otter Otter Conservation Tanzanian Cheetah Youth Teaching Education Kruger National Park Oryx Desert Elephant Black Wildebeest Eastern Africa Tanzania Arusha Serengeti Grants Gazelle Swaziland Shark Conservation Whale Shark Environment Kenya Conservation Work East African Hippo Waterbuck
Filter
Filter
 South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Plan My Gap Year

South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers

Excellent 4.9
(1307)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
638 €  per week · 1  ‑  4  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Be part of a life-changing experience that allows you to work behind the scenes on a world-class wildlife reserve in South Africa! 🦏 Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Phalaborwa, South Africa
LEO Africa

Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living

Perfect 4.7
(45)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
693 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Give your vital contribution towards wildlife conservation! Learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience! 🇿🇦 Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
Namibia Windhoek, Namibia
The Great Projects

Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

Fantastic 4.5
(109)
Video Flex Option
616 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Here you'll direct all of your efforts towards the long term rehabilitation of animals. Experience hands-on volunteering with baboons, small animals and much more! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Wildlife Supporter
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Stay Africa Volunteers

Wildlife Supporter

Brilliant 4.7
(194)
Video Flex Option
586 €  per week · 1  ‑  8  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer at our Big Five Game reserve, support the local staff in monitoring the animals and conserving the environment. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Big Cats Sanctuary
Life On Land
South Africa Stanford, South Africa
Panthera Africa

Big Cats Sanctuary

Fantastic 4.6
(16)
Video Flex Option
623 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Contribute to the well-being of big cats, help with daily tasks, maintenance, and be part of our mission to protect these majestic animals! 🦁 Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Endangered Species Conservation & Research
Life On Land
South Africa Waterberg, South Africa
Hamba Africa

Endangered Species Conservation & Research

Brilliant 4.8
(38)
Video Flex Option
698 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Join us in South Africa Work on ecological managment and wildlife research projects. Protect endangered species as you live and work on a 35,000-hectare reserve! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Veterinary Intern
Life On Land
Greece Thessaloniki, Greece
Cerca Abroad

Veterinary Intern

Outstanding 5.0
(122)
Video Flex Option
720 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Gain shadowing experience in veterinary clinics across Greece, shadow professionals, and assist with animal care, diagnostics, and treatments in a diverse setting. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Local Wildlife Rescue
Life On Land
Namibia Windhoek, Namibia
SAVE Foundation

Local Wildlife Rescue

Fantastic 4.6
(52)
Flex Option
631 €  per week · 2  ‑  8  weeks · Age  18+

Volunteer and Conserve the land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia and rescue species threatened by an ever-shrinking habitat. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Ethical Predator Sanctuary Assistant
Life On Land
South Africa Stanford, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Ethical Predator Sanctuary Assistant

Brilliant 4.8
(67)
Flex Option
760 €  per week · 2  ‑  8  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer at an extremely ethical predator sanctuary with the care of lions, tigers, leopard, caracal, serval and jackal in the beautiful Western Cape province. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Wildlife Research & Expedition
Quality Education Life On Land Partnerships For The Goals
South Africa Limpopo, South Africa
GVI

Wildlife Research & Expedition

Brilliant 4.7
(151)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
1270 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Travel to South Africa to work alongside trained field guides on critical wildlife conservation initiatives. 🐘 Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Endangered Species Protection
Life On Land
South Africa Hoedspruit, South Africa
SAVE Foundation

Endangered Species Protection

Fantastic 4.6
(52)
Flex Option
984 €  per week · 2  ‑  24  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

The Endangered Species Project allows you to participate in hands on monitoring of some of Africa’s most endangered species. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation
Life On Land
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Great Projects

Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

Fantastic 4.5
(109)
Video Flex Option
906 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  17+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer with the 'Big Five' and the Born Free Big Cat Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research
Life On Land
South Africa Sontuli, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Endangered Wildlife Monitoring and Research

Brilliant 4.8
(67)
Video Flex Option
796 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer with endangered species with a team of dedicated conservationists, researchers and wildlife experts on protected reserves- a true African bush experience Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Cheetah and Wildlife Centre Supporter
Life On Land
South Africa Bela-Bela, South Africa
Feracare Wildlife Centre

Cheetah and Wildlife Centre Supporter

Fantastic 4.5
(11)
Video Flex Option
855 €  per week · 1  ‑  8  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

We specialize in cheetah and take great pride in our breeding project. We house over 30 cheetah (including king cheetah) and a variety of other wildlife. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Wildlife Caretaker
Life On Land
South Africa Mbombela, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Wildlife Caretaker

Brilliant 4.8
(67)
Flex Option
597 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer out at a Wildlife Park as a Wildlife Caretaker with indigenous and exotic wildlife that have been rescued and now have safe sanctuary. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Supporter for Big Five Conservation
Life On Land
South Africa Hluhluwe, South Africa
The Great Projects

