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Conservation Volunteer Programs

Love nature? Make a real difference by volunteering in conservation. Whether it’s tracking big cats in Africa, caring for sea turtles on tropical beaches, or protecting rainforests, your time and energy help keep vital ecosystems thriving. It’s hands-on work that matters—and the planet will thank you for it.
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745 Conservation Volunteer Programs

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Featured Provider of the Month

 VA - Conservation

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

795

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

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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African Impact

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520

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in South Africa 2025
African Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Project in South Africa

Join our Wildlife and Research Conservation Project and immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or an aspiring conservationist, this enriching volunteer experience will unveil the many wonders of the African bush. No matter your skill set or expertise, this wildlife conservation program in South Africa will immerse you in the African bush alongside a skilled and qualified team that includes Field Guides and Research professionals. Contribute to meaningful wildlife research and conservation projects by participating in animal tracking, monitoring, and data collection initiatives during daily game drives. Your contributions will directly support the protection of incredible South African wildlife and their habitats.

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The Real Uganda logo

The Real Uganda

9.81

16

Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between these locally requested interventions: Public health and clinical work: Volunteers work in rural clinics providing testing, treatment, counseling services, and prevention education. Nutrition, vegetable gardening, and community sanitation programs are also ongoing. We aim to support rural public health in Uganda. Teaching and childcare: Volunteers work in rural classrooms, choosing what ages and topics to teach. Art and sport are the most popular. Traditional teaching in Uganda is rote learning and memorization. We aim to encourage teamwork, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge in primary schools. Organic farming: Volunteers work alongside women and community members to maintain gardens. Depending on the season, volunteers prepare the soil, plant seeds, spread mulch, weed, harvest, and chase birds and other pests. Learn from Ugandan farmers, and share your ideas as well. We aim to teach efficient land use, organic pest control, and nutrition.

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MAXIMO NIVEL

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487

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

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Adelante Abroad

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9

Volunteer in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Make a positive impact in Mexico! Adelante Abroad offers affordable volunteer programs in a wide variety of fields and sectors in Oaxaca, Mexico. Put your time towards helping those in need. Volunteer in sectors such as ecology, social work, arts, or NGO, just to name a few. Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse areas in Mexico, known for the craftwork of local artisans. It is also home to warm-spirited people, and there are plenty of opportunities to give to the community. If you're looking to make a difference, volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico, with Adelante is the perfect opportunity! Volunteers can choose to go abroad for 1 to 6 months. Programs are offered year-round with customization options. You'll be paired with organizations in need of specific skills while allowing you to reach your volunteer goals. Eligibility for this program is: * 18 years of age or older and possess a desire to learn about and live in another culture * Some Spanish is helpful, although we can place beginner Spanish speakers * Applicants can be Gap Year students, enrolled in a university, or college graduates. Visit our website for more information.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

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Kaya Responsible Travel

7.67

3

Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica

Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica! Join Kaya on its Turtle and Marine Conservation Project located near Bataan in the Limon Province of Costa Rica. This is an opportunity to help protect sea turtles and their eggs while learning more about these magnificent creatures alongside a dedicated marine biologist. You will assist a local team with the conservation and protection of up to four of the seven different species of sea turtles: loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, green turtle, and leatherback turtle. As a turtle sanctuary volunteer, you will help in caring for injured animals, moving eggs to safe hatcheries, and collecting and processing biometric data. Your tasks will largely depend on your level of experience and the time of the year. This placement is aimed at those who have a good level of scientific knowledge. You must be adaptable, enthusiastic, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. A basic level of Spanish is also helpful for this project.

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The Intern Group

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58

Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

The Intern Group provides you with top internships in London! Partnering with a range of great companies and NGOs, our London internship program will fulfill your career potential. We are regularly featured in mainstream international media like CNN International. Apply now to intern in the greatest city in the world and propel your career development! Visit The Intern Group's website to get all the details!

Impact Gap Year

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3

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement. You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island. The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

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Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

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70

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rules and regulations and other necessary tasks at the center, depending on individual skillset. Requirements for this program are: - Basic to intermediate level of Spanish - A genuine passion for animal conservation - An ability to openly communicate rules and regulations to tourists and follow instructions - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Physical ability to work outdoors with a potentially high allergen, sun, and temperature exposure IOI encourages all volunteers to stay as long as possible to maximize local and personal benefits. We encourage longer commitments by heavily discounting each additional week. The minimum stay is two weeks, with a maximum stay of three months. All volunteers must arrive in Isabela on Mondays.

