For all adventurous families looking for a responsible and rewarding way to holiday, volunteering with wildlife is a unique and unforgettable way to spend time together. Due to multiple requests from families to take part in our projects together, we are now offering a number of family-friendly wildlife volunteer programmes, all of which provide parents and children of all ages with a thoroughly enriching conservation experience.
Whether you dream of tracking elephants through the stunning Namibian desert or helping to release infant turtles in Sri Lanka, our family volunteering projects will not disappoint. Volunteering together on any of these projects will provide an incredible, shared experience which you will all remember for a lifetime.
Visit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
View projectEnjoy the thrill of Gorilla Trekking on this gorilla conservation project in Uganda
View projectHave a lasting impact on the conservation efforts in the Manu UNESCO Biosphere, one of the most diverse environments on earth.
View projectHelp make a difference to Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and visit the breath-taking Victoria Falls.
View projectExperience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
View projectVolunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!
View projectWork on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
View projectTake part on The Great Turtle Project in Sri Lanka as a volunteer in a turtle sanctuary and have an impact on the conservation of the country's beautiful sea turtles.
View projectNeed help choosing the perfect project or have questions? Get in touch with our expert travel team. Just let us know the age of your child or children and how many adults will be joining the adventure, and one of our amazing travel consultants will get in touch to help turn your family volunteering dream into an unforgettable reality!
Need help choosing the perfect project or have questions? Get in touch with our expert travel team. Just let us know the age of your child or children and how many adults will be joining the adventure, and one of our amazing travel consultants will get in touch to help turn your family volunteering dream into an unforgettable reality!
Call us on +44 208 885 4987Volunteering abroad creates unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. From the excitement of exploring new places together to the satisfaction of making a positive impact on wildlife conservation efforts and the lives of the local community, these shared experiences strengthen the bonds between family members. The memories created during your volunteer trip will serve as a source of inspiration and connection long after you return home, reminding you of the difference you made together.
Wildlife conservation projects often collaborate with local communities, allowing families to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives. This exchange enhances understanding of global conservation challenges and the way human societies and nature weave together. Volunteering holidays boost local economies and encourage positive community relationships. Time in natural settings helps families reconnect with nature, observe wildlife, and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment, encouraging long-term conservation efforts.
Volunteering offers a chance for personal growth and skill development for family members of all ages! Whether it's planting trees, monitoring wildlife populations, or assisting in rehabilitation efforts, you'll all learn new skills and gain valuable experience in areas such as teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. Volunteering holidays provide opportunities to develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of environmental responsibility, along with learning from experts in the field and gaining practical experience in conservation work.
Family volunteering abroad with wildlife involves families travelling together to another country to engage in hands-on conservation efforts, such as protecting endangered species, rehabilitating injured animals, or preserving natural habitats. This experience allows families to learn about wildlife conservation and habitat preservation while working closely with animals in their natural environments. Tailored projects ensure that activities are safe and suitable for all ages, encouraging a shared sense of responsibility for protecting the planet. In addition to conservation work, families can explore nature, work with their favourite animals, enjoy cultural experiences, and create lasting memories on a meaningful holiday.
Volunteering abroad with children can be a rewarding experience and is perfectly safe with planning and consideration. It's crucial to choose a reputable organisation and research the destination you are going to. The Great Projects has a wide selection of family-friendly projects which are filterable by age to ensure the itinerary is appropriate for your family. All our projects offer safe accommodation, the projects are usually within secure grounds, such as reserves or sanctuaries, and all activities will be supervised by a trained staff member. You'll need to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are up to date and secure comprehensive travel insurance. Overall, volunteering abroad with children is very safe. If you have any concerns, you can always contact our expert travel team, who are always happy to help!
When volunteering as a family, it's important to remember to take into account visa requirements, vaccinations, and insurance. Some visas may require additional documentation, such as birth certificates and written consent from parents or guardians if not all legal guardians are travelling with the children. Beyond paperwork, consider the physical and mental preparation your family will need. Children may require extra support for long journeys, which could involve connecting flights and transfers. Additionally, be mindful of the climate at your destination - it might be significantly hotter and more humid than what your children are accustomed to. Preparing them for these changes can help prevent discomfort and anxiety. Volunteering in a new environment can be a transformative opportunity, but it may also present some challenges, such as the hardships of conservation, i.e. seeing injured wildlife, experiencing cultural differences, and unfamiliar living conditions. You may want to discuss these aspects with your children ahead of time, ensuring they understand the purpose of the trip and feel emotionally prepared.