Volunteer Programs in Limpopo, South Africa

The Golola Rhino Orphanage staff are some of the most passionate people I've ever met. One of the staff members was particularly enthusiastic, and every time she would tell a story or answer a question, she would answer it with the same passion as if she were speaking about it for the very first time. They truly are an incredible group of people. I could listen to the project staff tell stories all day, every day. It's so interesting. I was at Golola for three weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed the work during my time at Golola, and I could tell my input was needed. If they didn't have volunteers there, I honestly don't know how they would manage. They do manage regardless, but having the volunteers there really does help them. During my time at Golola, I was able to bottle-feed one of the youngest rhinos there. Each rhino has its own history, and some are sadder than others, so I felt really sorry for some of them, but it made me love them even more. I would love to go back and see the rhinos again, particularly if I could see them go from being in the orphanage to eventually being out in the field! The team at Golola go above and beyond to do anything they can to make the calves not feel alone after being separated from their mothers due to poaching incidents. For example, they bring in foster mothers who are technically now their surrogate mothers, so they can try to put the calves at ease. This is to help the calves adjust to their new lifestyle at the rhino orphanage before they’re eventually ready to be released. I really felt like what I was doing on a day-to-day basis made an impact. Even the small things like scooping the rhino poo, putting it back into the earth, then replanting it into the plains, where the grass can grow. Even doing seemingly minor things like that, that's contributing towards the rhinos' welfare and getting them back into the wild. The people there definitely make me feel appreciated. The staff would always be checking in to see how you are. They would ask “Are you still enjoying it? Are you still happy?" And I would reply, "You don't need to ask me that, I’m loving it!" Being a vet nurse back home can be hard at times, but with the amount of work that these guys put in, what I do at home is nothing compared to what they do. Wild animals are completely different. One day, the vet came out to check one of the rhinos, and he ended up darting her to recast her leg and get a new boot for her injured leg. I was so lucky that I was there because I monitored the anaesthetic on the rhino using my training. But even just listening to the drugs used and comparing them to what we use at home in dogs and cats, it's really nice to have the background knowledge and actually know what the vet was talking about. It was so cool. A highlight for me was getting up every morning and working so close to the rhinos. Some of the roads were difficult to get through after a storm hit, so we couldn't go up to certain areas. And then we would see the rhinos finding their way around. I think it made me realise how intelligent the species actually is. On social media, you see the good things and the pretty things, but you don't see the behind-the-scenes work and all the hard work that goes into it. What I learned is that this kind of work doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years to release them back into the wild. When a member of staff was teaching me about how many people are involved in poaching and rhino deaths, it made me realise that the Golola team must feel like they're just swimming against the tide. But they're still going, they still get up every single day, and they're still trying to save the species. This project allows you to get fully involved, and it can be hard work, but if that's what it takes to help save sick species, then I would do it for the rest of my life. My top 3 reasons people should volunteer at Golola would be: 1. The people, because they really are the most amazing group of people to work with, they're so welcoming from the minute you get there. Everyone is so down to earth, everyone's there for the same thing. 2. You get to see the difference you’re making. Even in the short three weeks that I've been there, the work that I have done has made some sort of contribution to saving the species. So if you can spare a tiny bit of time, even just a week, go out there and you’ll be contributing helping to save the species. 3. Definitely bottle feeding the rhinos - It’s just incredible. It's a really good experience to meet like-minded people and people who are passionate towards animals in general, because animals are so much more precious than humans. I couldn't have felt more looked after during my time in South Africa. From the minute we landed and met the African Conservation Experience (ACE) team to the minute we got to the project, I felt so safe and looked after. Especially when you are coming out by yourself. I couldn't have asked for a nicer three weeks. It's been amazing. It really has. It’s definitely money well spent, and even though I’d happily do another program with ACE, I definitely will go back to Golola.

I first came across African Conservation Experience (ACE) when I read a testimonial on their website that said, “just do it, you won’t regret it”, and that’s exactly what I did. I knew I was with the right organisation when that first phone call was made, the staff took time to make sure I found the project that was right for me! My passion for rhinos made the Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre the obvious pick. Travelling alone seemed daunting, but the staff in the UK and South Africa put all my worries aside, making sure I was safe and always a phone call away. Arriving at the project was amazing. The team at Golola are 100% committed to taking care of the precious rhinos, and I felt privileged to be part of that. I learned so much working alongside them and appreciated their patience and sharing their invaluable knowledge with me. Because of this project, these amazing, beautiful rhinos who were brought in as babies are now thriving and given the best level of care and even going on to reproduce, which is wonderful, especially at a time when rhino populations are declining. I have booked my fourth trip with ACE, so I think that says it all!

