
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UPDATE | Apr 2025
Lexi, a pet caracal, was surrendered to SanWild after she began hunting the neighbours' chickens. Raised alongside dogs, she unfortunately suffered ear cartilage damage early on due to fleas and ticks. Thankfully, her crinkled ears do not impact her daily life, and now that she's been released, her unique ears actually make it easy for her to identify on the camera traps!
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.
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.
My six weeks volunteering at SanWild were truly life-changing. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms into a warm, family-like environment that instantly felt like home. The team went above and beyond to make my experience unforgettable, fulfilling every wish and filling every day with laughter and joy. The work was nothing short of magical. I had the privilege of caring for a lioness (Kyara), a lion (Bombi), a rhino, and even becoming a “mom” to a monkey — each of whom stole my heart. Every day was packed with meaningful tasks, invaluable learning opportunities, and moments I will cherish forever. Celebrating Christmas at SanWild was an unexpected and heartwarming highlight. Spending the 24th with Didi and his family was incredibly special, and Christmas Day, watching Netflix with a monkey, a duiker, and Puppie while enjoying cocktails (thanks to Tiaan!), was an experience I never imagined but absolutely loved! SanWild gave me more than just a volunteering opportunity — it gave me a family, lifelong lessons, and memories I will treasure forever. I cannot wait to return to this extraordinary place and reunite with the incredible people and animals who made it feel like home. Thank... My six weeks volunteering at SanWild were truly life-changing. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms into a warm, family-like environment that instantly felt like home. The team went above and beyond to make my experience unforgettable, fulfilling every wish and filling every day with laughter and joy. The work was nothing short of magical. I had the privilege of caring for a lioness (Kyara), a lion (Bombi), a rhino, and even becoming a “mom” to a monkey — each of whom stole my heart. Every day was packed with meaningful tasks, invaluable learning opportunities, and moments I will cherish forever. Celebrating Christmas at SanWild was an unexpected and heartwarming highlight. Spending the 24th with Didi and his family was incredibly special, and Christmas Day, watching Netflix with a monkey, a duiker, and Puppie while enjoying cocktails (thanks to Tiaan!), was an experience I never imagined but absolutely loved! SanWild gave me more than just a volunteering opportunity — it gave me a family, lifelong lessons, and memories I will treasure forever. I cannot wait to return to this extraordinary place and reunite with the incredible people and animals who made it feel like home. Thank you to everyone who made this journey so special — you will always have a place in my heart! (Show More)
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.
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.