GoAbroad

Volunteer with Cheetahs, Lions, and Other Rescued Animals

Inquire Here
$900-1,250Program Costs
Submit a ReviewNo Reviews

Program Overview

Work side by side with rescued lions, cheetahs, hyenas, servals, caracals, meerkats, bushbabies, and more—each animal carrying a story of survival. As a volunteer, student, or intern, you become part of that story, helping transform trauma into recovery and giving wildlife a second chance at life.

You become part of the daily heartbeat of a working wildlife sanctuary. You gain hands-on experience in wildlife care. From feeding and enrichment to rehabilitation support and behavioural care, your work directly impacts animals preparing for sanctuary life or rewilding. Volunteering is more than a task — it is a journey of connection, compassion, and purpose.

We provide lifelong ethical care for non-releasable wildlife and rehabilitation for animals that can return to the wild, always prioritizing dignity, welfare, and conservation.

Beyond the work, you wake up to sunny Africa itself — lions calling at sunrise, cheetahs warming in the morning light, and the rhythm of wild landscapes around you. Living alongside these animals changes you.

This is your chance to make a difference and step into the wild. South Africa is calling, the animals are waiting. Your journey starts here.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Work hands-on with big cats such as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, caracals, servals, and even meerkats, etc. Assist with rescued babies, help with feeding, enrichment, rewilding, and daily sanctuary life.
Develop practical skills in animal husbandry, behaviour observation, rehabilitation protocols, & conservation management—ideal for students pursuing veterinary, zoology, wildlife, and conservation.
Have the opportunity to go on a Big 5 Safari Excursion & see these animals in their natural habitat. A once-in-a-lifetime experience with memories to last forever.
Live and working alongside people from different countries builds lifelong friendships and networks. Meet new people & feel more connected & useful. Increase your self-esteem & a sense of purpose.
Live Inside a Wildlife Sanctuary—wake up to lions calling, work in the African bush & experience life immersed in nature. It’s not just volunteering. It’s a life-changing conservation experience.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Required Equipment
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Training
Laundry
Letter of Recommendation

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • South Africa

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More
  • No schooling completed
  • Some high school, no diploma

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Starts At

$900-1,250

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Running Wild Conservation

Be the first to review Running Wild Conservation

If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.

Review this Program

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

How long do you want to travel?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Running Wild Conservation.

Where are we situated?

Running Wild Conservation is 80 minutes drive from Johannesburg Airport.

How big is our conservancy?

Our conservancy is more than 900 acres, a beautiful diverse landscape of rolling grassland hills and forestry riverine areas.

Do we allow contact with our animals?

Yes, we do allow contact with some of our cheetahs, servals, caracals, meerkats, etc., depending on the individuals & their stage of rewilding & release. We are not open to public day visitors, and we do not trade any of our animals. We are very strict in our wildlife ethical protocols. The animals come first.  

What is our accommodation and meal structure like?

  • Cabins: 5 x log cabins surrounding the lodge & close to the animal camps. Each cabin consists of 2 bedrooms & a bathroom, which will be shared by up to 4 volunteers. Males & females are separate in sharing rooms. Couples can share rooms with double beds.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included in the price. We also cater to vegetarians, vegans, lactose & gluten intolerant diets

Do we offer transfers to & from the airport?

We arrange the shuttle for the transfers; it is an extra cost, but very affordable.

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

IVHQ Programs
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.68

831 reviews

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...

GoEco South Africa - African Wildlife Ranch
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization logo

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

4.96

27 reviews

South Africa - African Wildlife Ranch

The ranch is home to over 90 species of animals and reptiles and is one of the largest cheetah breeding centers in the world. The ranch is intern...

Humanitarian Photography Workshop, South Africa
Penda Photo Tours logo

Penda Photo Tours

4.75

8 reviews

Humanitarian Photography Workshop, South Africa

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, So...

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Running Wild Conservation is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997