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Kaya Responsible Travel participant with the locals
Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Research and Conservation logo

Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Research and Conservation

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2008

Take part in this volunteering program abroad, and work on an amazing research and conservation project in a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area. Home to more than just the Big 5, the reserve also has more than 400 species of birds. The project aims to share data with conservation groups and authorities to protect species and natural habitats as well as to educate communities about human impact on wildlife. As a volunteer on the Big 5 Game Reserve, you’ll actively participate in research on wildlife populations and habitat maintenance. To join this project, you need: - Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment - Reasonable level of fitness due to the physical nature of the work - Enthusiasm, openness, flexibility, and cooperation - Awareness of research skills, knowledge, and experience in African wildlife (helpful, but not necessary) If you’re a student and wish to earn credit, speak to a Kaya Placement Advisor. Please bring a laptop to help with data and project activities.

Program Highlights

Develop your research skills while engaged in this conservation project in the Greater Kruger area.

Improve your knowledge of South African wildlife.

Gain a deeper understanding of human impact on wildlife.

Join weekend trips, which involve exploring the rugged scenery of South Africa.

Enjoy fun activities ranging from research drives to exciting adventures.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Kruger Park, South Africa
Availability
Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Business
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Education
  • Law
  • Wildlife
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

Kwantu volunteer program review

January 26, 2020by: Daniel Ussi - Netherlands
5

I was volunteering for three weeks. I had an amazing time. The rangers were extremely knowledgeable about many different things to do with wildlife rehabilitation and more specifically African wildlife in general. The camp is safe, sleeping quarters are warm and spacious. Overall I had an amazing three weeks.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Kruger Park, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Business
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Education
  • Law
  • Wildlife

Availability

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Program Cost Includes

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

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Phone/Video Interview

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know I'm safe when I'm on this project?

Kaya has helped thousands of participants volunteer in Africa and has had nothing but great reviews! If you follow the guidelines and instructions set by your project leader, there is no need to worry about your safety when you’re out and about on this project. For any general safety concerns, consult Kaya’s safety blog for peace of mind!

What kind of impact can I make on this project?

You will be volunteering alongside professionals and likeminded volunteers to help protect endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, big cats, and buffalo in the Kruger area. Your conservation efforts can go a long way, just by lending a helping hand and researching, inspiring education, and contributing to habitat maintenance.

What skills do I need to be a conservation volunteer?

To volunteer on this project, you must, above all, have a genuine love and concern for the animals and environment they live in. The project requires some physical strength, so volunteers should be reasonably fit and, of course, motivated! Knowledge of African wildlife is advantageous, but not required, and any research skills would be highly valued.

Are game reserves ethical?

Absolutely! The game reserves that Kaya works with are fully committed to protecting and conserving the species within the park! Tagging of the animals is done with the sole purpose of monitoring and recording data that is critical for their survival.

What can I do on my time off with this project?

During the day, you can relax by the pool or take an excursion to nearby towns or on an adventure tour. At night, enjoy the abundance of stars in the night sky and listen to the wildlife around you. There is nothing quite like sitting around a fire with friends talking about your day or listening to music.

Kaya Responsible Travel

Kaya Responsible Travel

5Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Take part in this volunteering program abroad, and work on an amazing research and conservation project in a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area. Home to more than just the Big 5, the reserve also has more than 400 species of birds. The project aims to share data with conservation groups and authorities to protect species and natural habitats as well as to educate communities about human impact on wildlife. As a volunteer on the Big 5 Game Reserve, you’ll actively participate in research on wildlife populations and habitat maintenance. To join this project, you need: - Genuine love and concern for animals and the environment - Reasonable level of fitness due to the physical nature of the work - Enthusiasm, openness, flexibility, and cooperation - Awareness of resear...

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