Supporter for Big Five Conservation

Fantastic 4.5
(109)
Video Flex Option
678 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Aid Africa's wildlife conservation by tracking extraordinary animals at some of the country's top game reserves, with a focus on the iconic ‘Big Five’! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Big 5 Wildlife Protection
Life On Land
South Africa Hoedspruit, South Africa
SAVE Foundation

Big 5 Wildlife Protection

Fantastic 4.6
(52)
Video Flex Option
984 €  per week · 2  ‑  24  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

This project offers you a unique experience and gives you the opportunity to observe and be a part of the research/monitoring teams on the reserve. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Volunteer on Game Reserve with Big 5 Animals
Life On Land
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Gapforce

Volunteer on Game Reserve with Big 5 Animals

Outstanding 4.9
(5)
Flex Option
750 €  per week · 2  ‑  4  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Relocate to the incredible setting of the South African bush for the animal encounter of a lifetime, working closely with the entire spectrum of safari wildlife on a work Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 India Highlights Voluntour
Life On Land
India Delhi, India
The Great Projects

India Highlights Voluntour

Fantastic 4.5
(109)
Flex Option
1875 €  per week · 1  ‑  1  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Spend 13 unforgettable days visiting top attractions and taking part in conservation activities in colourful India! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Big Five Conservation
Life On Land
South Africa Paterson, South Africa
Go With Khaya

Big Five Conservation

Great 4.4
(19)
Flex Option
781 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

At The Big Five Conservation Program, volunteers get to dive into the wild world, and experience elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
Show All 35 Programs
Volunteer Abroad Leopard Conservation

Working for Leopards Conservation

Are you intrigued by wild cats and excited to find out more about the leopard? Volunteering for one of the wild cat projects is the best way to learn everything there is to know about this mysterious animal. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, this is your time to help reverse the downward trend in the leopard population. Explore some of the most exotic locations our planet has to offer and admire this beautiful species up close. Volunteer for leopard conservation and help by observing and collecting data about these wild animals in their natural environment. Be the catalyst that ensures that this vulnerable species can continue to grace our planet.

Leopards are quite shy by nature and they remain somewhat of a mystery to most of us. Before we continue to tell you more about the volunteer opportunities to help this wild cat, let’s get to know this creature a little better. Here are a few facts about the leopard most of us might not have known:

  1. Leopards can be found in various places around the world – they live in Sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China.
  2. They are very solitary and spend most of their time alone. They each have their own territory, and leave scratches on trees, urine scent marks, and poop to warn other leopards to stay away! Males and females will cross territories, but only to mate.
  3. As a nocturnal animal, leopards are active at night when they venture out in search of food. They spend their days mostly resting, camouflaged in the trees, or hiding in caves.
  4. Most leopards are light-colored and have dark spots on their fur. These spots are called “rosettes” because their shape is similar to that of a rose. There are also black leopards whose spots are hard to see. In Asia and Africa, they’re referred to as black panthers.

Leopard conservation status in 2025

According to the IUCN, the leopard is categorized as vulnerable. There are different species spread across the world. The leopard that comes to most people’s minds is the African leopard which lives in Sub Saharan Africa.

Besides the fact that they are a beautiful wildlife species, you may wonder why it’s important to save this wild cat. They are ferocious carnivorous predators that prey on all types of innocent animals. Their preference is hoofstock like deer, impalas, and wildebeests but they aren’t picky eaters and will pounce on anything that crosses their path.

Without leopards in the wild, there would be a risk of overpopulation of certain species they prey on so they play an important role in keeping the ecosystem of their environment in balance. Volunteer and work for a conservation project with leopards to make sure they can continue to do what they are meant to do.

Why are Leopards endangered?

Do you wonder why leopards are currently an endangered wildlife species? Understanding how things have come so far may enable us to address the problem more effectively. A combination of different reasons is affecting the leopard population in the wild. It’s time to take on the challenge and prevent the continuation of this drastic downward trend. Continue reading to find out more about why this big cat is struggling to survive on our planet:

Poaching

Leopard fur remains a coveted commodity and their bones are considered a powerful healing potion in Chinese medicine. Illegal trade of this animal is steadily increasing and contributing to more poaching attempts.

Habitat Loss

Leopards need a vast area to thrive in the wild. Expanding human activity has significantly decreased this area due to the increase in new roads, mines, agriculture and economic development.

Climate Change

Climate change has put a strain on the environment in general. Changes in the natural habitat of these big cats are putting their future at risk.

Conflicts with communities

Communities sharing the same environment as leopards are often active in agriculture and cultivating livestock. This livestock is very easy prey for leopards. Communities are retaliating their attacks on their livestock by killing the feline animals.

