Conserve the 'Big 5' in style! Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of luxury and meaningful conservation as you undertake wildlife rescue and rehabilitation operations in comfort.

A dream-like, wild adventure set within the South African bushvelds awaits you! The SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve is home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring wildlife, including the iconic 'Big 5' - but SanWild is not a standard safari experience; it is a vital conservation effort and a shelter for the region's vulnerable, injured, and orphaned wildlife.

For over 20 years, SanWild has masterfully balanced sanctuary care with reserve management, rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing countless animals back into the wild. Here, you'll help write the next chapter in their story. Rehabilitated animals find freedom on a sprawling 3,000-hectare reserve, while those who can't return to the wild live safely in the sanctuary designed to mirror their natural habitat.

As a volunteer, you'll be at the heart of the action, working hands-on to protect some of the world's most remarkable and endangered species. Each day is a new adventure - whether you're caring for rescued animals, joining counter-poaching patrols, or tracking cheetahs, rhinos, and elephants across the reserve. Your efforts will leave a lasting impact on vulnerable and endangered wildlife that the world cannot afford to lose. Plus, when the day is done, you'll head back to unwind in the stunning lodge surrounded by nature's wonders, where curious wildlife often drop by to say hello!

Activities

Large Predator Care The sanctuary is home to majestic lions and spotted hyenas, saved from the grips of lion-hunting farms, failing zoos, and circuses worldwide. Despite their striking appearance, many rescued predators lack crucial survival skills and no longer fear humans, rendering them unsuitable for release. But thanks to their massive natural enclosures, they can roam with plenty of space to explore. As a volunteer, you'll ensure their well-being by keeping their habitats clean, diets nutritious, and even helping to provide medical care when necessary. Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures while helping them recover from the harmful effects of their previous exploitation.

Cheetah Monitoring More than just a national breeding program, the SanWild Cheetah Project is a mission to save wild cheetahs worldwide, as their rapidly declining numbers are causing great concern for their future survival. The project monitors and tracks the resident cheetahs in their natural habitat using radio collars to aid research and conservation efforts. You'll have the chance to join in and contribute to the cause, helping monitor the cheetahs, noting their preferred prey, hunting areas, and even new births! Collaborating with other sanctuaries and reserves to ensure that these big cats will continue to roam the African plains for generations to come, the project has already successfully reintroduced a number of cheetahs in other countries.

Elephant Herd Management A rescued elephant herd from a disbanded game reserve in the Eastern Cape found a forever home at the sanctuary in 2006. With a carrying capacity of 16, 13 elephants already roam across the reserve. Volunteers play a role in monitoring the herd and helping to proactively control overcrowding by assisting with the contraceptive injections to the females every few months. You'll also participate in habitat protection initiatives needed because of the elephants, like maintaining electric fences and wire mesh around specific trees. Plus, you'll get to help explore new innovative solutions to protect trees, like placing beehives or miniature granite pyramids nearby.

Rhino Protection Assisting the game rangers to monitor the rhinos on foot, patrolling the fences and watching over the reserve's security cameras, you'll have the opportunity to join the front lines and make a tangible impact in protecting rhinos from the devastating effects of poaching. If poachers are detected, volunteers are unable to accompany the rangers on physical pursuits for safety reasons but will have the opportunity to assist in the operations room! To reduce the financial incentive for poachers, the team made the difficult decision to dehorn the rhinos, which has already led to a steep decline in poaching incidents. Volunteers have previously been included in the dehorning process and might again, should the need arise.

Rehabilitation & Rescue Centre The ultimate goal of the rehab centre is true rehabilitation, allowing rescued animals the chance to heal, thrive, and return home to the wilderness. Sadly, this is not always possible, and the sanctuary remains a forever home for many injured and humanised animals. From food preparation to feeding and cleaning enclosures, you'll play a vital role in helping these incredible animals get back on their feet or providing a home replicating life in the wild. And when rescues and vet procedures arise, you may just have the opportunity to assist the staff as they spring into action, positively changing the course of an animal's life forever!

Wildlife Gene Exchange Free-roaming wilderness areas are becoming increasingly scarce in South Africa, so gene exchange programs have become essential to preserving the health of wildlife populations. As a volunteer, you could be part of an exciting and vital mission: assisting in the capture, translocation, and release of animals between game reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, game farms, or other nearby properties. This helps to ensure genetic diversity, which prevents in-breeding and helps to sustain the future of wildlife in South Africa. You'll be part of the power of conservation in action and may even witness an animals' first steps into their new homes!

