Kids in South Africa wearing a t-shirt from a volunteer organization

Contribute to Animal Welfare and Nature Education in South Africa!

Ready for a wild adventure that makes a real difference? Join the DAKTARI family in stunning South Africa where you'll teach kids, cuddle critters, and create memories to last a lifetime! 🦒

Accommodation
Unknown
Location
South Africa
Category
Wildlife and animals
Language
English, English, English
Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration
Min. 1 month

About the project

DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage combines conservation education with wildlife rehabilitation in a stunning South African nature reserve. Founded with the dual mission of educating underprivileged local children about environmental protection while caring for injured and orphaned wildlife, DAKTARI creates powerful learning experiences through direct animal interaction. Every week, eight children aged 12-14 from nearby villages spend five days at the camp, receiving hands-on lessons about conservation, anti-poaching, and crucial life skills. The wildlife orphanage houses animals that cannot be released into the wild due to injuries or human imprinting, giving them purpose as species ambassadors for the educational program. Beyond the core program, DAKTARI extends its impact through community initiatives like Eco Clubs for Grade 9 students and Wildlife Crime Campaigns in primary schools. What makes this project special is its holistic approach – addressing environmental challenges through education while providing practical care for wildlife victims of human activity, all while immersing volunteers in authentic South African culture and breathtaking natural surroundings.

What you bring

  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • Intermediate level of English communication skills
  • No teaching experience required - just enthusiasm and willingness to learn
  • A positive attitude and genuine interest in children and wildlife
  • Adaptability to life in a remote bush setting
  • Energy and enthusiasm for hands-on volunteering
  • Openness to learning about South African culture
  • A desire to make a real difference in the lives of children and animals

What you do

  • Teach environmental education to underprivileged children aged 12-15
  • Care for injured and orphaned wildlife in our sanctuary
  • Clean animal enclosures and assist with feeding twice daily
  • Lead interactive lessons and outdoor educational activities
  • Facilitate discussions about important social issues
  • Help with building or renovating animal enclosures
  • Organize fun activities like swimming and bonfire dancing
  • Participate in community outreach programs in local villages

Gallery

What you get

  • Free transfers to/from Hoedspruit town or airport (Saturdays only)
  • Three delicious meals daily plus water, tea, coffee, and juice
  • Comfortable accommodation with linens and towels provided
  • Daily laundry service at no extra cost
  • WiFi access in common areas
  • Weekends off to explore South Africa's stunning attractions
  • Help organizing excursions to Kruger Park or Blyde River Canyon
  • Life-changing experiences and friendships with people from around the world

What you don't get

International flights to South Africa
Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
Weekend excursions and activities
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Visa fees if applicable to your nationality

Program fees

Program availability: April 02, 2025 - November 30, 2026

Flight and airport

Fly into Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) and then take a connecting flight to Hoedspruit Airport or a bus/shuttle to Hoedspruit town. DAKTARI offers free transfers from Hoedspruit Airport or town on Saturdays only. Return transfers are available on departure Saturdays. International flights and Johannesburg-Hoedspruit transfers are not included in the program fee.

Visa

Most visitors to South Africa receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your planned departure date and has at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

Free time

Weekends at DAKTARI are your gateway to exploring South Africa's incredible wonders! After the children leave on Friday afternoon, your time is your own until Monday morning. Many volunteers head into Hoedspruit, the nearest town, to shop for souvenirs, enjoy restaurant meals, or simply connect with civilization. The real adventures, however, await in the surrounding region. The world-famous Kruger National Park is within reach for incredible safari experiences, where you can spot the Big Five and countless other wildlife species in their natural habitat. The breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, the world's third-largest canyon, offers spectacular hiking trails and viewpoints like God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. For the adventurous, activities like hot air ballooning, zip-lining, white water rafting, and horseback safaris are all possible weekend options. DAKTARI staff are happy to help you plan these excursions, often coordinating with other volunteers to share transportation costs. Some volunteers even choose to stay at camp during weekends, enjoying the peaceful reserve and spending extra time with the resident animals. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with South Africa's natural beauty, your weekends provide the perfect balance to your meaningful volunteer work.

Activities

Swimming

Hiking

Safari/Zoo

Sightseeing

A typical day

Your day at DAKTARI starts early at 7:00 AM, immersing you in the rhythms of bush life. By 9:00 AM, you're leading interactive lessons for eight children aged 12-14, teaching them about environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and anti-poaching efforts. These aren't traditional classroom sessions – you'll use creative, hands-on methods supported by the teaching materials provided before your arrival. Throughout the day, you'll work alongside the children to care for the animals at the wildlife orphanage, from bottle-feeding baby animals to cleaning enclosures and sometimes renovating or building new animal homes. The afternoon continues with more lessons until around 4:30 PM, followed by group discussions on important social issues. But it's not all serious work! You'll also enjoy swimming with the kids, playing games, and dancing around the evening bonfire to their favorite songs. This blend of education, animal care, and cultural exchange creates unforgettable connections with both the children and wildlife, making each day uniquely rewarding and impactful.

Ready to go?

Your application goes directly to the organisation. The contact and selection process is handled by them.

Apply now