
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 $804 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 $804 per week for an individual and $513 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 | Jul 2025
Volunteers have had an action-packed week, firstly assisting in the delicate dehorning process of one of the reserve’s rhinos. They also lent a hand with the relocation of a new buffalo, who is currently in a temporary boma awaiting release into the wider reserve!
NEWS | Jun 2025
Looking to volunteer with wildlife in South Africa? Travel Consultant Katie shares her personal experiences from her recent visit to some of our top conservation projects, including chimpanzee sanctuaries, wildlife orphanages, and big game reserves.
UPDATE | Jun 2025
This week, volunteers ventured out under the light of a full moon for a night patrol! These patrols are a powerful deterrent to poachers and offer a unique chance to spot some of the reserve's elusive nocturnal wildlife.
It was an incredible trip. I knew it would be good but it surpassed my expectations. I was so impressed by the team at SanWild, all of whom were all very professional and hugely compassionate people, and clearly committed to the welfare of the animals in their care, the conservation of each species and the environment they exist in. It was huge fun and really thought provoking all in one. I was part of the daily tasks which might involve various things to do with the animals or might involve cleaning solar panels or repairing various things Mulatu the elephant had chosen to 'rearrange' the night before, and everyone got involved, from the farm manager to the workers and volunteers. It was really special to be part of such an effective and kind team and enlightening to hear their various experiences. I would fully recommend the trip to others, and if you arrive expecting nothing in particular, you will be massively rewarded and enriched for being open to the whole experience.
Second time at SanWild and still every day is a unique experience. It feels like coming home to a Family that you haven‘t seen in a while. Game drives, taking care of the animals and unique experiences such as collaring a Rhino or relocation of 14 Wildebeest make every visit special and of course the warm welcome and lovely people at SanWild. A True African experience with free time in Krueger national park or on game drives in Karongwe private game reserve on the weekends make it a true holiday.
Amazing experience