I had so much fun with staff at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre and the animals like the honey badgers, Wild dogs, owls, cheetahs, servals and the Vultures, whom i got to spend a lot time with and got a memorable and wonderful experience and exposure to the community and the animals i never got to see/work with in the wild

I grew up in a family that loved animals, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to the natural world. I’ve always found rhinos adorable, but to actually see them up close, to work with them and play a part in their recovery… it was beyond anything I had ever imagined. One of my fondest memories was bottle-feeding milk to a younger rhino at the orphanage. To know that I was making a difference to her life was incredibly moving. What I loved the most was how I was made to feel like such a valuable member of the team. Before arriving, I worried that we would be treated like tourists, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. The staff were warm, welcoming, and treated us as part of the team. Whatever they did, we helped too. It was totally different from visiting a zoo or going on a safari. As a volunteer, you get really involved, not only in the fun stuff like feeding rhinos, but in all of the real, behind-the-scenes work that is necessary to care for orphaned rhinos. There was a lot of hard work, from cleaning up after the rhinos to unloading gigantic grass bales. There was only one day when I was physically unable to help with lifting the grass bales as they were too heavy for me, and I have had some back problems in the past, but the staff were extremely understanding and accommodating; they really could not have been any kinder. We learned so much during our stay, and even had some fascinating talks from the orphanage’s founder. It was great learning about every aspect of rhino rehabilitation, from how precise you have to be when preparing milk formula for the babies, to all of the extensive measures taken to reduce the risk of poaching. One day, the staff took us for a three-hour hike through the reserve surrounding the orphanage. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We spotted incredible wildlife, including a baby giraffe and, my favourite sighting, a baby rhino calf, only one month old, with its mum! This experience changed me. Working alongside such dedicated staff and being so close to the rhinos reinforced my connection to nature and deepened my respect for the remarkable people fighting to protect it. I really can’t thank the staff at the orphanage enough for everything that they do!

When I signed up with African Conservation Experience (ACE), I didn’t realise how profoundly my time spent volunteering would affect me. Leaving behind the scorching summer of the Midwest and a heatwave in France, I arrived in South Africa’s winter, dry, yellowed, and harsh. It’s exactly during this season that wildlife is most vulnerable, and that’s when I truly understood how important the work of the orphanage is. ACE placed me at the Golola Rhino Orphanage, a discreet but vital haven for orphaned rhinos. My days quickly filled with meaningful tasks: preparing food, feeding orphaned rhinos, and helping with their daily care. One of the most unforgettable moments was bottle-feeding a baby rhino for the first time! The bottle itself was nearly the length of my forearm, and it required patience, gentleness, and precision. That simple act carried a profound sense of connection and responsibility. I also witnessed the rescue of a baby rhino who arrived dehydrated and with a fractured leg. Watching the veterinary team, led by Dr. Pierre Webster, act so swiftly and skillfully was both humbling and inspiring. It showed me the dedication and expertise required to give these animals a second chance. What struck me most was how much rhinos matter to the entire ecosystem. They’re not just majestic creatures - they’re gardeners of the savanna, dispersing seeds, creating paths, and shaping habitats for countless other species. Protecting them means protecting biodiversity itself. Volunteering through ACE gave me the opportunity to not only care for these incredible animals but also to understand the bigger picture of conservation. The experience was challenging, moving, and deeply rewarding. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and admiration for everyone who works tirelessly to ensure rhinos have a future. I would wholeheartedly recommend ACE to anyone considering conservation volunteering. It is life-changing to know that, in some small way, you’ve been part of protecting a species and preserving an ecosystem.

