Select travel dates to see prices

Fantastic 4.56rating (52)

Endangered Species Protection

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups

About the program

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

About the Program

The Endangered Species Project allows you to participate in hands on monitoring of some of Africa’s most endangered species such as Rhino, Cheetah and Southern Ground Hornbill.

This project is ideal if you want to truly experience the “wild” side of Africa. Our bush camp is ...

About the program

About the Program

The Endangered Species Project allows you to participate in hands on monitoring of some of Africa’s most endangered species such as Rhino, Cheetah and Southern Ground Hornbill.

This project is ideal if you want to truly experience the “wild” side of Africa. Our bush camp is based in a Limpopo game reserve which is home to the ‘Big 5′. This means you will get to encounter, and live among, elephants, lions, rhino, leopards and buffalo while working with us.

We will teach you basic bush survival skills and how to navigate your way through the African bush!

During your stay, your days will be spent mostly on foot walking through the reserve, learning how to track the animals. You will be approaching endangered species on foot and recording their behaviour, location and condition.

The collected information is then used by the reserve management and anti-poaching teams, as well as national conservation efforts to help save these endangered species.

Furthermore, you will take part in vehicle based monitoring to see the amazing Big 5, as well as habitat work to help with the monitoring process.

You will receive a 2 day Volunteer Johannesburg Orientation: Arrive in Joburg or Jozi, as it is known locally, and get shown around by people who know the city well. The Johannesburg Orientation is excellent for first-time visitors to find their feet the local way and meet other volunteers on your project. 

Highlights:

  • Arty districts of Newtown and Braamfontein
  • Constitutional Hill
  • Telkom Tower
  • Nelson Mandela Bridge
  • Jazz Walk of Fame
  • Mary Fitzgerald Square
  • Traditional South African meal

Typical tasks

Volunteer tasks are focused on monitoring, which forms the basis for the majority of our research assistance on the reserve. We conduct monitoring drives in the mornings and afternoons. The monitoring coincides with times of increased activity of the specific animals we are observing. We also spend time on foot tracking the more elusive animals, which is an amazing way to experience the bush. During the drier winter months, we have several hides based at waterholes which allow you to observe the various animals and their interactions at close quarters. The volunteers will also spend time attending to habitat management requirements on the properties and the greater reserve.

Project Highlights

  • Learning about South African wildlife conservation
  • Helping out in saving endangered species
  • Going on game drives and seeing wild animals up close/li>
  • Experiencing what it is like to live in the bush

This is a unique experience for people who want to get more out of visiting a game reserve in South Africa. Everyone who joins us on this exciting program will get to experience the African bush in its extremes, from elephants strolling through camp to the tropical heat and the surprisingly cold winter nights.

If you have a love of nature and want to participate in helping to save Africa’s endangered species, this is the project for you.


Typical day

Monday: Project start day. Town trip to pick up volunteers and restock supplies.

Tuesday - Friday: Mornings will consist of monitoring walks to locate the rhino and cheetah. You will learn how to identify and age their tracks and how to record this information. Once the animals have been located ...

Typical day

Monday: Project start day. Town trip to pick up volunteers and restock supplies.

Tuesday - Friday: Mornings will consist of monitoring walks to locate the rhino and cheetah. You will learn how to identify and age their tracks and how to record this information. Once the animals have been located you will monitor their behaviour, environment and interactions in order to better understand them. Meanwhile, you will also learn how to track other big game such as elephant, lion and hyena in order to better understand utilisation of the areas covered. At all times you will also be on the lookout for potential sightings and nest sites of the Southern Ground Hornbill.

On return to camp, you will enter the data collected onto the computers. You’ll also get the chance to work through your bush knowledge work books to help improve your tracking skills. During the week there will be a series of talks on the project, data collection, bush skills and maybe even a Zulu lesson!

In the afternoons, you will set out on monitoring drives in order to cover more ground to determine new areas to locate rhino, cheetah and Southern Ground Hornbill. Once signs of activity and tracks have been located you will continue on foot to discover more. Whilst driving through the reserve you will also get the chance to see some of our other resident Big 5—elephant, lion and buffalo.

Friday: In the afternoon, your drive will meet up with the research group for a sleep out under the stars.

In conjunction with research, all sightings of leopard will also be monitored and recorded – the more eyes the better when trying to monitor this elusive animal!

Saturday: In the morning you will help out with some habitat work, either bush clearing, erosion control, or road maintenance.

Upon return from the afternoon monitoring drive, we may head out to the local pub or have a typical South African Braai (BBQ).

Sunday: Either an outing will be planned or it will be a free day for volunteers to relax or head out on their own tour.

In between activities, volunteers will receive a series of presentations about: how to conduct the work of the project, how to approach dangerous game on foot, or possibly even a Zulu lesson. This time will also be used to transfer all data collected onto the computers and compile the weekly research report, as well as helping out with vehicle checks and cleaning.


Free-time activities

The volunteer accommodation features a large outdoor social area. During free time, volunteers can relax in this area and enjoy a braai (South African BBQ). As the farm is remote from the town and the days are quite full of activities, during the work-week free time activities are limited. However, ...

Free-time activities

The volunteer accommodation features a large outdoor social area. During free time, volunteers can relax in this area and enjoy a braai (South African BBQ). As the farm is remote from the town and the days are quite full of activities, during the work-week free time activities are limited. However, project leaders will go into town weekly on an off-day (during the weekend), at which time volunteers are welcome to join and grab some groceries, try the local cuisine at restaurants, and use the internet at cafes. Project leaders and staff can also help to assist volunteers in planning weekend activities such as climbing, swimming, and cultural experiences.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Positive attitude, medium level of fitness, legal guardian's permission if under the age of 18.

What's Included

What's Included

Services by SAVE Foundation

Return Transfer from Johannesburg Airport - All meals - Accommodation - 24 hour support and supervisor - Donation to the project - 2 day Volunteer Johannesburg Orientation

Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

Volunteers will be met at Johannesburg International airport and taken to the project. On project days the volunteers will be transported. The vehicles used are roadworthy and have all relevant licenses and liability insurance.

All transport is safe and reliable.
All licenses and insurances are up to date.
All insurances and liabilities for passengers are up to date and fully paid.

Accommodation

We have a bushcamp that has been set up especially for the volunteers on this project. Here, you will be staying in comfortable twin shared tents set up on raised platforms. There are bush showers, flushing toilets and a kitchen available at the camp.

Food & Beverages

All food for breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided, as well as fresh fruit. However, food is only re-stocked once a week so once it’s gone it’s gone! If you have any special dietary requirements please inform us before your arrival so that we can accommodate them if possible.

Cordial fruit drink, tea and coffee are provided. Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages (beers and ciders) and snack foods are not available in camp but you can buy them on the weekly town trips.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 2,118€
3 weeks 2,982€
4 weeks 3,846€
5 weeks 4,710€
7 weeks 6,439€
9 weeks 8,167€
24 weeks (max. stay) 21,130€
Average fees 970€/week

Program fees

970€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with SAVE Foundation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

4.6
Top Pick
One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
2024
The experience at SAVE was amazing, all the people from the working team was great and they gave me a lot of support, for every question ...
Elena Picozzi

Sport and development

Location


Meet your project coordinator

Shona
52
reviews
4.56
Fantastic
2007
Founded

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate
Spoken languages: English
Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

You might also be interested in

Contact Shona
  Very high response rate
English

Most volunteers ask about


Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Shona
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

Travel dates

1. - 1. Jan 1

Book with Flex Option!

Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.

Price details