Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme
Program Overview
Askari provides volunteers with the opportunity to live and work on a pristine 17 500 hectare wilderness reserve. Askari is located on Pidwa Wilderness Reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Wildlife monitoring, data collection and reserve maintenance are all an integral part of the Askari programme. If you are interested in the conservation of endangered species and the day to day management of a large wilderness reserve then Askari is for you.
Volunteers at Askari become part of a team that is dedicated to achieving the goals of the reserve, while living in the comfortable settings of the Askari volunteer house. Askari volunteers live in a communal environment where you make friends for a life time while working hard, having loads of fun and visiting some of South Africa's most iconic landmarks.
Askari rates cover everything you will need during your stay: unlimited Wi-Fi, three meals a day, water, electricity, diesel, equipment, accommodation, airport transfers, laundry twice a week and an excursion to the Kruger National Park and the Giant Baobab Tree. The Askari programme is set for an optimal stay of 4 weeks but we accept stays of 2, 4, 8 or 12 weeks.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Multiple Year
- Animal Welfare
- Biological Research
- Conservation
- Environment
- Photography
- Wildlife
Updated Jun 11, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Hoedspruit, South Africa
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Guest House
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Multiple Year
Starts At
- 2 weeks: $1,730
- 4 weeks: $2,920
- 12 weeks: $7,290
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme.
What do I need to pack to stay at Askari?
Your Laundry will be done twice a week while at Askari. Please bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, or potentially damaged while working.
Clothing Essentials:
- Comfortable t-shirtt
- Shorts & long trousers
- Fleece/jumper
- Casual wear for weekends and town trips
- Sun hat, gloves, scarves (for winter months May-July)
- Waterproof jackets & trousers
- Comfortable walking boots
- Sock protectors/ankle gaiters
What can I do on weekends at Askari?
Should you wish to stay at Askari over the weekend, all food will be provided. The last activity of the week will be on Saturday mornings, for the rest of the weekend you are free to relax, swim or play volleyball.
You are able to book a weekend activity at an external cost through Askari, weekend activities through Leader Through Africa include: Kruger National Park day trip, Blyde River Canyon Tour, horseback safari, etc.
How do I get to Askari?
Most international flights to South Africa land at OR Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From OR Thambo International Airport you can either take a connecting flight to Hoedspruit Airport (East Gate Airport), or get a shuttle to Hoedspruit.
Connecting flights can be booked through Airlink. A shuttle journey from OR Thambo International Airport to Hoedspruit can be booked through SWIFT Shuttles.
What travel documents do I require to travel to South Africa?
Most nationalities receive a free 90-day tourist visa on arrival in Johannesburg. Please confirm your visa requirements with South African Home Affairs based on your passport.
What is the best time to volunteer at Askari?
The South African summer and rainfall season is from September to March, with temperatures peaking in December, January and February. The winter season is from April to August, and is characterized by dry conditions and a drop in temperature.
Do not underestimate how cold South Africa can be in winter. Mornings will be particularly cold as you will most likely be in an open game viewer. Please bring a coat, beanie, gloves and scarves.
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