The first time I saw a baby rhino at the Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre approach the boma gate, her eyes locked straight onto the milk bottle I was holding, one I’d just helped freshly prepare. She stomped gently towards me, her small feet thudding softly against the dusty ground. It was a moment I’ll never forget - because in that instant, I knew I was part of a team working tirelessly to give her a future. What struck me most was the level of care and precision that goes into every detail to help these little rhinos survive, and I contributed to that. From preparing the right milk formula to monitoring the animals’ progress day by day, every action matters. Being able to meet people on the ground who live and breathe this work was inspiring. I spoke with team members who’ve collaborated with scientists, conservationists, even nuclear physicists on anti-poaching technology, but what stood out most was their humility; they weren’t in it for recognition. They were in it for the rhinos. Every action was based on research and compassion... this isn’t just a job - it’s a mission. One of my most memorable moments at the project was observing the vet team as they carefully fitted a new custom cast for one of the rhinos recovering from a leg injury due to a lion attack. They explained each step with such patience and knowledge, making me realise that conservation isn’t always glamorous, but it is deeply meaningful. It was a rare privilege, something I had quietly hoped for but didn’t expect. That moment made everything feel more impactful. It went beyond your daily tasks like prepping pellets, which are, of course, important, but seeing the bigger picture made everything click. It makes you realise that the money that I spent on this trip is actually going towards helping, and that’s the kind of transparency and purpose you hope for. When you support a project like this, you want to know it’s making a difference - and here, you can see it with your own eyes. When at the project, one of the things that surprised me most was the scale of the work. You think of an orphanage and imagine tiny babies, but you start your morning feeding rhinos that are like towering creatures that feel more like something out of a dream. Even after a long-haul flight, I felt lucky just to be there. To stand that close, in their presence, doing something that actually matters. That’s a kind of joy that’s hard to explain. Even when you have to wake up at 6:00am in the morning… you don't care because it's another day that you get to feed a rhino. And sure, some moments are uncomfortable. You’re down in the dirt, sweeping up leaves, cleaning enclosures, sweating in the sun, but every single task contributes to their wellbeing. These animals have already lost so much and they deserve a safe, clean, quiet place to recover. It’s not about selfies or cuddles. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. This trip really opened my eyes to conservation. If I had to tell people about what I had learned during my trip, I would say ethics is so important. Look past the glossy photos and ask questions, and do your research. The focus should always be on the animals and their welfare. At Golola, they approach it in the right way. They are very clear, they want these little orphans to have a future in the wild, which means there are rules to follow. That is how I knew they were a genuine conservation project. This is what real conservation looks like. It’s measured, it’s careful, and it’s deeply respectful. One of the biggest things I learned is how important it is to choose a project that truly aligns with your values. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, everything just feels easier and so much more rewarding, too. African Conservation Experience (ACE) really helped me figure that out. During my consultation, I initially thought I’d go for an experience focused on big cats - but after talking about my background fostering kittens and my natural nurturing instinct, they suggested something more hands-on with vulnerable animals, one where I could really make a difference. They listened and guided me toward a project that truly matched who I am. I feel lucky, I feel happy, I feel like this is what I'm meant to be doing and where I'm meant to be at the right place at the right time in my life. This trip meant everything to me. It didn’t just teach me about rhinos; it taught me about myself, about what really matters. These animals are facing extinction. That’s the real urgency needed. In witnessing that, I’ve realised there’s so much more to life - and that each of us really can make a difference.

I knew the situation was bad for white rhinos but I didn't know how bad! My week at Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre taught me so much and I feel like I am leaving South Africa with so much knowledge to share. My daughter Manuela had been at Golola for a week before I joined her. After I arrived, we watched two documentaries and had several talks about the realities of rhino poaching. I cried - I was so emotional and I really love animals so it was hard to watch but I knew it was important to learn more. Each day we got up early and it was hard work. The staff at Golola work tirelessly every day, but always with a smile. The amount of love they have for the animals is unbelievable and I admire them. I made sure to tell the staff that I find it really important what they are doing. I even told them if I was younger and I didn't have kids or a husband, I would come and help for a year! Seeing the baby rhinos with their mum in the wild and then seeing the orphans alone hurt me as a mother. But seeing the orphans being loved and cared for by the staff was heartwarming. That is why I believe in the work Golola does. I want to go home and tell everyone about the work happening there, tell them to help and to come volunteer. You can see how much work it takes to take care of these animals and every person volunteering knew they were appreciated. The team always made sure we were okay and checked up on us. We had so many laughs - I made friends here and was so sad to leave! Golola is a real project - it isn't fake. It isn't a pet and pay place. Real work is happening. I am very connected to this project. As a mother, I have watched my daughter grow up to do incredible things. On this trip I got to work alongside her. We cleaned out the enclosures and dug mud baths. We prepared the milk and fed the baby rhinos. These are our special memories. My daughter grew up asking friends and family to donate money to worthy charities instead of buying her gifts. She works so hard to help injured animals at the animal clinic back home and now I got to do this with her. I was proud to be there with her. I was very nervous about travelling to South Africa. I was worried about small things like having time to eat before we travelled or where to meet the African Conservation Experience (ACE) person at the airport. But we got regular emails and updates from ACE and easy instructions on where to meet. Even at the end of our trip, we were met at the airport, taken for something to eat and talked about our experience. We then got help checking in for the flight home. The trip was well-planned and ACE was very helpful. I want to go back. I want to do another project with Golola next time. I want my family and friends to experience what we have experienced.

