Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme welcomes volunteers from all over the world to work and live on a pristine wilderness reserve in South Africa. Volunteers at Askari become part of a team dedicated to the present day and long-term future of the reserve and all its inhabitants. Askari is focused on the conservation of all species within the reserve with a particular focus on endangered species. Poaching, poisoning, hunting, habitat loss and improper farming practices have all had negative impacts on species populations and the ecosystem. At Askari we aim to minimize and identify threats to the reserve and its inhabitants, whether it be vulture nest monitoring or a fence patrol, these proactive measures go a long way in ensuring the future of species on the reserve and surrounding areas.

At Askari we aim to return 18 000 hectares of land back to how it was 100 years ago. We aim to repopulate the land with all the large mammals that would have historically occurred in the area, this includes sable antelope, tssessebe and buffalo. Along with repopulation, the monitoring of endangered species is a vital component of what is done at Askari. The role of all Askari volunteers is to play an important role in achieving the future goals of the reserve, each person arrives as a volunteer and hopefully leaves as a conservationist. Volunteers become integral parts of the reserve team and the volunteer group, ensuring data is collected, animals are monitored and camp life is structured and enjoyable. Everyone at Askari works hard but we also know that we need to have some fun and experience some incredible places. Included in the Askari rate is a trip to the Kruger National Park and the Giant Baobab Tree, we also visit the Hoedspruit Reptile Center (R280) and restaurants for lunch on Mondays, both at your own cost.

Askari is situated exactly an hour from Hoedspruit and Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Askari is situated on the northern side of Pidwa Wilderness Reserve about 200 meters from the Selati River. The Askari camp is a fenced area that is surrounded by nyala breeding camps on three sides with the open big 5 game reserve bordering the camp on one side. Volunteers live in the comfortable Askari volunteer house, which is a converted farmhouse, the Askari house is surrounded by lush gardens, a fire boma and large trees. All staff at Askari live in the Askari camp and are always within 150 meters of volunteers. All Askari activities are done by Joshua Hall or Lauren Dent who are both qualified and experienced guides and mentors. Joshua holds a BSc Degree in Ecology and an Honours in nature conservation, as well as being a professional field guide and trained in first aid. Lauren holds a BSc Degree in Zoology, she is qualified in first aid, is a professional field guide with five years’ experience working at one of South Africa best safari camps. Volunteers might also be able to work alongside the staff on the reserve, this will entail assisting the reserve with larger tasks such as fence maintenance or assisting an external vet with animal relocation or injury.

Volunteers at Askari are expected to participate in activities, learn as much as they can, to have fun and to play their part in the day-to-day activities in the Askari volunteer house. Volunteers are not forced to do every activity as we understand the days can be long, busy and hot, however it is important for volunteers to understand that coming to Askari is not just a “holiday” and volunteers will get the full experience by participating.

All volunteers can expect a professional, safe and enjoyable time at Askari. All the staff at Askari are dedicated to providing volunteers with the best experience possible, we all enjoy what we do and do our best to uphold the exceptional history and standards of Askari.

 Volunteers do not need to bring any equipment when they come to Askari, all spades, loppers, gloves, wellington boots, rakes etc are included. Volunteers are encouraged but not forced to bring equipment such sunglasses, camera, water bottle, binoculars and their own gloves if they prefer.