Habitat Restoration Transforming a former cattle ranch into a thriving wildlife sanctuary is no small feat, but the project is up for the challenge! Along with the staff, volunteers are working to return the once-overgrazed sanctuary land to its natural state. You'll lend a hand cutting back sickle bush, applying herbicide to the stumps, and planting grass and tree seedlings to create a biodiverse habitat for indigenous wildlife. With your help, endangered trees and plants will be reintroduced, and bare patches of soil will see new growth, creating a brighter future for South Africa's wildlife.

Counter-Poaching Patrols Join the counter-poaching patrols, not only within the sanctuary grounds but also in neighbouring reserves. You'll lookout for any signs of human activity, which could indicate potential poaching. If any are detected, you'll trace the intruders' movements and remove any traps or snares found. And that's not all - volunteers can also attend the Down to the Wire workshop in Hoedspruit, where you'll learn to turn these snares into beautiful pieces of jewellery! You'll help protect the reserve's wildlife and perhaps get to take home a small souvenir which has been given a new purpose - one that doesn't harm animals.

Free Time The sanctuary's location is the perfect starting point for exploring a vast range of exhilarating attractions during your free time. From hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours to hiking, biking and horseback riding trails - the possibilities are endless! While these excursions are not included in the volunteer program fees, the on-site team can help you arrange them. You can also choose to explore the Elephant Graveyard and hand-excavated gold mines dating over 130 years old, or relax and enjoy all the luxuries of the stunning lodge without leaving the SanWild property!

Itinerary

Below is a sample two-week itinerary. While the longer durations offer a more comprehensive experience, a one-week itinerary is available and will still deliver a dynamic African adventure!

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins: Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, a project representative will greet you and collect everyone in the group. From there, you'll travel to the project site, which should take approximately 40 minutes. At the reserve, you'll meet the team and get settled in before beginning your volunteering activities the following day.

Day 2 - 14 - Project Days: The volunteer program operates from Monday to Friday. You'll be up early, starting with breakfast and potentially a game drive before your first project of the day. The morning session runs until 1pm for your lunch hour, and the afternoon session will run until around 4-5pm. Afterwards, volunteers have time to unwind and freshen up before dinner at 7pm, with plenty of time to relax and socialise after. Weekends are free for volunteers to explore some of the best places South Africa has to offer, or simply relax at the luxury lodge, making full use of the pool!

Day 15 - Final Day: Today you will be transferred back to the airport to either return home or begin your next travel adventure. Although your stay at SanWild has ended, you will depart with a treasure trove of memories, new friends, and the satisfaction of knowing that you made a meaningful contribution towards the welfare of South African wildlife!

Durations & Prices

To secure a place on this project, a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your start date.

Flexible Payment Options: If you select a start date more than 3 months in advance, we offer convenient payment plans, allowing you to pay off your balance in instalments.

Select a duration below to see the available start dates and book your place today!

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Accommodation

Volunteer Accommodation

At the tented safari lodge, volunteers are accommodated in a stylish two-bedded tent with an ensuite bathroom and a daily cleaning service. The accommodation is provided on a twin-share, same-sex basis (except for couples who will be accommodated together). You'll have full access to a beautiful lounge, bar, dining room, lapa (fire-pit), pool, and a wooden deck that offers amazing views of a watering hole often visited by wildlife!

For those seeking more privacy, there is the option to pay a single supplement of $744 per week, which includes an upgrade to a Deluxe safari tent.

Accommodation Upgrade

For a touch of luxury, upgrade to stay in one of the stunning Deluxe safari tents with plush furnishings, a large open-plan bathroom with a tub and separate shower, a bar fridge, tea and coffee station, and a covered outdoor seating area, offering the perfect opportunity to make a positive impact while indulging in some extra comforts!

Upgrading to stay in a Deluxe safari tent is charged at an additional $744 per week for an individual and $475 per person per week if staying as a couple. For more information or to check availability, please contact our travel team.

Meals & Beverages

The lodge staff will provide three appetising meals a day and the opportunity to relish in Bush braais (barbecues) and wilderness or fireside gatherings, savouring delicacies like potjiekos. The dining hall and deck overlooking the watering hole offer a stunning backdrop, making mealtimes even more magical. Soft and alcoholic beverages are not included but are available to purchase. Additionally, you can choose to budget for a treat or two, exploring some nearby restaurants, such as the Leydsdorp Hotel, Kalima Game Reserve, and Meranti Restaurant.

(Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements can be catered for, but please be aware gluten-free and vegan alternatives can be very difficult to source locally, so you may find your meal options somewhat limited.)

Project Details

When is the best time to volunteer?