I was feeling disconnected and unmotivated… but after a quick online search and phone call I found myself spending a week at Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre. It was a life changing experience! It was also my first solo trip and impacted me in ways I was not expecting. The moment we arrived I saw a family of warthogs and that’s when it hit me - I really am in Africa! Throughout my stay, the staff's attention to small details meant so much. I was expecting a very simple, basic but functional room with the bare minimum… when in reality my room was beautiful. I found myself in accommodation that could rival a really nice hotel! The room had small thoughtful touches like flowers - it was such a warm welcome after such a long trip. I was worried that I would be a bit tired from the physical labour but the staff were incredible. Throughout the day they check in on you to make sure that you are okay and if you need anything. The staff were always, always, always, very adamant about me not overworking myself. They were super vocal about anything that you don't feel comfortable with, you just have to communicate with them. So never did I ever feel pressured. They made it so much fun. They work so hard without complaint - it inspires you. I woke up every morning with excitement, not wanting to miss a single second of the day! The work also helps you feel grounded. You can see just how much they appreciate you being there. Each day your efforts are making a difference. From the feeding and cleaning - all of it. You can see it, feel it. I never felt anything outside of just awe and wonder and happiness. I was hoping I would have a chance to really be in the moment and enjoy the fact that I was in this beautiful place surrounded by wildlife. I have always wanted to experience wildlife in its natural environment, being able to display natural behavior. And I could. For me, the memory that really pulls at my soul is feeding little Binti (an orphaned critically endangered black rhino). If you had said to me that I would have been able to make this memory, I wouldn't have believed you. When I read the project description and services African Conservation Experience (ACE) advertised on the website I was skeptical. All of this? Really? You made me eat my words. You ticked every box. From helping me choose the right project, to the logistics and just supporting me… the quality of the ACE service was beyond what I expected. You answered all my emails promptly. I was met at the airport and made sure I had everything I needed. ACE kept in touch with me whilst I was at the project. I was never alone. I knew I was safe. This trip was incredible. So not only was I able to see so many animals, but to see all the natural landscape and the beauty of everything and rocks that are older than anything that you know, is just such a mind blowing experience. And it really has just ignited a new passion. Who knows what the future holds… I am inspired and excited about my future! I am in just a different place and mindset going home - and there is no price tag on this feeling.

Volunteering in Moholoholo will be my most satisfying experience of my entire life ! As I didn't expected to be as close as the animals ! I got attached to a serval 'Aurora' which my groupe was responsible to take care of ! Feeding babies at the clinic and assisting vet operations such as post mortem were also a big step for me as I usually avoid watching those but it is so interesting and we learn a lot from the animal nurses and the vet !

Spending 11 days at Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre was an experience of a lifetime. Whilst I was there, I did and saw things that I never thought I would and I learnt so much about myself! The work at the orphanage was physically tough at times but the team prepared you very well for this. Some of the jobs I was involved in included helping to roll and lift bales of hay, and carrying large buckets of grass pellets and water. Although it can be demanding, it is also extremely rewarding. For me, it really helped to have a clear vision and understanding of what I was doing this for. One of my main motivations for this trip was to gain an accurate view of what the poaching crisis is really like. I feel like back home, in the United States, the media doesn’t portray the issue correctly so I wanted to visit South Africa to not only learn more but also help make a difference. I feel like I got exactly what I came for. The staff at Golola took the education side of the volunteer work very seriously, and we had some extraordinary talks with them about the issues of poaching and conservation. The team that runs this centre is a force to be reckoned with. They have such a drive for what they do. They are all so knowledgeable and they would answer any question I had. It was also incredible to work with rhinos. It was wonderful to observe them close up in the centre and also to see them in their natural habitat on the reserve. The bond that you build with the animals is amazing and the staff are absolutely extraordinary. I have never seen anyone more dedicated to a cause. They’re incredible! We had a daily routine but there were always things popping up that we needed to help with - working with wildlife is unpredictable. The staff at Golola did a great job of helping us adjust when something new came up and I really appreciated that. I feel like I could see the difference I was making by being there. I put my heart and soul into this work and gave back as much as I could and I felt so rewarded for this. One of the many highlights of my trip was getting to see the rhinos interact with one another - they are all so unique and express such different personalities. Another highlight of mine was the daily drives into the reserve. We would be out for a few hours each day, providing supplementary food for the older rhinos who had been released from the centre. It was amazing to see these animals interacting with one another in their natural habitats. I think if you are on the fence about volunteering, read some more testimonials. They give you a real insight into people's experiences. I also felt very reassured by African Conservation Experience (ACE) as the first step in the process was to have a phone call with one of their consultants. They asked me so many questions about what I wanted to do, why I wanted to do it and what I wanted to gain from the experience. ACE immediately provided me with so much information and they were always so quick to respond to any questions I had! I was so pleased with the ACE team in South Africa, too. Every single detail was worked out for you - they meet you at the airport, make sure you’re safely on your way to the project, and check in with you whilst you are at the project to make sure you are doing well. I appreciated this level of care and consideration so much! Volunteering is a life-changing experience and the more that you give to it, the more interest and awareness you have and willingness to get stuck in, the more you will get out of it.

