Volunteer Abroad For Over 50s
The concept of "you're never too old" and "it's never too late" could not be more applicable to volunteering abroad with endangered wildlife. There's a misconception that volunteering mostly appeals to a younger audience. However, programs such as our orangutan projects are mostly popular with those aged 45+. So, seek the adventure, make your mark on the world, and join us on a journey of conservation.
Join a community of like-minded volunteers and expert conservationists dedicated to protecting the world's most vulnerable species and discover the profound joy of contributing to a cause that transcends generations.
Most Popular Projects
12 - 26 Nights from $1,944.00
Work on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
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14 - 84 Nights from $1,424.00
Experience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
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7 - 28 Nights from $1,034.00
Volunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!
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7 - 56 Nights from $2,074.00
Luxury meets conservation at our brand-new 'Big 5' project! Experience wildlife rescue and rehabilitation missions in the home of Safari, South Africa.
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12 Nights from $3,244.00
Visit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
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12 - 26 Nights from $1,944.00
Work on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
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Find your next great project
12 Nights from $3,244.00
Visit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
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13 Nights from $4,544.00
Enjoy the thrill of Gorilla Trekking on this gorilla conservation project in Uganda
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15 - 71 Nights from $1,944.00
Have a lasting impact on the conservation efforts in the Manu UNESCO Biosphere, one of the most diverse environments on earth.
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13 - 27 Nights from $1,684.00
Help make a difference to Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and visit the breath-taking Victoria Falls.
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14 - 84 Nights from $1,424.00
Experience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
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7 - 28 Nights from $1,034.00
Volunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!
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12 - 26 Nights from $1,944.00
Work on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
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7 - 84 Nights from $904.00
Take 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 projectSpeak To A Travel Expert
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!
Contact Us
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 4987
Useful To Know
What does volunteering involve?
Volunteering allows travellers the perfect opportunity to travel to some of the world's most far-flung destinations while doing some meaningful conservation work in the process. Volunteer with The Great Projects and you will really have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet’s most incredible and endangered species, as well as the local communities with which they co-habituate. Help in a range of tasks including habitat restoration, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and so much more!
What are the average ages of volunteers?
Our projects embrace volunteers of all ages—whether they're 18, 30, or 60 and beyond. Individuals from diverse backgrounds and with various levels of experience make equally valuable contributions, and that’s what truly counts! While some animals, such as orangutans, often attract volunteers over 45, age should never be a barrier to pursuing a cause you care about. If you’re interested in the typical age range of volunteers for a specific project, our travel team can offer more details. However, please keep in mind that we can't guarantee the ages of all participants during your journey.
Why volunteer with The Great Projects?
A whole host of exciting activities are offered on our extensive range of projects. From whale shark monitoring in the stunning waters of Mozambique to the creation of enrichment for orangutans in Borneo – the sheer diversity of activities on offer here will ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy! All of our projects are designed to help towards integral conservation initiatives, meaning that every activity you undertake as a volunteer with us really helps to make a difference to endangered species of wildlife and the local communities living alongside them.
Frequently Asked Questions
For all projects, we recommend a moderate level of fitness as many of the projects will involve lots of walking and can be physically demanding during certain activities. That being said, the project facilitators will always listen to your needs, and you can discuss with them if certain work is too strenuous. The most important thing is that everyone has a desire to get involved and a passion for wildlife conservation.
We find that our orangutan projects attract an older audience, alongside The Great Gorilla Project. We also find that ‘Big 5’ conservation projects such as the Shamwari Conservation Experience and SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve also receive more interest from mature volunteers. All projects accept a wide range of ages, and the diverse group tends to make for a more interesting experience!
Our most frequently asked questions from older volunteers usually include the comfort of accommodation. Above, you’ll find our top 3 projects with the best accommodation, and our handy filter has the option to select projects with a single supplement if this is important to you. It’s always useful to filter by animal focuses and destinations that interest you, and if you’re still having trouble deciding, why not get in touch with our travel team? They are always happy to help!
