Wildlife & Conservation
Work on a private game reserve, protect wildlife, and experience nature up close.
Your Trip is ABTOT Protected
Tour Summary
Live and work in the wild. For two weeks you will be based on a private game reserve, getting involved in real conservation work alongside experienced rangers. Your days are varied, from animal monitoring to environmental projects that directly support the reserve.
You will also head out on game drives across the reserve, spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, including the Big Five. It is immersive, hands-on, and a completely different way to experience South Africa.
What's Included
How This Tour Scores
Balanced mix of adventure and chill with moderate thrills throughout.
Full volunteering immersion; make a real difference daily on tour.
Low-key evenings with mostly relaxed nights or early finishes.
Balanced cultural experiences with a mix of sightseeing and local immersion.
Immersive wildlife experiences with close-up encounters with diverse species everywhere.
The Best Bits
From hidden gems to unforgettable nights, every moment’s a vibe.
Hands-On Conservation
Take part in real conservation work, from animal monitoring and game counts to maintaining the reserve and protecting the environment.
Included
Spot the Big Five
Head out on game drives across a 6000-hectare reserve and look out for lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in their natural habitat.
Included
Learn From Expert Rangers
Work alongside experienced guides who bring the reserve to life, sharing knowledge about wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Included
Support Wildlife Rehabilitation
Help care for animals in the on-site rehabilitation centre, supporting their recovery and return to the wild.
Included
Experience Life On The Reserve
Live on the game reserve itself, surrounded by nature, with time to relax, connect, and enjoy the unique setting.
Included
Explore South Africa Your Way
Use your free time to visit nearby beaches, explore Port Elizabeth, or head to Jeffreys Bay for surfing and adventure.
Included
Itinerary
From day to night, your itinerary’s packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s the lowdown.
Life On The Game Reserve
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be living and working on a private game reserve in South Africa.
After a short induction, you’ll get to know the land, the wildlife, and how the reserve operates. This is your base for the next two weeks, surrounded by nature, wildlife, and a completely different pace of life.
Early on, you’ll head out on a game drive across the reserve, with the chance to spot iconic species including the Big Five. It’s the perfect introduction to where you’ll be living and working.
Conservation Work
Your days are built around hands-on conservation.
A typical day runs from morning through to late afternoon, with a break in the middle of the day. Work varies depending on what’s needed on the reserve, keeping every day different.
You could be:
- Monitoring wildlife and tracking movements
- Taking part in game counts
- Maintaining the reserve and surrounding environment
- Supporting planting and conservation projects
- Learning through interactive wildlife talks and sessions
Some days are more physical, others more educational, but everything contributes to the bigger picture of protecting the reserve.
Wildlife & Rehabilitation
Alongside conservation work, you’ll also get involved in the reserve’s **animal rehabilitation centre**.
Here, you’ll support the care and feeding of animals being rehabilitated, helping them recover before being released back into the wild.
It’s a chance to get closer to the animals and understand another side of conservation work beyond the reserve itself.
Community Impact
Your experience also extends beyond the reserve.
You’ll spend time supporting a local township community project, helping to prepare meals for children who don’t always have access to regular nutrition.
It’s a simple but meaningful way to give back and connect with the wider community around the reserve.
Downtime & Weekends
It’s not all work.
Evenings are yours to relax and enjoy life on the reserve, whether that’s unwinding by the pool, hanging out with your group, or just taking in the surroundings.
Weekends are free for you to explore more of South Africa. Head to Port Elizabeth for beaches, cafés, and coastal views, or make the trip to Jeffreys Bay for surfing and adventure.
You can keep things relaxed or fill your time with activities, it’s completely up to you.
A Flexible, Real Experience
Working with wildlife means no two days are exactly the same.
Plans can change depending on the needs of the reserve, the animals, and the environment, and that’s all part of the experience.
It’s real, hands-on conservation, where you’re part of what’s happening on the ground.
Accommodation
Think chill vibes, cool spots, and sharing it all with your new travel fam.
More Information
You’ll stay on the game reserve itself, in traditional volunteer accommodation that keeps you fully immersed in the experience.
Rooms are shared, single-sex dorms, with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities. It’s a simple, authentic setup, designed for community living rather than luxury.
The camp includes social and communal spaces, along with access to facilities across the reserve such as a swimming pool, games areas, and outdoor spaces to relax after a day of conservation work.
You’ll be part of a wider volunteer community, with people joining from around the world, not just your FurtherTravel group, creating a social and varied environment throughout your stay.
