Veterinary students on the Shimongwe veterinary experience attend an injured antelope Veterinary students on the Shimongwe veterinary experience attend an injured antelope Veterinary students on the Shimongwe veterinary experience attend an injured antelope Veterinary students on the Shimongwe veterinary experience attend an injured antelope

Volunteer with Wildlife in Africa

Whether you’re learning to track elephants across the wilderness, giving an orphaned rhino her afternoon feed, or racing into the bush to help a wounded giraffe - as a conservation volunteer you’ll get hands-on working to save Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Volunteering with animals is truly life-changing. You can explore breathtaking environments while working with animals in their natural habitats, collecting key conservation data on endangered species. Or you could provide vital animal care, assisting seasoned conservation professionals in rehabilitating injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife.

Our volunteering experiences in Africa can last anywhere from a week to many months. If you want some support finding the perfect wildlife conservation project from the options below, please contact us.

Help

Volunteer with animals in a real conservation project where your time and energy make a positive impact.

Experience

Live and work on the project, where you’ll get to know Africa’s animals, local professionals, and your fellow volunteers.

Learn

Gain a breadth of skills and experiences through your animal volunteer work, which could even help you advance your career.

Why should I volunteer with animals in Africa?

Volunteering abroad with animals allows you to work alongside highly skilled individuals every day, gaining unparalleled access to - and a unique perspective on - Africa’s species, rural communities, and the challenges they face.

As a wildlife conservation volunteer in Africa, you’ll discover the sense of excitement that comes from correctly identifying a species even out in the wild with many similar animals surrounding you. This is something many of our wildlife volunteers tell us is the most profound memory from their time in Africa. For some, it’s also the reason they return to volunteer with wildlife in Africa again and again.

There is no denying the work can sometimes be challenging, but as you sit down to a well-earned dinner each evening you’ll be able to reflect on the many incredible things you’ve seen, done and learned that day. What’s more, you’ll be supporting conservation projects and initiatives at the very forefront of animal conservation in southern Africa. Whether that's as an animal sanctuary volunteer or conducting field research, your contributions are vital for the ongoing success of conservation efforts in Africa, leaving a legacy from your time as a volunteer.

Who works with animals in Africa?

We welcome volunteers aged 16 to 70+ from around the world and every background. Whether you’re an animal lover who wants to work with wildlife in Africa, a student looking for an exciting conservation internship, or on a career break and wanting a meaningful experience while travelling the world - wildlife conservation volunteering is for you. 

What can I do as a wildlife conservation volunteer?

You could look after African animals in world-renowned wildlife care and rehabilitation centres. Here, you'll assist with animal care activities such as rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. Whether you are nurturing a rhino calf in an orphanage or aiding veterinary care on an injured predator, you'll form lasting bonds with the team and the wild animals in your care. This is an ideal opportunity for volunteers passionate about African animal welfare and aspiring wildlife rehabilitators.

Or step into the heart of Africa's wilderness as a wildlife research and management volunteer. From tracking elephant herds in a national park to monitoring lion behaviour on a reserve, your vital conservation data will actively support the protection of ecosystems and endangered species. Our research projects will help you develop skills in habitat improvement, animal tracking, and data collection that will enrich your understanding of Africa's wildlife, and open doors to a fulfilling career in conservation.

As a veterinary volunteer, you'll accompany experienced wildlife vets into the field, assisting with tasks such as immobilisation, species relocation and disease testing. We will tailor your experience to match your skills and goals, making these projects suitable for seasoned veterinarians and those interested in future veterinary studies.

Jump into a marine conservation programme for hands-on experience studying and protecting diverse marine life, including whales, sharks, and dolphins. Work with passionate marine biologists, and explore South Africa's stunning coastline and oceans.

Our wildlife adventure and learning experiences offer a unique look into southern Africa and its wildlife. Led by conservation professionals, you'll gain deep insight into Africa's species, conservation challenges, and protection methods. We also have customisable internship programmes, gap year travel suggestions, and sabbatical experiences, so there truly is something for everyone!

How can I volunteer with animals in Africa?

Start your volunteer journey today! If you want to volunteer with wildlife in Africa, we have many opportunities available to you, which you can learn more about by looking through our website.

But, nothing beats firsthand insights. Our knowledgeable staff, equipped with travel and conservation expertise, regularly visit our projects and can provide up-to-date advice. Contact us via our application form for personalised assistance in finding your perfect trip.

What makes us different?

ACE USP: An icon saying Since 1999 - founded in 1999, African Conservation Experience is the original conservation travel company

Southern Africa's original conservation travel company

ACE USP: An icon depicting a traditional graduation hat and certificate - the African Conservation Experience team contains qualified zoologists and conservationists

We are qualified zoologists and conservationists

ACE USP: An icon depicting communication between people - African Conservation Experience is always available to talk and discuss options

Personal guidance before you book

ACE USP: An icon of a pawprint - to communicate authenticity of African Conservation Experience's wildlife conservation projects

Join real wildlife conservation projects

ACE USP: An icon of the continent Africa - African Conservation Experience offers 24/7 support with an on-the-ground team

Enjoy total peace of mind, with 24/7 in-country support

ACE USP: An icon of a tree with dollar symbols for leaves - African Conservation Experience supports only ethical and worthwhile conservation projects

Empower vital conservation initiatives

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