GoAbroad

Volunteer with Children & Animals at DAKTARI

by: DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage

4.52 (242)VerifiedSince 2006

100% of your payment goes to this charity! This exceptional experience provides volunteers with the unique opportunity of teaching children to protect the environment and to care for rescued wild animals. You will inspire a generation of local children to become passionate about wildlife conservation. Please note that the animals are unfortunately kept in captivity only because they are not abl...

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Program Highlights

Get involved with animal care at a wildlife orphanage, where you’ll learn about trees, birds, animal tracks, mammals, and insects.

Teach children about taking care of their environment and protecting the animals.

Participate in our outreach campaigns by leading after-school programs known as Eco Club.

Visit villages and participate in our wildlife crime campaigns for young students from local schools.

Look for wildlife animals during the Kruger National Park excursion, and bask in the wonders of the Blyde River Canyon – the third largest canyon in the world!

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Hoedspruit, South Africa
Starts At: $600-900, $5000+
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement: 14+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Dec 02, 2025

Awards

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in South Africa 2026
Top Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.52

Total Reviews

242

Best experience ever!

August 07, 2026by: Victoria Marcene - Brazil
5

The experience of volunteering at Daktari was incredible. The discipline of sticking to a schedule, caring for the animals, and supporting the children during lessons is something truly special. Although my time here was short, those days were excellent. The environment is comfortable, the food is delicious, the other volunteers are welcoming, the educational system is highly efficient, and the animals are very well cared for. I thank the company Exchange do Bem for providing this experience with full support and guidance, and I also thank the Daktari family for welcoming me and teaching me so much during these seven days of volunteering.

Nice time with the girls

An absolute joy and priviledge

July 23, 2026by: NICK MEDFORTH - United Kingdom
5

I have been home for a couple of weeks now and I still can't stop thinking about my time at Daktari. Despite only a 2 week stay it has had a profound affect on me - amazing team, inspirational animals and unforgetable children. This is a mature organisation that knows what it is doing and enables volunteers to have impact at numerous levels; caring for orphaned animals, teaching and inspiring local children whilst contributing to wildlife conservation and the future of South Africa. Added bonus - Daktari is located in a stunning part of the world with an abundance of wildlife and some of the friendliest people you could meet. I would fully recommend to anyone considering volunteering or contributing in other ways. Might see you there next time!

Unforgettable

July 03, 2026by: Nick Medforth - United Kingdom
5

Daktari is unforgettable in so many ways. It has been an absolute joy and pleasure to work with the team, children and animals. This is a unique volunteer project because it combines teaching local children about life skills, environment and conservation with hands on animal care. Everything is well planned with supportive project coordinators. The best part is seeing the learning and developing confidence in the children. I would fully reccomend. 5 stars!

Celebrating success - student presentation and awards ceremony.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Hoedspruit, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Culture

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks

Age Requirement

14+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Starts At

$600-900, $5000+

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Online Application

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