As this project is based on a game reserve, there are animals here year-round. The weather may play a part in choosing when you decide to volunteer, and the different seasons are explained below:

Early September to November: Also known as 'baby season,' the region can experience occasional heavy rainfall but also welcomes new life. This is also when animals are orphaned or abandoned and may arrive at the reserve. Vegetation is denser during this time, making certain wildlife more challenging to spot.

Early December to Late February: The region experiences the hottest period of the year, with average temperatures reaching highs of around 33°C (91°F) and lows of roughly 19°C (66°F). This is also the wettest time of year, although mostly with short afternoon thunderstorms.

Early March to Late May: Perhaps the most comfortable time of year to volunteer, with daytime temperatures averaging around 29°C (84°F) before dropping to roughly 13°C (55°F) in the evening, with minimal rainfall.

Early June to Late August: This is winter in South Africa, and daytime temperatures usually range between 26-28°C (78-82°F) with lows of around 11°C (52°F). This is the driest time of year to volunteer; it's great for wildlife viewing and going out on additional excursions!

Average Monthly Weather in Hoedspruit, South Africa

Getting There

You will need to arrive at Hoedspruit on your project start date in the afternoon, where you will be met by a member of the team and transferred to the project site. The easiest way to reach Hoedspruit is by air, and there are daily flights via Johannesburg or Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS). The transfer from the airport to the project site takes approximately 40 minutes. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services are available exclusively on Mondays. Any other day of the week will require special arrangements and incur an additional fee.

Alternatively, you can choose to arrange your own transport to SanWild, such as self-driving, at your own expense. Johannesburg International Airport (OR Thambo) is approximately 400 km (248 mi) and takes roughly 5 hours to reach by car.

Visa Requirements

Most countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the majority of EU nations, do not require a visa to enter South Africa and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. To be allowed entry, you must have a passport with at least 2 blank pages for the immigration officials to use, and it must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.

If you're unsure about your specific visa requirements, we recommend contacting the South African embassy in your home country at least 2 months before your trip. It's important to note that obtaining a visa is your own responsibility.

Fitness & Skills

While no prior experience is necessary, there is regular walking and possibly some construction or maintenance work involved, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended for participating in the project activities. This is to ensure that all volunteers can comfortably contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts. The most important thing is that you arrive with a positive attitude and a passion for the project's values.

Vaccinations

To ensure that you are fully protected and prepared for travel, we advise you to consult with your GP/Doctor about your personal vaccination requirements as they will vary depending on your medical history. We would also recommend that you check Fit for Travel's website for helpful information regarding suggested vaccinations for South Africa.

Videos

SanWild Sanctuary and Reserve - Project Video 2023

Discover the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve

Take an active role in South African wildlife conservation by volunteering at the SanWild Sanctuary and Reserve. This unique and exclusive experience offers a real insight into game reserve management, where you can discover life in the bush by joining anti-poaching efforts, conduct research through animal tracking and camera traps, and help provide care for the rescued lions and spotted hyenas that call SanWild home.

SanWild Sanctuary and Reserve - Review Video 2023

Volunteer Experiences at SanWild

Volunteers Elisa, Leni, Sylva and Michael explore their time at the SanWild Sanctuary and Reserve. See what they got up to during their visit and how you can contribute to the conservation of South African wildlife.

SanWild Sanctuary and Reserve - Rhino and Elephant Conservation 2023

Protecting Africa's Giants: Rhino and Elephant Conservation

Join Eco Ranger Junel in the vital conservation effort to protect Africa's rhinos and elephants. Watch volunteers get involved in the darting and collaring of a male white rhino and a male elephant to aid experts in the fight against poaching.

The Story of SanWild

Chairman and Managing Director Didi Schoeman upholds the legacy of SanWild Sanctuary and Reserve, preserving wildlife in honor of founder Louise Joubert and introducing the volunteer program. Learn about SanWild's history, values, and mission in wildlife conservation.

SanWild Sanctuary and Reserve - Weekend Activities

Weekend Activities in Hoedspruit

With weekends free for you to spend as you wish, discover just some of the incredible activities you could get up to. From ziplining through the Letaba River Gorge to experiencing a game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit has something for everyone.

Gallery

News & Stories

Another Successful Lion Relocation: Ysis and Yoda's Journey to SanWild

ARTICLE | Mar 2025

From a life of exploitation to roaming the African plains, Ysis and Yoda’s journey to freedom is nothing short of extraordinary. Read how these rescued lions finally found their forever home.

Read Now

Ysis & Yoda Are Finally Home!

UPDATE | Mar 2025

The brother and sister lion duo, who were originally purchased by a rapper for a music video, have successfully completed the 48-hour transfer and have reached their forever home at SanWild. Thanks to the collaboration between SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve, Tonga Terre d'Accueil, and their sponsor, Foundation 30 Millions d'Amis, the pair are now settling into their holding enclosure and living life under an African sun.

