If you have a keen interest in wildlife, love to travel and want to make a difference, then why not consider volunteering with animals in Africa?
Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic animals and striking landscapes, with its beautiful golden sunsets and natural savannah plains, there is no reason why this spectacular continent should not already be on your bucket list.
Animals are the heart and soul of Africa, but in recent years many have become, or are already in real danger of becoming extinct. The decline of some of Africa’s most iconic species is down to many factors including deforestation, poaching and illegal hunting activities. It is because of this that the conservation of these animals has never been more prevalent than it is now!
Volunteering in Africa is a great way for you to make a lasting impact on the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. Whether you volunteer for 2 weeks or 3 months all of the work you do will contribute to long-term conservation projects that aim to restore hope back to the animals that call Africa home! As a volunteer in Africa, you will explore and see all that your chosen location has to offer, join exciting activities and meet like-minded people with whom you may become life-long friends.
So whether it’s taking care of rescued animals at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia or aiding whale shark conservation off the coast of Mozambique, why not get to know this incredible continent up close and become a wildlife volunteer in Africa today.
Visit Malawi’s only rehabilitation centre, either as an animal care volunteer or as a member of the veterinary team, and see how you can make a difference to the country’s in-need wildlife.
View projectWork towards integral marine conservation in one of the most marine-rich locations on Earth.
View projectExperience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
View projectSearch for and see the desert elephants in the beautiful Namibian Desert
View projectAid elephant conservation as a family on this wild adventure in the stunning Namibian Desert.
View projectVolunteer with big cats, baboons, meerkats and more at this stunning wildlife sanctuary in Namibia.
View projectCome face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation.
View projectVolunteer with the 'Big 5' and the Born Free Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves.
View projectPlay a vital role in the education of underprivileged children in South Africa
View projectAssist in vital conservation efforts in South Africa, working to protect the iconic ‘Big 5’ and other priority endangered species.
View projectJoin this 'Big 5' conservation project and help make a difference to the lives of the amazing animals that live here!
View projectVolunteer with the 'Big 5' on one of the country’s most diverse wildlife reserves.
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 projectExperience hands-on conservation efforts as you help care for over 500 injured and orphaned vervet monkeys at this pioneering sanctuary in South Africa.
View projectHelp rescue a rhino from a high-risk poaching area and relocate the animal to the safety of the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve!
View projectJoin this unique whale shark internship project on the stunning Mafia Island in Tanzania.
View projectEnjoy the thrill of Gorilla Trekking on this gorilla conservation project in Uganda
View projectHelp make a difference to Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and visit the breath-taking Victoria Falls.
View projectVolunteer with rhinos and elephants in Zimbabwe on this amazing conservation project!
View projectConserve rhinos and elephants on horseback at a unique game reserve in Zimbabwe.
View projectJoining opportunities to volunteer in Africa becomes more and more popular each year with such a wide array of people looking to do their part to ensure Africa’s wildlife has a future.
From seasoned travellers or those on their first trip away to groups and even families, Africa offers something for everyone.
The Great Projects offer award-winning wildlife conservation projects for all, so no matter your skill set, background, age or ability, we have a project that needs you.
The most important thing is, and always has been, that everyone who decides to volunteer in Africa has a passion for wildlife conservation and a desire to secure a future for its endemic species!
There are many reasons why people choose to volunteer in Africa, each individual with a different motive. One of the main reasons is of course to see its range of iconic species up close and in their natural habitat.
The wildlife, however, isn’t the only reason people make the journey to this charming continent. All of our wildlife conservation projects also have links to local communities, whether it is through helping to educate local children or assisting in community outreach projects.
So all volunteers not only have the opportunity to assist in the conservation of the wildlife but also get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the African way of life and share cultures with the local people.
When travelling to Africa there are a few activities you should be sure to avoid. One of the main issues across the continent is ‘canned hunting’.
This is the process of hunting wild animals (mostly lions) in an enclosed area from which they cannot escape. These animals are often habituated and hand reared from birth so that they will no longer fear humans. Then, when they are hunted, they become an easy target as they often approach people thinking they will be fed but instead will be shot and killed. This is very lucrative to these organisations as it means they can nearly guarantee a kill to all of their clients.
To avoid contributing to this brutal industry, we recommend staying away from anywhere which offers hands-on experiences with lion cubs or other young big game animals.