Someone had brought a young monkey that was in need of assistance. The Lady couldn’t make it up the hill so she just handed me the animal wrapped in a towel. I was worried i would be in trouble for handling the primate but I couldn’t help but smile down at his little helpless face. I have no official qualifications when it comes to animals but in that moment I pictured myself being able helping him like the amazing vets he was about to see. That was a very fulfilling feeling.

This was a wonderful experience. Not only were the guides and coordinators very knowledgable and thoroughly engaged the participants, but getting to be a part of important research and conservation work was an honour. I really enjoyed meeting people from around the world and being surrounded by like-minded people. This is a wonderful program!

What an experience. This was an experience that I will remember for life. I fulfilled a dream, I met many interesting people and I had the chance to see the animals that populate Africa live and up close.

I didn't know what to expect when I booked this experience but eventually I enjoyed and experienced memories that will likely lasts forever. Moreover I had the opportunity to make new friends and live a completely different life during my stay here in South Africa.

I spent 2 weeks in this program after just spending two weeks in a different program else where. This is definitely a really important program where you go out daily on game drives to gather data for the greater Kruger area. It’s amazing to see all of these animals in the wild and experience life in the African bush although some of the drives did become a bit repetitive it was still interesting to see what animals you would come across that day. The camp was very nice and clean and the staff was very kind and knowledgeable we even got the opportunity to camp out in the wild African bush - the only downfall of that were the bright lights from the nearby mine kind of damped the vibe. The guides are all super knowledgeable about all the animals and plants we pass along the way and are always open to any questions you might have about them. It was such a true pleasure meeting everyone who joined this volunteer project from young teens to people in their 60’s it was a unanimous feeling of togetherness, friendship and community.

I volunteered with African Impact for 2 weeks, and every day was amazing. You really get involved in everything, and you truly feel like you've made an impact here. The camp where we stay is also fantastic. One of the best experiences I've ever had.

I volunteered here for a month and it was the absolute best experience ever. The staff are amazing and so friendly, the atmosphere in camp is really chill and everyone got along so well. The guides are fantastic and any question you have on drives or even in camp is always answered! The knowledge they all have is really impressive. Absolutely loved this place and these people and I will 100% be returning!!

The research internship I had participated in for 12 weeks was the best experience of my life! I had never done anything like this before and was quite nervous when I arrived but the staff and other volunteers/ interns made me feel right at home. The facility is amazing and kept clean twice to three times a week and the food is delicious! Being located right next to the olifant river gives you a first hand experience with the wildlife and there’s nothing as surreal as a herd of elephants coming up to camp. This internship has changed my life and would recommend it to anyone questioning themselves on whether to come here or not. Do it, you won’t regret it!

My stay at African Impact at Greater Kruger Park was an incredible experience. It was well-organized and the staff was both professional and informal, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The program was highly diverse and educational, offering a variety of activities like wildlife conservation projects, bush walks, community outreach, and a lot of game drives. The staff was open to personal input, ensuring the experience was tailored to our interests. Overall, my time with African Impact was unforgettable. I highly recommend this program for a well-managed, personalized adventure filled with diverse and enriching activities.

I just finished with a volunteering conservation program based in Kruger, South Africa, and it was an incredible experience. The program focused on essential conservation work, including eliminating invasive plant species and collecting vital data on the park's diverse wildlife. The hands-on approach allowed us to make a tangible impact while learning about the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem. Working alongside a passionate team on various group projects also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Kruger.