There are enough reasons for volunteers to join forces and work with this exquisite form of wildlife. With a wide array of projects, it’s simply a matter of choosing the right project for you.

What leopard species are there?

Although most of us associate leopards with Africa, they are spread over different parts of the world from Africa to central Asia, Russian Federation, China and South East Asia. The most popular species is the African Leopard but there is also:

  • Indian leopard
  • Javan leopard
  • Arabian leopard
  • Anatolian leopard
  • Amur leopard
  • Indochinese leopard
  • Sri Lankan leopard

Their names usually indicate their geographic existence. The leopard you will most likely deal with in a leopard conservation volunteer project will be the African leopard.

Best places to work with leopards

Africa, here I come! Are you ready to explore one of the most exciting places in the world? Be prepared to admire this incredible creature in its natural habitat. Take the opportunity to discover the region and contribute to giving this lonesome traveler a fighting chance. Most leopards and big cat conservation programs are situated in the south of the African continent.

Discover natural gems such as Namibia, Botswana, South Africa or Tanzania while you embark on an adventure you will never forget. South Africa boasts the highest number of programs focused on leopard conservation. Head to the South African bush and indulge in the beauty of this magical country while contributing to work at a wildlife conservation project.

Africa
  • Namibia
  • South Africa
  • Swaziland
  • Tanzania
Asia
  • India
Europe
  • Greece

How can I help to save leopards?

If you’ve read this far, you obviously have a heart for leopards and have become concerned about leopard conservation in the wild. By joining a volunteer program for leopards, you are in for a once in a lifetime experience. Besides having an incredible story to tell, you will have actively contributed to protecting this endangered big cat. We will give you an idea of what you can expect from this volunteering journey and highlight some of the benefits you will get out of this wildlife adventure.

Your tasks as a conservation volunteer

Your tasks will depend on the wildlife organization you choose to work with as projects will differ. Some wildlife programs focus on observation of leopards and collecting data for future conservation attempts. Other programs will focus on caretaking activities for cats that have been injured and rescued from unfavorable circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at some of the tasks you may be facing during your volunteer experience at a project:

    ·
  • Caring for big cats
  • ·
  • Preparing food and feeding these cats
  • ·
  • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
  • ·
  • General farm work
  • ·
  • Educating visitors
  • ·
  • Monitoring numbers
  • ·
  • Monitoring feeding behavior, prey selection and kill frequency
  • ·
  • Monitoring social dynamics of the animals
  • ·
  • Collecting and analyzing data for reports and future action

Tasks will depend on whether you select a conservation project that is focused on conservation or a sanctuary which takes care of wounded animals. In the latter, you may have the chance to get up close to the leopards. You will get the chance to work with animals that are injured or unable to live in the wild. Both projects serve different purposes but are both in dire need of your help and support.

5 benefits of leopard conservation

Seeing leopards in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that volunteers will never forget. That alone is reason enough for many people to pack their bags. Continue reading to find out more about the 5 benefits of volunteering for leopard conservation.

Learning Opportunities

Not only will you learn more about leopards but also about their environment and the difficulties they are facing in the wild. You will get hands-on experience in conservation and caretaking activities. The conservation experience will also bring you in touch with the local community which will be a wonderful opportunity for cultural interchange.

Meet other people

Besides the local community, you will also connect with other volunteers who share the same goals and have similar interests in wildlife. Rest assured that you will make meaningful connections with other volunteers or project members that may last a lifetime.

Travel

If you’re an adventurer and love to travel, nothing will stop you from discovering your surroundings. Volunteering with wildlife will introduce you to the wild side of Africa and its biodiverse environment.

New Experiences

Volunteering is a brilliant way to expand your perspective of the world. Issues that seemed huge problems before, may seem trivial after your conservation experience. Life experiences like this provide volunteers with valuable baggage that can prove helpful in the future. Volunteer and witness how you become a stronger individual.

Health Improvements

Multiple research has demonstrated that volunteering leads to better health and a healthier state of mind. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression later in life. Volunteer with leopards and experience the satisfaction of knowing you are helping an endangered species. Volunteer abroad and see what it does for your health and happiness!

Volunteers who opt to work with wildlife and contribute to the conservation of this wild beauty will be giving back to the planet and reap the benefits of their hard work.

Choose a language

Dansk Deutsch English Español Français Italiano Nederlands Norsk Português Svenska

Choose a currency

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Euro NZ-Dollar Pound Sterling Swiss Franc US-Dollar Norwegian krone Swedish krona Danish krone
  • Sign Up as an Organization
  • About us
  • Press
  • Help Center
  • Blog
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Terms
  • Legal Disclosure
4.6
3,300+ Reviews on
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Tiktok
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
© Volunteer World ⠮⠄
© Volunteer World ⠮⠄
Contents