Book a FREE Travel Chat with an Expert
Key Information
Everything you need to know before you go.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Weather
Expect warm days, sunshine, and plenty of time outdoors. Nov – Mar (Summer): Hot and dry, ideal for wildlife spotting and reserve work Apr – Oct (Winter): Milder days with cooler mornings and evenings Early starts and active days are part of life on the reserve, with temperatures that make being outdoors easy year-round.
Getting There
Starts
Your journey starts in Port Elizabeth. Fly into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), where you’ll be met by the local team and transferred to the game reserve. From here, everything is organised. You’ll settle in, meet the group, and begin your induction before heading into your first days on the reserve.
Ends
Your experience will finish at the game reserve. You’ll depart from Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), with your return transfer arranged on your final day. From start to finish, everything is taken care of — so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
FAQ's
Volunteering
Your days are built around hands-on conservation work, with a structured but varied schedule on the reserve.
A typical day runs from morning through to late afternoon, with a break in the middle of the day. Tasks can range from physical conservation work to more interactive, educational sessions focused on wildlife and the environment.
No two days are exactly the same, giving you a well-rounded experience that combines practical work with learning about conservation in action.
Do I need a Visa?
UK passport holders can visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.
You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay, so it’s worth having these details ready when you arrive.
As requirements can change, it’s your responsibility to check the latest entry guidance before travelling. We recommend checking official government websites or speaking to our team if you need support.
We recommend checking with your GP or a travel health clinic for the latest advice on vaccinations and health precautions for South Africa.
Make sure to arrange any vaccinations well in advance so you can travel with confidence.
Weekend Activities
Weekends are yours to enjoy.
You can relax on the reserve or head out to explore nearby Port Elizabeth, known for its beaches, coastal views, and laid-back atmosphere.
Whether you’re unwinding by the sea, trying out activities like surfing, or exploring the local area, it’s the perfect way to recharge after a week of hands-on conservation work.
Money
In South Africa, the local currency is the South African Rand. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and local spots.
For convenience and to avoid high foreign exchange fees, many travellers use a travel card such as Wise or Revolut. This allows you to pay in local currency with minimal charges, and you can also withdraw cash from ATMs if needed.
Solo? Couple? Friends?
Most of our travellers are solo, so joining a group tour is a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends along the way. Travelling alone gives you flexibility, the chance to connect with others, and the freedom to follow your own adventure.
If you’re coming with a friend or partner, just let us know when you book. We’ll make sure you’re paired together in the same room so you can enjoy the trip side by side.
Free Time
While our programmes are full of unforgettable experiences, there’s still plenty of time built in to relax, explore, or do your own thing. Whether you want to lounge on a beach, wander through local markets, try out a new cafe, or just take a quiet afternoon for yourself, the choice is yours.
Your guides are always happy to share insider tips and recommend hidden gems, so you can make the most of every free moment. Free time is your chance to explore at your own pace, discover local culture, and create memories that are completely your own.
Pre and Post Tour
If you’re arriving early or staying on after your programme, we can help make the most of your extra time. Extra nights of accommodation before the tour starts can be booked easily through us, just get in touch with our team.
Planning to continue your adventure once your trip ends? Our travel experts can offer advice on the best destinations, routes, and experiences to extend your journey, so you can explore confidently and make the most of your time abroad.
Arrival & Transfers
We provide an airport transfer on the day your trip begins. To make things easy, aim to arrive between 9am and 5pm on the start date. Once you’ve booked your flights, be sure to share your arrival details in the Manage My Booking area so we can coordinate your pick-up.
If you’re arriving outside these times, don’t worry, we can help you arrange a private transfer at your own cost. Our team will give you all the details you need to meet your driver and get to your accommodation safely and smoothly.
All in-country transport throughout your trip is included, so you can relax and enjoy the journey. We handle transfers between hotels, activity locations, and any pre-arranged excursions, using buses, trains, and boats where needed.
Each tour page lists the correct airport to fly into and out of, so you’ll know exactly where to arrive and depart. If you're still unsure, just chat to the team!
Luggage & Packing
Pack light, pack smart, and be ready for anything. Bring versatile clothing for warm days, cooler evenings, and temple visits. A sturdy backpack or suitcase works fine, and you’ll have opportunities to do laundry along the way. Don’t forget essentials like chargers, travel documents, and a good pair of walking shoes for exploring
Flights
Flights are not included in the trip price and will need to be booked separately. We recommend securing your place on the trip before booking flights, as availability and dates can sometimes change and flight prices can fluctuate.
Once your place is confirmed, our team is happy to help with advice on the best airports to fly into, typical routes, and timings to ensure your arrival runs smoothly.
Departure Dates
Choose your adventure.
Dates for this tour are coming soon.
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