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Raleigh International

9.04

23

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experience that allows you to take part in different projects, equip yourself with new skills, create lasting change with the communities we work with and take urgent action on environmental issues. Work with local initiatives and organisations to help preserve Costa Rica's natural resources, as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. You will improve access to national parks by working with park rangers. On the Community project you will work with local indigenous communities to improve access to education for some of Costa Rica’s most marginalised children by improving educational infrastructure. Lastly, build your skills on the adventure leadership trek. Challenge yourself on trek and help lead your team through a variety of stunning routes.

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Instituto Hemingway

9.81

32

Volunteer Programs in Spain

The volunteer program at Instituto Hemingway is a unique opportunity to live and work in Spain from the perspective of locals. At the same time, you will build a cultural bridge between Spain and your country of origin while giving back to a community. Beach Cleanup Support this project by setting a good example and encouraging people to get involved in protecting the local environment through simple actions, such as collecting their rubbish after a day on the beach. Work together to keep the waters healthy and nature green! Animal Shelter Contribute in a number of ways to stop the abuse and neglect of animals. At the same time, provide hands-on care to animals in need. The need for adequate care and education among the public in and around the area is huge. Social Entrepreneurship This project offers volunteers hands-on experience as well as the opportunity to help behind the scenes with administrative tasks including social media, fundraising and promotional efforts, sourcing new alliances, and drafting maps. Teaching English to Disadvantaged Children You can contribute to the education of growing children. Make a significant impact in their lives.

African Horse Safaris

10

2

Endurance Training Programme in South Africa

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, with over 240 horses, is waiting for you! Ideal for those passionate to learn about the sport, whether you are a seasoned professional, or you’ve never experienced an endurance race – this is a great adventure for intermediate plus and advanced riders. You'll train intensively across breathtaking landscapes, testing both mind and body. Under the mentorship of Wiesman Nel, an internationally acclaimed endurance rider, you'll learn the intricacies of the sport and prepare for competitions. Whether you aim to compete internationally or simply wish to experience endurance riding in South Africa, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, adventure, and bonding with exceptional Arab Endurance horses. Intermediate plus and advanced riding abilities accepted.

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Gapforce

9.22

23

South America Explorer with Gapforce

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

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Roots Interns

9.2

5

Wildlife Research Internship in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Be part of a conservation team in Zimbabwe during this exciting wildlife research internship! You'll be based in a stunning nature reserve close to Victoria Falls, where you'll collect data on a number of wildlife species, including big cats, elephants, and giraffes. Your work will be part of a larger program focused on the conservation of wildlife and their habitat. It's an exciting opportunity to gain experience in the field. You'll be based in a tented camp in a beautiful nature estate. You'll be a 20-minute drive from the famous Victoria Falls, and the welcoming town next to the falls. During time off, you'll be able to see the falls, do boat trips on the Zambezi River, or do some of the many other activities that are on offer. This internship has a minimum of 8 weeks, and regular start dates. To join, you'll ideally be in an advantaged stage of a relevant degree. You'll need to have a flexible attitude and great attention to detail.

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Encounter My Way

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Turtle Conservation in Osa

Join us in Osa, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable volunteer experience where you’ll play a vital role in protecting sea turtles and their habitats. Nestled on the stunning Osa Peninsula, home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, you’ll patrol pristine beaches, safeguard turtle nests, and release hatchlings into the wild. Beyond conservation, you’ll engage with the local community, help with environmental education, and explore breathtaking rainforests, waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife. Live at the heart of nature in our rustic jungle camp and make a tangible impact while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

African Conservation Experience

9.78

9

The Ultimate Personalized Gap Year Experience

Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life forever? Then look no further! This Ultimate Gap Year Experience is unique; you will be transported to four different projects across southern Africa, working on the front lines of conservation and connecting with local and expert professionals who are just as passionate about conservation work as you are. One day, you could be releasing pangolins rescued from poachers back into the wild, and then learning bush skills from a master tracker and tracking a herd of elephants the next. You will be part of the conservation community, listening to stories of the land from the locals. Completely immersed, you will see what it’s like to live and breathe meaningful African conservation. It’s not always easy to nurse injured animals back to health, but the reintroduction, monitoring, and seeing them thrive afterward is a memory that will last a lifetime. This is a hands-on experience where your efforts will be rewarded—many of these wildlife projects wouldn’t exist without volunteers like you. This program is also tailored to how much time you have, your skills, and what you would like to achieve.

