Age is no barrier to adventure or making a meaningful difference. If you’re over 60, love wildlife and want to aid wildlife conservation in some of the most captivating countries in the world, volunteering abroad with animals could be a rewarding way to spend your golden years!
Many mature volunteers have paved the way for others like yourself – we’ve sent those in their late 60s diving off Indonesian coasts, volunteers in the late 70s in search of Sri Lankan elephants and trekking the Ugandan forests to sit among gorillas, and octogenarians to help protect orangutans in Borneo.
Embrace a unique opportunity to explore new places, connect with nature, and leave a legacy of conservation for generations to come.
Work on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
View projectExperience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
View projectVolunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!
View projectLuxury meets conservation at our brand-new 'Big 5' project! Experience wildlife rescue and rehabilitation missions in the home of Safari, South Africa.
View projectVisit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
View projectWork on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
View projectVisit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
View projectEnjoy the thrill of Gorilla Trekking on this gorilla conservation project in Uganda
View projectHave a lasting impact on the conservation efforts in the Manu UNESCO Biosphere, one of the most diverse environments on earth.
View projectHelp make a difference to Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and visit the breath-taking Victoria Falls.
View projectExperience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
View projectVolunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!
View projectWork on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
View projectTake part on The Great Turtle Project in Sri Lanka as a volunteer in a turtle sanctuary and have an impact on the conservation of the country's beautiful sea turtles.
View projectDo you need help choosing the perfect project or have questions? Please feel free to get in touch with our amazing travel team. Our travel experts can assist with suggesting projects, addressing concerns, insurance queries and booking flights to help turn your volunteering dreams into a reality with ease!
Do you need help choosing the perfect project or have questions? Please feel free to get in touch with our amazing travel team. Our travel experts can assist with suggesting projects, addressing concerns, insurance queries and booking flights to help turn your volunteering dreams into a reality with ease!
Call us on +44 208 885 4987Volunteering offers a unique chance to explore some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. By volunteering with The Great Projects, you can make a lasting, sustainable impact on some of the planet’s most incredible and endangered species, as well as the local communities they share their habitats with. Get involved in a variety of tasks, from habitat restoration and animal rescue to rehabilitation and more!
Our projects welcome volunteers of all ages, whether 18, 30, 60, or older. People from all walks of life and with varying levels of experience contribute in equally meaningful ways, and that's what really matters! While certain projects, like those involving orangutans, often attract volunteers over 45, age should never stand in the way of supporting a cause you’re passionate about. If you’d like to know the typical age range of volunteers for a particular project, our travel team is here to help with more information.
Our wide range of projects offers a variety of exciting activities, from monitoring the ‘Big 5’ in South Africa to creating enrichment for orangutans in Borneo. With such a diverse selection, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy! Each of our projects is carefully designed to support vital conservation efforts, so every activity you participate in as a volunteer makes a meaningful impact on endangered wildlife and the local communities that coexist with them.
For all our projects, regardless of age, we recommend having a moderate level of fitness since many activities involve a fair bit of walking and can be a bit tiring at times. But don’t worry - our project facilitators are always here to listen and adjust if anything feels too challenging. What matters most is your enthusiasm for getting involved and your passion for wildlife conservation!
Our orangutan projects, along with The Great Gorilla Project, often appeal to a more mature audience. Similarly, 'Big 5' conservation projects like the Shamwari Conservation Experience and SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve tend to attract interest from older volunteers. However, all of our projects welcome a wide range of ages, and this diversity creates a richer and more engaging experience for everyone involved!
One of the most common questions we receive from older volunteers is about the comfort of accommodations. Above, we've highlighted our top three projects with the best accommodations, and our convenient filter allows you to select projects with a single supplement if that’s a priority for you. You can also filter by animal focus or destination to find what interests you most. And if you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out to our travel team—they’re always happy to help you find the perfect fit!