Volunteer Project - Mission
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Our volunteer program gives you the opportunity to experience South Africa in its most authentic way – with all its challenges in wildlife conservation.
You will gain insights into conservation work, learn why it is so
complex, and at the same time experience the unique wildlife and culture of the country.
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We operate under the Kruger Conservation NPC, ensuring that your participation directly supports genuine conservation efforts.
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We want you to feel at home, enjoy nature with all your senses, make new friendships, and have an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why Join Us?
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Joining our program is more than just traveling to South Africa, it’s about becoming part of a mission.
By volunteering with us, you actively contribute to wildlife protection and support a local community passionate about conservation.
You won’t just observe nature, you will experience it: feel the African sunrise on an early game drive, stand meters away from elephants, hear lions roar at night, and share unforgettable moments around a campfire under the stars.
This is not a tourist trip, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and make a difference. You will gain real insights into conservation challenges, understand the realities of protecting endangered species, and leave with memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
As part of Kruger Conservation NPC, a registered non-profit organization, your time, energy, and passion directly support the preservation of one of the world’s most important ecosystems. Here, your contribution truly matters.
Program Highlights
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Our volunteer program offers a unique balance of hands-on conservation work, exciting excursions, and time to enjoy the African bush.
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Project includes :
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Wildlife Monitoring & Tracking – learn to read tracks, identify animal movements, and contribute to vital conservation data.
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Vet Work - assist with veterinary work on Game animals.
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K9 Anti-Poaching Unit Visit – meet the dogs and rangers protecting wildlife.
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Kruger National Park Safari (2 days / 1 night) – Big 5 tracking, visit the Elephant Museum, and stay overnight in a wildlife-surrounded rest camp.
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Excursion to Letaba Junction – including a boat tour to see hippos and crocodiles.
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Full-Day Hoedspruit Experience – workshops at Down to the Wire, visit Jessica the Hippo, meet elephants, explore Moholoholo Rehab Centre, and explore local markets.
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Panorama Route Tour – explore Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and more.
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Morning & Sunrise Game Drives – watch the bush come alive while enjoying coffee and breathtaking views.
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Night Game Drives – observe nocturnal animals and their behaviors under the African night sky.
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Farm Work – assist with fence checks, waterhole maintenance, and animal monitoring.
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Bush Braai – enjoy a traditional outdoor barbecue around a campfire under the stars.
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Thermal Drone Monitoring – assist in modern wildlife tracking techniques.
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Shooting Range Experience (optional) – learn about the role of hunting in conservation.
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Leopard’s Hiking Trail (optional) – a full-day hike with swimming opportunities in summer.
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Cultural & Educational Add-Ons – documentaries, birdwatching, and themed workshops tailored to volunteers’ interests.
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Your experience is a perfect blend of hands-on work, thrilling excursions, and enough free time to relax and immerse yourself in the African bush.
Accommodation & Meals
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As a volunteer, you will stay at the Ndzalama Lodge, located in the heart of the private Ndzalama Big 5 Game Reserve.
The lodge is completely unfenced, meaning wildlife can freely roam nearby, you couldn’t be closer to nature.
Imagine waking up to the sounds of birdsong, spotting antelope grazing near your room, or hearing lions in the distance under a star-filled sky.
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Comfortable Living – Volunteers stay in shared bedrooms, with each volunteer having their own comfortable bed. Sharing rooms creates a warm, community atmosphere and is a great way to connect with fellow volunteers. For those who prefer more privacy, private rooms are available upon request for an additional fee
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Modern Facilities – Stay connected with WiFi, and enjoy the convenience of laundry service and regular room cleaning, ensuring a comfortable stay.
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Delicious Meals – Volunteers enjoy full board on the farm, with freshly prepared meals served daily. Our kitchen offers hearty dishes with vegetarian and limited vegan options available. Please let us know your dietary preferences (vegetarian or vegan) when booking, so we can accommodate your needs.
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Social Spaces – The lodge offers a variety of communal areas where volunteers can relax, share stories, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Unwind at the bar, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or spend time in cozy lounges designed for connection and relaxation. The on-site restaurant provides another inviting spot to enjoy delicious meals and local flavors together.​
Staying at Ndzalama Lodge means living in the wild without barriers, surrounded by Africa’s iconic wildlife, while still enjoying the comfort and safety of a welcoming home.
What Volunteers Do
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Daily LifeThere is no “typical day” at Kruger Conservation, as each day is shaped by the season, weather, and wildlife activity.
However, the general rhythm of the two-week program looks like this:
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08:00 – Breakfast at the lodge
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09:00 – Start of morning activities (e.g., wildlife monitoring, farm work, or conservation tasks)
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13:00–14:00 – Lunch break
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14:00-16:00 – Scheduled activity (e.g., tracking, game drive, or workshop)
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19:00 – Dinner, followed by time to relax, socialize, or join optional evening activities
-> The schedule is flexible and may change depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, short-term conservation needs (e.g., animal captures), or group preferences. Volunteers can also take part in themed workshops such as intensive tracking, birdwatching, or conservation talks, tailored to their interests.