Couple Douglas and Julie Share their SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve Adventure!

REVIEW | Mar 2025

From cleaning hyena enclosures to assisting with a lion rescue, volunteer couple Douglas & Julie share their experience of their incredible tasks at SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve in South Africa.

Read Now

Reviews

Kristin Silva, 2025

This was one of my best trips by far! Every day we were able to see the amazing animals that are part of SanWild. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and many other animals roam freely. The comfortable lodge has a large deck where you can often see these animals grazing in front of you. The staff were super friendly and eager to help in any way. The food was delicious and prepared for those with special dietary needs (in my case vegetarian). For an incredible experience, would definitely recommend spending 2 or more weeks at SanWild.

Dini Rambaldini, 2025

We had an amazing experience, wonderful staff at SanWild, accommodation was good. Food tasty and the animals were definitely the highlight overall we loved it.

Douglas MacEwan, 2025

My wife and I spent 3 weeks at SanWild and had an amazing experience. From the word go we were immersed in the day to day running of the sanctuary, and were literally hands on with food preparation and distribution, cleaning and repair/maintenance tasks on the reserve. On top of that we assisted with the treatment of an injured rhino and on three occasions with the moving of lions into enclosures and associated medical treatment. Before we came we didn't necessarily expect to be cleaning wounds on a rhino's back or rubbing ointment into a (tranquillised!) lion's eyes, but that's what we did! Our other work was varied - we assisted with the release of one serval into the wild, cut back fallen trees that were blocking paths and repaired damage to enclosures, water pumps etc caused by elephant damage. And there was always time for informal game drives to witness the amazing wildlife on site. It was clear that the sanctuary staff have to react on a day to day basis to the urgent tasks that need addressed. That meant that concrete plans for the following day weren't always possible, and some days felt like we could have done... My wife and I spent 3 weeks at SanWild and had an amazing experience. From the word go we were immersed in the day to day running of the sanctuary, and were literally hands on with food preparation and distribution, cleaning and repair/maintenance tasks on the reserve. On top of that we assisted with the treatment of an injured rhino and on three occasions with the moving of lions into enclosures and associated medical treatment. Before we came we didn't necessarily expect to be cleaning wounds on a rhino's back or rubbing ointment into a (tranquillised!) lion's eyes, but that's what we did! Our other work was varied - we assisted with the release of one serval into the wild, cut back fallen trees that were blocking paths and repaired damage to enclosures, water pumps etc caused by elephant damage. And there was always time for informal game drives to witness the amazing wildlife on site. It was clear that the sanctuary staff have to react on a day to day basis to the urgent tasks that need addressed. That meant that concrete plans for the following day weren't always possible, and some days felt like we could have done more than we did - for example lower priority work on the reserve such as clearing paths or repairing fence damage etc. We found this to be a little frustrating, but we understood the pressures that drove this. The staff were all very knowledgeable and supportive and gave us experiences that we'll never forget. I'd recommend SanWild for anyone who wants to experience first-hand how a wild animal sanctuary runs and is prepared to get their hands dirty and get involved. You will see and contribute to the incredible work that is done to give these poor animals a new home, and with luck, experience some of them being released back into the wild. (Show More)

Download Project Guide

What's Included

Accommodation
Three meals per day
Airport transfers
Orientation and training
Water, tea and coffee
Laundry and housekeeping
Wi-Fi
A donation to the project

What's Not Included

Flights
Travel insurance
Visas
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

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SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve

From $1,994.00

Speak To A Travel Expert

Activities

Activities

Itinerary

Itinerary

Durations & Prices

Durations & Prices

Book your place

Accommodation

Accommodation

Volunteer Accommodation

Accommodation Upgrade

Meals & Beverages

Project Details

Project Details

When is the best time to volunteer?

Getting There

Visa Requirements

Fitness & Skills

Vaccinations

Videos

Videos

Discover the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve

Volunteer Experiences at SanWild

Protecting Africa's Giants: Rhino and Elephant Conservation

The Story of SanWild

Weekend Activities in Hoedspruit

Gallery

Gallery

News & Stories

News & Stories

Another Successful Lion Relocation: Ysis and Yoda's Journey to SanWild

Ysis & Yoda Are Finally Home!

Couple Douglas and Julie Share their SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve Adventure!

Reviews

Reviews

What's Included

What's Not Included

Speak To A Travel Expert

From $3,190.00€1,914.00£1,595.00$1,994.00

From
$3,190.00€1,914.00£1,595.00$1,994.00