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Volunteer projects working with either Cheetahs, Lions or Sable and Antelope. All food and accommodation provided on the wildlife reserves. Gain great conservation experience in an amazing setting.

BUNAC's Wildlife Conservation South Africa Programme is looking for volunteers to work in carefully selected wildlife conservation projects. Each of the placements has been chosen to ensure that the project is worthwhile and will provide an interesting wildlife volunteer experience.

What wildlife conservation projects can I work on?

BUNAC are looking for volunteers who have a genuine interest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation.

BUNAC work with a number of organizations which are dedicated to preserving the wildlife heritage of South Africa. The projects range from animal rehabilitation and education centres to a lion breeding and research centre. Volunteers are involved with the actual care of the animals and day to day running of the projects.

During your phone orientation interview we’ll discuss your skills, experience and of course, preferences to ensure that you’re assigned to the right project for you.

How long can I go for?

Our Wildlife Conservation South Africa placements last either 18 or 32 days and include a 4-day arrival orientation. To make the most of this fascinating country why not add some time at the end of your programme to explore further afield?

Where will I be working?

The 4 day – 3 night orientation takes place in Johannesburg, after which you transfer to your project.

The ranch and reserves are between 2 and 4 hours drive from Johannesburg. They are fully inclusive projects and your accommodation and food will be provided.

When is the next Wildlife Conservation South Africa arrival date?

The next available arrival date for Wildlife Conservation South Africa is January 4th 2011.

To view all other available arrival and closing dates please visit BUNAC's wildlife conservation projects flights page.


Projects Include

Cheetah Research Project and Reserve

A hands on wildlife conservation project where you will be given the opportunity to assist in maintaining the reserve first hand.

The responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) cheetah research and monitoring, leopard project assistance, buffalo monitoring, fence checks, reserve maintenance and all aspects of wildlife conservation and management. Tasks can include:

- Tracking wildlife
- Collaring and monitoring
- Game capturing, management and relocating
- Vegetation management
- Reserve management and maintenance including fence monitoring and poaching prevention
- Community education and awareness.

The reserve is located approximately 450 kilometres north of Pretoria. It is privately managed with the goal of creating a safe environment for indigenous wildlife. In addition to cheetah, leopard, and hyena research they also plan to start a lion re-introduction programme. The main focus of the project is research and conservation; however, they also welcome a small number of paying guests.

Staff, volunteers and guests stay in a permanent tented camp. Each tent has 2 beds and an open air bathroom with flushing toilet and hot running water. The tents are basic but very comfortable. All meals are prepared for the volunteers.


Lion Project

This project provides a unique opportunity to interact with lions and to handle lion cubs.
From day one volunteers will be expected to help with the day-to-day care of the lions and in particular any new born cubs. Daily tasks will differ in accordance with the ever changing needs of the lions. Some of the tasks that the volunteers will be involved in include:

- Caring for lion cubs, making bottles and feeding
- Preparing food for adult lions
- Medicating and monitoring the treatment for sick lions
- Assisting with educational activities
- Help with maintenance
- Participate in the daily functions of running the game farm and environmental centres.

The lodge is situated on a beautiful 260 hectare bushveld farm less than an hours drive away from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It boasts a variety of game and bird life and is home to a fascinating lion education centre. In addition to the ongoing research; the lodge is a fully functioning game reserve with paying guests and organised safaris; they also accommodate school groups.

Volunteers will stay in fully furnished and fully equipped 2 bed apartments with ensuite bathroom. The excellent facilities include air-conditioning; there are two swimming pools and a bar. All meals are prepared for the volunteers.

Sable and Antelope Ranch project

Volunteers will take an active role within this ranch conservation project. The ranch is a South African Natural Heritage Site and supports the proactive breeding of rare Sable and Roan Antelope.

In addition it boasts over 2500 head of game, including leopard, buffalo, black and white rhino, giraffe, hippo, eland and kudu. Volunteers will get involved in a wide variety of activities ranging from daily feeding and counting of game, tracking and monitoring different animals on the ranch and helping out with the research and breeding programmes. Other tasks include:

- Daily feeding
- Counting breeding stock
- Monitoring general well being of the animals
- Assisting in medicating any sick animals
- General maintenance of the farm including fencing and poaching prevention

The ranch is also a fully functioning guest lodge which can host 10 visitors in comfortable apartments. It is located approximately 2 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria and it covers approximately 4000 hectares. No profits leave the ranch, all financial contributions are used for the conservation projects and day to day running of the ranch and lodge – the tourism funds the conservation.

Volunteers will live on the ranch in a fully furnished, fully equipped 2 bed apartment. All meals are prepared for the volunteers.