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Wildlife Experience with the Big 5
by: Oyster Worldwide
Live the life of a game ranger and groundskeeper on a huge, private game reserve in South Africa. Gain the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with a multitude of different animals. Home to the Big 5 - elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and lions - you will get the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. It is so much more than a safari! You can get involved with programme...
Live the life of a game ranger and groundskeeper on a huge, private game reserve in South Africa. Gain the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with a multitude of different animals. Home to the Big 5 - elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and lions - you will get the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. It is so much more than a safari! You can get involved with programmes and make genuine contributions to the welfare and conservation of animals as well as the lives of people from local communities. Volunteers who make a real difference are those willing to get stuck in and show initiative. If you want to see the Big 5 and other iconic African animals, but also want to contribute to the reserve they live in, this would be the ideal programme for you.
Program Highlights
Experience full immersion into life on a beautiful game reserve.
Make a genuine contribution to land and wildlife conservation.
Work with local guides to gain amazing insight into game reserve life.
Become part of inspiring community programmes, helping provide kids with enough food to be able to concentrate at school and enjoy education.
Live in a beautiful setting close to the sea and the excitement of Port Elizabeth.
Quick Details
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Animal Welfare
- Community Development
- Conservation See more
- American
- European
- Canadian
- Australian
- South African
Awards




Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Fantastic Wildlife Conservation Experience in South Africa: A Memorable Adventure at 17!
January 30, 2026by: Hannah ValeProgram: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5
I joined the Wildlife Conservation in South Africa, Port Elizabeth at 17 years old and had an amazing experience! The staff were all very helpful in settling you in and I met people from all over the world across different age groups and really bonded with everyone during my short stay there! Definitely something you can go do alone (like I did) or go with a friend!
Fantastic South Africa Wildlife Conservation: Amazing Experiences and Supportive People
January 11, 2026by: Alex RoweProgram: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5
Kate was so helpful. Everything was set out really simply and was flexible with timing. I did South Africa wildlife conservation and it was great. The highlight was seeing 4 of the big 5, and the incredible people I was with. At one point I was momentarily put in the wrong group during the activity, but I was quickly put in the correct group and got to meet even more people!
Exceptional Volunteering Experience in South Africa: Highly Recommend Oyster for Duke of Edinburgh Award
January 02, 2026by: Lucy DowningProgram: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5
My daughter booked a weeks volunteering in South Africa for her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Oyster were fantastic throughout, providing all the information, ensuring we had everything completed and the experience was excellent. Thank you Kate and Georgie, highly recommend.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Animal Welfare
- Community Development
- Conservation
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Cost per week
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- In-Person Interview when Feasible
- Online Application
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