Example 14-Day Volunteer Program
Every day is unique – shaped by wildlife sightings, conservation needs, and the rhythm of the African bush. Here’s what a two-week program could look like:
Day 1 – Arrival & Introduction
Arrival at Hoedspruit Airport & transfer to Ndzalama Lodge
Lunch or welcome snack depending on arrival time
Introduction, safety briefing & farm tour
Welcome dinner
Day 2 – Introduction to Conservation & Monitoring
Introduction to wildlife monitoring & tracking (e.g. digging sand for tracks)
Afternoon game drive (track checks)
Night game drive focusing on nocturnal animals
Day 3 – Letaba Junction & Boat Tour
farm monitoring & animal counting
Excursion to Letaba Junction
Boat tour to observe hippos & crocodiles
Dinner at Letaba restaurant & return to farm
Day 4 – Sunrise Game Drive & Farm Work
Sunrise game monitoring (coffee & snacks en route)
Breakfast & rest
Documentary screening (The Rhino Man)
Fence checks & dam monitoring
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Day 5 – Farm Work & Bush Braai
Waterhole cleaning, fence inspections, monitoring
Free time
Bush braai game drive & traditional outdoor dinner under the stars
Day 6 – Hoedspruit Experience
Full-day excursion to Hoedspruit:
Workshops at Down to the Wire
Visit Jessica the Hippo & elephant encounters
Lunch at The Brewery
Moholoholo Rehab Centre & optional reptile zoo/markets
Day 7–8 – Kruger National Park Safari (2 days / 1 night)
Early departure for Big 5 safari drivesVisit to Elephant MuseumOvernight stay in Kruger rest camp (braai & wildlife at camp)Return on Day 8 after full-day game drives
Day 9 – Shooting Range (Optional)
Farm monitoring & fence work
Shooting range experience (with instruction on the role of hunting in conservation)
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Day 10 – Panorama Route
Full-day tour: Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Lunch at Harry’s Pancakes
Evening return & dinner
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Day 11 – K9 Anti-Poaching & Drone Monitoring
Visit to K9 Anti-Poaching Unit or farm monitoring
Game monitoring with thermal drone
Day 12 – Veterinary Work
A full day dedicated to veterinary conservation work (with partner vets & rangers):
Assisting with animal health checks & basic treatments
Learning about wildlife diseases, vaccinations & immobilization techniquesHands-on insight into the challenges of veterinary wildlife management
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Day 13 – Flexible Day & Farewell Braai
Buffer day for special activities (e.g. short-term game captures, conservation tasks, or group-chosen activities)
Final campfire & farewell braai together
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Day 14 – Departure
Breakfast & transfer to Hoedspruit Airport
Departure according to flight schedule
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Included
Your program fee covers all essential aspects of your stay to ensure a comfortable and immersive experience:
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Accommodation in the lodge – stay in safe, comfortable shared rooms; private rooms are available for an additional fee.
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Meals on the farm – enjoy nutritious, locally prepared meals throughout your stay.
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All activities & entrance fees – including wildlife safaris, farm tours, cultural experiences, and any other scheduled excursions.
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Transfers to/from Hoedspruit Airport – seamless pick-up and drop-off to start and end your journey stress-free.
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Not Included
Participants are responsible for certain additional costs:
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International flights to South Africa
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Travel insurance – mandatory for all participants, covering health, accident, and emergency evacuation.
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Meals in restaurants during excursions
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Personal expenses – souvenirs, snacks, beverages, etc.
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Visa – check requirements based on your nationality.
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Participation Requirements
To ensure safety, enjoyment, and meaningful contribution:
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Minimum age: Solo travelers must be 18 years or older. Families with children from 14 years are welcome, with full responsibility lying with the parents; parents are liable for their children.
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Good physical condition & team spirit – activities may involve walking, outdoor work, and handling animals.
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Interest in wildlife, nature & culture
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Program language: English; German or Spanish available on request
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Safety & Support
Your wellbeing is a top priority:
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Safety briefing & farm introduction on the first day
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Liability waiver (indemnity) required for all participants
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Medical facilities available in nearby Hoedspruit
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Experienced guides & local coordinators on site to support you throughout the program
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Practical Information
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Arrival: via Hoedspruit Airport, with transfers included
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Packing list: light safari clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), insect repellent, binoculars, camera, bathing suit, light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, personal toiletries, small backpack for day trips
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Climate & Seasons in Limpopo:
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Summer (Nov–Mar): hot and humid, occasional thunderstorms; ideal for lush scenery and wildlife spotting
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Autumn (Apr–May): warm days, cooler evenings, dry season begins
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Winter (Jun–Aug): dry and sunny, cooler mornings and evenings; perfect for crisp, clear days and wildlife tracking
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Spring (Sep–Oct): warming temperatures, occasional rain, wildflowers bloom
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Additional tips: lightweight rain jacket for summer, comfortable shoes for walking and farm activities, extra batteries or power bank for electronics
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Questions or Ready to Book?
Joining a volunteer program abroad is a big step – we’re here to make it as easy as possible. Whether you want to know more about daily activities, accommodation, costs, or any other details, our team is ready to help.
