Real Conservation. Rare Experiences.

Conservation travel and wildlife volunteering in Africa

At African Conservation Experience, we give people with a passion for wildlife the chance to do more than simply visit Africa. As the original conservation travel company in southern Africa, we’ve pioneered ethical, hands-on experiences that allow you to volunteer with animals, join field-based study programs, support specialist sanctuaries, or take part in meaningful journeys designed for curious travellers and academic groups alike. Our mission is simple: to support real wildlife conservation and create ambassadors for conservation worldwide. Every traveller who joins us plays a vital role in the unfolding story of Africa’s biodiversity.

Why choose African Conservation Experience?

As a wildlife lover, chances are you’re already aware of major conservation issues such as climate change, animal poaching and habitat loss. Through volunteering, field trips, internships and conservation travel, you can take direct action to help protect endangered species while gaining an unforgettable perspective on the continent’s wild places. Whatever your background, we provide a path to contribute, learn, and connect with Africa’s wildlife in a lasting way.

What is conservation travel?

Conservation travel is a form of travel that makes a direct and measurable contribution to protecting wildlife and the natural environment. Unlike standard tourism, it goes beyond simply being low impact. Instead, your journey actively supports conservation projects such as wildlife research, habitat restoration, rehabilitation centres, anti-poaching work, and community-led initiatives.

At its core, conservation travel is about direct support for conservation outcomes, support for people connected with conservation, and educational and ethical engagement for travellers.

How does this impact volunteering?

As an African Conservation Experience volunteer and someone committed to conservation travel, you’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with iconic wildlife with a truly positive impact on the animals. By volunteering with animals in Africa, you’ll provide invaluable financial and physical support to the conservation projects we work with. And by joining together with other like-minded animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts, you’ll continue writing a bright new chapter in the story of Africa’s wildlife.

Who travels with us?

We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. Many join us to fulfil a lifelong dream of working with animals in Africa. Others are students, graduates and career-changers using wildlife conservation travel as a stepping stone towards a future in biology, veterinary science, animal management or environmental studies. Schools, colleges and universities also choose us for educational and experiential field trips, where young people can experience conservation in practice and develop skills outside the classroom.

For those taking sabbaticals or career breaks, our conservation programs offer the chance to step away from the everyday and reconnect with nature. And for ethical travellers seeking something deeper than a sightseeing safari, our meaningful journeys provide an alternative to mainstream holidays - one that balances discovery with impact.

Conservation travel made accessible

We understand that a great many people would love to work with Africa’s wildlife in a positive way but are limited by time, work and other commitments. That's why we are proud to offer conservation and volunteering opportunities that last as little as one week - making sustainable travel in southern Africa more accessible than ever. For those with more time, we also offer extended placements and the option to combine multiple projects, creating a longer journey that allows for deeper involvement and an even broader conservation impact.

This tailor-made approach of ours is a major step forward for wildlife conservation and sustainable travel in southern Africa, opening the door to more people than ever who want to help protect Africa’s animals.

Here at African Conservation Experience, we believe that every journey has the power to teach, inspire and transform. And together, these journeys are shaping a brighter future for Africa’s wildlife.