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DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage

4.52 (244)VerifiedSince 20064 Programs

Why choose DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage?

DAKTARI is a registered nonprofit company based in South Africa, close to the Kruger National Park. DAKTARI is also a bush school that operates a wildlife orphanage, where the objective is to inspire and educate local underprivileged children to care for their environment through wildlife conservation. Every Monday we welcome a new group of eight underprivileged South African children for a week a...

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DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.52

Total Reviews

244
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Best experience ever!

August 07, 2026by: Victoria Marcene - Brazil

Program: Volunteer with Children & Animals at DAKTARI

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

Program: Volunteer with Children & Animals at DAKTARI

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

Program: Volunteer with Children & Animals at DAKTARI

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.

DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage Programs

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Silke Gadeyne

Silke Gadeyne

Interviewed in 2019

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Ever since I was a little girl I've always wanted to work with animals. I could barely speak yet when I told my parents I'd have a dog hotel when I grew up. But then life happened and marketing seemed like a better option. When I finally finished school, I booked four (which turned into six) weeks at DAKTARI as a little present for myself. I quickly lost my heart here and applied for a long-term position with Michèle. Luckily she was crazy enough to say yes!

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Marie Bauvin

Marie Bauvin

Interviewed in 2019

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I had long dreamt about living in Africa and working towards a meaningful project, surrounded by wildlife. The commitment and passion from Michele and Ian, the co-founders of DAKTARI, is so inspiring that I immediately knew I wanted to be part of the family. They have dedicated their lives to this project and it is an honour to be able to do my bit.

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Pretty Mogofe

Pretty Mogofe

Interviewed in 2018

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

What inspired you to join the team at DAKTARI?

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Awards

Check out awards and recognitions DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage has received

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