Africa
Volunteer in Africa
Embark on a journey beyond travel - immerse yourself in the heart of Africa's wildlife and become part of essential conservation efforts. As a volunteer in Africa with animals, you'll work alongside experienced conservationists, helping protect iconic species and their habitats. Whether caring for orphaned animals, participating in anti-poaching initiatives, or restoring natural ecosystems, each day brings an opportunity to make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation.
Jungles, deserts, mountains, and underwater utopias weave together to form this fascinating continent, home to some of the world's most diverse and abundant species. Volunteering in Africa opens doors to never-ending bucket list experiences while giving you a chance to make a meaningful impact - from gorilla trekking in Uganda to witnessing the 'Big 5' in South Africa or swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Mozambique, the opportunities are limitless. Assisting with wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and community education initiatives will elevate your holiday and turn adventure into hope - join us as a wildlife volunteer in Africa and experience unparalleled natural beauty in the cultural epicentre of the world.
Projects Do More
14-84 Nights from $2,074.00
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 project
13 - 83 Nights from $2,469.00
Work towards integral marine conservation in one of the most marine-rich locations on Earth.
View project
14 - 84 Nights from $1,424.00
Experience hands-on volunteering in Africa in the heart of the beautiful Namibian wilderness!
View project
13 - 83 Nights from $1,424.00
Search for and see the desert elephants in the beautiful Namibian Desert
View project
9 Nights from $1,424.00
Aid elephant conservation as a family on this wild adventure in the stunning Namibian Desert.
View project
14 - 84 Nights from $1,424.00
Volunteer with big cats, baboons, meerkats and more at this stunning wildlife sanctuary in Namibia.
View project
14 - 84 Nights from $1,294.00
Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation.
View project
14 - 84 Nights from $1,944.00
Volunteer with the 'Big 5' and the Born Free Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves.
View project
7 - 84 Nights from $754.00
Play a vital role in the education of underprivileged children in South Africa
View project
14 - 84 Nights from $1,684.00
Assist in vital conservation efforts in South Africa, working to protect the iconic ‘Big 5’ and other priority endangered species.
View project
7 - 84 Nights from $774.00
Join this 'Big 5' conservation project and help make a difference to the lives of the amazing animals that live here!
View project
7 - 84 Nights from $1,034.00
Volunteer with the 'Big 5' on one of the country’s most diverse wildlife reserves.
View project
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.
View project
14 - 84 Nights from $904.00
Experience hands-on conservation efforts as you help care for over 500 injured and orphaned vervet monkeys at this pioneering sanctuary in South Africa.
View project
14 Nights from $3,504.00
Help rescue a rhino from a high-risk poaching area and relocate the animal to the safety of the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve!
View project
12- 26 Nights from $1,554.00
Volunteer with chimpanzees at The Jane Goodall Institute's Chimp Eden. Help rescued chimpanzees thrive while supporting conservation efforts.
View project
27 Nights from $2,204.00
Join this unique whale shark internship project on the stunning Mafia Island in Tanzania.
View project
13 Nights from $4,544.00
Enjoy the thrill of Gorilla Trekking on this gorilla conservation project in Uganda
View project
13 - 27 Nights from $1,684.00
Help make a difference to Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and visit the breath-taking Victoria Falls.
View project
7 - 84 Nights from $1,164.00
Volunteer with rhinos and elephants in Zimbabwe on this amazing conservation project!
View project
7 - 14 Nights from $1,554.00
Conserve rhinos and elephants on horseback at a unique game reserve in Zimbabwe.
View projectTours See More
Who Volunteers
Volunteering in Africa's wildlife conservation efforts is becoming increasingly popular each year, drawing people from all walks of life who want to make a lasting impact on the continent's natural heritage.
Whether you're an experienced traveller, embarking on your first adventure, or even travelling with family or friends, Africa has something uniquely transformative to offer everyone. The Great Projects provides award-winning conservation opportunities tailored to a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and abilities. No matter your age or expertise, as a volunteer in Africa, you're guaranteed a soul-enriching journey when creating lasting change for your favourite wildlife.
What matters most is the shared commitment: a genuine passion for wildlife conservation and a drive to protect Africa's unique species for generations to come.
Why Volunteer in Africa
People are drawn to volunteer in Africa for a range of meaningful reasons, from making a lasting impact to experiencing rich cultural immersion and building valuable skills.
Across Africa, volunteer projects cover diverse areas - some focus on education and healthcare, while others centre on environmental conservation. The best wildlife conservation programs in Africa blend hands-on animal care, habitat restoration, and community education, empowering locals and volunteers alike. Many participants choose our Africa projects not only to encounter their favourite animals in their natural habitats but also to connect with the continent’s vibrant cultures and forge lifelong friendships along the way.
Ultimately, volunteering in Africa offers a unique blend of personal fulfilment, bucket list adventures, and the chance to make a real difference!
Things To Avoid
When travelling in Africa, there are certain activities you should make an effort to avoid, especially to support ethical wildlife practices. One major issue prevalent across parts of the continent is canned hunting.
Canned hunting involves the shooting of wild animals, typically lions, within confined spaces from which they cannot escape. Many of these animals are raised by hand from birth and become accustomed to humans, losing their natural fear. As a result, they often approach people expecting food, making them easy targets for hunters. This practice is highly profitable, allowing organisations to guarantee a “successful” hunt for their clients.
To avoid contributing to this exploitative industry, it’s best to avoid places offering hands-on interactions with lion cubs or other young big game animals.
Destination Information
Yes, volunteering in Africa can be safe, but it's important to be sensible and make informed choices. Our volunteer programs prioritise the safety of participants, providing orientation on local customs, potential risks, and health precautions. Volunteers are encouraged to follow local guidelines and respect advice from coordinators to minimise risks. Researching specific regions can also help you understand any potential safety concerns.
Africa offers diverse volunteer opportunities in wildlife conservation, community development, and environmental protection. Popular destinations include Namibia, home to the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, where volunteers engage in hands-on animal care, research, and anti-poaching activities. In South Africa, the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve offers a chance to help conserve the 'Big 5', or you can test your mettle diving with sharks on The Great White Shark Project. Care for African elephants and rhinos on the Rhino and Elephant Conservation Project in Zimbabwe or gorilla trek through Uganda on The Great Gorilla Project.
Whatever location you choose, animal projects in Africa provide immersive experiences in stunning natural landscapes while contributing to important conservation efforts. Where to volunteer in Africa is completely up to you and depends on your interests and preferred types of involvement. Each country offers unique projects, and with The Great Projects, you'll be spoiled for choice!
Volunteer work contributes to conservation by supporting local organisations in their efforts to protect endangered species, combat poaching, rehabilitate injured animals, and restore habitats. Your presence and participation in these projects help fund and extend the reach of conservation activities that are crucial for biodiversity in Africa.
Yes, many projects encourage interaction with local communities as part of the volunteer experience, offering cultural exchange opportunities that help you learn about and contribute to local traditions and customs. Community involvement is key to wildlife conservation because it encourages local ownership and responsibility, making efforts more sustainable. When communities benefit from conservation, there’s less incentive for activities like poaching, creating lasting positive impacts for both people and wildlife.
You can volunteer with elephants in Africa on one of our incredible conservation projects. Some are focused entirely on elephant conservation, such as the Desert Elephants in Namibia, and others are where you are likely to encounter them as part of your daily itinerary, including all of our 'Big 5' conservation projects.