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Penda Photo Tours

10

6

Wildlife Photography and Conservation Volunteer Project

Do you have a passion for wildlife photography and a strong aspiration to make a meaningful difference? This volunteer opportunity is a perfect fit for you! This project in South Africa is an opportunity for you to elevate your photography to the next level while also actively participating in wildlife conservation efforts through various activities. You will have the chance to visit the Greater Kruger, where you will be surrounded by a multitude of wildlife waiting to be captured with your camera. This volunteer program provides valuable education in both ethical and practical photography techniques while also recognizing the importance of wildlife research. Not only will you make great memories with our volunteer project, but you’ll also gain skills that will last you a lifetime.

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Sibuya Wilderness Experience

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4

Nature and Coastal Wilderness Conservation in Sibuya

The Sibuya Wilderness Experience welcomes participants from all walks of life. Volunteers, adventure-seeking travelers, gap year students, adults taking work sabbaticals... Anyone with a passion for nature conservation. This is the perfect Eco Volunteer Program if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that puts your passion for nature, environment, and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. Our unique itinerary runs on a two-week program, wherein the content is only covered twice in a month, making a four-week stay the perfect getaway to experience everything at least twice. Nowhere else in South Africa is a volunteer itinerary this diverse.

Gili Shark Conservation

9.48

71

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Indonesia 2025
Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

Hello! Nice to meet you! Are you ready to make a real difference? We are always looking for enthusiastic people who want to join our research team in Indonesia. You don’t need to be a shark expert or diver to join our project; we are simply looking for volunteers with a passion and commitment to marine and shark conservation. We appreciate all the unique skills that you can bring to our project and welcome people from every corner of the world. During your stay with us, you will learn how to dive or improve your dive skills and become a PADI Scientific Diver and Shark and Turtle Specialist. We teach everything you need to know about underwater roving video surveillance, coral health index surveys, coral restoration, photographic identification, roving survey dives, land & marine-based time-lapse projects, how to analyze and input data, and much more! We are an award-winning marine life conservation organization called Gili Shark Conservation. Our headquarters is based on the beautiful paradise island of Gili Air, Indonesia. Our dedicated research team, together with our amazing Shark Warriors, work all year round to promote conservation efforts through education and research.

A Guide to Conservation Volunteering Abroad

Prepare for Volunteering

Understand the benefits

Nature needs defenders—and you can be one. As habitats shrink and species disappear, conservation volunteers step in. From protecting wildlife to restoring ecosystems, your work helps preserve biodiversity where it’s needed most.

  • Protect endangered species. Support initiatives that help prevent extinction through habitat monitoring, rescue, and care.
  • Restore natural ecosystems. Contribute to reforestation, invasive species control, and sustainable land management.
  • Build environmental awareness. Help educate local communities about conservation and sustainable practices.
  • Experience hands-on science. Gain fieldwork experience in environmental research, tracking, and data collection.
  • Create long-term impact. Your contribution supports global efforts to protect the planet—one project at a time.

Things to know

Conservation volunteer programs abroad offer hands-on work in diverse natural environments. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

  • Project variety. From protecting rainforests to rescuing wildlife, each program has its own conservation focus.
  • Tasks change by location. You might plant trees, collect seeds, control invasive species, or assist with forest research.
  • Wildlife-focused roles. You might track animals, maintain habitats, or help care for rescued wildlife in sanctuaries.
  • Dynamic settings. Some programs keep you rooted in one place; others involve travel to multiple conservation sites.
  • Year-round opportunities. You can volunteer for just a few weeks or commit to a much longer stay—your schedule, your call.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteering can contribute to addressing environmental concerns like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as well as promote sustainable practices, and create awareness about environmental issues.

Some of the tasks you will be responsible for as a conservation volunteer includes forest research, reforestation, patrolling beaches, or working closely in the care of animals at wildlife sanctuaries.

Costa Rica, Thailand, South Africa, and Australia are among the top destinations for wildlife volunteering. Many programs are available where you can work with animals and learn about wildlife, conservation efforts, and the local culture.

Participating in conservation volunteering can be achieved by collaborating with NGOs or looking for program providers that may recommend programs that match your interests and skillsets.

Latest Program Reviews

Most impactful thing I have ever done!

December 18, 2025by: Emelia Iversen - United StatesProgram: GIVE Laos: Community Empowerment & Wildlife Conservation
10

This trip completely changed my outlook on life and what I want to do in the future. I grew so much as a person and did things that were out of my comfort zone. Teaching english left the most impact on me, as it was something I never thought I would get the opportunity to do. It was the coolest thing I have ever done and I cannot wait to go on another trip!

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