• Life On Land

Elephant Conservation & Research

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Spot African elephants in the wild while volunteering to assist with wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Live and work alongside Field Guide Association of South Africa, FGASA, qualified guides, growing personally and professionally by learning from their experiences.
  • Go on a wildlife safari adventure in a private South African nature reserve.
  • Listen to the quiet hush of the wild open spaces, waking each morning to a chorus of savannah birds and drifting off to the nighttime hum of endemic frogs and crickets.
  • Sleep under the star-filled Southern night sky, its beauty enhanced by the lack of light pollution, and wake to a golden African dawn.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Travel to South Africa to work alongside trained field guides on critical wildlife & Elephant conservation initiatives.

Contribute to meaningful conservation work as a participant on this program based in South Africa, Limpopo. Experience the African Bush unfiltered and witness the Big Five in their natural environment.  Join a team of passionate individuals from across the globe on efforts that contribute to the ...

About the program

Contribute to meaningful conservation work as a participant on this program based in South Africa, Limpopo. Experience the African Bush unfiltered and witness the Big Five in their natural environment.  Join a team of passionate individuals from across the globe on efforts that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #15, Life on Land. 

Participants are trained up in survey techniques in order to ensure that data collection activities are effective and accurate. You could expect to be involved in tracking and spotting animals within the reserve such as lion, leopard, elephants and rhinos.  Data collected provides a valuable insight into the impact of predator on prey; geographical movement; behavior; relation structures and genetics. This information is used by the reserve management to ensure a healthy balance of natural resources which in turn contributes to the overall success in conservation of endangered African species. 

As a volunteer on this program you will also spend a large part of your time focusing on Elephant conservation initiatives .

You could also expect to work within the local community on environmental education initiatives. 

This program includes an optional  Wildlife Conservation online course which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States.

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Drive
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Drive
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time
As a volunteer you will be out on 1 drive a ...

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Drive
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Drive
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time
As a volunteer you will be out on 1 drive a day. 

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are ...

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Skiing in the Drakensberg Mountain Range
  • Bungee Jumping & Ziplining
  • Hoedspruit Reptile Center
  • Kruger National Park
  • Kalahari Dessert (a bit further away but worth a visit)
  • Cape Town (a 2 hour flight away) 
  • Blyde River Canyon
The possibilities are endless! 

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks. 

These activities may include: 

  • Learn to make a potjiekos
  • Develop your wildlife photography skills
  • Discover the medicinal uses of indigenous plants
  • Master basic bush survival skills
  • Watch a magical sunset at a watering hole
  • Enjoy a night sky safari
  • Walk through a prehistoric cycad forest
  • Sleep in the open bushveld

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at School level

Required Documents

Medical form and Passport copy

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

No specific skills required, all training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • First Aid & CPR training
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • Research training
  • Reserve fees and permits
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Telemetry training as relevant
  • Welcome meeting
  • Wildlife identification techniques

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Airport and reserve transfers
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

Airport pick up available from Hoedspruit Airport within specified time period. 

Accommodation

Based in Karongwe game reserve, just a short drive away from the Kruger National Park. Live in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by wildlife. 

Accommodation facilities are shared dormitories and can be considered basic.


Food & Beverages

Meals are prepared by participants although all ingredients are provided, mostly vegetarian diet and most dietary requirements can be catered for. 

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2024

  • 23 Nov 2024
  • 07 Dec 2024
2025
  • 04 Jan 2025
  • 18 Jan 2025
  • 01 Feb 2025
  • 15 Feb 2025
  • 01 Mar 2025
  • 15 Mar 2025
  • 29 Mar 2025
  • 12 Apr 2025
  • 26 Apr 2025
  • 10 May 2025
  • 24 May 2025
  • 07 Jun 2025
  • 21 Jun 2025
  • 05 Jul 2025
  • 19 Jul 2025
  • 02 Aug 2025
  • 16 Aug 2025
  • 30 Aug 2025
  • 13 Sep 2025
  • 27 Sep 2025
  • 11 Oct 2025
  • 25 Oct 2025
  • 08 Nov 2025
  • 22 Nov 2025
  • 06 Dec 2025
  • 20 Dec 2025

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 1,695€
2 weeks 2,150€
3 weeks 2,604€
4 weeks 3,059€
6 weeks 3,968€
8 weeks 4,877€
12 weeks (max. stay) 6,695€
Average fees 1,126€/week

Program fees

1,126€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

1 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

Emma Brenne rating5

2019 at Elephant Conservation & Research

I spent a month in the beautiful mountains of Chiang Mai, in a little village called Huay Pakoot. In this villige I got to observe and follow such butiful and amazing elephants everyday on our hikes. I loved how seeing these extraordinary gentle giants everyday got so normal to me after a wile but ...
Dannielle Roche rating4.6

2018 at Elephant Conservation & Research

I thoroughly reccomend this opportunity in South Africa. I knew nothing about the African wildlife except for what I had seen on the telly and my general interest in the idea of a safari. Limpopo offered me an opportunity where I could carry out research on the amazing animals, giving me a full on ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...

Location

Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Karongwe Reserve

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

Most volunteers ask about

Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Bianca
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

Book with Flex Option!

Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.