• Life On Land
  • Quality Education
  • Partnerships For The Goals

Wildlife Research in South Africa Expedition

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

  • Develop data collecting skills and gain work experience on conservation projects that are focused on preserving this ecosystem’s unique biodiversity.
  • Get the full safari experience with this opportunity to work with and live among some of the world’s most beautiful and vulnerable wildlife.
  • Contribute to ongoing environmental projects that address critical challenges aligned to the global UN SDGs.
  • Join local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are highly ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
  • Venture outside typical travel itineraries to get exclusive access to extraordinary remote habitats, rare species and unique ecosystems.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

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

Embark on an immersive experience in a South African private game reserve, home to iconic wildlife such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and cheetah. Live and collaborate with an international research team, contributing to vital wildlife conservation initiatives aligned with the United ...

About the program

Embark on an immersive experience in a South African private game reserve, home to iconic wildlife such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and cheetah. Live and collaborate with an international research team, contributing to vital wildlife conservation initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

This program offers a unique safari adventure, allowing you to actively engage in research and contribute to the long-term conservation of South Africa’s natural resources. No special skills are required; our experienced team provides training in tracking predators and megaherbivores. Your efforts contribute to understanding predator impact, species behaviour and genetics, aiding reserve management and local conservation organisations. 

Engage in daily research drives, focusing on specific sightings like cheetahs and rhinos, and participate in environmental conservation initiatives in the local community.

Typical day

Engage in impactful wildlife projects, from sunrise drives to conservation sessions. Wrap up the day with relaxing evenings or fun with fellow participants.
Example of a typical day:
05:00 Set off on a game drive as the sun rises above the Drakensberg. You'll learn how to monitor focus species, note ...

Typical day

Engage in impactful wildlife projects, from sunrise drives to conservation sessions. Wrap up the day with relaxing evenings or fun with fellow participants.
Example of a typical day:
05:00 Set off on a game drive as the sun rises above the Drakensberg. You'll learn how to monitor focus species, note down data and use telemetry equipment.
09:30 Head back to base where you’ll prepare and enjoy breakfast with the team.
10:00 Attend lectures on conservation, or use the free time to further your knowledge on birds and mammals.
12:30 Eat lunch as a group, with participants preparing diverse meals, allowing you to taste international and South African cuisine.
13:30 Enjoy some quiet time after lunch to rest.
15:00 Enjoy an afternoon game drive. If you're lucky you might see a herd of elephant, a solitary rhino, or a leopard with its kill.
19:00 After dinner it’s time to relax. Hang out with your new friends in the common areas, play games, or even do some studying if you feel like it.
20:30 Time to call it a night with our early start. Get ready for a restful night's sleep.

Free-time activities

On weekends you can explore the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga province, known for its scenic wonders along the eastern edge of the Drakensberg mountains. Visit The Three Rondavels, viewpoints, and waterfalls that define this landscape. For a wildlife experience, go to Kruger National Park. Opt for a ...

Free-time activities

On weekends you can explore the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga province, known for its scenic wonders along the eastern edge of the Drakensberg mountains. Visit The Three Rondavels, viewpoints, and waterfalls that define this landscape. For a wildlife experience, go to Kruger National Park. Opt for a solo self-drive or join a guide in a custom open safari vehicle. The park, spanning 19,000 square kilometres, offers diverse adventures. Choose day trips or overnight stays in rest camps to encounter the Big Five, observe 500 bird species, explore flora, and discover other fascinating creatures.

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Skiing in the Drakensberg Mountain Range
  • Bungee jumping and ziplining
  • Hoedspruit Reptile Center
  • Kruger National Park
  • Kalahari Desert (a bit further away but worth a visit)
  • Cape Town (a 2 hour flight away) 
  • Blyde River Canyon
Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.
Examples of activities may include: 
  • 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

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 (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

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 and Friday

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 pickup (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • First aid and 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

Accommodations feature roomy dorm-style lodgings with shared bathrooms, all powered by solar energy for a lighter environmental footprint. Unwind in the chill-out zones with hammocks, a swing chair and a projector for movie nights. 

Stay active using amenities like a volleyball court, footballs, skipping ropes, weights and yoga mats. Additional options include card games, board games, books and a designated braai area (South African barbecue).

Food & Beverages

Participants make their own breakfast, which is continental style, including bread and spreads. For lunch, it’s usually sandwiches and salads. Dinner might be anything from a traditional South African “potjie” stew to pastas and stir-fries.

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

  • 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) 1,745€
2 weeks 2,195€
4 weeks 3,395€
6 weeks 4,495€
8 weeks 5,195€
10 weeks 5,995€
12 weeks (max. stay) 6,895€
Average fees 1,159€/week

Program fees

1,159€ 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

GVI Limpopo has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Arriving on base you are met with well trained staff who perfectly reflect the core values of GVI, as well as many passionate, friendly and helpful volunteers. Life of base is incredibly fun and the time you get to be able to meet ...
Following graduation, I was looking for conservation experience in-the-field. GVI has always been on my radar as one of the best organisations for that kind of work, and after graduating it was a no-brainer for me to head out on one of their programmes. I volunteered with GVI as a Research Fellow ...
Oliver Richardson rating4

2023 at Wildlife Research in South Africa Expedition

Amazing time! The staff are super knowledgeable and organized, always ready to answer questions about the work, animals or any organizational help you need. The volunteer work is enjoyable and interesting, with loads of opportunity for wildlife sightings. Recording the data and the practical ...
Beautiful experience with great people. Something about seeing the wildlife thrive in their natural habitat makes it all worth it! The people were so nice as well. I’ve made life long friends in so many other countries. I think one of my favorite memories was seeing a leopard on a kill. We we’re ...
I have been in South Africa in limpopp for 2 weeks. It was the first time I had to travel alone. GVI helped a lot before I even left. So nice with a constant help if needed. It was so amazing, and knowing you are making a difference. And experience the culture of the country you are traveling ...
I've been interning with GVI in Limpopo, South Africa for a little over a month now and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have always wanted to do conservation work in Africa and GVI made that dream possible. Interns work 6 days a week with Sundays off. We go on two game drives, ...

Location

Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Limpopo

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

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