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Wildlife Experience with the Big 5

by: Oyster Worldwide

9.83 (12)Verified

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...

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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

Locations:
  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Cost Per Week$900-1250
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
See all program details

Awards

Gap Year Association

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.83

Total Reviews

12

I had an amazing time in South Africa

December 02, 2025by: Cara O Toole

Program: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5

10

I had an amazing time in South Africa, made lots of friends from all over the world, and saw some incredible animals on game drives, as well as helping with tasks such as tree chopping, going to a local school, and planting trees. Kate was super helpful, and this made the trip go really smoothly, I would definitely recommend!

Overall an amazing time!!! Best holiday of my life so far!!!

August 24, 2025by: John Bates

Program: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5

10

I LOVED my time in South Africa doing the conservation experience! I was unsure what to expect but this exceeded everything I was anticipating! The accommodation was good (but cold, bring warm clothes if weather doesn’t look good!), the other volunteers were really nice, staff were friendly and approachable, food was decent and activities were good as well, however not as hands on as I was expecting - generally wildlife monitoring in the park however I only went for one week and the activities vary week on week so my experience may not be a good representation of all the activities . I fed the big cats, did game drives, collected litter around the park/on the edges of the fence, went on a walking safari, and did quad-biking (however I had to pay for this last activity myself, would recommend!). I also advise to go for two weeks + as 1 week went by very quickly, especially as I went to Port Elizabeth on Friday. Accommodation in PE deffo needs some work but it is still sleepable and the hot showers were nice! Overall an amazing time!!! Best holiday of my life so far!!!

Such an amazing experience

August 24, 2025by: Nicola Tembeck

Program: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5

10

I just wanted to thank you Kate, and the organisation for, what by all accounts, has been such an amazing experience. It seems my son has made some great friendships, loved the staff and is thinking about next year already. Thank you for all of your support over these last few months, you made every step of the process seamless, were so responsive and professional and again I so appreciate everything.

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

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

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Cost per week

$900-1250

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Phone/Video Interview
    • In-Person Interview when Feasible
    • Online Application

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