South Africa Wildlife & Conservation
Work on a private game reserve, protect wildlife, and experience nature up close.
Your Trip is ABTOT Protected
Tour Summary
Two weeks living on a private game reserve in South Africa, surrounded by wildlife and getting involved in the work that helps protect it. Not your average two-week getaway! Work alongside experienced rangers on a 6,000-hectare reserve, with days that could include wildlife monitoring, game counts, environmental projects and maintaining the land. It’s hands-on, varied and a chance to see what conservation actually looks like behind the scenes.
You’ll also spend time at the on-site rehabilitation centre, helping care for animals as they recover and prepare for a return to the wild. And of course, there’s plenty of wildlife to look out for too! Head out on game drives and keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo. Sightings are never guaranteed, but that’s half the excitement. You never quite know what you’ll spot!
Beyond the reserve, you’ll support a local township community project, helping prepare meals for children who don’t always have access to regular nutrition. It’s a meaningful way to give your time and learn more about the communities around you. When you’re off duty, relax by the pool, get to know volunteers from around the world or spend your free weekends exploring Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay. Beaches, cafés, surfing and a little adventure are all within reach.
Come ready to learn, lend a hand and go with the flow. This is real conservation, with a whole lot of South Africa to enjoy along the way…
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.
Conservation in Action
Get involved in the work that keeps the reserve running, from animal monitoring and game counts to maintaining the environment.
Included
The Big Five
Head out on game drives across the 6,000-hectare reserve and keep your eyes open for lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo.
Included
Learn from the Locals
Spend time alongside experienced rangers and learn about the wildlife, ecosystems and conservation work that make this place so special.
Included
Give Wildlife a Second Chance
A chance to see the care and commitment that goes into giving wildlife the best possible future.
Included
Life on the Wild Side
Wake up on a game reserve in South Africa, with nature all around you and the bush right on your doorstep.
Included
A Little More South Africa
Spend your free time discovering Port Elizabeth, head to the beach or make your way to Jeffreys Bay for some surfing and a little adventure.
Included
Itinerary
From day to night, your itinerary’s packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s the lowdown.
Welcome to Your Wild New Home
You’ve made it to South Africa, and for the next two weeks, a private game reserve is home! After a short induction, you’ll get to know the land, the wildlife and the people who keep the reserve running. There’s plenty to learn, but you’ll have experienced guides around to help you find your feet.
Early on, you’ll head out on your first game drive, exploring the reserve and keeping an eye out for the Big Five. Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo could all be out there! Try to look in every direction at once!
It’s a pretty special way to get your bearings and start getting to know the place you’ll be living and working in. And yes, waking up on a game reserve is going to take some getting used to, in the best possible way!
A Day in the Life of Conservation
This is where you get to see what it actually takes to look after a game reserve! Your days will usually run from morning through to late afternoon, with a break in the middle, but what you get up to depends on what’s needed around the reserve.
One day you could be monitoring wildlife and tracking their movements, the next you might be taking part in game counts, helping maintain the reserve or supporting planting and other conservation projects. There’ll also be interactive wildlife talks and sessions, so you can learn more about the animals and the environment you’re helping to protect. Plenty of opportunities to ask a million questions, too!
Some days will be more physical, others more educational, and that’s what keeps it interesting. You’ll get to see the behind-the-scenes work that most visitors never do, and start understanding just how much goes into protecting a place like this.
A Little Extra Care
Alongside your conservation work, you’ll also spend time at the reserve’s animal rehabilitation centre, observing and helping with the care of animals as they recover. It’s a chance to learn about a completely different side of wildlife conservation, and see the work that goes into preparing animals for a return to the wild.
There’s something pretty special about being able to support their recovery, even through the smaller everyday tasks. You’ll get to see how much care, patience and commitment goes into giving these animals the best possible chance of returning to their natural habitat.
Beyond the Reserve
There’s more to this experience than the wildlife, and this is a chance to see another side of South Africa. 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 meaningful way to give your time, meet people from the wider community and learn more about life beyond the reserve. You might arrive thinking this trip is all about the animals, but there’s so much more to discover when you get involved with the people and communities around you. That’s one of the things that makes Further’s volunteering programmes such a special way to travel.
Off Duty, South Africa Style
After a day out on the reserve, the evenings are yours to do absolutely nothing, or a little bit of everything. Cool off by the pool, catch up with your group or find a spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Living on a game reserve means even your downtime comes with a pretty good backdrop!
Weekends are your chance to explore beyond the bush. Head into Port Elizabeth for beaches, cafés and coastal views, or make your way to Jeffreys Bay for surfing and a bit of adventure. Whether you fancy a full weekend of activities or a slower couple of days, there’s no need to have every minute planned. You’ve got South Africa on your doorstep, so make the most of it!
Go With the Wild
Working with wildlife means you can’t always predict what the day will bring, and that’s part of what makes it so interesting! Plans might change depending on what the animals, the reserve or the environment need, so you’ll need to be ready to go with the flow.
One day might look completely different from the next, but that’s what real conservation is all about. You’re not following a perfectly polished tourist itinerary, you’re getting involved in the work that’s actually happening on the ground. Come with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a little flexibility!
Accommodation
Think chill vibes, cool spots, and sharing it all with your new travel fam.
More Information
For the next two weeks, you’ll be living right on the game reserve, with nature on your doorstep and a whole community of volunteers to share it with. It’s a simple, traditional setup, but that’s all part of the experience. You’re here to live on a reserve, after all!
You’ll stay in shared, single-sex dorms with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities. There are communal spaces to hang out in, plus access to facilities around the reserve, including a swimming pool, games areas and outdoor spots to relax after a day of conservation work.
And it’s not just your FurtherTravel group you’ll be getting to know. Volunteers join from all over the world, so there’ll be plenty of new faces, different stories and people to swap travel plans with. Whether you’re catching up after a day out on the reserve or spending a lazy afternoon by the pool, there’s always someone around to share the experience with. You might arrive knowing nobody, but that won’t last very long!
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Key Information
Everything you need to know before you go.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Weather
Whatever time of year you’re heading to South Africa, there’s plenty of good weather to look forward to! From November to March, Port Elizabeth is at its warmest, with daytime temperatures around 23–27°C and evenings around 16–18°C. From April to October, expect milder days of around 20–24°C, with mornings and evenings dropping to roughly 8–13°C. You’ll be spending plenty of time outside while teaching, coaching and exploring, so pack your warm-weather favourites, throw in a few layers for the cooler months and you’re good to go!
Getting There
Starts
Your South Africa experience starts the moment you land in Port Elizabeth! Fly into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), where the local team will be waiting to meet you and take you straight to your accommodation. Drop your bags, meet your fellow volunteers and start settling into your new home for the next two weeks.
Ends
When your time in South Africa comes to an end, we’ll make getting home nice and easy too. Your return transfer from the accommodation to Port Elizabeth is included on your final day, ready for your journey home.
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
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