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South Africa - Big Cats Research and Conservation

VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2005Year established

Program Overview

Come take part in exciting research taking place at this game reserve in South Africa, aimed at understanding the reproductive, territorial, hunting, and social behaviors of the lions and leopard populations.

This game reserve aims to provide a safe and natural environment for lions and leopards, among other numerous endangered species. You will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with researchers to assist them in data collection and observations of the animals. Your daily duties will include field work in the bush collating and collecting data on lions and leopards, night drives to monitor the movements of the predators, finding and removing snares, removing alien plants and more.

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Program Highlights

Observe big cats in their natural habitat of the Kruger Reserve
Go on jeep safari drives to look for leopards, lions, cheetahs and others
Collect data that is vital to conservation efforts
Make friends with fellow volunteers
Explore South Africa's travel highlights during free time

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Kruger Park, South Africa

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Short Term
  • Spring
  • 1-3 Months
  • 3-6 Months
  • 1 Year
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

5.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Program Administration
4.0
Living Situation
4.0
Community Engagement
4.0
Health & Safety
4.0

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Review this Program

Showing 1 of 1 review

dylanalexandrialynchPortland · December 2014

South Africa Adventure

My experience volunteering in South Africa with the Big Cats Research and Conservation project was absolutely unforgettable. The program was located in the middle of the Thanda Private Game Reserve, and we would go out once or twice a day for three hour research drives and would simply observe and record the behavior of many incredible animals. We got to see lions, elephants, zebras, a variety of antelope, cheetahs...really you name it! The staff were so friendly and welcoming, the food was warm and hearty, and the guides were so knowledgeable - I learned so much! Aside from the research aspect, I met many incredible people from all over the world, many of which I hope will be my lifelong friends. We were able to take weekend excursions to places like the beautiful beaches of Mozambique, and to quaint towns like St. Lucia. If you ever get a chance to volunteer here - DO IT! It is an experience that will be with me for the rest of my life, and now, all I want to do is go back to South Africa. Africa forever has a place in my heart.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad Program
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Notable Mention
Innovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022
Innovation in Sustainability 2021 Finalist
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Volunteer Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organization 2017 (Notable Mention)
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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