
Volunteer with the 'Big 5' and the Born Free Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves
On the plains of the Eastern Cape and under the cascading African Sun, lies the world-renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Home to vibrant landscapes and some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, the Shamwari Conservation Experience offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the true African wilderness and leave a legacy for generations to come.
For over 25 years, a dedicated team of conservationists and volunteers alike, have worked to return the land (23,000 hectares of once derelict farmland) back to its former glory, and have successfully reintroduced various plant and animal species, including the iconic ‘Big 5’.
This awe-inspiring project has incredible ecological diversity with a flourishing array of free-roaming wildlife that desperately need protection from the threats they so sadly face. With a dedicated wildlife department, Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Animal Hospital and Rhino Awareness Centre, you will gain first-hand experience of what it's like to live and work on an active game reserve, as well as a rare behind-the-scenes understanding of conservation management.
As part of the team, you’ll track and monitor rare and endangered species, lend a hand at the acclaimed Born Free Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary, assist local community initiatives and more, all of which will aid the protection and growth of South Africa’s most beloved wildlife.
On the plains of the Eastern Cape and under the cascading African Sun, lies the world-renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Home to vibrant landscapes and some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, the Shamwari Conservation Experience offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the true African wilderness and leave a legacy for generations to come.
For over 25 years, a dedicated team of conservationists and volunteers alike, have worked to return the land (23,000 hectares of once derelict farmland) back to its former glory, and have successfully reintroduced various plant and animal species, including the iconic ‘Big 5’.
This awe-inspiring project has incredible ecological diversity with a flourishing array of free-roaming wildlife that desperately need protection from the threats they so sadly face. With a dedicated wildlife department, Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Animal Hospital and Rhino Awareness Centre, you will gain first-hand experience of what it's like to live and work on an active game reserve, as well as a rare behind-the-scenes understanding of conservation management.
As part of the team, you’ll track and monitor rare and endangered species, lend a hand at the acclaimed Born Free Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary, assist local community initiatives and more, all of which will aid the protection and growth of South Africa’s most beloved wildlife.
You can expect to take part in the following during your time on the Shamwari Conservation Experience.
Below is an example of a 2-week itinerary, though you can take part for up to 12 weeks.
To secure a place on this project a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
Select a duration below to see the available start dates. All dates shown are currently available for you to join this project!
Volunteers are accommodated in the guest centre which has 10 twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Rooms are allocated on a same-sex basis, except for couples who are accommodated together. There are excellent communal facilities including a swimming pool, lounge and entertainment area, and a boma area with a fire pit. A laundry service and Wi-Fi is also available free of charge.
Three meals per day will be provided for you, along with a big cooked breakfast served once a week. Water, juice, tea and coffee are freely available, and soft drinks are available to purchase on-site or from local shops. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be catered for but please contact us if you have any other dietary requirements.
Nearly all the activities take place year-round except for the community-based projects, as schools are closed in South Africa between mid-December and early January. Therefore, if you are keen to get involved with the community projects, you should avoid volunteering during this time. The only other factor that may impact your preference of when to volunteer is the weather.
Due to its position on the Eastern Cape, the reserve typically enjoys mild, pleasant weather throughout the year with occasional rain (but no distinct wet season). There are 2 seasons which are explained below:
Summer (November - April): During these months, daytime temperatures average 25–30°C (77-86°F), but can occasionally go up to 35°C (95°F) with January and February being the hottest months of the year. At night, it stays relatively warm, averaging 15°C (59°F).
Winter (May – October): This time of year is still very pleasant during the day with temperatures between 20–25°C (68-77°F), however, it can get very cold at night with temperatures falling to 5-10°C (41-50°F).
You will need to fly into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) on your project start date and then transfer to the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The transfer from the airport to the project site takes approximately 1.5 hours and while it is not included, it can be provided for an additional cost. If you would like to take the transfer on your start date, please ensure your flight arrives by 12:50pm at the latest as it departs at 1:30pm. Similarly, there is a return airport transfer available on your final day which arrives at Port Elizabeth Airport at midday. If you would like to take this transfer, please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 2pm. The cost of these airport transfers is $57 each way.
If you cannot find flights that arrive/depart in time for these transfers, we may be able to arrange a private transfer for you at a cost of $113 each way, but this is dependent on the availability of vehicles.
Citizens of most countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and most of those within the EU, do not need to obtain a visa to enter South Africa and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. You will, however, need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the immigration officials to use and your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from your date of entry.
If you are unsure of your individual visa requirements, we recommend speaking to your local South African embassy at least 2 months prior to travel.
We recommend all volunteers have a moderate level of fitness, as the days are busy and you will be involved in a variety of activities! Whilst no specific skills are required, we ask that everyone arrives with a willingness to get involved and a respect for the wildlife and the committed project staff with whom you will be working.
The vaccinations required will depend on the individual medical history of each volunteer. We recommend that you consult with your doctor/GP regarding your own vaccination needs as this will ensure you are protected and prepared to travel. In conjunction with this, we also recommend that you take a look at the Fit for Travel website for more helpful information on how best to prepare for your experience.
See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Shamwari Game Reserve. From game drives to see the 'Big 5', to community outreach initiatives, Shamwari offers volunteers an incredible and diverse experience.
Volunteers Gillian, Gemma, and Pam discuss their hand in conservation with the 'Big 5' at Shamwari as they take part in community outreach programs, reserve research tasks, and spend time at the world-famous Born Free Foundation.
Discover some of the incredible activities you could get up to in your free time. With local wildlife sanctuaries and adrenaline sports on offer, there's something for everyone in South Africa's diverse and beautiful Eastern Cape.
After 3 white rhinos came to the rehabilitation centre, 1 year later, it was finally time for them to be released back into the wild on the Shamwari game reserve!