Volunteer with African animals and make 2017 your most memorable yet

When researching an experience of a lifetime, you might have considered an extravagant trip around the globe, swimming with dolphins, or eating at some of the world’s top restaurants. What you might not have considered is volunteering with animals in Africa.

Taking part in conservation project work in Africa can be one of the most rewarding things you could experience. You can help change the lives of vulnerable animals, explore amazing landscapes, gain hands-on experience, and help to make a real difference to the conservation status of Africa's wildlife.

Here’s why you should consider volunteering with African animals in 2017, and take on a challenge that you’ll never forget:

Learn about wildlife habitats and explore the stunning African bush

If you have an interest in African wildlife conservation issues, why not put yourself at the heart of the matter and join a wildlife conservation course? You can study rhinos out in the field, help care for injured wildlife, and learn about the stunning African bush.

Join up with like-minded people for an up close and personal experience that you’ll never forget. Just remember to take a lot of photos and share your story!

Form strong bonds and help with the care and rehabilitation of orphaned/injured animals

From hand-rearing an orphaned baby rhino to nursing wildlife caught in snares or confiscated from illegal traders, you can form strong bonds with some of Africa’s most majestic creatures and gain real expertise in the process. The relationships that you form with these animals are something that words cannot describe.

If caring for and rehabilitating vulnerable animals sounds like something you’d be interested in doing, take a look at these wildlife care and rehabilitation projects.

Research and monitor some of Africa’s most eye-catching wildlife

Study and research wildlife in its natural environment and work with the likes of lions, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, and rhinos. You can help manage the wildlife of southern Africa, take part in habitat preservation, understand more about reserve management, monitor animal behaviour and much, much more.

Not a bad way to spend some free time in 2017! If this sounds interesting, take a look at these wildlife research and management projects.

Gain hands-on veterinary or Game Ranger Conservation Experience

You can work alongside experienced veterinary experts and game rangers in some of the most fantastic ecosystems and habitats. Learn about the challenges they face daily, their techniques and methods, and gain real vital experience to help further your career in the process.

You can join an intensive two-week game ranger course in Africa, set in the magnificent game reserve in the Greater Kruger area, or gain veterinary experience in Africa with a four-week placement and work with an experienced wildlife veterinarian.

Step up to the challenge and take on an experience you’ll never forget

Joining a wildlife conservation project is a life-changing experience, not just for you, but also for the animals that you’ll be working with. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast and want to help the endangered animals of Africa, or you’re just looking to gain experience to further your career, you can make 2017 a year to remember by finding the right project for you.